The best walks and hikes in Majona

The Majona Natural Park is a protected area in the northeast of La Gomera, between San Sebastián and Hermigua. It was created to conserve one of the island's wildest and least altered landscapes: enormous volcanic ravines, arid slopes, old paths, and all the vegetation typical of the Gomera's dry climate, such as tabaibas, cardones, and palm trees. Unlike Garajonay, here there are no large humid forests or constant fog. Majona has a much harsher and more open appearance, with tracks hanging over precipices and enormous views of the Atlantic. Historically, it was also an important area for capturing and transporting water through galleries, reservoirs, and long pipelines, such as the pipe that accompanies the track towards Roque Garaballo.

From the GM-1 to Roque Garaballo, the trail is marked by the large metal pipe that accompanies the route through curves, ravines, and volcanic slopes. In many sections, you can perfectly hear the water running inside, even when the path seems to climb again. The system works by taking advantage of the island's natural pressure and gradients: the water circulates confined within the pipe and maintains its flow thanks to the principle of communicating vessels and the force accumulated in previous descents. On an island where historically every liter of water was vital, these pipes allowed water to be transported over long distances, crossing rugged and inaccessible terrain. Riding alongside this pipe suspended over the void, hearing the water in the middle of an arid and silent landscape, gives this trail a very special and almost forgotten atmosphere.

The "White Caves" (Spanish: Cuevas Blancas or Casa de las Cuevas Blancas) on La Gomera are a former, now abandoned rock cave village. The dwellings were carved directly into the rock but should not be confused with the inhabited so-called "dropout caves", which are often found directly by the sea. Rather, they seem to be a testament to the former, simple way of life on the island. Probably already used in prehistoric times until the 15th century by the indigenous population before the Spanish conquest. After the conquest of La Gomera in the late 15th century (around 1488), the traditional use of caves apparently declined sharply. These caves (-houses) here were very likely occasionally used by shepherds or farm laborers until just before the turn of the millennium, but definitely no longer permanently as a main residence. The tour here via the so-called "Pole Path" is phenomenal - however - despite "defusing" - (now the path itself is wide and (almost) level to walk) not for people with a fear of heights. The "poles" are largely dismantled (good riddance!), what remains are rather "historical" railing fragments that provide psychological security. A great path that you should have done!

Ferns are hanging everywhere; it's beautiful to look at them.

The white caves in the far east of La Gomera are a very interesting destination for a hike. The path there is very varied and offers great views 👍

You can drive up the path by car if you have the courage. From there you start a really beautiful hike. It goes past steep slopes - you need a head for heights - to the abandoned cave site. It is possible to do the tour as a circular hike or to end it in San Sebastian. Both are beautiful tours with fantastic views. Be careful when it is windy.

Small parking lot... I personally would rather be up here on foot than by car

Attention: Can only be reached via an extremely narrow road!