The Garajonay National Park(Parque Nacional de Garajonay) is a national park on the Canary IslandLa Gomera. It is located in the center of the island and covers about 10% of the island with an area of almost 40 km².
 | ||
| Garajonay National Park | ||
| province | Santa Cruz de Tenerife | |
|---|---|---|
| height | unknown | |
no value for height on Wikidata:  | ||
| no tourist info on Wikidata: | ||
| location | ||
| ||
background
The name of the national park is derived from Garajonay, which is the highest point on the island with a height of 1487 m. The name of this mountain refers to a legend from before the Spanish conquest of the island. The princess lived then Gara on the island of La Gomera, she fell in love with a poor farm boy named Jonaythat came from the island of Tenerife. A marriage between the two was not possible, and the Guanche version of Romeo and Juliet ends tragically: the lovers fell into a spear made of laurel wood and went to their deaths together. The mountain was given this name as a reminder.
history
The national park was established in 1981. In 1986 he became UNESCO World Heritage Site explained. The park has also been a bird sanctuary since 1988. In 2012 the entire island of La Gomera was recognized as a biosphere reserve.
landscape
All 6 municipalities on the island have their share in the national park founded in 1981. This is located in the center of the island at a height of over 700 m. La Gomera is of volcanic origin, former volcanic vents protrude from the central plateau of the park, among other things
- 1 Alto de Garajonay, 1487 m
- 2 Roque de Agando 1250 m, probably the most famous mountain on the island
- 3 Roque de la Zarcita 1230 m
- 4 Roque de Ojila 1170 m
Deep ravines, so-called. Barrancos, have dug in from the edge of the plateau towards the sea.
climate
Like its neighbors, the island is located in the area of the northeast trade wind. The humid and warm winds hit the cliffs of the island in the northeast and are forced to move upwards. The humidity condenses and clouds form from a height of about 800 m. The plants in this region have specialized in absorbing this humidity directly. The volcanic rock can also do this horizontal rain take in well. In the southwest of the island, therefore, there is not nearly as much precipitation, the air is drier and the vegetation is poorer.
Flora and fauna
On the low-lying coastal strip you can find banana plantations up to a height of about 350 m, even if the terraced fields are sometimes quite steep. Almost all types of fruit and vegetables are grown in the zone above. From a height of 700 m there is hardly any agriculture to be found: this is where the realm of subtropical forests begins, which ruled the entire Mediterranean area before the last ice age. Typical plants are tree heather and several types of laurel trees on which the name Laurel forest or Laurisilva going back. The long gray lichen inside the cloud forest gives much of the park a mysterious expression. The Canary Juniper is also quite common, it is called here as El Cedro designated.
There are only a few species of mammals on La Gomera, and there are no poisonous snakes. Mention should be made of bats, some species of birds, some harmless reptiles such as the canary skink and a tree frog
getting there
The national park is freely accessible; roads lead into the park from all communities on the island.
mobility
Dynamic cardsPaved roads within the park are often so narrow that two vehicles cannot pass each other. You can then backwards to the next passing point, on some Serpenstinen stretches this is a challenge to the driving skills. There are also several gravel roads
Tourist Attractions
- 5 Juego de Bolas Juego de Bolas visitor center. Built in the Canarian style. Inside, explanation of volcanism, handicraft workshops, replica of a traditional apartment
- 6 El Cedro, Hamlet at an altitude of about 850 m. Kiwis and potatoes still thrive here, and there is a small campsite. At El Cedro an approximately 500 m long water tunnel crosses the mountain La Montananeta. In dry weather, this tunnel, which is around 1.70 m high, can be crossed on foot, a torch required!
activities
- Hikes on the well signposted hiking trails.
- Climbing the Roques if you are fit and able to do so.
shop
kitchen
accommodation
Hotels and hostels
camping
security
In wet weather there is a risk of slipping even when hiking on the official paths. You should also not underestimate the inclines. Before starting a hike, think about the possibility of returning.
