Garajonay National Park

Garajonay National Park on the island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands was inscribed in 1986, protecting a laurel forest ecosystem (laurisilva) that was widespread in southern Europe during the Tertiary period some 10-15 million years ago. Covering approximately 40% of the island, the park is shrouded in mist and cloud for much of the year, creating an eerie, primeval landscape of ancient gnarled trees draped in mosses and ferns. This relict ecosystem is one of the most important ecological reserves on Earth.