As we stand here at the top of Alto de Garajonay, the air is crisp and clean. This peak, at 1,487 metres, is the highest point on the island of La Gomera. It sits in the heart of the Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park owes its name to a legend of Gara, a Gomera princess, and Jonay, a prince from Tenerife. The story goes that these two star-crossed lovers met and fell deeply in love, but a prophecy warned of a fiery doom.
The prophecy came to pass when the volcano Teide erupted on Tenerife, a sight visible from La Gomera. The two families separated the lovers, tragically tearing them apart. But Gara and Jonay were determined to be together. Seeking refuge in the highlands, they chose to unite in death rather than separate. They embraced, their love, a beacon of hope shining brighter than even the fiery eruption.
This place, shrouded in mystical legends, was once considered sacred by the ancient inhabitants of La Gomera. They believed Alto de Garajonay, being closer to heaven than any other place on the island, held a unique power. The ancient people used this spot for their ceremonies, sacrifices, and even as a calendar to determine the times of planting and harvesting using the positions of the sun. It was their connection to the divine.
Sadly, the fires of 2012, a heartbreaking event, ripped through the area and left their mark on the park. But, nature has a way of healing. New trees have sprung up, and the park is slowly reclaiming its lost beauty.
Now, as you look out across the panoramic view from Alto de Garajonay, you can almost hear the whispers of Gara and Jonay’s love story carried on the wind. Their eternal bond resonates throughout the emerald valleys and majestic peaks, a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit.