A volcanic pinnacle above the town centre and a protected cliff on the coast, accessible only by boat, give Vallehermoso two distinct landscape features. Cultural and botanical attractions are also clearly associated with specific places within the municipality. So when choosing your destination, it’s worth first considering whether the townscape, coast, nature or culture should shape your stay.

Landscapes between the town centre and the coast

Roque Cano is a volcanic pinnacle rising above the town centre. On the coast of Vallehermoso lies Los Órganos, a protected volcanic cliff accessible only by boat. Vallehermoso Beach offers a different coastal option: it is a pebble beach located three kilometres from the town centre. These varied landscape features range from a striking rock formation to the coast and the beach.

Garajonay National Park is also part of the municipality’s natural setting: about 1,300 hectares of the park, roughly a third of its area, lie within Vallehermoso municipality. This gives an idea of how much of the national park the municipality encompasses, without equating the national park with the town centre.

Cultural heritage and traditions

Silbo Gomero was particularly important in Vallehermoso for centuries. In 2009, UNESCO declared it an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Its long-standing local significance and its later international recognition thus represent two different periods in the history of the same cultural heritage.

The San Juan bonfires are a recurring tradition. They take place on the night of 23 June and are recognised as a “Fiesta de Interés Turístico de Canarias” (Festival of Tourist Interest of the Canary Islands). If this festival is a reason for your trip, plan around the date and check the specific festival dates.

In El Cercado, a locality within Vallehermoso municipality, the Centro de Interpretación de la Alfarería Tradicional de Las Loceras showcases the traditional pottery techniques of the women potters, which are practised without a potter’s wheel. In Alojera, also within the municipality, the Centro de Interpretación de la Miel de Palma explains the traditional extraction of guarapo and its processing into palm honey. Check the visitor arrangements for both centres in advance.

The historic centre is traditionally characterised by whitewashed houses and wooden features. Those interested in the townscape and architecture will find a different cultural focus here than at the interpretation centres in El Cercado and Alojera.

Botany, trails and nature experiences

The Jardín Botánico del Descubrimiento is located in Vallehermoso municipality on La Gomera and covers 16,219 square metres. Its collection includes plant species from five continents. A guided botanical interpretation route is available by prior reservation. If this guided tour suits your travel plans, book in advance.

One route runs in sections between terraced fields, through areas of Monteverde forest and to viewpoints. A 12-kilometre route offers uninterrupted views of Roque Cano, the Barranco de la Era Nueva and the agricultural plateau. These specific route features help give a closer picture of Vallehermoso’s natural attractions. Vallehermoso’s Parque Marítimo also has two freshwater pools.

Getting there and finding accommodation

The GuaguaGomera bus line connects San Sebastián and Vallehermoso, with several departures daily. As the frequency may change, check the timetable before your trip. This is particularly relevant if you plan to include El Cercado or Alojera as well as the town centre: the pottery and palm honey centres are located in these localities within the municipality.

Discover more destinations: Alojera, San Sebastián De La Gomera, El Cercado, Taguluche, Erque, Arure, Tamargada, Agulo

For the broader travel overview: La Gomera.