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Start at the Juego de Bolas Visitor Centre in the north of La Gomera, and find out more about the legend of Gara and Jonay, the volcanic history of La Gomera and the Canaries, and pick up a copy of the superb Visitors Guide to Garajonay National Park and walking holidays on La Gomera. It's a walker's paradise here and Garajonay is one of the most accessible National Parks on the Canaries and beyond.
The Legend of Gara and Jonay - The young and intrepid pince, Jonay, having met the princess Gara during a harvest festival celebration in Gomera, swam across the water from Tenerife to meet with his love in secret and share their happiness. But .. The people of Tenerife and Gomera looked unkindly on this union. In order to preserve their love, they flee to the summit of the mountain where, in an act of desperation, they end their lives by throwing themselves against a sharpened branch of briar. Since then, this place has been known as Garajonay"". (exhibit on Garajonay in the Juego de Bolas Visitors Centre, La Gomera).
Garajonay National Park, situated in the centre of La Gomera, was declared a National Park in 1981 and covers 373km square of the island. The park covers the higher peaks of La Gomera (including the highest peak Alto de Garajonay which rises to 1487m) and contains a number of unique species of flaura and fauna - hence it's declared status as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986. Much of the area of Garajonay is covered with evergreen forest. There's been no volcanic activity on La Gomera for 2 million years, and this fact combined with the humid conditions created by the trade winds from the north, and subtropical temperatures due to the islands latitude, what you have is a mix of numerous eroded ravines, dramatic rock formations and volcanic domes called Roques, as well as the renowned ancient Laurisilva forests. Garajonay National Park is one of the top natural splendors across the Canaries, and there's almost a permanent humid mist clinging to the higher peaks in the park.
Frost rarely creeps into the park, except occasionally on the higher peaks, and the mist plays an important part in the preservation of the ecosystem here - it reduces evaporation loss whilst simultaneously leaving much need water on vegetation. The laurel forests, otherwise known as greenwood or monteverde, represent what is left of the typical flora which covered the Mediterranean millions of years ago. The greenwood forests on La Gomera provide for most of it's water supply today.
The mix of flora you can expect to see at Garajonay include Loro (Laurus azorica), Til (Ocotea foetens), Indian avocado, wax myrtle, Palo blanco (Picconia excelsa), Mahogany laurel, heather and Acebino (Ilex canariensis). On the fauna side watch out for the laurel pigeon (you'll hear them!), Bolle's laurel pigeon, Barbastelle bat, Euruasian woodcock, the canary, common skink and the Gomera lizard (Gallotia caesaris). A good starting point for exploring Garajonay is the a visit to the Juego de Bolas Visitors centre near Las Rosas in the North. It takes some effort to get to it, as it's situated high up and just outside the park, but it's well worth the effort as there's comprehensive information here on the history of the park, plus you can pick up walking maps and the superb Garajonay National Park Visitors guide book for under 10 euros. Overall Garajonay is very accessible to visitors, with clearly marked footpaths and trails, most of which were used by the ancient Gomeros. The climb upto Alto de Garajonay is one of the favourites, as are various walks branching out from La Laguna Grande.
Parque Nacional de Garajonay, Juego de Bolas Visitor Centre, La Palmita-Agulo, 38830, La Gomera. Tel: 922 80 09 93. (Guided Excursions organised every Saturday, departing from La Laguna Grande). Garajonay Park Offices, Ctra. General del Sur, 6, Apdo de Correos 92, 38800 San Sebastian de la Gomera, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Tel: 922 87 01 05.
Campo Tecina Golf, Lomada del Tecina, s/n. Playa Santiago La Gomera. 38811. Tel: +34 922 145950.
Tecina Golf, La Gomera's very own 18 hole golf course is just a 40 minute ferry ride from Los Cristianos in the south, or a 30 minute flight from Tenerife North Airport. La Gomera's airport is situated right near Tecina Golf in Playa Santiago (the ferry however docks at San Sebastian, where you'll have to get on another boat up to Playa Santiago, or do an approximately 30 minute drive from San Sebastian to Playa de Santiago.
Tecina Golf on La Gomera is an 18 hole golf course with views out to sea and across to Tenerife and El Teide. It's a challenging course. Check Tecina Golf's weblink right for more details. Good bases for easy access to this golf course include Playa Santiago, La Gomera, and any of the big Tenerife South resorts with easy access to the Los Cristianos ferry. Alternatively base yourself in north Tenerife at stunning La Laguna for easy access to Tenerife North Airport for direct flights to La Gomera, and bonus you'll also be near Real Club Golf at Tacoronte in north east Tenerife. Play golf till you drop, and stay on La Gomera for a few days as part of your holiday to really enjoy the challenge of Tecina Golf on La Gomera.
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