Garajonay

October 30, 2025

Exploring Garajonay National Park

Located on the island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands, Garajonay National Park preserves one of the best examples of laurel forest (laurisilva) in the world — a type of humid subtropical forest that once covered much of southern Europe. Declared a national park in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, it spans about 4,000 hectares of lush greenery.

The park’s misty landscapes feature ancient laurel, heather, and fern species, nourished by the trade winds that blanket the island in constant moisture. This unique ecosystem provides habitat for many endemic species, including the Gomeran giant lizard and numerous birds and invertebrates found nowhere else.

Visitors can enter the park from any part of the island, with La Laguna Grande serving as a central visitor area. Its network of well-maintained trails leads to viewpoints like Alto de Garajonay, the island’s highest point. Garajonay offers a glimpse into Europe’s prehistoric forests - a timeless refuge of green in the Atlantic.

Must See / Must Do

1. Hike to Alto de Garajonay – the island’s highest point (1,487 m) with panoramic views of Tenerife, La Palma, and El Hierro.

2. Explore El Cedro Forest – a lush laurel valley where fog, ferns, and waterfalls create a dreamlike atmosphere.

3. Walk the Reventón Oscuro Trail – a shaded path through ancient moss-covered trees, alive with birdsong.

4. Visit Juego de Bolas Visitor Centre – learn about the park’s geology, flora, and Gomeran whistling language (Silbo).

5. Watch the clouds drift at Mirador de Igualero – one of the park’s most peaceful viewpoints, where mist rolls like waves through the forest.

Park Essentials

📍 Region: Canary Islands, La Gomera

📏 Area: 40 km²

🗻 Highest point: Alto de Garajonay (1,487 m)

🌳 Landscape: Laurel forest, ravines, volcanic plateaus, cloud-covered ridges

🌿🕊️ Flora and Fauna: Laurisilva trees (laurel, heather, fayal-brezal), pigeons (paloma rabiche and turqué), endemic mosses and lichens

📅 Best time to visit: Year-round (cool, humid climate)

🚪 Main gateways: Hermigua, Agulo, Vallehermoso

Where the Pirineo spirit gives back

At Pirineo, we believe that adventure goes hand in hand with responsibility. Through our YourParks program, we proudly support the stewardship of Spain’s national parks, promoting sustainable exploration and the protection of our most treasured landscapes. Every journey with Pirineo is an opportunity to connect with nature—and to help preserve it for generations to come.

Your purchase. Your park.

Recommended Hiking Trails

Here are five top hikes in Garajonay National Park on the island of La Gomera (Canary Islands), with key features (length, time, difficulty) to help you pick based on your level and interests.

1. Laguna Grande → Alto de Garajonay (Loop)

Length: approx. 9.8 km
Time: around ~3 hours.
Elevation gain: ~400–500 m.
Difficulty: Moderate (a steady climb to the island’s highest point, then descent).
Highlights: Begins in the iconic laurel forest at Laguna Grande, ascends to the summit of Alto de Garajonay (1,487 m) with panoramic views of neighbouring islands, then loops back through lush forest. (Isla Guru)
Tip: Start early for clearer skies (clouds often form later).

2. El Contadero → Alto de Garajonay

Length: approx. 2.9 mi (~4.7 km) as per one listing. (AllTrails.com)
Time: ~1 h 30 min (for this shorter route). (AllTrails.com)
Elevation gain: smaller, but still climbing to the summit. (AllTrails.com)
Difficulty: Moderate (shorter but steeper sections, forest paths with stones).
Highlights: A more direct ascent to the summit of Alto de Garajonay via El Contadero, through dense laurel forest.
Tip: Good option if you want a shorter but still rewarding hike.

3. Pajarito → El Cedro → Tajaqué → Pajarito (Loop)

Length: approx. 12.7 km. (La Gomera)
Time: up to ~6 h 30 min for full route.
Elevation gain: ~530 m according to the technical sheet.
Difficulty: Medium to Hard (longer distance, significant elevation change).
Highlights: Extensive tour through Garajonay’s core, including the Barranco del Cedro ravine and expansive viewpoints of the island’s terrain. (La Gomera)
Tip: Bring water and snacks, it’s a full-day commitment for most.

4. Las Creces Circular Route

Length: approx. 4.2 km.
Time: ~1 h 30 min.
Elevation gain: ~100 m.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (gentler terrain, good for shorter outing).
Highlights: Walk through the ancient laurel forest, abundant moss, lush greenery — very atmospheric. (lagomeraproperty.com)
Tip: Suitable for families and those looking for a quick forest immersion.

5. Ermita → Barranco del Cedro (Linear / Circular)

Length: approx. 4.7 km. (AllTrails.com)
Time: ~1 h 27 min (for the 2.9 mi variant) to ~2.5 h for longer variant (~6.8 km). (AllTrails.com)
Elevation gain: modest.
Difficulty: Moderate (path passes stream, forest and small waterfalls).
Highlights: Tranquil hike through Barranco del Cedro, beside flowing water in deep ravine, with dense laurel forest canopy. (Take your Backpack)
Tip: Good choice for a shady, peaceful walk — especially on warm days.