Garajonay Forest Loop

The Garajonay Forest Loop winds through the ancient laurel forest crowning the summit plateau of La Gomera, the second-smallest of the seven main Canary Islands. Garajonay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Laurisilva ecosystems remaining in the world — a relic of the subtropical forests that blanketed southern Europe and North Africa during the Tertiary period, before the Pleistocene ice ages destroyed most laurel forest habitat on the continents. Persistent northeast trade winds push moisture-laden air against La Gomera's central highlands, sustaining the perpetually misty, moss-draped atmosphere that makes the park feel ancient and otherworldly. The main trailhead is the La Laguna Grande picnic area, situated on the island's main GM-1 road at approximately 1,100 metres elevation. La Laguna Grande is served by bus line 1 from San Sebastián de La Gomera, making this one of the few Canarian national park trails accessible without a rental car. The loop ascends gently to the summit of Alto de Garajonay at 1,487 m — the highest point on the island — then descends via a different forest track returning to the picnic area. The full loop covers around 10 kilometres with approximately 300 metres of elevation change. Path surfaces are predominantly compacted dirt and gravel, well-maintained and waymarked with wooden posts throughout. Tree roots crossing the path require attention, and mud is common after rain. Shade is near-continuous throughout; temperatures inside the forest rarely exceed 18°C even in August. Key features include groves of Canarian laurel, Canarian heath, and rare tree heather reaching over 10 metres, as well as a viewpoint at Alto de Garajonay where clear days reveal Teide on Tenerife to the northeast. A freshwater spring near the La Laguna Grande picnic area is marked on park maps. The park visitor centre at Juego de Bolas, accessible by bus, provides interpretive displays on the Laurisilva ecosystem.