Protected Natural Spaces
The island of La Gomera has 17 Protected Natural Spaces; these are protected by the laws included in the Autonomous Government of the Canaries. These spaces are ruled and included in a network of protected spaces from the Archipelago.
Vallehermoso shelters 8 of them in its municipal boundaries. 4 are completely in the municipality and the other 4 are partly in it because of their great extension. Nearly the 50% of the surface of the Municipality is protected by a natural monument or have gained European or Worldwide recognition. For instance we can highlight that the Municipality that has the largest surface of the National Park of Garajonay is Vallehermoso but the network of natural spaces in the municipality is much bigger and varied regarding the ecosystem and visual landscape.
Garajonay National Park
One of the most emblematic and unique forests in Spain is Garajonay, in La Gomera. The continuous presence of mist which is caused by the Atlantic trade winds supplies the highest places of the island, with all their coolness and humidity. This was a crucial fact for the development of a type of forest that already existed in the Mediterranean coast millions of years ago, laurisilva or laurel forest.
Roque Cano Natural Monument
Roque Cano is the most important natural monument in Vallehermoso. It is a huge phonolitic rock of more than 200 metres high with almost vertical slopes. It can be considered as an important biogenetic sanctuary because it is home to excellent samples of stone flora which are threatened with extinction such as magarza gomera (Argyranthemum callichrysum), faro gomero (Gonospermum gomerae), ruda gomera (Ruta microcarpa)and one more dozen of species.
Natural Monument Roque Blanco
This Natural Monument is actually an extension of Garojanay National Park in its north side. It is a huge greyish phonolitic dome almost covered with monteverde (evergreen plants). It is home to important colonies of stone plants, many of them are endemic, and the best colony of Canarian strawberry tree (Arbutus canariensis) of the island.
Natural Monument Los Órganos
Los Órganos are cliffs of very old materials that belong to the Basal Complex (about 20 millions old) located in the coast. They are materials released under the sea level which are crossed by several volcanic columns.
Natural Monument Lomo del Carretón
This Natural Monument is made up of an inside cliff that stands in the Northwest area of the island, at the top of the valleys of Alojera and Taguluche.
The “Parque Rural” ( Rural Park) in Valle Gran Rey
This is the only Rural Park in la Gomera. The 30% of the surface is part of Vallehermoso, running between the basin of the “Barranco de Argaga” and the mouth of the “Barranco de Iguala”.
Natural Monument La Fortaleza
One of the most important landscape landmarks from La Gomera is located in the village of Chipude, La Fortaleza, a volcanic dome that has resulted from the erosion that left the hardest materials from an old volcano exposed.
Landscape protected area of Orone
This natural area is made up of two of the largest ravines from the island, “El Barranco de Erque” y “El Barranco de la Negra”. They go from the summit of the mountain to the southern coast.
Learn more about Vallehermoso
Macayo
This neighborhood shelters a dense palm grove and an ethnographic and landscape site used for agricultural purposes. Many houses still preserve the traditional stone and mud style. It is remarkable the richness of its farmlands, mainly the ones located in the ravine. It has one of the most important palm groves from the north and […]