Garajonay National Park: Celebrating 45 Years as Spain's First UNESCO World Heritage Site
On this day, La Gomera celebrates the 45th anniversary of Garajonay National Park; the first natural site in Spain to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.
Spanning more than 3,900 hectares of mist-covered laurel forest in the Canary Islands, its ancient ecosystem, intense humidity, mosses, lichens, and ferns make this place unique in the world. Encompassing the public forests of all six municipalities on the island, the park is also home to one of the best-preserved stream networks in Macaronesia. These ancient woodlands are remnants of Europe’s Tertiary Period, making them some of the oldest forests on the continent. Despite its relatively small size, the park supports remarkable biodiversity, including 153 species found only on La Gomera. Its birdlife is especially notable, with around 50 species, three of them endemic, such as the Bolle’s pigeon and laurel pigeon, both closely tied to the monteverde ecosystem. Garajonay is part of key international conservation networks, including Natura 2000, Special Protection Areas (SPA), and Sites of Community Importance (SCI).
The Park offers free guided tours, suitable for all ages and those who are keen learn more about its curiosities. Alternatively, travellers and go alone and enjoy the more than 600 kilometres of trails spread all over the island. Thanks to well-maintained roads and multiple entry points, access to the park is very easy. The visitors centre, Juego de Bolas, welcomes outdoor enthusiasts and encourages travellers to lace up their walking boots, bring suitable clothing and immerse themselves in all this intriguing natural landscape has to offer.
From slow-travel and adventure enthusiasts, UK tour operators offer tours to explore this marvellous natural habitat.
HEADWATER: Walking Across La Gomera
Traversing between San Sebastián de La Gomera, Hermigua and Valle Gran Rey, Headwater's specialised tour explores La Gomera’s most spectacular off‑the-beaten-path landscapes. Through the laurel forests of Garajonay National Park, travellers descend through El Cedro into fertile valleys and climb from Agulo to the dramatic Mirador de Abrante with views to Teide.
EXODUS: Explore Garajonay National Park on Exodus' New Walking Tour of Tenerife and La Gomera
During the latter half of the trip, EXODUS travellers will descend into Garajonay National Park, reaching the hamlet of El Cedro before moving uphill to Reventón Oscuro. The following day, they will explore Chorros de Epina on the edge of the national park where is said those who drink the spring water will be happy in love and have good fortune.
For more information on Spain as a tourist destination, visit https://www.spain.info/en/
For all press enquiries contact Jessica Harvey Taylor on Jessica.harvey@tourspain.es or the Spanish Tourist Office’s PR agency LOTUS on spain@wearelotus.co.uk