The Garajonay National Park is mainly covered by Laurel forest (70% of the park). The beautiful park is located in the heart of an equally beautiful island known as La Gomera. La Gomera is part of the larger Canary Islands archipelago.

The Garajonay National Park is mainly covered by Laurel forest (70% of the park). The beautiful park is located in the heart of an equally beautiful island known as La Gomera. La Gomera is part of the larger Canary Islands archipelago.

The lush forest is watered by a series of springs and numerous streams. The forest’s vegetation resembles that of the Tertiary which have largely disappeared from southern Europe due to climatic changes.

The island of La Gomera lies to the west of Tenerife, off the northwest coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. The island is accessible via a ferry from Tenerife and the park is reached by road from the all the island’s major towns and villages.

In the year 1812, the constitution abolished the nobility land ownership and transferred all the ownership and land administration to the municipal governments. The forests were henceforth declared public property. The park is dominated by Valle Gran Rey, San Sebastian, Agulo, Alajero, Hermigua, and Vallehermoso Mountains. It consists of eroded plateaus and gentle sloppy terrain whose escarpments form uneven steps that extend to as far as the park’s boundaries.

La Gomeria is lucky to have escaped eruptions that have characterized Canaries in the recent past. The nature fertile soils found on the island are as a result of years of ash and lava erosion. The landscape is further characterized by domes, volcanic dykes. Examples of domes found here include Agando, La Zarcilla, Las Lajas and Ojila.

The park is home to one of the world’s largest laurel forest, a habitat that has become very rare in North Africa and Europe About 25% of the flora found here and 50% of the fauna are endemic to the park. Many other species found here are considered nationally threatened.

You will find no settlements in the park; however, there are 16,000 residents on the island. Their livelihood is mainly derived from agriculture, fishing and hospitality activities. On the park’s boundary, you will find several settlements. The locals use the park for traditional pilgrimages and fiesta, as well as fuel collection and cattle keeping – although in a reduced magnitude.

The Garajonay National Park is one of the most beautiful natural phenomena in the world. It is a remote destination that is great for relaxation and unwinding. Make sure you get a chance to visit the island park during your tour of Spain.