|
|
| Home > The island > Presentation |
| |
Extracts from the "Nature and Turism guide" edited by C.I.T. Rural de La Gomera |
|
|
La
Gomera is situated west of Tenerife, about 28 kilometres from its nearest point. The highest peak is the "Alto de Garajonay", which rises up to 1,487 m.
La Gomera is a small island, yet it boasts a large variety of natural and man-made landscapes, a result of the complexity of its relief and of the notable capacity of its inhabitants for adapting to difficult terrain.
Such efforts have succeeded in making the exploitation of it resources compatible with nature and environment, and have given rise to an indigenous rural culture, many of whose characteristics are still obvious today. |
|
|
Laurisilva
: subtropical humid laurel forest (or laurel type), that disapeared
from the mediterranean area since the tertiary era.
silbo
: whistled language originated in pre-Hispanic times, which allows
communication on large distances.
The scarcity of
arable land has obliged the peasants to construct terraces,
which have given rise to some of the most remarkable landscape of
the island. They look like giant stairways and are fruit of the efforts
of many generations of farmers.
Thanks to both orographic and historical factors, this search for
agricultural space has been compatible with the conservation of an
important natural legacy. Nowadays
fully a third of the island is protected by series of environment
laws and judicial dispositions. The most important of these protected
areas is the Garajonay National Park,
remarkable for its Laurisilva.
The natural beauty of the island is complemented by impressive cliffs,
rocks, and palmgroves which dot the farmland and form
numerous oasis in the ravines.
The isolation
of the island has ensured the preservation of numerous cultural
traditions. Some of these, like the typical pottery,
the peculiar "Silbo"
a whistling language or the drum dance, originated
with the aboriginal people. Others, like the native architecture
and cuisine, skillfully combine external influences with
indigenous elements.
The rehabilitation of rural houses
for turism give to the visitor a unique opportunity of proximity
with this inheritage, while enjoying the wonderful surroundings.
|
 |
|
The "Centro de Iniciativas y Turismo Rural de La Gomera", in collaboration with the "Cabildo Insular de La Gomera" and other institutions, has a double aim : first, informing the visitor about all the possibilities that the island offers, so he can fully enjoy his stay ; but also, spreading the idea of respect and protection of our island´s environment.
|
|
|
