The heart of green La Gomera is undoubtedly Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a place that delights with its primeval nature and is home to unique ecosystems. Covering an area of 3984 hectares, the park encompasses the central part of the island and offers countless opportunities for hiking and nature observation.

The park's main attraction is the ancient laurel forests that cover much of its area. These unusual plant formations, also known as 'laurisilva,' are a relic of the Tertiary and Quaternary flora that once covered large areas of southern Europe and northern Africa. Today, they can only be found on some Macaronesian islands, and La Gomera boasts the best-preserved fragments of them.

Hiking the park's many trails, you can admire the majestic trees covered in a thick carpet of mosses and lichens, giving them a fairy-tale, almost magical character. Among the most interesting trails is the Las Creces path, which is ideal for families with children. It is a circular route with a slight incline, well marked and relatively easy to follow. Along the way you can encounter numerous species of endemic plants and animals, as well as enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding canyons and peaks.

To learn more about the park's nature and history, visit the Centro de Visitantes Juego de Bolas. This is a modern information center where you can gain valuable information about the park's trails, flora and fauna. Interactive exhibits and multimedia help you understand the complexity of the Garajonay ecosystem and its importance to the entire island. It's the perfect place to begin your adventure with the park and gain the knowledge to further appreciate its beauty while hiking.

Garajonay National Park offers not only an unforgettable visual experience, but also a unique sonic experience. Characteristic of the soundscape are the grivón and turtur pigeons, whose cooing echoes through the forest. This is an excellent opportunity to teach children to recognize bird voices and draw their attention to the abundance of life in the treetops.

It is worth remembering that due to its exceptional natural value, the park is subject to strict protection. It is necessary to observe the rules of behavior on its territory, to move only along designated trails and not to disturb the animals living here. In this way, future generations will be able to enjoy the beauty of this unique place.

La Gomera not only delights with its wildlife, but is also actively involved in the protection of local fauna. An excellent example of these activities are two exceptional sites: BurroParque and Pro Animal Gomera. Both centers not only offer shelter for animals in need, but also educate visitors about the local fauna and the importance of conservation.

BurroParque, located in the village of Agulo, is a unique place where you can learn firsthand about the lives of donkeys - animals that have played an important role in the island's history and culture. This small but extremely well-maintained farm is run with great passion and love for the animals. Visitors here can not only see donkeys, but also other farm animals typical of La Gomera.

A visit to BurroParque is not only an attraction, but above all a lesson. The owner, Ms. Brigitte, passionately talks about the history of each animal, their habits and needs. This is a great opportunity for children to get to know the animals up close, pet them and even feed them. A special attraction for the little ones is the opportunity to ride a donkey, which is sure to remain an unforgettable vacation memory.

On the other hand, Pro Animal Gomera, located in San Sebastián de La Gomera, is a shelter dedicated to the care of homeless dogs and cats. The site plays a key role in controlling the island's homeless animal population, while educating residents and tourists about responsible pet care.

Pro Animal Gomera offers the opportunity to adopt animals, but also encourages tourists to volunteer. You can spend a few hours here helping to care for the animals, walking the dogs or simply offering them some attention and affection. It's an amazing experience that teaches empathy and responsibility, especially to younger family members.

Both places, although different in nature, share a common mission - the protection and welfare of animals. Both BurroParque and Pro Animal Gomera subsist mainly on donations and the help of volunteers, so every visit is a valuable support to their activities.

When comparing the two places, several aspects are worth noting:

1. location: BurroParque is located in scenic Agulo, offering additional beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Pro Animal Gomera is more accessible, located closer to the island's main town.

2 Nature of the visit: At BurroParque, the visit is more structured, with guided tours available. Pro Animal Gomera offers more flexible forms of engagement, including volunteering.

3 Type of animals: BurroParque focuses mainly on donkeys and livestock, while Pro Animal Gomera deals with dogs and cats.

4. Education: Both sites place a strong emphasis on education, but BurroParque offers more in-depth information about the history and culture associated with animal husbandry on La Gomera.

5. Interaction with animals: At BurroParque, you can have closer contact with the animals, including the opportunity to take a ride. Pro Animal Gomera allows interaction in the form of walking dogs or playing with cats.

Regardless of your choice, a visit to any of these places is sure to enrich your stay in La Gomera with valuable experiences and knowledge of local fauna and conservation efforts.

La Gomera, surrounded by the blue waters of the Atlantic, offers not only fascinating experiences on land, but also unforgettable marine adventures. One of the island's most exciting attractions is the opportunity to observe whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Trips like this are not only great entertainment, but also an excellent lesson in biology and ecology for the whole family.

One of the companies offering such tours is Excursiones Amazonia, which enjoys very good reviews among tourists. Their offer includes cruises where you can observe various species of marine mammals, including bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales. Importantly, the company places a strong emphasis on education and respect for the environment, making it an ideal choice for families with children.

Excursions with Excursiones Amazonia usually begin at the port of Valle Gran Rey. Prior to departure, participants receive a brief training on how to behave on a boat and the rules of animal observation. This is a great opportunity to teach children the importance of respecting wildlife and their natural environment.

During the cruise, an experienced guide shares his knowledge about the species observed, their habits and their role in the marine ecosystem. This is not only a fascinating lesson in biology, but also an opportunity to increase the environmental awareness of the youngest. Children can learn how human activities affect the lives of marine mammals and what we can do to protect them.

It is worth noting that Excursiones Amazonia cares about the comfort and safety of passengers. The boats are equipped with comfortable seats and canopies for protection from the sun. Snacks and drinks are also available on board, which is especially important during longer voyages.

One of the biggest advantages of excursions with Excursiones Amazonia is their intimate nature. The boats take a maximum of 12 people, which guarantees a more personal experience and better contact with the guide. This is especially valuable for families with children, who can ask questions and receive personalized explanations.

In addition to whale and dolphin watching, the tours also offer the opportunity to enjoy La Gomera's picturesque coastline from the perspective of the sea. This is a great opportunity to see distinctive cliffs and rock formations that are inaccessible from land.

At the end of the tour, participants often have the opportunity to take a dip in the crystal clear ocean waters. This is a great culmination of a sea adventure, especially enjoyed by children.

It's worth remembering that although the chance of seeing whales and dolphins is very high (the company claims a 95% success rate), nature has its own rules and this cannot be guaranteed. However, even if you do not manage to see these majestic animals, the cruise itself and the opportunity to admire the beauty of the ocean are an unforgettable experience.

Excursions with Excursiones Amazonia are not only entertainment, but most importantly education and promotion of responsible tourism. The company is actively involved in the protection of La Gomera's marine ecosystem, which means that by choosing their services, we are contributing to the preservation of the beauty and biodiversity of this unique place.

All in all, La Gomera offers extraordinary opportunities to commune with nature, both on land and at sea. From the majestic forests of Garajonay National Park, to animal care centers and exciting marine excursions, there is something for everyone. A visit to this green island is not only an unforgettable vacation, but also a lesson in respect for nature and understanding the importance of protecting it. La Gomera is an excellent example of how tourism can be developed in harmony with nature, giving visitors the opportunity to truly immerse themselves in the beauty and richness of the natural world.