Garajonay National Park
Garajonay National Park (Spanish: Parque nacional de Garajonay, pronounced [ˈpaɾke naθjoˈnal de ɣaɾaxoˈnaj]) is located in the center and north of the island of La Gomera, one of the Canary Islands (Spain). It was declared a national park in 1981 and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986. It occupies 40 km2 (15 sq mi) and it extends into each of the six municipalities on the island.
| Garajonay National Park | |
|---|---|
IUCN category II (national park) | |
Location of Garajonay | |
| Location | La Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain |
| Coordinates | 28°07′34″N 17°14′14″W |
| Area | 40 km2 (15 sq mi) |
| Established | 1981 |
UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
| Type | Natural |
| Criteria | vii, ix |
| Designated | 1986 (10th session) |
| Reference no. | 380 |
| Region | Europe and North America |
Nearly 450,000 tourists visit the park every year. There is accommodation for tourists just outside the park's boundary.
The park is named after the rock formation of Garajonay, the highest point on the island at 1,487 metres (4,879 ft). It also includes a small plateau whose altitude is 790–1,400 metres (2,590–4,590 ft) above sea level. Features of the national park include the massive rocks that are found along the island. These are former volcanoes whose shapes have been carved by erosion. Some, like the "Fortaleza" (fortress in Spanish) were considered sacred by the native islanders, as well as ideal refuges when attacked. The park is crossed by a large network of 18 footpaths, trekking being one of the main tourist activities in the island.
- Roque Ojila
- Roque de Agando
- Roque de La Zarcita