Is this ancient Canary Island forest named after a tragic, star-crossed romance?

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Garajonay National Park is a lush, subtropical rainforest that once blanketed Southern Europe. While legend links its name to the tragic lovers Gara and Jonay, the truth is far more grounded in geology. Discover how this UNESCO site preserves a rare, prehistoric ecosystem and the ancient volcanic landscape of La Gomera.

Located on the island of La Gomera in the Canaries, Garajonay National Park spans 40 square kilometres and reaches into all six of the island's municipalities. Established as a national park in 1981 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, it serves as a living relic of the Tertiary period. The park is defined by its laurisilva, a humid subtropical forest that once covered vast stretches of Southern Europe. Today, this complex ecosystem thrives in the island's protected northern valleys, while higher, wind-exposed altitudes host a sparser variety of the forest.

The park's dramatic topography is shaped by massive volcanic rock formations carved by centuries of erosion. These peaks, including the 1,487-metre Garajonay summit, were historically significant to native islanders, who used them as sacred sites and defensive refuges. The park is a sanctuary for endemic biodiversity, supporting unique species like the Gomeran lizard and the laurel pigeon. It is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International, providing a critical habitat for diverse avian populations, including the Bolle's pigeon and the Eurasian sparrowhawk.

Despite its romantic reputation, the story of Gara and Jonay—the star-crossed lovers whose tale mirrors Romeo and Juliet—is likely a modern invention. The earliest record of this legend appears in a 1924 issue of the Gaceta de Tenerife. Etymologists suggest the name 'Garajonay' is actually a back-formation from a Guanche term meaning 'high crag.' While the myth may be a recent creation, the park's ecological value is ancient. Even after a devastating 2012 fire consumed 18% of its territory, the forest remains a vital window into a prehistoric world that has largely vanished from the rest of the continent.

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