NATIONAL PARK VISIT

The road that crosses the island passes through the middle of the forest of Garajonay National Park and is therefore a pleasant stroll. All along the way, you will see the different paths that line the park, all very well signposted. Above San Sebastián, the winding road ends at the Los Roques viewpoint, from which you can admire dykes characteristic of the island's relief, such as the Roque de Agando. Another viewpoint stands on the road to Parajito, where a secondary road leads to Alajero and Playa de Santiago. You can stop here and hike to the top of the island, the Garajonay Peak.

Continuing along the main road, you will arrive at Laguna Grande, a crossroads from where the road to Hermigua and Valle Gran Rey starts and where all the park's restaurants and the visitor centre are also located. It's the perfect place to stop in the daytime.
Towards Hermigua or Valle Gran Rey, the road in the heart of the forest is also very pretty and has a few viewpoints to stop at. Some offer an incredible view of the sea of clouds and the island of La Palma to the north.
Continuing, the road splits between Valle Gran Rey and Vallehermoso. Following this second direction, we arrive at Epina. The road then overlooks the Lomo de los Cochinos. It crosses rocky mountains dotted with palm trees and small houses.

Walking tour: the park contains 18 signposted walking circuits, from 30 min to 3 hours. As well as 4 relaxation and picnic areas in the park, with table, drinking water and barbecue: Laguna Grande, Ermita de Lourdes, Las Creces and Epina. Here are some trails not to be missed:

n° 14 (count 4 hours): Laguna Grande - Alto de Garajonay - Laguna Grande. A beautiful hike through the laurel forest to the highest point of the island.

n° 18 the big circuit (6 hours 30): Pajarito - Alto de Garajonay - El Contadero - Chorro del Cedro - Reventon Oscuro - Tajaqué - Pajarito.

n° 9 (4 hours 30 return): El Contadero - Chorro del Cedro - El Contadero. For these two paths, 500 m difference in height. The path passes by the Ermita de Lourdes (chapel), with beautiful views of the Hermigua Valley. Path no. 9 is part of no. 18.

The flora is made up of nearly 20 tree species, including tree heathers measuring up to 20 m in height; ferns, mosses and lichens are abundant. Some 120 species endemic to the archipelago have been recorded, including the fragile climbing bellflower. Amateur botanists will find detailed information at the park's visitor centre.

On the wildlife side, Garajonay Park is home to more than 1,000 species, 150 of which are endemic to the park, including the Bolle's pigeon and the laurel pigeon. In addition to the many birds, insects, molluscs, arachnids, the famous lizard of La Gomera (Gallotia bravoana) is an inhabitant of the park.

Key dates: 1981, creation; 1986, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; 1988, classified as a ZEPA zone for the special protection of birds.

Since its excavation in 2002, the Alto Garajonay (the top of the island) has allowed the brave visitors to discover a surprising and exciting reward: the recomposition of a ceremonial construction by the original inhabitants of the island. Dedicated to the god Orahan, this altar strikes by its symbolic force and its very unusual location. It would also have served as a refuge for the last resistance fighters to the Spanish conquest.