By all means end your stay in the
Canaries at La Gomera. But you really should take the time to
cruise the Canaries and see the many faces of the place. From the desert islands to the east, the volcanic park, the big cities of Las Palmas and
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and the multitude of
anchorages and
marinas there is just so much to see. La Gomera is lush, and the town is small and very comfortable, so a great place to relax before jumping off but you really should
cruise the islands first. If you need any
boat parts then La Palmas is the place, but only after the ARC has left, or a long time before then. Otherwise you won't be able to get into the marina, and the anchorage will be packed like sardines.
Another recommendation: if you are leaving from
Europe or the
Med then
head out to
Madeira before the Canaries. Stop first at Porto Santos, then to the main island. It is a bit difficult because there are few
marinas so definitely make reservations. There are no
anchorages that are protected all-round so if
anchoring (on the south side) then keep a
weather eye and be ready to leave on short notice. There is a really nice marina on the east end at Quinta do Lorde, but a long bus ride to town and the area is much more overcast and damp than Funchal, which is almost always sunny and dry.. There are
boatyards at Porto Santo and Conical (among others); I had Carina hauled at Conical for a
DIY paint job. It was a large boatyard for
fishing boats, reasonable prices and very professional
service.
Madeira itself is fascinating - stay in Funchal if you can but if not don't miss the place.
Greg