Reserva de la Biosfera La Gomera - Canary Islands, Spain
Posted by: 
DosHermanas
N 28° 07.563 W 017° 15.479
28R E 278216 N 3113226
The island of La Gomera is one of the Canary Islands. The entire island is considered a Biosphere Reserve.
Waymark Code: WMQ51P
Location: Islas Canarias, Spain
Date Posted: 12/21/2015
Views: 13
When first arriving at the island of La Gomera with the ferry from Tenerife, we were impressed with the high mountains, the deep valleys and the steep slopes in between. During our stays we visited the highlights of the island, like Los Roques, the Garajonay National Park, Fortaleza Mountain and Valle Gran Rey.
The island of Gomera was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2012. The island has known a long history of erosion since it has risen from the ocean. As a result, the island has deep ravines that radiate from the center of the island. There is no recent volcanic activity at the island, but some parts (like Cumbre de Chigueré) show traces of underwater volcanic eruptions from when the island was forming. The mountains are covered with dense woods, mostly Laurisilva, which form the relics of a once widespread forest in the Tertiary Era. The island houses a large variety of endemic species, both to the Canary Islands as to the island of La Gomera. The highest parts of the island (summit of Alto de Garajonay at 1487 m) are frequently covered in clouds, which results in a moisture loving vegetation with plenty of mosses and lichens.
The heart of the island is formed by the Garajonay National Park. (
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The island has a extensive network of hiking trails (some are self-guided tours), so visitors can explore all parts of the island on foot. (
visit link)
There are two visitor's centers at the island where people can learn about the island. One is located at Laguna Grande. This is the location of the sign, at the small visitor's center amidst the Laurisilva. The other is the Juego das Bolas visitor's center with a botanical garden near Agulo.