Garajonay National Park, La Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain

A magical paradise with a rich history, it is replete with natural charms which delight the senses of those who visit: spectacular landscapes, beaches of black sand, secret pathways, ancient forests, and cliffs towering over crystalline waters, all within an area of only 370km².

Garajonay National Park, situated in the middle of La Gomera, is the jewel of the island. With unique features which make it an exceptional place, it was named a National Park in 1981, and declared a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986.

The National Park owes its name to the legend of Gara and Jonay, which tells the tragic story of a forbidden love between two young islanders who, refusing to be separated, made a decision to take their own lives together, at the top of the island’s highest mountain.

To roam through the Park’s laurisilva – or Laurel forest – is to embark on a voyage to the past, back to the Terciary Period 20 million years ago, when these subtropical forests covered vast areas of the Mediterranean basin and the north of Africa.

The forest also hosts many types of lichen, fungi and moss, providing an ideal habitat for a wide variety of creatures, including birds, amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates. Of particular note are the endemic laurel pigeon, both white- and dark-tailed, and Bolle’s pigeon.

The moisture in the sea of fog that often shrouds the forest precipitates upon contact with the trees in a phenomenon known as horizontal rain. This, and the ever-present northeasterly trade winds, blowing towards the equator, ensure high humidity in the Park all year round.

It is this persistent mist that produces the necessary moisture essential for the survival of a forest which is located on an otherwise arid island, and gifts vitality to this lush green environment.

Palm trees are outstanding for their adaptability to different environments, with an ability to survive and thrive anywhere from rainforests to deserts. They play an important role in the production of the famous local palm honey and in local handicrafts.

The leaves of the palm trees are used for making baskets, bags and hats. Other traditional handicrafts of La Gomera are pottery, wood craftsmanship, loom weaving, and wicker and cane basketry.

La Gomera is a perfect destination for hikers. It has an extensive network of more than 650 kilometres of trails and pathways that lead to places which evoke a desire to pause time and bask in the peace and tranquillity that can be found there.

A walk along the Vallehermoso Trail leads to the fabled Chorros de Epina, a natural spring where water flows through seven wooden spouts. According to tradition, men must drink from the odd spouts and women from the even ones, in order to ensure marriage in the future.

La Gomera is full of enchanting and spellbinding places: inviting hamlets, traditional villages, and historical buildings which date back to the time of Columbus, when he chose the island as his final port before setting out on his voyages across the ocean.

Another of La Gomera’s many treasures is its ruggedly-beautiful coastline. Both the temperature and the clear waters of the Atlantic make it an ideal location for spotting whales and dolphins.

On the north side of the island is Los Órganos (The Organs), a dramatic cliff face which is named for the giant tube-like formations that give it the appearance of a church organ. This natural monument is only visible from the sea, spectacular both above and below the water.

Known not only for its natural riches, La Gomera also has a singular cultural heritage which continues to be passed on through the generations to this day: el Silbo Gomero. This whistled language, unique in the world, was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2009.

Created by the indigenous inhabitants of the island to combat the difficulties that arose due to the island’s complicated terrain, el Silbo has for centuries been used by shepherds for communicating over valleys and ravines, across long distances of up to five kilometres.