Hiking - Interesting places - Accommodations in Vallehermoso

Vallehermoso is the largest commune on the island, covering an area of some 114 km2, and is divided between many villages spread through the area, as Chipude, El Cercado, Alojera, Tamargada, La Dama, Macayo, El Ingenio and Epina.

The economy of Vallehermos is based mainly on agriculture (grapes, bananas) much of which for local consumption (potatoes, fruit trees and corn). However, local handicraft has a certain importance: more than 80 people are involved in elaborating the penca (weaving together the ribs of palm tree leaves), weaving on traditional looms, pottery, wicker, cane, wood, etc.

Vallehermoso controls 1300 hectares of the Garajonay National Park, about a third of the whole Park. La Laguna Grande, a leisure area in the Park so used by the islanders, also belongs to Vallehermoso. Water, barbecues, toilets, special children's areas and a restaurant are available there.

Los Órganos, Roque Cano, La Fortaleza and El Lomo del Carretón are other protected natural areas, places to be discovered and enjoyed on leisurely by foot, the hiking paths being usually in very good state.

Vallehermoso town centre boasts several old style houses roofed with Arabian tiles, reminiscent of its vigorous agrarian past. The common administrative services are located here, and popular products such as a palm tree honey, almogrote (cured cheese spread), parra (local brandy), homemade goatcheese or mistela (indigenous liquor) are sold.

The architecture of the area is also of interest, not because of specific buildings, but for of its distinctive aesthetic appearance as a whole. The nearby villages of El Cercado, Tamargada, Epina, Arguamul, or Tazo, boast ancient ovens, community cellars, palm tree groves, and small gardens, as well as notable examples of the popular architecture of La Gomera.

The most noteworthy religious buildings found here are the Church of La Candelaria in Chipude erected in the XVIth century, and the Church of San Juan Bautista located in Vallehermoso town centre (end of the XVIIth century).

The beach at Alojera is the one offering the most amenities (access, lodging, meals). A maritime park has opened at Vallehermoso beach (now you can swim in a brand-new swimming pool with sea water !), but restless, more determined visitors will find small isolated beaches in Iguala, La Negra and La Rajita, in the southern part of the town, and La Sepultura beach in Tamargada.

Hiking paths :
Cruz de Tierno - Roque Cano - Vallehermoso, Epina - Tazo - Arguamul y Alajeró - Arguayoda - La Rajita - La Dama.
(a hiking map is available in the CIT Rural, contact us)

Noteworthy places to visit :
- Los Órganos (visit by boat),
- Roque Cano, La Fortaleza, El Lomo del Carretón (hiking paths),
- Parque Nacional de Garajonay,
- Vallehermoso town center for genuine products,
- temple of La Candelaria, in Chipude (XVIth)
- temple of San Juan Bautista in Vallehermoso town center,
- beaches of Alojera and Tamargada

For more information :
www.ayuntamientovallehermoso.org