Garoé Tree

The sacred tree of El Hierro

The Garoé Tree is found in a place full of magnetism, in the town of San Andrés in El Hierro. Adored by the Bimbaches (ancient inhabitants of El Hierro), it has become a real symbol of island identity. The leaves were once capable of collecting enough water to supply the whole population of the island, a fact that earned it a reputation as a sacred tree. In the 17th Century a hurricane blew it down, and it wasn’t until 1949 that it was replaced by the til that stands there today.

Discover the performance centre and the water route

This place, a source of many legends, now boasts a small performance centre where you will find all the information you need to know about the sacred tree, from its historical and archaeological importance to the phenomenon of the horizontal rain - the reason the tree is able to distill water. The love the El Hierro people have for this tree is so strong that they created a water route some years ago, a 16-kilometre walk that helps visitors learn the history of water in the island.

San Andrés

Sustainability

Do not take photos using the flash. They could damage items of artistic and cultural value.
Use the waste-paper baskets and, insofar as possible, separate and place your recycling waste in the appropriate containers. Do not eat inside exhibition rooms.
Try to be careful with your rucksack or bag and make sure you do not hit anything when you move.
Try to be silent or speak quietly so that you do not bother other visitors.