Femés lies in the Los Ajaches massif and combines striking mountain scenery with a layered village history. The historic Church of San Marcial del Rubicón, Plaza de San Marcial and the village festivals offer a glimpse into different aspects of cultural life. Visitors interested in the surrounding area can also find routes through mountain and coastal landscapes.
Landscape and Village Character
The village lies 450 metres above sea level, between mountains stretching from northwest to southeast. Many houses in Femés are well preserved and have historical or architectural value. Together with its location in the Los Ajaches massif, this offers two distinct perspectives on the village: the mountains shape its geographical setting, while the houses make its history visible.
The Church and History of Femés
Plaza de San Marcial is home to the former Church of San Marcial del Rubicón and adjoining buildings that once belonged to the Diocese of the Canary Islands. The church was built in 1630, replacing the old hermitage-cathedral, which had been destroyed by English pirates in 1593. On 20 December 1985, the church was protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the Monumento category. These dates tell of different periods in the village’s history: the loss of the earlier religious building, the construction of the church and its subsequent protection.
Femés is significant beyond its village history, too: in the 15th century, it was the archipelago’s first capital. The historic church and the plaza provide a tangible point of reference for connecting this past with the village today, without conflating the different periods.
Cultural Sites and Festivals
At the entrance to the village stands the Casona de Femés, also known as Casa de Marcial de Ganzo. For community use, it includes a Canarian courtyard, a threshing floor, garden areas and several rooms for talks, workshops, and activities for children and young people. The specific programme may vary.
The sculpture María, la de Femés stands at the foot of the Femés viewpoint. Cintia Machín created it on commission from the municipality. It commemorates Arozarena’s stay in the village, which inspired him to write one of the best-known works of Canarian literature. Alongside the religious and architectural history, it thus highlights a connection to the literature of the Canary Islands.
San Marcial is celebrated on 7 July with a solemn Mass followed by a procession; the festival is more than 600 years old. The Fiestas del Rosario, in honour of the Virgen del Rosario, include a romería, a Mass and a procession. They last four days, with the main festival day on 7 October. The two festivals differ both in their dates and in the events described.
Explore Los Ajaches on Foot
A route through the Los Ajaches massif connects mountain and beach landscapes via hiking trails of historical and geomorphological interest; it ends at the beaches of Papagayo. Another route offers a central viewpoint over Los Ajaches at Morro de la Loma del Pozo. From there, the massif’s valleys, ravines and cliffs can be seen in every direction. The route then heads towards the coast and descends to the secluded beaches of La Casita and El Pozo. The destinations described are therefore different: one route leads to the beaches of Papagayo, while the other takes in the viewpoint and the two coastal beaches. Check trail conditions before hiking.
A Local Product
Visitors can take home artisan goat’s cheese from the area around Femés. Which individual suppliers stock it may vary. This local product offers another way to engage with the landscape and cultural character of the village.
Discover more destinations: Playa Blanca, El Barquito, Uga, Las Casitas De Femés, Las Breñas, El Golfo.
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