Alto de Garajonay (Highest Peak)

The highest peak in La Gomera at 1,487 metres above sea level, located in the very heart of Garajonay National Park. The summit can be reached via a well-signposted trail from several directions — the most popular routes start from the Laguna Grande recreational area (approximately 4 km round trip, 2 hours, easy to moderate) and from the Pajarito car park (shorter access). The summit area is often shrouded in mist from the trade winds, but on clear days the panorama is extraordinary: the entire island of La Gomera stretches below, Tenerife and its Teide volcano (3,718 m) appear to float on the sea to the east, La Palma rises to the north-west, and El Hierro is visible to the south-west. The summit has a small stone viewing platform and interpretive signage. The peak is named after the ill-fated love story of Princess Gara and Prince Jonay — according to Gomeran legend, the star-crossed lovers fled to this peak and, unable to be together, chose to die together, giving the peak and the park their name: Gara-Jonay → Garajonay.