Majona Natural Park

Majona Natural Park is one of the wildest and least accessible corners of La Gomera, stretching between San Sebastián de la Gomera and Hermigua. Covering more than 1,750 hectares, it takes in the steep slopes descending from the heights of Enchereda into the deep ravines of Majona and Juel, which gave the park its name.

Why was this land protected?

The area was declared a Natural Park in 1987 to safeguard its distinctive landscape and biodiversity. Today it also forms part of the Natura 2000 network as a Special Conservation Zone and additionally carries the status of an Ecological Sensitivity Area. This layered protection reflects just how rare and valuable the local ecosystems are, ranging from coastal cliffs to upland forest.

What kind of landscape does the park hold?

The terrain is defined by steep, jagged slopes, deep gorges and cliffs that for centuries made permanent settlement in the area difficult. That very inaccessibility is precisely why nature here has remained largely untouched. Higher up the slopes grow stands of Canary Island pine and Aleppo pine mixed with junipers and wild olive trees, while the damp floors of the ravines support laurel forest (laurisilva), a habitat typical of the humid microclimates found across the Canary Islands.

Which species live here?

Within the park's boundaries, 31 animal species have been recorded, with reptiles and birds especially well represented. Among the endemics are local gecko and lizard species found nowhere outside the island. The flora includes several endangered plants, among them the spiny cardoncillo and bejeque succulents characteristic of the Canary archipelago.

Does anyone still live or work inside the park?

The land was historically used as communal pasture, and traces of that grazing tradition are still visible in a handful of isolated hamlets scattered across the protected area, such as Taguluche, Juel and Enchereda. Residents of these small settlements continue to keep modest smallholdings, making Majona a rare case of a protected natural area where traditional rural life and wilderness coexist side by side.

How do you get in, and what is there to see?

The most common entry point is Las Casetas, located halfway along the road connecting San Sebastián de la Gomera with Hermigua, from where the park can be entered freely on foot. The trail network ranges from easier options, such as a circular route starting right at Las Casetas, to more demanding climbs like the ascent to Degollada de la Cumbre, where dry ravines give way abruptly to lush forest. Another popular route follows a ridge toward the Jaragán peak, at roughly 680 metres, opening up wide views over both the coast and the island's interior. Because several stretches are steep and technical, good physical fitness and proper footwear are recommended.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Majona Natural Park located? The park lies on the island of La Gomera, in the Canary Islands, spanning parts of the municipalities of San Sebastián de la Gomera and Hermigua around the Enchereda heights and the Majona and Juel ravines.

Is there an entry fee? No, access to the park is free, most commonly from Las Casetas on the road between San Sebastián and Hermigua.

Can you stay overnight inside the park? The park has no organized tourist accommodation of its own, though modest traditional dwellings can be found in hamlets like Taguluche. It's best to base yourself in San Sebastián or Hermigua and explore the park during the day.

When is the best time to visit? Given the exposed, steep sections of many trails, spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, offering milder temperatures than the height of summer.