El Cercado combines a pre-colonial pottery tradition with routes through terraced landscapes and a trail to Garajonay National Park. Craftsmanship, scenery and a recurring local festival offer different ways to plan your trip. You can tailor your stay to your interest in pottery, a particular trail or the festival date.

Pottery and how it is made

El Cercado is the largest centre on La Gomera for pre-colonial pottery made without a potter’s wheel. The town’s women potters continue to work with pre-colonial techniques that do not use a potter’s wheel. One characteristic vessel from El Cercado is the Carabucho, which is used for milking goats. Its specific function shows how closely the pottery is connected to everyday tasks. Traditional pottery kilns have been preserved in El Cercado. The Las Loceras Interpretation Centre is located in the town centre. It explains the stages of traditional pottery-making, from obtaining the raw materials to firing the pieces in wood-fired kilns. Interactive panels, displays of pieces from different stages of production and explanatory videos complement the interpretation. The Carabucho represents everyday use, while the centre explains how it is made: you can explore the craft through a specific vessel and the steps involved in making it.

Stages through terraced landscapes

Stage 3 of the 14.2 km Camino Natural Cumbres de La Gomera leads from Chipude via El Cercado and Las Hayas towards Vallehermoso. In the Barranco de La Matanza, the section through El Cercado passes Canary Island palm trees, gardens and old terraces. After crossing the town, the stage leaves the paved area and continues as a trail across terraced slopes above the upper Barranco del Agua. Another route, La Calera – El Cercado – Laguna Grande, leads from El Cercado into Garajonay National Park. The surrounding area features traditional architecture, old kilns and cultivated terraces with vines and fruit trees. The routes have different destinations: Stage 3 passes through several named places on its way towards Vallehermoso, while the La Calera – El Cercado – Laguna Grande route leads from El Cercado into the national park. Check trail conditions before setting out.

Festival and directions

Nuestra Señora del Pino, the patron saint of the town, is celebrated in El Cercado on the last weekend of July. Traditional La Gomera chácaras and drums are played during the procession. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check that year’s programme in advance. For driving directions, the recommended Pueblos de medianías route starts in the municipality of Valle Gran Rey and heads towards El Cercado.

Discover more destinations: Alajero, Tamargada, Hermigua, El Guro, Arure, Erque, Valle Gran Rey, San Sebastián De La Gomera

For the main travel overview: La Gomera.