La Gomera has earned a place among the 25 most peaceful islands in the world. The Canary Island ranks 25th in the index compiled by BookRetreats, which analyses 100 island destinations using satellite and cartographic data.
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It is also the only Spanish island included in the ranking. Its inclusion comes at a time of growing interest in slower, more restorative travel, with global searches for “quiet destinations” increasing by 1,268% year-on-year, according to the study.
How is the world's most peaceful island determined?
This is not a survey or an opinion-based ranking, but an analysis in which the BookRetreats platform combines satellite and mapping data from 100 islands to create its Unspoilt Index.
The study was developed with the involvement of Olga V. Lehmann, a silence researcher, author and psychology professor. The premise is that while perceptions of tranquillity may differ, certain environmental and soundscape characteristics can be measured objectively.
The methodology draws on the definition used by the European Environment Agency, which considers a location to be quiet when it offers a pleasant soundscape and unwanted noise is absent or not dominant.
The index is based on six indicators:
- Population density
- Naturalness of the landscape
- Road density
- Air traffic
- Darkness of the night sky
- Natural coastal areas
The first four indicators each account for 20% of the final score, while night-sky darkness contributes 15% and natural coastal areas 5%.
La Gomera, the most peaceful island in Spain
The Canary Island scored 68.2 out of 100, placing it 25th in the ranking. Its inclusion reflects several of the characteristics that the study associates with tranquillity:
- La Gomera has been a Biosphere Reserve since 2012 and contains extensive protected natural areas.
- At the heart of the island lies Garajonay National Park, home to one of the Canary Islands' most important laurel forests.
- The park is characterised by the humidity, mist and dense vegetation typical of this unique ecosystem.
- From Alto de Garajonay, low levels of light pollution allow for excellent night-sky observation.
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The 25 most peaceful islands in the world according to BookRetreats
What do the highest-ranked islands have in common? Vast natural areas, small populations and limited human impact on the landscape.
- Stewart Island, in New Zealand, tops the ranking with 94.6 points out of 100. One of its most remarkable characteristics is that only 2.3% of its surface area is affected by artificial light, according to the study. The island has around 500 inhabitants and no major roads.
- Anafi, in Greece, ranks second with 93.8 points. It is the highest-ranked European island and has fewer than 300 residents. It also has no airport or major road network. The index awards it a score of 92 out of 100 for naturalness.
- Third place goes to Ilha Grande, Brazil, with 93.4 points. One feature aligns particularly well with the ranking's criteria: private vehicles are prohibited. In addition, around 90% of the island is covered by Atlantic Forest, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
