Arafo: Volcanic Landscape, Cultural Heritage and Hiking Trails

The Casona de la Esquina de los Carros is an example of traditional rural Canarian architecture: the two-storey house has a hipped roof on all four sides covered with Arabic tiles, a balcony and an exterior staircase providing direct access to the upper floor. Secundino Delgado lived there; in 2006, the Casona was classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the category of Historic Site.

Culture and History

The Iglesia de San Juan Degollado was originally built as a chapel after 1676 and was later expanded several times to become the present-day church. It houses four altarpieces dedicated to the Souls in Purgatory, Saint Joseph, Our Lady of Sorrows and the Immaculate Conception, as well as 18th-century paintings and religious artworks. A walking tour of approximately 1.5 hours through the historic centre can begin at the Señor del Pino and continue to the Auditorio Juan Carlos I and the town hall.

The Old Mill and Public Washhouse Complex of Arafo is an ethnological site classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural in 2006, featuring an elaborate water-use system. The Ruinas de Lo De Ramos are a Historic Site classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural in 2008, located in the mid-altitude areas of Arafo at 650 metres above sea level; they bear witness to a former agricultural and religious Augustinian settlement whose origins date back to the first years after the conquest of Tenerife. Arafo has a continuous musical tradition that has been firmly established since the 19th century. The Romería de San Agustín takes place on the Saturday before the last Sunday in August; during the procession, Parrandas, Rondallas and ox-drawn carts pass through the town’s main streets.

Nature and Landscape

The historic eruption of the Las Arenas volcano occurred in 1705 in the municipality of Arafo, on the southern flank of the Caldera de Pedro Gil at an altitude of approximately 1,525 metres. The Paisaje Protegido de Las Siete Lomas is a protected agricultural landscape partly located in Arafo, shaped by more recent lava flows from the Arafo volcano. Endangered species, including the Vicácara, are found in the rocky areas and ravine beds of this protected area.

The Barranco de Añavingo natural area covers 35 hectares of designated natural interest and is home to native plants such as Vicácara, wild thyme and Canarian pines. The Mirador de Chimague is located on the border of the Parque Natural de la Corona Forestal, forms part of the island network of viewpoints and, in clear weather, offers panoramic views as far as the Parque Rural de Anaga and the island of Gran Canaria.

Trails and Getting There

The main access to the protected area of Las Siete Lomas is the TF-523 road; it connects Arafo with the C-824 and crosses the eastern part of the protected area for approximately 7 kilometres. A path along the Barranco de Añavingo leads to historic mills, aqueducts and water galleries; access is usually via the Plaza de San Juan Degollado.

The Ruta de Los Peregrinos is a moderately difficult hiking trail that begins at La Crucita and leads to Arafo via the Las Arenas volcano and the Caldera de Pedro Gil. Variants of the route are listed as approximately 14.5 kilometres and around 6 hours, or 12.5 kilometres and around 3 hours; the destination is Arafo. The different distance and duration options provide a direct comparison for planning a day trip.

Arafo can be reached via the TF-1 by taking the exit for Valle de Güímar and then following well-signposted local roads. Several TITSA bus routes connect the town with other municipalities in the valley and with Santa Cruz.

Wine and Local Character

The Mercado del Agricultor de Arafo is located at the Plaza de la Iglesia de San Juan Degollado. Guided visits to wineries are offered in Arafo as part of scenic and cultural routes. Viticulture covers around 700 hectares of agricultural land in the municipalities of Arafo, Candelaria and Güímar.

Other Places

Bocacangrejo, La Matanza De Acentejo, El Fraile, Las Palomas, Guaza, Villa De Arico, Puerto la Madera, Trevejos

For the higher-level travel overview: Tenerife.