The island of La Gomera, located some 40 miles West of Tenerife is an escapists dream. Unlike its bigger cousin there are no nightclubs or fancy bars but it offers the nature lover a diverse and spectacular landscape to explore.
La Gomera is shaped like an orange squeezer, with ravines running out from the core of the island. At it's centre lies the rainforest which rises to a height of about 5000ft. http://reddeparquesnacionales.mma.es/parques/garajonay/index.htm .
The Park is located in the centre of the island which rises to 5000 ft above sea level and consists of Laurisilva - or Laurel rainforest. Much of Europe was once covered by this fauna but over time it was destroyed by climate change and pollution. Garajonay remains one of the few locations in the world where this type of forest still survives.
You have to take a car or bus to reach the summit and once the hairpin bends have been successfully negotiated you are rewarded with a wonderful view of Mount Teide some 40 miles way on Tenerife. The top is often shrouded in a tree hugging mist and as you descend into the forest by foot a tangle of green branches beckons.
The light fades the deeper you go in as does the temperature - so make sure to bring a light coat or top. That said, its great to escape from the heat of summer which can reach 43deg.
Islanders used to trade with each other and transported much of their goods on the very paths that the walk follows. It was only in the 1950's that La Gomera started to have contact with the outside world and roads didn't really exist.
Eventually a small village appears - could it be a long lost civilisation? Probably not, but the rustic restaurant is a welcome site where delicious local dishes of soup with "Gofio" are on offer.
After a hearty meal follow the track back up to the side of the valley. Hidden in the rock face is an entrance to a tunnel which takes you to the adjoining valley, but make sure of a torch or candle as the walk is long and very dark. A fun way to end your day.
La Gomera is shaped like an orange squeezer, with ravines running out from the core of the island. At it's centre lies the rainforest which rises to a height of about 5000ft. http://reddeparquesnacionales.mma.es/parques/garajonay/index.htm .
The Park is located in the centre of the island which rises to 5000 ft above sea level and consists of Laurisilva - or Laurel rainforest. Much of Europe was once covered by this fauna but over time it was destroyed by climate change and pollution. Garajonay remains one of the few locations in the world where this type of forest still survives.
You have to take a car or bus to reach the summit and once the hairpin bends have been successfully negotiated you are rewarded with a wonderful view of Mount Teide some 40 miles way on Tenerife. The top is often shrouded in a tree hugging mist and as you descend into the forest by foot a tangle of green branches beckons.
The light fades the deeper you go in as does the temperature - so make sure to bring a light coat or top. That said, its great to escape from the heat of summer which can reach 43deg.
Islanders used to trade with each other and transported much of their goods on the very paths that the walk follows. It was only in the 1950's that La Gomera started to have contact with the outside world and roads didn't really exist.
Eventually a small village appears - could it be a long lost civilisation? Probably not, but the rustic restaurant is a welcome site where delicious local dishes of soup with "Gofio" are on offer.
After a hearty meal follow the track back up to the side of the valley. Hidden in the rock face is an entrance to a tunnel which takes you to the adjoining valley, but make sure of a torch or candle as the walk is long and very dark. A fun way to end your day.
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