There is a place in the world called La Gomera. Do you know about this tiny Canary island?If you're like me, you've heard of the Canary Islands but maybe didn't exactly know where they were or how much they had to offer aside from beaches.I discovered it on my voyage with Windstar Cruises, and I was stunned to see how many things you can enjoy outdoors.MORE Destination & TourismLa Gomera is the second-smallest of the seven Canary Islands, which is an archipelago about 60 miles west of Morocco in the Atlantic Ocean.They are an autonomous territory of Spain, with year-round sunshine and a unique diversity of landscapes among the island chain: From the lava fields on Lanzarote that feel as if you're on a moon surface to the flowing waterfalls and lush greenery on La Palma (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), or the miles of serene sandy beaches of Fuerteventura.All the Canary Islands provide opportunities to get outdoors, but La Gomera stands out for the numerous things you can do:Biking and HikingGarajonay National Park covers more than 10 percent of the island. Much of it rises into the mountains and includes a network of hiking and biking trails to explore the island's highest points. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and features rare laurel tree forests that date back to the Tertiary period.Well-marked trails and roads lead you higher and higher into the misty mountain tops and among the vibrant mosses and ferns embracing the trees. When the mists periodically clear, you can look across to Tenerife to see Mount Teide, a volcano that is the highest point in Spain.Affordable and ConvenientLa Gomera offers dozens of hotel options that are priced well below $100 a night, and this island makes a good home base for day trips to its nearby neighbor Tenerife via the frequent and easy-to-use ferry service.READ MORE: 5 Unexpected Adventures in TenerifeWeather that WowsThe average temps range from 64 degrees in January to 75 in August, with up to 10 hours of sunshine a day. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities all year long.Scaling La Fortaleza de ChipudeThe Chipude Fortress was formed from lava flows collecting around a volcanic duct. It has grown over the centuries to become a unique flat-topped, circular plateau that looms over the oldest settlement on La Gomera. The Fortaleza rock owns a history as a holy territory and refuge for villagers.Today, it's a cool spot to hike to the top of the iconic table mountain and check out the native flowers. The hike on the historic trail takes about three hours from the center of town to the top. You can even camp out under the stars and enjoy the unimpeded views of the island from the height of more than 4,000 feet.Beaches, TooThe capital, San Sebastien, offers two strips of sand at the edge of the town center. The best spots are on the opposite side of the island, though. Climb through the forests on switchback roads to reach the valley and descend to the western side of La Gomera.In the beach village of Valle Gran Rey, you can spend time at Playa de Ingles, Playa de Valle Gran Rey and Charco del Conde—a protected and shallow lagoon also known as Baby Beach.READ MORE: Canary Island Officials Consider Limiting Visitors to Preserve QualityOn the Water (and More)La Gomera is also a haven for whale watching, sightseeing tours by boat and sailing. The ecotourism and wellness destination is popular for people who want to reset their minds, bodies and spirits while enjoying naturopathy, massage, yoga and meditation.Make sure to try a dessert featuring Miel de Palma (palm honey), which is cultivated from the rare Gomeran palm.Once you have spent some time on La Gomera, you might feel acclimated enough to attempt communicating with the locals in a language endemic to the island. Silbo Gomero is a whistling language used for generations by inhabitants needing to communicate messages across the narrow valleys and steep ravines that enmesh the place.Ask a native to give you a demonstration—and be prepared for the ear-piercing volume.