GARAJONAY NATIONAL PARK


The 3,984 ha of this National Park, which the UNESCO has put in 1986 on the list of places belonging to the Heritage of Humanity, lies in the centre of Gomera Island. It includes the highest part of the island, ie, the peak called Garajonay, after which the National Park is named. Although there are no great heights, the park consists of crags, ridges, slopes and ravines. Over half of its surface area is covered with forests, and it was created basically because of the urgent need to protect the Canary plant community called laurisilva, a true relic of the past.

This plant formation dates from the Tertiary period and is of the subtropical type which during the Pliocene, ie, millions of years ago, covered the Mediterranean basins. Today it is practically reduced to these islands in the Atlantic, with the best specimens being found in the National Park, The main trees of the laurisilva are laurel, heath, til, faya, acebiño, viñatigo and barbusano. Apart from the laurisilva, Garajonay has important heather formations. This forest which is often hidden in the fog is famous because the trunks and branches of its trees are covered with moss and lichens. In the craggy and rocky areas, the vegetation includes many species that can only be found there.

Hardly any animals live in these storybook forests. Most common are birds which are only found in small numbers, such as chaffinch, blue tit, various doves and warblers, as well as falcon. For certain species such as the Laurisilva pigeons (Collumba bolii and Columba junionae) or the Eurasian woodcock (Scolopax rusticola), Garajonay houses the best populations on the island, and in the case of the Eurasian woodcock, in the Canary Islands.

How to reach the Park


The island has no airport and is reached by ferry, a service which exists between Los Cristianos (Tenerife) and San Sebastián de la Gomera. Since it lies in the middle of the island, the Park can be reached from practically every point, although the roads are narrow and not very well surfaced. Inside the park, there is an Explanatory Centre for visitors.

Advice of interest to visitors

  • There is a National Parador in San Sebastian de la Gomera.
  • Access to the park is free but guided tours need to be booked in advance.
  • The Visitor's Centre of the Garajonay National Park is situates in the place known as Juego de Bolas, in La Palmita, within the municipal boundary of Agulo in the north of La Gomera. The building itself reflects the typical style of Canarian architecture.
  • Any time of the year is good for a visit, although the Park is usually covered by clouds. Protective clothing and appropriate shoes should be available for the visit.
  • At Laguna Grande is established a playground for children. There is a parking area and a restaurant.
  • In the upper part of Garajonay, an old Tagoror can be found, ie, a place with flat stones on the ground, where the Guanche nobles used to meet.
  • No visit of the island is complete without trying the palm honey which is superb for throat infections
  • A camera and binoculars should also be part of the equipment. However, taking photographs inside the bay-tree forest is difficult because there is not much light.

The Garajonay National Park was designated so due to its uniqueness and diversity and to the importance of its Laurisilva forest, living relics of the Tertiary period. In these forests everything harmful and disturbing should be avoided, especially forest fires and garbage.

For full details on the Spanish National Parks (services, towns, hotels, adventure, maps, etc.), please look under "Parques Nacionales" at the website:
http://www.parquesnaturales.com (spanish only)