'Magical' island jewel is a winter escape for those in the know

Every savvy traveller knows the Canary Islands are unbeatable in winter. You get guaranteed sunshine, great food and stunning beaches, without the need for a long-haul flight. While most people flock to the larger islands of Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, if you're looking for a more unusual destination, you might consider going a little further afield.

La Gomera is the second smallest of the seven Canary Islands. Known as the 'Isla Magica', or 'Magical Isle', la Gomera is a volcanic island, dotted with charming traditional villages. It is known for its stunning landscapes, incredible volcanic beaches and beautiful hiking trails that traverse forested mountainsides. Like its larger island cousins, La Gomera's climate is mild and warm, with an average year-round temperature of 22°C.

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San Sebastián de La Gomera is the island's capital, and is believed to have been the departure point for Christopher Columbus on his voyage to the New World. Columbus lived on the island in the 15th century. These historic ties are highlighted on the city's coat of arms, which is emblazoned with the phrase: 'From here, Columbus set out'.

The city, along with the rest of La Gomera, boasts several stunning beaches where visitors can enjoy a swim in the Atlantic Ocean. Playa de San Sebastian and Playa de la Cueva are a stone's throw from the city centre - ideal for those keen to stay local. Key attractions include the church of La Asunción, the Pozo de la Aguada, and the Torre del Conde. La Gomera's most popular beach, Playa de Santiago, is said to have sunshine on its sands for 360 days a year.

If you want to explore further afield, there's plenty to see and do, especially for nature lovers. You can dive to see the island's unspoilt coral reefs, or spend your time on one of its famous hiking trails. After all your exertions, you can enjoy an evening in a seaside taverna, where you can dine on delicious fresh fish, as well as traditional Spanish dishes like paella.

La Gomera definitely has a different vibe to the other Canary Islands. The island has not embraced mass tourism, and you won't find British pubs or high-rise hotels there. Instead, you'll find family-run restaurants and small, boutique hotels.

To get to La Gomera, you will need to take a ferry from one of the larger Canary Islands. The ferry ride from the port of Los Cristianos in Tenerife to San Sebastián de La Gomera takes between 50 and 60 minutes.

You can fly direct to Tenerife from Liverpool John Lennon Airport with easyJet, Jet2 and Ryanair.