On an island whose scenery never ceases to amaze, Garajonay National Park will take your breath away.

The plateau that covers the central area of La Gomera is most of the year covered with a blanket of fog that spills waterfall-like into the southern regions of the island. Protected by this magical blanket of clouds is an ever-green rainforest known as “Laurisilva”, formed by a multitude of plant and tree species.

The “Laurisilva” of La Gomera and its National Park is in fact one of the last relics of the forests that covered the coasts of the Mediterranean in the Tertiary Era and that disappeared with the glaciations of the Quaternary.

In order to protect this living example of what in Europe are now only fossils, Garajonay National Park was created in 1981. It covers a region of 3,984 hectares, 10% of the island’s surface. The different ecosystems that can be found in the Park are located between 800 and 1,500 meters above sea level.

The Laurel Rainforest (Laurisilva)

A Park, many forests

The laurel forest of the National Park, composed of a great variety of evergreen trees in an environment of constant humidity and temperatures throughout the year, is in fact a combination of different forests. It is in the humid north and most sheltered valleys that we find the lushest and most complex forest. This is the “Laurisilva de Valle” (Valley Laurel forest), a subtropical jungle. In the higher areas the forest loses the most delicate species and becomes the Mountain Laurisilva. In the southern areas the forest is mainly beech trees and giant heathers, species that better withstand dryness.

Visiting Garajonay National Park

Information Centers, guided routes and paths

Official Visitors Center

It is a good idea to begin your visit from here in order to understand the particularities of the park. Hours: 9:30 to 16:30h.

Information at our Reception

Los Telares Reception is also an Official Information Desk of Garajonay National Park. Ask us anything you need!

Accessing the Park

There is no barrier-controlled access to the Park limits. Even so, environment-friendly behavior is encouraged.

Free guided tours (Spanish only)

The Park offers weekly guided tours in Spanish. There are few spots and you must use your own vehicle. Book here.

What to wear

You will discover a wide contrast of temperatures and landscapes. Wear several thin layers of clothing (at least one rain-proofed), sun protection, good footwear and hiking poles (for rent at our reception).

The points of interest within Garajonay National Park

Access

Access is from Contadero, on route 7. Also, for those who want to enjoy the trail a little more, from La Laguna grande with route 14 or from Pajarito on route 17.

Interesting

From the Alto, we have a panoramic view of the island. On clear days you can clearly see Tenerife, La Palma and El Hierro. At the viewpoint at the top we can see a reproduction of the aboriginal sacrificial altar that crowned this sacred place (today the original is buried under our feet).

Access

Access to El Cedro and its ravine can be done on foot or by car. The access with car is marked by the detour of Reventón Oscuro (beginning of route 8). From 15/07 to 18/09 car access to Las Mimbreras is by reservation only. Book online HERE. The Gran Circular (route 18), route 2 (towards the Ermita de Lourdes), route 9 and route 11, which starts at route 15 on the Meseta de Hermigua, also run through parts of El Cedro.

Interesting

El Cedro is the heart of the National Park, where we find the most representative sample of the Laurisilva forest and its giant ferns. One of the most photographed corners of the National Park. The Caserío de El Cedro is also worth mentioning, with its small houses and fruit tree farms.

Access

At the foot of the road, you can get a good view of Los Roques from the viewpoint. Also from Reventón Oscuro, part of the Gran Circular (route 18) allows us to approach Los Roques from another point of view. At the height of Tajaqué also on route 18 a raised platform-viewpoint is the most impressive view of this landscape.

Interesting

Remnants of the volcanic and explosive formation of La Gomera, these rocks will take your breath away. An easy access point thanks to its viewpoints at the roadside.

Access

With 2 large parkings, this rest area has a restaurant and information point. From here there is an accessible route as well as several routes that allow you to enjoy trails through the central plateau connecting different points of interest. Routes: 3, 6, 14.

Interesting

A natural glade that on few occasions floods forming a false lake (hence its name), La Laguna Grande (The Large Lagoon) is surrounded by giant heather that gives it a ghostly appearance. Perhaps that is why it has become a place of legend and rumors of witchcraft.

Access

Away from the hiking routes, it is only accessible by road.

Interesting

The legend says that Gara discovered in the waters of the fountain her future, which would be none other than Jonay, her timeless love. The area is also one of the points in Garajonay where you can practice bird watching.

Access

The road to Meriga leaves us a few minutes from the dam. There are no trails linking to the area.

Interesting

A short and simple route that, after a small hike, allows us to circle the most beautiful dam of La Gomera, surrounded by vegetation. Suitable for all ages and worth a visit.

Access

At the foot of the road begins route 12 of Raso de La Bruma. If we are in the mood, we can also take the opportunity to do route 10 of the Cañada de Jorge.

Interesting

Another good example of mature forest, similar to El Cedro, the Raso de La Bruma offers us its best pictures bathed in the sea of clouds.

Visiting Rules of Garajonay National Park

Stay on the marked paths.

Do not disturb plants or animals.

Follow the directions of the Park Staff.

Neither camping nor bivouac are permitted.

Bicycles are allowed on the paved roads and most of the sand tracks, except those for which prohibition is strictly indicated. Bicycles are not allowed on the Park trails.

At recreational areas, it's forbidden to play football and other sports that could damage the natural grass.

Do not use appliances or strident noises at high volume. Listen to the sounds of nature and respect its silences. Everyone is entitled to enjoy the Park.

Do not throw away litter. It is appropriate that each one return with his own garbage. In any case use the litter bins properly to facilitate the collection of garbage.

Beware of fire. Do not smoke inside the forest or ignite BBQs or other cooking appliances except in recreational areas upgraded for this, when weather conditions permit.

Maps and guides

A brief introduction to the island. History, culture, the National Park and the main towns.

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Includes routes inside and outside the Garajonay National Park. There is also a number of recommended routes for cyclists.

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All you need to know about Hermigua (shops, restaurants, interesting points...)

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Suites & Villas Los Telares

The best holiday homes on the North of La Gomera