Playa de Vueltas

Introduction

If there is one place that embodies the essence of tranquility and natural beauty in La Gomera, it is undoubtedly Playa de Vueltas. Located in the picturesque municipality of Valle Gran Rey, this small jewel of volcanic sand offers us a haven of peace away from the hustle and bustle, yet with the vitality of a fishing and tourist port within reach. It's the kind of beach that invites us to disconnect, to feel the caress of the Canarian sun, and to lose our gaze in the infinite blue of the Atlantic.

We, as experts on the beaches of La Gomera, have visited countless corners, but Playa de Vueltas always leaves a special mark. Its privileged location, right next to the marina and fishing port of Valle Gran Rey, gives it a unique charm, combining the tranquility of a sheltered cove with the convenience of having services and leisure options just a few steps away. It's a place where time seems to slow down, allowing us to enjoy every moment, whether under the sun or while watching the comings and goings of the small boats.

How to Get to Playa de Vueltas

Getting to Playa de Vueltas is an adventure in itself, especially if we are coming from outside La Gomera. The island, known for its steep orography and winding roads, gifts us with spectacular landscapes at every turn. To get to Valle Gran Rey, our starting point is San Sebastián de La Gomera, the capital, where the ferries that connect the island with Tenerife (Los Cristianos) and La Palma dock.

From San Sebastián de La Gomera

Once in San Sebastián, we have several options to get to Valle Gran Rey:

• By rental car: This is the option we most recommend for exploring the island at our own pace. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, covering about 50 kilometers of mountain roads. The route is scenic, passing through Garajonay National Park, and is well signposted. We will head southwest on the GM-2 and then take the GM-1 and GM-3 towards Valle Gran Rey.
• By bus (guagua): Line 1 of Guaguas Gomera connects San Sebastián with Valle Gran Rey. It's an economical option, but the schedules are less flexible and the journey can be a bit longer, around 1 hour and 45 minutes. The final stop in Valle Gran Rey will leave us within a short walking distance of Playa de Vueltas.
• Taxi: A comfortable, though more expensive, option for those who prefer not to drive or are traveling in a group. The price is around 60-80 euros, depending on the season and time.

Once in Valle Gran Rey

Once in Valle Gran Rey, Playa de Vueltas is very easy to locate. It is located in the port area, known as Vueltas, at the end of the promenade. There are public parking areas nearby, although in high season it can be a bit more difficult to find a spot right next to it. We always recommend arriving early to secure a good spot. From most accommodations in La Calera, La Playa, or Borbalán, we can reach it on foot in a few minutes, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the town.

The Sand and Water

Playa de Vueltas welcomes us with its characteristic volcanic sand, of a dark hue and a fine texture that contrasts wonderfully with the turquoise blue of its waters. It's a soft and pleasant-to-the-touch sand, perfect for lying down and feeling the warmth of the Gomero sun. Although it is predominantly sand, in some areas, especially near the rocks, we can find some small stones or pebbles, something common on the beaches of La Gomera due to their volcanic origin. However, the main type of ground is undoubtedly sand.

The waters of Playa de Vueltas are one of its greatest attractions. Being sheltered by the port's breakwater, they are usually incredibly calm and crystal clear, almost like a natural pool. This calm makes it an ideal place for swimming, especially for the little ones or for those looking to relax without worrying about waves. The water temperature is pleasant for most of the year, inviting us for a refreshing dip in any season. The clarity allows us to easily observe the seabed, making it a small paradise for snorkeling, even without needing to venture far out.

Services and Facilities

Despite its intimate size, Playa de Vueltas has a series of services that make it very comfortable for visitors. We highly value the proximity of everything needed to enjoy a worry-free day at the beach. Being in a semi-urban area and next to the port, access to infrastructure is excellent:

• Chiringuitos and Restaurants: Right on the promenade that borders the beach and the port, we find a varied offer of chiringuitos and restaurants. Here we can enjoy anything from a soft drink or an ice cream to delicious fresh fish or typical Canarian dishes, all with sea views. It's perfect for an informal lunch or a romantic dinner at sunset.
• Parking: As mentioned, there are free parking areas in the vicinity of the port, which facilitates access if we come by car. Although it's not a beach-exclusive parking lot, the proximity is a great advantage.
• Showers: Generally, urban beaches of La Gomera usually have showers to rinse off the salt and sand before returning to our accommodation. Playa de Vueltas is no exception, offering us this convenience.
• Sun Umbrellas and Loungers: Although there isn't always a direct rental service on the sand, several nearby establishments offer the possibility of renting sun umbrellas and loungers or have terraces with them for their customers. We can always bring our own if we prefer.
• Lifeguards: During the high season of