Exploring the mystical forests of La Gomera

Once at Las Creces, follow the well-marked path deep into the forest towards the picnic area. The path, 0.7 km long, winds through dense green vegetation. The towering trees create a serene atmosphere conducive to walking and contemplation.

At the end of the path, a small clearing for hikers awaits you, with wooden picnic tables surrounded by nature. It’s the perfect place to take a break and breathe in the fresh air before continuing your exploration. Rather than retrace your steps, follow the trail as it loops through the forest, offering a bird’s eye view of the park’s ecological diversity.

Halfway along the loop, a well-marked path leads to Las Hayas. The walk, though slightly longer, promises a new adventure. Arriving at Las Hayas, a small village nestled in the heart of the forest, a good coffee awaits you to invigorate you after the hike. The local bistro, “Amparo”, offers, among other things, a “Tortilla francesa”, a soft omelette in a crusty baguette, topped with slices of tomato or mayonnaise. Accompanied by a fresh salad, squeezed orange juice and creamy cappuccino, this simple but tasty meal is a pleasant surprise after a morning of exploring.

Once you’ve eaten and rested, retrace your steps over the 700 metres to the fork in the road, then start on the other side of the loop, following the “In the Old Tree Heath and Way Myrtle” trail. This part of the park, though still dry, has a special atmosphere, with an ancient forest that seems to have survived the ages. The trees, with their rough bark and imposing size, tell a silent story with every step.

Crossing the forest, an old stone canal catches the eye, a vestige of a time when spring water was transported to irrigate the surrounding crops. Despite its simple appearance, this canal bears witness to the ingenuity of the local people who adapted to their environment.

Myrica faya: A little-known treasure

One of the forest’s most characteristic trees is the Myrica faya, also known as the “faya”. This tree, endemic to the Canary Islands, plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem. Its deep-green evergreen leaves contrast with the dry, rocky soil. At certain times of the year, Myrica faya trees produce small black berries which, though modest, are rich in history.

In the past, these berries were consumed by local populations, particularly in times of famine. They were a precious source of food for the poorest inhabitants, who knew how to make the most of the resources nature offered them. Today, these berries are seen more as a testimony to the past, although their use is less common.

In spring, at the end of April and beginning of May, the forest is decked out in color as wild geraniums bloom. These flowers, with their varied hues, add a touch of beauty and life to a landscape already rich in diversity.

Garajonay National Park, located on the island of La Gomera, is a remarkable natural treasure, home to one of the best representations of laurisylva, a subtropical rainforest. This ancient forest, which once covered a large part of Europe during the Tertiary period, is today a precious vestige of that distant past. The laurel forest, with its evergreen trees reaching heights of up to 40 meters, is characterized by exceptional biodiversity, including many species endemic to the Canary Islands, as well as a rich fauna of invertebrates, birds and bats.

The age of the laurel forest, which dates back to the Tertiary period, means that it evolved tens of millions of years ago, testifying to its incredible resilience and adaptation to climate change over time. Around 85% of the park is covered by this unique forest, although fires such as the one in 2012 have damaged some areas, demonstrating the fragility of this ecosystem in the face of natural disasters.

The park takes its name from the legend of Gara and Jonay, a tragic love story between a princess from La Gomera and a prince from Tenerife, who committed suicide together to escape the opposition of their families. Their love gave its name to the Garajonay mountain, the park’s highest point at 1,484 metres, from where you can see the whole island and, on a clear day, the neighbouring Canary Islands.

Garajonay is not only a site of outstanding natural beauty, but also a place steeped in myth and history, where nature and culture come together to offer visitors a unique experience.

Don’t forget to stop off at the Mirador de Alojera. Simply park your car in the parking lot, then walk just five minutes to reach an observation platform offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.