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Ambience suspended in time
Garajonay National Park, located in the Canary Islands, is a natural wonder that seems suspended in time. Declared a national park in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, this lush forest covers more than 10% of La Gomera island.
Known for its dense laurisilva, a type of evergreen forest that’s a relic of the Tertiary period, Garajonay benefits from a unique microclimate with high humidity and little temperature variation. This has allowed the forest to remain virtually unchanged for millions of years, making it a true ‘living fossil’.
Origin of the Name
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ESPAÑA magazine tells us that the history of the park’s name is;
The park’s name is derived from the legend of Gara and Jonay, two lovers from different islands whose tragic story is intertwined with the island’s highest peak. Their legend adds a touch of romance to this already magical place.
Today Garajonay National Park receives about 500,000 visitors per year; part of this success is the proximity to the tourist centers of southern TENERIFE and the good maritime connection with these centers and also the road network that crosses the park.
What to visit in Garajonay National Park?
· Alto de Garajonay
Standing at nearly 1,500 meters above sea level, Garajonay’s highest point offers breathtaking views. On clear days, you can see the islands of La Palma and Tenerife, including Spain’s tallest volcano, Mount Teide.
· The Roques
These volcanic rock formations were created when viscous magma solidified within the earth’s crust. Over time, erosion exposed these formations, giving them a dome-like appearance. The park is home to several of these roques, including Agando, Ojila, Carmona, and La Zarcita.
· Laguna Grande
Located in the heart of the park, Laguna Grande is the most visited area in Garajonay. Spanning approximately 12,500 square meters, it offers amenities like a restaurant, parking, and a playground. Its flat terrain and surrounding vegetation make it a popular starting point for hikers.
Local folklore suggests that the 14 stones arranged in a circle here were once a gathering place for witches.
· Los Chorros de Epina
These seven waterfalls are steeped in legend and mystery, with their waters believed to possess magical powers. According to local lore, men should drink from them in odd numbers from left to right, while women should drink in even numbers. So, remember this when you visit!
· Mériga
This area is renowned for its viñátigo trees, a symbol of the island. These trees thrive in humid conditions and can grow up to 25-30 meters tall, creating an awe-inspiring sight when seen in a dense forest.
How to Get to the Park?
To reach Garajonay National Park on La Gomera Island, you have several options:
From Tenerife:
- Ferry: Take a ferry from Los Cristianos in Tenerife to San Sebastián de La Gomera.
- Flight: Fly from Tenerife North Airport to La Gomera Airport.
From San Sebastián de La Gomera:
- Car Rental: Rent a car in San Sebastián and drive to the park. The GM-2 road will take you directly there.
- Bus: There are bus services connecting San Sebastián to other parts of the island, including the park.
Once on La Gomera, the roads are well-signposted, making it easy to find your way to the park. There are several entry points and visitor centers where you can obtain maps and more information.
The Canary Islands government offers a variety of hiking routes within the park, providing details on length, difficulty, and type of terrain. You can find more information about these routes by following this link.
