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Garajonay National Park, La Gomera IslandGarajonay National Park, La Gomera Island

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Explo writer
fritz's picture
fritz
24675 pts.
  • Off the path Explo
    58 %
    Off the path Explo rate
    Score
    2.9 / 5
    Comments
    Famous park. But very off the path treks Fritz!
  • Article Quality
    92 %
    Article Quality rate
    • Score
      5 / 5
      Comments
      Very good description, and you added a tip for a unique visit!
    • Score
      5 / 5
      Comments
      Yes, and you added a plan!
    • Score
      5 / 5
      Comments
      Yes, many!
    • Score
      4 / 5
      Comments
      Yep.
    • Score
      4 / 5
      Comments
      Yep.
  • Explo Popularity
    %

Very atypical compared to the other Canary islands, la Gomera is perfect for nature lovers and trekkers: it is away from urbanization, noise and the aridity of the other islands.

My experience, Explo description: 

La Gomera is a small island (370km2 and 17,000 inhabitants). This former volcano has been sleeping off for 2 million years. Erosion deeply undercut the slopes, which are often ridged with deep canyons : the Barracanos.

Registered to world heritage since 1986, the park covers 10 % of the surface of La Gomera island. It is located between 800m and 1487m of height. 85% of the park is covered with forest, contrasting with the aridity of a large part of the other Canary Islands.

This is due to the island particular climate : high humidity, frequent smog, condensing in little droplets.

The vegetation is of two types :

  • Laurel trees in the shaded and wet areas (called in latin Lauresylve)
  • The "fayal brezal" are ferns, often than 2 meters high, forming bushes in more dry and poorer places.

These forests are a relic of the Mediterranean primitive forests dating from several million years and which have persisted on islands because their particular climate.

There are fairly few hiking loops in the park. If you have 2 cars, this will greatly facilitates the choice of routes. Many trails leave the centre of the island and to reach the sea.

Hiking tour :
From El Contadero to Alto Garajonay (1487 m). (+++). 1h30. Declivity : 300m, 6km to go. Don’t miss the summit of La Gomera and its panorama. There, a pine tree demonstrates how works condensation : there is always a pool of water at the base of its trunk and its branches "sweat".

Hiking tour :
"Las Creces" tour. (++). It is a small loop (1h30 to go) with a 100m declivity. The forest offers a nice site to pic nic.

Hiking tour :
Las Pärades - Las Creces tour. (+++). 5 hours, 15km to go. Between El Cercado province and Las Hayas. Beautiful crossing of the upper part of the Valle Gran Rey canyon.

Hiking tour :
El Contadero - El Cedro tour. (++). A 2h long shady descent in laurel trees in the shade. There is a small hermitage (N. S. Lourdes) close to a torrent where there is always water.

My personal recommendations: 

The Park House :
You should start by visiting the Juego de Bolas information centre, which provides documentation, tips and maps. There is a video presentation about the island climate, the vegetation and local craftsmen. Outside, you can visit a beautiful botanical garden.

How getting there: 

See the related article for ferry transportation.

Hiking tours map :
Afficher La Gomera sur une carte plus grande

Useful information: 
Open hours: 

Juego de Bolas centre.
Mondays to Sundays, including holidays from 9:30 to 16:30h.

Entry fees: 

Free admission

Contact: 

http://reddeparquesnacionales.MMA.e...

Phone : (922) 80 09 93.
Juego de Bolas , Las Rosas