Arure on La Gomera: Waterfall, Hiking Trails and Traditions

Arure is located in the upper part of the Barranco de Valle Gran Rey in the west of La Gomera. The town centre preserves an authentic, traditionally Gomera character. In the centre, the church and the Casa de la Cultura stand out; the parish church of Nuestra Señora de La Salud was built at the beginning of the 16th century.

Landscape

The Cascada de Arure is a waterfall that plunges steeply down from the mountain. At the Mirador del Santo, volcanic terrain meets palm groves and the sea. From this viewpoint, you can enjoy views over the deep valley of Taguluche. Here, the landscape presents a variety of features within a compact thematic area: a waterfall, volcanic formations, palms, the sea and a deeply carved valley.

Culture and Traditions

One cultural aspect of Arure can be seen during the Fiestas en honor a San Buenaventura y Ntra. Sra. de la Salud. The festival includes liturgical celebrations and processions accompanied by the sound of chácaras and drums. The traditional crafting of the Ramo de Arure is also part of the occasion. Together with the historic parish church and the Casa de la Cultura, this provides several different ways of exploring the history of the town, without limiting the cultural impressions to a single building.

Hiking Trails

Arure is the starting point for several interesting hiking trails. The route “Entre bancales y tradiciones. Senderos de Arure” begins in the hamlet of Arure and passes by the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Salud. Another hiking route leads downhill through the Barranco de Arure. Its first stage, from Arure to Las Hayas, is 4.6 km long.

In the wider regional area around Arure, the route leads into the damp, wooded surroundings of Las Creces. Another route leads into Garajonay National Park. The route at the Presa de Arure and the ravine shows how Gomera’s hydraulic expertise transformed volcanic slopes into fertile terraces for potatoes, grain and vines. The different trail courses, landscapes and the stated stage length provide concrete reference points for planning your own day.

The different trail lengths and thematic focuses help you compare the routes according to the time available and your personal interests.

For your own planning, the routes mentioned can be considered from three clear perspectives: the character of the respective landscape, the cultural or historical points of interest along the way, and the available distance information. These perspectives complement one another without turning different routes into a single shared experience. Anyone preparing for several days on La Gomera can compare the descriptions separately and leave the order of the excursions open, rather than treating them as a fixed programme.

Practical Information

A municipal permit is required to access the Merendero de Arure. The Merendero provides seating areas for relaxation and outdoor meals.

More Destinations on La Gomera

Taguluche, Alajero, San Sebastián De La Gomera, Vallehermoso, Erque, Hermigua, Agulo, Tamargada

To the main travel overview: La Gomera.