Hermigua

Overview:

Situated on the north eastern coast of La Gomera Island, Hermigua is a paradise for nature lovers. There are many rural residences and small hotels on this part of the island, providing you with an authentic take on Canarian life. The emblem of the municipality are the characteristic twin cliffs, Roques de San Pedro, which are an old volcano furnace near Monteforte. The main attraction however, is the settlement of El Credo, which lies in the largest evergreen forest on the island. Along with stunning natural scenery, there are also historical churches, ethnographic museum handicraft, and gofio mill museum. The coastline boasts a beautiful beach, a natural swimming pool and several concrete pillars rising out of the sea, remainders of what used to be the loading station of Hermigua.

History

The valley of Hermigua was first inhabited by the Gomeros, the aborigines of the Canary Islands. The village of Valle Alto was established in the 16th century, and later became known as Hermigua.

Location and Vegetation

Hermigua is one of the six municipalities on the island. It lies in the northeast of La Gomera, and you can reach this picturesque village on the northward road from San Sebastián. Your eyes will meet a spectacular, fertile green valley, through which you can drive down before you reach the beach around the Santa Catalina. Bananas are Hermigua’s main export, along with wine and vegetables, which are mostly produced for the consumption of the island’s inhabitants.

The trade winds give the small village an extraordinary climate. The area was even awarded the title of “Best Climate of the World” by an international meteorological committee.

Economy

Hermigua’s heritage is rooted deeply in agriculture. As early as the 16th century, sugar cane was cultivated here. The sugar cane production, among other things, brought economic wealth which caused the population to surge.

The year-round water supply from the Rio del Cedro means that it is very fertile here, this is vital to how Hermigua sustains itself agriculturally today. Aside from tourism, the municipality maintains its economy through growing potatoes, papayas, bananas, wheat, pumpkins, beans, and grapes.

Sights:

Hermigua municipal has something for everyone. While nature lovers and hikers are drawn towards its inland for lush forest; the villages itself convey an authentic Gomeran feel. There are also historical churches, ethnographic museum handicraft, and gofio mill museum. On the coastline, you can witness the old concrete pillars from the dismantled El Pescante (cranes), which adds to a particular charm to its surrounding.

El Cedro

This rural settlement lies in the greatest evergreen forest of the Canary Islands. Though belonging to the Hermigua municipality, it is situated at the edge of the Garajonay National Park, next to a stream, which has running water all year round. The steadily flowing water of the stream comes from the Monteverde forest area, towards Hermigua.

The previous inhabitants of this forest used to collect wood to make charcoal. Craft making was also a great past time for these people while plants with healing are used to make herbal teas. Nowadays, the exquisite plants, lush forest and beautiful waterfall (Caidero de la Boca Chorro) makes El Cedro a nature lovers' playground. If you wish to linger a little longer, there is a camping ground (Camping La Vista) and a few cottages available for rent.

From Hermigua you can drive southwestward on TF-711, taking the right turn into Calle del Rejo la Zarcita, followed by another right turn into Calle del Rejo la Zarcita. This 17km journey on a zigzag road takes about half an hour but if you have 3 hours to spare, the circular hiking route number 6 from Hermigua is highly recommended. During this walk you will be rewarded with breathtaking view over the Hermigua valley and laurel forest, refreshing waterfall, and a chance to pop into the chapels of Nuestra Señora de Lourdes and San Juan for a visit.

Iglesia de Santo Domingo Guzmán (Church)

Constructed in the 16th century, this ex-convent contains delicate Mudéjar ceiling and various baroque altarpieces and images. Located on the upper valley (older part) of Hermigua, the church is the focal point for many of the town's religious celebrations, namely Fiesta de Santo Domingo Guzmán.

Where: Calle Convento s/n, 38820 Hermigua, La Gomera island.

Ethnographic Museum and Los Telares Handicraft Centre

Located in an old manor house, this ethnology museum is simultaneously a handicraft centre. The building stood empty for 50 years, and was converted into a museum by Marua Gámez in 1984. Inside, there are five ancient weaving machines in the room located under the handicraft shop. The actual museum lies in another wing of the manor house, where visitors can look at a wide range of antiquities, household objects, and agricultural tools. Also on display are collectibles by the founder of the museum, which include a typical mortar from La Gomera island, grinders, coffee cookers, and bread dough baskets.

Where: Carretera General 99, Las Hoyetas, 38820 Hermigua, La Gomera island.

Gofio Mill Museum

This museum, housed in a reconstructed gofio (a typical Canarian flour made of mixed grains) mill, gives you an idea as to how this staple food of the Canarian is produced. After touring the museum, you can taste and purchase some gofio to take home as gifts for friends and family.

Where: Carretera General s/n, 38820 Hermigua, La Gomera island.
Telephone: +34 922 880 781
Opening hours: 10:00 to 17:00, Monday to Saturday
Admission fee: €3

Iglesia de la Encarnación (Church)

Located at the lower valley, this beautiful yellow church stands proud in the newer part of Hermigua. The construction of this church began in the 17th century, however due to its collapse in 1711, the reconstruction did not complete until first quarter of the 20th century. Inside the church you can marvel at the wooden statue of the Virgin of Encarnación, sculpted by Fernando Estévez in 1819.

Where: Plaza de la Encarnación, 38820 Hermigua, La Gomera island.

Old Crane/ El Pescante

Due to the increasing growth of banana clusters in the beginning of the 20th century, the trading company La Unión began the construction of a davit with a capital of 70,000 pesetas. The goal was to be able to ship and sell the yields of the surrounding fertile valleys. Several years later, in 1923, a further investment of 300,000 pesetas was made on another davit with a height of 150 metres. The beginning of commerce at the nearby harbour of San Sebastián, however, rendered the davits obsolete. The metal structure of these was deconstructed and sold in 1957 and today, only the towering concrete pillars of the former ocean loading station remain.

On the left hand side of El Pescante is a natural salt water swimming pool. This pool is unfortunately closed to public access indefinitely since 2008.
Last update: February 2011- works to ensure access to the natural pool and Pescante Hermigua is now included in the Strategy for Public Space Tourist beautification.

Beaches:

The coastline offers a beautiful beach, a natural swimming pool and concrete pillars rising out of the sea- remainders of what used to be the loading station of Hermigua.

Playa de la Caleta (beach)

Playa de La Caleta is one of the best beaches on the northern region of La Gomera. It boasts fine volcanic black sands and pebbles. Basic amenities such as toilet and shower are available.

Natural salt water pool

This natural salt water pool is a true delight for the locals, and tourists who knows about it. It can be found on the left of the Old Crane/ El Pescante, where concrete pillars of what used to be the ocean loading station of Hermigua stick out from the sea. Bizarre as they might be, these pillars contribute to the unique scenery to be enjoyed while taking a refreshing dip in the pool.

*This pool is unfortunately closed to public access indefinitely since 2008.
Last update received on February 2011- works to ensure access to the natural pool and Pescante Hermigua is now included in the Strategy for Public Space Tourist beautification.