An All Inclusive Canary Islands

A Time in Antiquity

The Garajonay National Park lies at the very heart of La Gomera. Its 4,000 hectares of rare natural beauty extends into all six
municipalities of the island. Although situated in one of the smallest of the seven Canary wonders, its no doubt one of its finest.

The Guanches were the first to roam the majestic terrains of Garajonay National Park. In its dense forests, these aboriginal people
developed the whistling language, Silbo Gomero. It is an ingenious and optimal means to communicate across ravines and valleys.
Although they will never know Why
now, they
Visithave added another
Garajonay jewelPark
National to La Gomeras treasure chest. In 2009, UNESCO declared it a
Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

In the late 15th Century, the Spanish conquest of the Canary Islands ended with success. With that, the way of life in La Gomera
changed, and feudalism ruled the land for centuries. It was not until 1812 that the tides finally turned for the beautiful island, or for its
woodland at least. The new constitution abolished the estates of the nobility. At the same time, forests were also declared a public
property as they should be.
The natural marvel has since soared high. By 1981, it became a national park. And, in 1986, UNESCO also declared it a World Heritage
Site.
 The Legend of Gara and Jonay
The Garajonay National Park isnt only full of natural wonders. It also has a tragic love
story to tell. The park and its peak were named after a tragic Guanche legend which
happened way before the Spanish conquest of the Canaries.

According to the story, the Gomeran Princess Gara and the Tenerife Prince Jonay met in a
ceremony and fell in love. Everything was going well until Mount Teide erupted while
their engagement was being announced. Unfortunately for the young couple, this natural
incident was viewed as a bad omen. Consequently, their parents broke off the
engagement and Jonay was forced to go back to Tenerife. The young man then swam his
way back to his beloved, and the two ran away. Both fathers ordered for their search
until they had nowhere else to run. While trapped on a mountain, the young lovers chose
to take their own lives rather than be separated.

Although the lore of Garajonay is heartbreaking, the view of the 4,869 feet high peak
and the rest of the park arent. If anything, they are breathtaking.
 Why Visit Garajonay National Park

Ever wondered what Southern Europe looked like around 65 million years ago?
Well, humid subtropical forests veiled it then. Springs and streams ran in its lush
landscape. The soil was for sure rich and fertile. Flora and fauna were at its
pristine. Although it may seem that such a paradise is forever lost, one still exists
in the island of La Gomera.

Garajonay National Park is the best example of Canarian Laurisilva. Its more
than that though with a vast subtropical land home to several varieties of thriving
forests up to this very day. And its doorsteps are open to those who want to get
closer to nature. There are plenty of entry points, and all roads are very well-
maintained. Hiking through paradise cant get easier.
 Juego de Bolas
The Juego de Bolas Visitors Centre situated in La
Palmita, Agulo, on the north of La Gomera is the first
stop. Although it is but a preview of what tourists can
expect to see in the stunning park, it is remarkable
on its own.
Visitors receive a warm welcome from the gardens as
soon as they enter the center grounds. These gardens
have floras unique to the Canaries, with many even
endemic to La Gomera alone. After a botanical
journey, they then travel back in time in The House
of Memory. The museum has three exhibition rooms
that showcase the islands rich culture. Here, models
of cobblestone houses and the interiors are on full
display. Guests will also not miss depictions and an
audiovisual presentation of the inhabitants way of
life.
El Cedro Forest and La Gomeras
Network of Trails
La Gomera is the ultimate hikers paradise in the
Canaries. As a matter of fact, it has a network of
trails that connect its endless mountains and
ravines. The ones with the most breathtaking
scenery go through the Garajonay National Park.
The 4.8-km trail from El Contadero to El Cedro is
the most popular one. On the contrary, the 12.7-
km Pajaritos-El Cedro-Tajaqu-Pajaritos is the
toughest.
The El Cedro Forest is the superstar of the whole
Garajonay National Park. In fact, its beauty is one
of the main reasons for its declaration as a World
Heritage Site. It is but a small part of the
expansive laurel forest which makes up the
majority of the park. Nonetheless, it is its most
precious gems.
 Viewing Points
La Gomera is an island with never-ending impressive
sights. With this in mind, a park with nine
viewpoints shouldnt come as a surprise. Each of
these viewpoints or miradors offer natural spectacles
worth a thousand words. They are definitely worth
the visit when in the Garajonay National Park.
Mirador del Alto de Garajonay is set at the highest
point of the island. From this vantage point, it offers
more than a view of the park. Visitors here can
marvel at a large part of the island and even other
nearby islands.
Laguna Grande and Other
Recreational Areas
In Garajonay National Park, theres plenty of
space for everything including recreational areas
for day outs and picnics. The biggest and most
famous is the Laguna Grande. It has an
enthralling view of the Garajonay summit, which
is one of its nearest attractions. Aside from the
magnificent landscape, theres also a
playground, a picnic area, and a restaurant.
 Tips for the Wise Traveler

The climate in the park is mild and consistent all year round. However, it never
hurts to be well prepared. Dont forget to bring warm and waterproof clothing for
the mist and rain.

Although the park is like a majestic set of a fairytale movie, dont wear a glass
slipper, or any kind of slipper, and fancy shoes for that matter. Some trails and
pathways can be a bit challenging, so put on trekking shoes before happily hiking
away.
 Entrance Fee and Opening Hours

The Juego de Bolas Visitors Centre is open every day, even on holidays, from 9:30 to 16:30. Even better, the admission is free.

As for Garajonay National Park, it is open any day of the year. But to see it in its most colorful and beautiful state, visit in springtime.

Where to Eat

The recreational areas inside the park have picnic areas with tables and grills. Hence, many visitors bring ready-to-eat food and some they can
barbecue. Theres also a restaurant beside Laguna Grande that is particularly popular amongst hikers. Here they use fire from local wood to cook
meat. They also have dishes with honey from Gomeran palm trees.
 How to Get There

Tourists can reach La Gomera by boat or plane. The prior is the most usual way for travelers to arrive from Tenerife. From Puerto de Los Cristianos,
in southern Tenerife, take a ferry service to San Sebastin de La Gomera. It would only take 45 minutes for the ride. As for the latter, there are
flights from Gran Canaria and Tenerife to La Gomera airport.

Once in San Sebastian, take bus line 1 to Pajaritos, and then hail a taxi to Garajonay National Park. For those who prefer to hire a car, there are
several car hire companies near and around the ferry port.

The Crown of Many Jewels

Its diverse forests are a sanctuary to endemic plant and animal species. The majestic streams and creeks are still sources of fresh water for the
towns around it. As for the great mountains, theyve seen both the islands bloody and beautiful history. Garajonay National Park is the crown of
La Gomera. And its one spectacular crown bejeweled with the many riches of its vast land.
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