city: Spain

Garajonay National Park Tour with Local Lunch

A journey into Jurassic-like Garajonay National Park is a like trip to the beginning time. This medley of deep gorges filled with ancient, misty laurel forests and rare plant life is a blockbuster. You'll also discover remote hamlets and enjoy free time in San Sebastian. Pedro, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Garajonay's most spectacular blooms happen in winter, with bees pollinating endemic forget-me-nots, sonchus and more, while in spring there's a riot of colour as Canarian geraniums tinge the fringes of pathways in pink-lilac.'The star of the show is without doubt Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On a visit to its interpretative centre, you'll find out about its botany and history. You'll also get to know hamlets such as oasis-like Chejelipes, which is on the banks of a reservoir, and the northern villages of Hermigua and Aguilo. A highlight is a typical lunch made from locally sourced ingredients in a family-run restaurant. The views over the volcanic landscapes are the icing on the cake.And you'll get you to learn about local culture, too. There's a demonstration of the unique-to-the-island ‘whistling language' known as ‘silbo gomero'. To round off the experience, there's free time to explore San Sebastian. You'll be able to follow in the footsteps of Columbus before he began his first voyage of discovery. Pedro says, ‘All the top attractions are within walking distance of each other – the Conde Tower, Church of the Assumption and market.'