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Laurisilva, the Evergreen Misty Forest
Unique ancient forests and amazing biodiversity amaze with hues of green you may never have seen Laurel forests can be found in areas with high humidity and mild temperatures. They are characterised by evergreen and hardwood trees that can reach up to 40 metres in height. The wet air from the ocean comes as rain or fog and keeps the soil full of moisture. In the Canary Islands, you can come across several forests of such kind.
One of them is located on the island of La Palma, Los Tilos, holds one of the most important laurel forests. The ecosystem inherited from the Tertiary epoch is declared a Core Zone of the La Palma World Biosphere Reserve.
The best time to visit the forests is after the rainy season when the vegetation is particularly lush.
One of the most important laurel forest is also located in La Gomera, Laurel forests cover 70% of the Garajonay National Park, situated in the middle of the island.
The presence of springs and numerous streams assures lush vegetation on its territory. The forest hosts a great diversity of plant species, which are often surrounded by a sea of fog.
With its unique atmosphere fascinates in the heart of La Gomera. The areaaround the highest mountain, Garajonay (1487m) has been a national park since 1981. Since 1986 it has also been protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The unique eco-system of the Laurisilva forest in the protected centre f the island is thought to be the remnant of subtropical woods which covered the Mediterranean area during the Tertiary period. Today, La Gomera has more than half of the entire Laurisilva population of all Canary Islands.
View from the Summit
The highest point on La Gomera, the summit of Garajonay, lies in the middle of the 0 square kilometre large area of the national park. On a clear day, the four other Canary Islands can be seen from here: El Hierro, La Palma, Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
In the Land of Fairytales
This is the land of mischievous gnomes and elves, with a backdrop of gnarled tree roots and branches, which have a mind of their own. Here and there, rays of light make their way through the canopy of trees and small streams and waterfalls splash by the wayside.
Laurels and Lichen
Even though the park goes by the name El Bosque del Cedro in the local dialect, there are no Cedar trees to be found. Instead, the national park has many varieties of Laurels, which can grow to over 15m, as well as a multitude of other, mostly endemic plants. The misty clouds allow for the growth of wonderful moss and lichen, which bear witness to the clarity of the air.
Beautiful Hiking Trails
The entire area is very accessible, not only from the highway, which was built years ago. Visitors can gain an insight into the unique natural landscape from the many hiking and rambling paths.