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With year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches and bustling resorts, it’s not difficult to see why the Canary Islands are such a hit with millions of tourists every year.

Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura are the biggest and most popular hotspots, but most people don’t realise that there are plenty more Canaries to be explored.

In fact, one island often gets overlooked, despite the fact it boasts its own rainforest, a huge national park, and black sand beaches.

La Gomera isn’t a typical holiday destination in that it’s not packed with big hotels, all-inclusive resorts and busy promenades, but for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the Canaries at a slower pace, it’s worth having on your radar.

Boasting volcanic landscapes, huge sprawling green valleys, and those breathtaking black sand beaches, it’s one for intrepid explorers whose idea of a holiday involves scenic walks, authentic restaurants, and a nightlife that’s a lot more laidback.

The island is so beautiful it’s even been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Highlights include the Garajonay National Park with its dense green scenery, and the rainforest-esque Laurisilva forest. Over 66 million years old, and you’ll find plenty of fascinating creatures and plants, including La Gomera’s iconic giant lizards that can be spotted wandering around the island.

It’s not just on land that the wildlife is impressive; La Gomera boasts an amazing array of marine life including dolphins, whales, parrotfish and even sea turtles.

For those who do love a beach day, you won’t struggle for choice. This is the kind of island where you’ll find quiet coves rather than golden sands lined with beach clubs. Think black volcanic sands and impressively clear waters which can be swim-friendly. If you do want a bit more of an atmosphere, head to the likes of San Sebastián Beach and Playa del Inglés where you’ll find a bit more hustle and bustle.

Like the rest of the Canary Islands, La Gomera boasts balmy weather year-round, although it can get cooler than its sister islands during the winter months.

Currently there are no direct flights to the island from the UK, but that doesn’t mean it’s particularly tricky to visit. One of the simplest routes is to fly to Tenerife (a flight that’s approximately four hours) and then catch a ferry to La Gomera, which takes less than an hour. Once there, there are plenty of hotels and resorts on the island depending on your budget.