Garajonay National Park is reason enough on its own to go to La Gomera, and it's easy to visit: free entry, roads running right through it and waymarked walks from 15 minutes to six and a half hours. What you do need to plan for is the mist, the lack of mobile signal and, in summer, car access to El Cedro.
Our advice for a first visit: route 17, from Pajarito to the Alto de Garajonay (2.2 km, 270 m of climb), to stand on the island's highest point, plus one of the walks at La Laguna Grande or El Cedro to get properly into the forest.
What Garajonay National Park is and where it is
Garajonay covers 3,984 ha in the centre of La Gomera and is one of the four national parks in the Canary Islands, along with Teide, the Caldera de Taburiente on La Palma and Timanfaya. It has been a national park since 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, the first Spanish natural site on that list. It is run by the Government of the Canary Islands.
What it protects is Canary laurel forest (laurisilva), which the park authorities describe as "a relict ecosystem from the Tertiary": a type of forest that disappeared from the mainland with the climate changes of the Quaternary. Garajonay is the best-preserved example and holds more than half of the archipelago's mature laurel forest. What's ancient is the type of forest, not the individual trees you see.
On the summit, the Alto de Garajonay (1,487 m) has excavated archaeological sites: it was a ceremonial centre for the island's original inhabitants. The fire of August 2012 affected part of the park; the official trail sheets mark the Pajarito–Ajugal route as badly affected and six others as partly affected.
Garajonay hiking trails: which one to do for the time you have
The park publishes 18 routes with difficulty, duration, length and height gain. These are its figures:
| No. | Route | Difficulty | Time | Length | Height gain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | El Bailadero | Moderate | 15 min | 0.5 km | 80 m |
| 2 | Ermita de Lourdes | Easy | 40 min | 0.7 km | 43 m |
| 3 | Laguna Grande I | Easy | 20 min | 0.9 km | 20 m |
| 4 | Los Barranquillos | Easy | 20 min | 0.8 km | 20 m |
| 5 | Las Creces (circular) | Easy | 1 h 30 | 4.2 km | 100 m |
| 6 | Laguna Grande II | Easy | 1 h 40 | 3.8 km | 100 m |
| 7 | Contadero – Alto de Garajonay | Moderate | see note | 2.5 km | 140 m |
| 8 | Reventón Oscuro – El Cedro | Moderate | 2 h 10 | 5.8 km | 280 m |
| 9 | Contadero – El Cedro | Moderate | 2 h 30 | 5.8 km | 280 m |
| 10 | Cañada de Jorge | Easy | 1 h 20 | 3.2 km | 120 m |
| 11 | La Meseta de Hermigua – El Cedro | Hard | 2 h 45 | 3.6 km | 260 m |
| 12 | Raso de la Bruma – Risquillos de Corgo | Moderate | 40 min | 1.2 km | 70 m |
| 13 | Agando – La Laja | Hard | 3 h 15 | 5.8 km | 600 m |
| 15 | Las tres cascadas (La Meseta de Hermigua) | Easy | 30 min | 0.7 km | 30 m |
| 16 | Pajarito – Ajugal | Easy | 2 h 15 | 5.5 km | 110 m |
| 17 | Pajarito – Alto de Garajonay | Moderate | 1 h 15 | 2.2 km | 270 m |
| 18 | Pajarito – El Cedro – Tajaqué | Hard | 6 h 30 | 12.7 km | 530 m |
Routes 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 16, 17 and 18 are circular or out-and-back. The official sheet for route 7 gives 20 minutes for 2.5 km with 140 m of climb, which doesn't add up: allow the same as for route 17. Route 14 has no published figures.
The best hikes in Garajonay
- To reach the island's highest point: route 17 from Pajarito. It's the shortest way to the summit, and Cruce de Pajarito is a stop on bus line 1.
- For the dampest forest: El Cedro, on route 8 or 9 (5.8 km): a hamlet beside a stream that runs all year, above a waterfall of more than 200 m that drops towards Hermigua.
- For fit legs: route 13, Agando–La Laja, with 600 m of climb, or route 18, the big 12.7 km loop.
- If you only have an hour: route 3 at Laguna Grande or route 12, Raso de la Bruma.
Garajonay walks with kids
Routes 3 and 4 (20 minutes) and route 15, Las tres cascadas (30 minutes), are short and almost flat. La Laguna Grande is also the main picnic area: playground, tables, barbecues and a restaurant. Don't expect a lake: it's a clearing that only floods after heavy rain.
The park is also crossed by the GR 131, which runs across all seven islands, the GR 132 and several PR routes, such as the LG 3 Contadero–El Cedro–Hermigua, which drops down to the valley. To compare with other islands, see hiking in the Canary Islands.
Juego de Bolas visitor centre and free guided walks
The Juego de Bolas Visitor Centre is in La Palmita (Agulo), 3 km outside the park on its north side. It opens every day, public holidays included, from 09:30 to 16:30 (922 477 222). It has three exhibition rooms, an audiovisual show, a garden of native plants, viewpoints, a craft shop and a café. The highlight is La Casa de la Memoria: a country house with farm tools, terraces, a replica burial cave, the silbo gomero whistled language and the drum dance.
It isn't on the way between San Sebastián and Laguna Grande: fit it into a day in the north with Agulo and Hermigua. Groups must book.
Free guided walks
The park runs free, easy guided walks in Spanish every Friday of the year and also on Wednesdays in July, August and September (they move if the day is a public holiday). Maximum 15 people per guide and minimum 5. Book at reservasparquesnacionales.es and confirm by phone the day before (922 477 222, 09:30 to 14:00); that's when they tell you the route and the meeting point. One walk per person, no pets.
We give our verdict on these services in our review of the park and its visitor centre.
How to get to Garajonay: bus, car and parking
By car it's easy: the island's road network runs through the park. The picnic areas at La Laguna Grande, Las Creces, Ermita de El Cedro and Chorros de Epina make good starting points; there are no official figures for parking spaces, so arrive early in high season.
By bus (guagua):
- Line 1 (San Sebastián–Valle Gran Rey): stops at Roque de Agando, Cruce de Pajarito, Igualero, Chipude, El Cercado, Las Hayas and Las Creces. It doesn't go to Laguna Grande. From San Sebastián, Monday to Saturday, it leaves at 10:30, 12:00, 15:30, 18:30 and 21:30.
- Line 2 (San Sebastián–Vallehermoso): stops at "Entrada a La Palmita", the road to the visitor centre, and at "Entrada al Cedro".
If you're crossing from Tenerife with Fred. Olsen or Baleària, the 10:30 bus is the one that connects with the morning ferry. How to fit it into a single day is covered in La Gomera day trip from Tenerife.
- 1La Laguna Grandenature areaDirections ↗
- 2Alto de GarajonaypeakDirections ↗
- 3El Cedronature areaDirections ↗
- 4Centro de Visitantes Juego de BolassightDirections ↗
- 5Roque de AgandopeakDirections ↗
- 6ChipudetownDirections ↗
- 7HermiguatownDirections ↗
- 8San Sebastián de La GomeraportDirections ↗
El Cedro in summer: book for the car
In summer there is usually controlled vehicle access to the Las Mimbreras track and the El Cedro stream, roughly from July to September. Last time it ran from 09:30 to 17:00 with a free booking per vehicle in 2 h 15 slots; without a booking, and with no free spaces, you couldn't drive in or park. On foot you don't need to book, and from 17:00 access is open. The dates and slots are set each year: check them at reservasparquesnacionales.es before driving up.
Garajonay weather: mist, what to pack and when to go
Garajonay is a cloud forest. The north side is often wrapped in mist, in summer too, and it's normal to go from coastal sunshine to the damp chill of the forest on the same day. The park asks you to bring comfortable footwear, water, a cap, sun cream and "something warm and/or a waterproof".
The plants are at their best from March to June. Rain is concentrated from November to February, and July to September is the driest spell. Check the summit forecast on the day.
Park rules
- No camping or bivouacking. The only campsite is private, in the hamlet of El Cedro.
- No smoking in the forest. Fires only in the barbecues at the picnic areas, and only when the weather allows.
- Bikes are fine on tarmac and most tracks, never on footpaths.
- Take your rubbish home with you.
Leaving the paths or ignoring a weather alert can cost you: the Canary Islands can charge for rescues caused by recklessness. Emergencies: 112.
Guided tours to Garajonay
Without a car, a tour solves the transport; the difference is where it starts from. None is run by the park: they're private companies.
Our pick
1
If you're already staying on La Gomera
5 hours around the park's highlights in a small group; starts on the island.
GetYourGuide5 hours
La Gomera: Garajonay Small-Group Highlights Tour
4.4 (111 reviews)
from €75Check availability
2
From Tenerife, in a small group
Ferry included, maximum 18 people and an 11-hour day.
GetYourGuide11 hours
From Tenerife: La Gomera Small-Group Day Trip, max 18 people
4.5 (240 reviews)
from €149Check availability
3
From Tenerife, the classic option
Ferry, coach and lunch from €110, with more than 2,000 reviews.
GetYourGuide9 hours
From South Tenerife: La Gomera Island Day Trip with Lunch
4.1 (2,224 reviews)
from €110Check availability
The classic day trip costs the same on both platforms:
| Where | Ticket | Rating | Price | Where to book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GetYourGuide | From South Tenerife: La Gomera Island Day Trip with Lunch | 4.1 (2,224) | €110 | View on GetYourGuide |
| Tiqets | La Gomera Day Trip From Tenerife | 4.4 (29) | €110 | View on Tiqets |
Adult prices checked on 2 October 2026. They may vary by date; each site confirms the final price.
GetYourGuide5 hours
La Gomera: Garajonay Small-Group Highlights Tour
4.4 (111 reviews)
from €75Check availability
GetYourGuide12.5 hours
La Gomera: Enjoy La Gomera with a return trip to Tenerife
3.7 (7 reviews)
from €115Check availability
GetYourGuide9 hours
From South Tenerife: La Gomera Island Day Trip with Lunch
4.1 (2,224 reviews)
from €110Check availability
GetYourGuide1 day
Full-Day Gomera Jeep Safari Excursion from Arona
4.6 (576 reviews)
from €150Check availability
GetYourGuide10 hours
From Tenerife: Guided Tour to La Gomera with Ferry and Lunch
4.4 (668 reviews)
from €110Check availability
See all options on GetYourGuide →Prices checked on 2 October 2026
How much does it cost to enter Garajonay National Park?
Nothing. Entry to the park is free and the park's guided walks are free too; you only pay if you book a private tour.
What is the best hike in Garajonay?
For a first visit, route 17, from Pajarito to the Alto de Garajonay: 2.2 km and 270 m of climb to the island's highest point. For the lushest forest, El Cedro on route 8 or 9 (5.8 km).
Can you get to Garajonay by bus?
Yes. Line 1 stops at Cruce de Pajarito, Roque de Agando and Las Creces, and line 2 at the El Cedro turn-off and the La Palmita turn-off, next to the visitor centre; line 1 doesn't go to Laguna Grande.
Where is the Garajonay National Park visitor centre?
At Juego de Bolas, La Palmita (Agulo), 3 km outside the park to the north. It opens every day from 09:30 to 16:30.
Do you need to book to visit El Cedro?
On foot, never. By car, in summer a free booking per vehicle is usually required from 09:30 to 17:00; check each year's dates at reservasparquesnacionales.es.
