Árbol Garoé is a sacred tree growing in the inland, densely green area of the northern half of the islands.
It is located in a narrow gorge and is a popular tourist attraction.
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The tree that kept you from dying of thirst
According to popular legend, the ancient Árbol Garoé saved many of El Hierro's then inhabitants, called Bimbache, from dying of thirst during times of drought.
Its leaves retained a considerable amount of water for long periods without rain.
The tree grows in an area rich in rainfall from the so-called sea clouds, which are formed in summer when the north-easterly wind hits the mountains of El Hierro, condenses, rises inland and rains heavily.
The laurel tree has been replaced by the linden tree
It is believed that the original Árbol Garoé was a species of laurel Ocotea foetens.
In the 17th century, however, the tree was completely destroyed by a hurricane, but because it was sacred, it was replaced by another tree, this time a species of lime tree that grows only in Macaronesia (mainly in the Canary Islands and Madeira).
Admission and opening hours
Árbol Garoé is now part of the Interpretation Centre and in a small botanical garden.
The complex is open every day of the year from 10:00 to 18:00. However, it is closed between 14:00-14:30 for a staff break.
Admission is 2,50 eur and you can also use a combination ticket here for 17,95 eur for many of the attractions at El Hierro, see details: meridianosau.es/pasaporte-turistico-de-el-hierro.
How to get there
The entrance can be reached by car along a forest road. It is not paved for the most part, but can be easily driven in a small car, even after rain.
There are also several marked hiking trails around Árbol Garoé and, as the whole area is very scenic, we recommend walking at least part of the way.
- Walking route from the parking lot of the main road and the bus stop (2.7 km)
- Bus line 5
- Walking route from Valverde (5 km)
- Many bus lines
- Walking route from Mocanal (3.7 km)
- Bus lines 3, 5
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