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This route offers a demanding yet relatively short alternative for ascending to Alto de Garajonay, the highest point on La Gomera at 1,487 metres above sea level. From its very first steps, the trail enters open landscapes and areas of forest regeneration, allowing visitors to observe the Park’s evolution following the 2012 wildfire. The path climbs steadily along slopes dominated by young fayal–brezal, the result of restoration work that replaced former Canary Island pine plantations that covered this area until a few decades ago. The recovery of native vegetation is especially visible here, with emerging heaths, young fayas, and expanding undergrowth demonstrating the resilience of the ecosystem. As altitude is gained, wide panoramic views open up over the summits of La Gomera, with rolling expanses of monteverde and shrubland stretching toward the horizon. On clear days, the views extend to several islands of the archipelago, offering a visual spectacle that rewards the effort of the ascent. The final stretch leads visitors to the summit of Alto de Garajonay, a site of great archaeological and historical significance. Here, excavated and prepared pre-Hispanic sites provide evidence that this peak was one of the main ceremonial and religious centres of the island’s ancient inhabitants. The vastness of the landscape, combined with the symbolic value of the site, makes reaching the summit one of the most memorable moments of any visit to the Park. The descent follows the same path, allowing once again the enjoyment of the panoramic views and the regenerating landscape. This route is ideal for those wishing to reach the highest point of the island via a direct, moderately timed itinerary, offering fine views and a strong interpretive component focused on forest restoration.

This route is the longest and one of the most varied in Garajonay National Park. Over the course of its nearly thirteen kilometres, visitors cross an extraordinary diversity of landscapes, ecosystems, and geological features, making this trail a perfect compendium of the Park’s natural richness. The itinerary begins at Pajarito, first traversing the Park’s summits, where summit heathlands dominate. In these elevated environments, the ground is covered with dense carpets of mosses and lichens, while the humid and cool air—especially on misty days—gives the surroundings a mysterious and silent character. The trail then descends along the northern slope, entering the lush and humid hillside laurel forest, one of the Park’s most emblematic ecosystems. Further down, in the ravine bottoms, visitors pass through areas dominated by laurel forest with viñátigos, where these trees often reach remarkable size thanks to the abundant water availability. Permanent streams, small waterfalls, and the constant sound of flowing water accompany much of the route toward El Chorro del Cedro, one of the most attractive and popular highlights of the itinerary. The route continues toward Tajaqué, opening onto forest landscapes that alternate between dense monteverde stands and more open areas offering wide panoramic views of the lower parts of the island. The contrast between the humid northern environments and the drier, sunnier southern areas makes this section particularly rich in diversity. Among the most remarkable geological landmarks along the route is the Los Roques area, a monumental group of phonolitic volcanic plugs that dominate the central landscape of La Gomera. Nearby, of great geomorphological interest, are the horizontal basalt formations in the Benchijigua caldera, spectacular volcanic stratifications that help explain the island’s complex geological history. In this final sector, it is possible to observe uncommon species, including the Canary Island juniper (Juniperus cedrus) and the blue tajinaste, botanical treasures of La Gomera’s highlands that find some of their most favourable habitats here. After completing the large northern and eastern arc of the route, the trail ascends once again toward Pajarito, closing a long, demanding, and deeply rewarding itinerary that encapsulates the full landscape, botanical, and geological diversity of Garajonay National Park.

This circular itinerary offers one of the most interesting combinations within Garajonay National Park: the opportunity to start from the popular La Laguna Grande recreational area and ascend to Alto de Garajonay, the highest point on the island at 1,487 metres, enjoying along the way a remarkable diversity of landscapes and plant formations. The first section follows an old mule track, still paved in the steepest areas, which gradually climbs through a tree fayal–brezal forest. This type of woodland is characteristic of the southern slope of the Park, where the influence of mist is lower and vegetation has adapted to drier conditions. Tall heaths, light-trunked fayas, and open undergrowth accompany visitors along this initial stage. The trail then crosses an area where large fallen eucalyptus trunks can be seen—remnants of the ecological restoration process carried out after the 2012 wildfire, aimed at restoring the Park’s original vegetation and removing introduced species. These remains, now integrated into the landscape, help illustrate the ecosystem’s recent evolution. Upon reaching the Park boundary, the landscape opens toward mid-altitude areas with vineyards, offering a striking contrast between the protected monteverde forest and the traditional agricultural landscape. From here, the route connects with a branch track that re-enters the heart of the forest, crossing a reforested pine woodland and a small grove of chestnut trees—an introduced species traditionally used by rural communities. In the final sections of the ascent, several fern-covered embankments stand out, forming vivid green walls, especially during humid periods. Shortly before reaching the summit, magnificent views of Fortaleza de Cherelepi, a vegetation-covered volcanic dome dominating the island’s skyline, can be enjoyed. From the summit of Alto de Garajonay, visitors can take in one of the finest natural viewpoints in the Canary Islands, with views that on clear days extend to several neighbouring islands. The descent back to La Laguna Grande completes the itinerary, allowing once again the enjoyment of the mosaic of environments that characterises this central area of the Park.

This popular and comfortable guided route is one of the most highly recommended in Garajonay National Park for all types of visitors. The trail passes through an ancient fayal–brezal forest, particularly lush and well preserved. In spring, beautiful carpets of Canarian geranium, an endemic species, add vibrant color to the undergrowth. The presence of large heaths and fayas of notable size gives the walk a sense of mature and serene woodland. As visitors continue along the path, the trail gently descends toward the bottom of the ravine, where it is surprising to find patches of laurel forest even on this southern slope of the Park, which is usually drier. These areas of humid woodland, sheltered within the watercourses, create small islands of coolness where mosses, ferns, and lichens thrive—clear evidence of how topography influences vegetation distribution. In this lower area, a narrow historic water channel has been preserved. This traditional hydraulic structure once carried a small stream of water from its source to nearby settlements. Its presence highlights the close dependence of rural communities on the forest as a source of water and adds valuable ethnographic interest to the route. The trail also runs alongside the small Las Creces recreational area, frequently visited by local residents, especially on weekends and during the summer months. Surrounded by shade and vegetation, this space invites visitors to pause and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. Overall, Route 5 – Las Creces is a perfect walk for those seeking an intimate connection with La Gomera’s forest without strenuous effort, combining mature nature, traditional hydraulic heritage, and peaceful resting spots in a fresh and welcoming environment.

This modest temple, where the Virgin of La Peña is venerated, follows the tradition of placing difficult access routes to El Golfo under the protection of a holy image. The Virgin of La Peña watched over the most dangerous path, the Peña or Tibataje route, which is now closed due to its extreme danger.

In the Guinea Ecomuseum in the north of El Hierro, by an old aborigine settlement, the houses of the first inhabitants are still preserved, as are those built by the colonists. The archaeological remains that have been discovered in the zone have been excavated so that visitors can now get to know more about the way of life of the island’s inhabitants in centuries gone by as they wander through the streets of the old village with its stone houses.

Canary Islands, the place where Ellie Aldridge, the first Olympic Formula Kite champion, trains and finds inspiration. Discover why she considers it her second home.

Mol and Sørum, Olympic beach volleyball champions, train in the Canary Islands to stay at the top. Discover why this destination is key to their performance.

Atthe Tokyo Olympic Games, Paralympic swimmer Miguel Luque had the honour of being the first to secure a medal for Spain, winning silver in the 50m breaststroke (SB3 class) after completing his training stageat the high-performance centre Tenerife Top Training. The Catalan swimmer, who ascended the podium during his sixth Paralympics having made his debut at Sydney 2000, has accumulated seven medals: two golds, three silvers and two bronzes.