La Gomera. Magic & Nature
Would you like to experience first hand a living European forest from millions of years ago? Quite surprisingly, in the island of La Gomera these type of forests survived, becoming a living relic of the past.
Because of this, these forests have been declared a National Park (Garajonay), World Heritage site and Biosphere Reserve.
We invite you to visit La Gomera, an island declared in its entirety as a World Biosphere Reserve and houses the Garajonay National Park, which has also been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The island of La Gomera is of volcanic origin. The absence of eruptive activity for the last 2 million years and a climate that favours water erosion have created a craggy relief riven by deep gullies and overshadowed by impressive volcanic domes, known locally as Roques.
The Garajonay National Park is located in the island´s upper reaches. Most of the surface is covered by luxuriant evergreen forest, an element of contrast in a predominantly arid island. These forests are a veritable relic, conserving part of the flora typical of the forests that populated the Mediterranean region millions of years ago, and that have since vanished from the continent as a result of climatic changes which scarcely affected the islands.
In addition, there is an important population of exclusive flora and fauna which are unique in the world, the outcome of differentiated evolution favoured by the isolation provided by the ocean. Among the outstanding features of La Gomera, and a peculiarity of its scenery, are the terraces that climb the steep hillsides, created to provide level space for cultivation.
The coastal waters of La Gomera are one of the best places in the world for respectful whale and dolphing watching. There are several colonies of resident cetaceans and many other migratory ones. For that reason, the chances of successful sighting are always over 90%.
Type of protected area
- National Park
- Biosphere Reserve (Unesco)
- World Heritage Site (Unesco)
- Special Protection Area (SPA)
Commitment to sustainable tourism
In the year 2005, the Garajonay National Park, together with the Development Association (Aider La Gomera), the Island’s Council and other corporations, took the decision to promote the implantation of the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in La Gomera Island. Thus it was putting the Charter at the disposal of the island as a tool to promote sustainable tourism.
Companies involved with the Charter of La Gomera, adhered to the Association of Sustainable Tourism (Atusos Gomera), actively collaborate with Garajonay National Park and are committed to promoting sustainable tourism on the island.
Today, there are about 40 businesses working with Garajonay National Park to improve their environmental behavior, its offer and its connection to the park itself and the island of La Gomera, in addition to taking action to support local development and heritage conservation.
Gomeraexperience.com is a showcase of La Gomera ecotourism product, and this group of businesses providing friendly tourism on the island.
Location
La Gomera, Canary Island.
Further information
- Telf: (0034) 922 801 229
- E-mail: turismososteniblelagomera@gmail.com
Website: