Garajonay National Park - An All Inclusive Canary Islands

1
Garajonay National Park
An All Inclusive Canary Islands
2
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 now, they have added another jewel 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.
Why Visit Garajonay National Park
3
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.
4
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.
5
Juego de Bolas
El Cedro Forest and La Gomeras Network of Trails
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.
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-Tajaqué-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.
6
Viewing Points
Laguna Grande and Other Recreational Areas
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.
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.
7
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.
8
Entrance Fee and Opening Hours
The Juego de Bolas Visitors Centre is open every
day, even on holidays, from 930 to 1630. 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.
9
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 Sebastián 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.
10
For more details
Visit our Website
https//www.canaryislandsinfo.co.uk