Landing in San Sebastián for a three-week stint felt like the right move. La Gomera had been on my radar for a while, promising a different kind of Canary Island experience – rugged trails, maybe a quieter rhythm. Setting up as a digital nomad at Cactus Coliving, I was ready to balance work with exploring the island’s corners, from Vallehermoso to Agulo. Knowing a couple of friendly faces there already definitely helped ease me in, especially as things were getting a bit quieter heading into the low season.
Finding My Rhythm: Work, Coliving, and Sunshine
Let’s be real: work was the main event. Most of my weekdays were spent focused on my laptop, tapping away in the coliving space at Cactus Coliving in San Sebastián. It was a really nice base for this – comfortable and functional. They organized activities pretty much daily, like morning yoga (which my non-morning-person self skipped!) and a weekly ‘family dinner’ which was a lovely way to connect.
But the best part of the work routine? Those simple moments. Being able to just close the laptop for ten minutes, step outside into the garden, and feel the warm Canarian sunshine on my face was such a game-changer for my productivity and mood. No major nomad dramas, just a smooth adjustment to island time and easy access to those little pockets of peace.
Weekend Wandering: Buses, Cars, and Incredible Trails
When the weekend rolled around, it was time to explore! Mostly, this meant figuring out the ‘GuaguaGomera’ bus schedules. It’s definitely doable, getting you to trailheads or towns like Agulo or Hermigua, but it requires a bit of planning. On a couple of weekends, luck struck, and someone in our little coliving crew had a car, which opened up more freedom to roam further, maybe reaching viewpoints near Alajeró or exploring deeper into the island.
The hiking was incredible, but definitely a mixed bag! I tackled the GR®131 route up to Alto de Garajonay, the island’s highest point. Hiking through the misty, ancient forests near Las Hayas and Pavón felt truly magical, like stepping back in time. Reaching the summit, even if shrouded in cloud, felt like a quiet victory.
Then there was the “Ruta Circular Vallehermoso”. Oh. My. Goodness. That hike seriously tested me! The climb out of Vallehermoso was insanely steep and relentless. My legs were protesting loudly! But pushing through that physical challenge and earning the views from the top? That felt raw and incredibly satisfying.
Views That Made It All Worthwhile
Across all the hikes and drives between places like Vallehermoso, Agulo, Hermigua, and Alajeró, the views were just insane. Standing on the Mirador de Abrante glass skywalk high above Agulo was mind-bending! But honestly, even just pulling over on a winding mountain road often revealed another jaw-dropping vista – those terraced hillsides, the Roque de Agando piercing the sky, tiny villages tucked into green valleys. It constantly put my everyday worries into perspective.
The Real Picture & What’s Next…
So, La Gomera gave me exactly what I needed these past three weeks – a space to focus, stunning nature right at my doorstep, and trails that definitely pushed my limits (looking at you, Vallehermoso!). It was that perfect blend of productive work days at Cactus Coliving, simple joys like garden sunshine breaks, and the sheer awe of exploring places like Alto de Garajonay and the coastline near Agulo.
But this Canary Island chapter isn’t quite closed yet! The adventure continues. Next stop? Two weeks exploring and working from Cactus Tenerife – it’ll be my third time on the island, so I’m curious to see it with fresh eyes after La Gomera! Different vibes, new trails, more sunshine? We’ll see! Stay tuned…
