Árbol Santo is situated in the north-western part of El Hierro, in the near distance from Tiñor and San Andrés.


Árbol Santo, or el Garoé, is a holy tree of the ancient aboriginal Herreños - Bimbaches. It symbolizes their everlasting struggle for gain the permanent access to water. Today it is one of the more important symbols of the island.




This huge tree stopped the clouds gathering here by the trade winds, and absorbed from them the humidity. In this way in the branches were cumulated large amounts of water, which then were collected in the wells and reservoirs placed under and in the surrounding of the tree (so-called horizontal rain phenomenon). For the ancient residents it had an essential importance, because on the island were no other alternative source of drinking water.


In 1610 Garoé was completely destroyed by the huge hurricane. Nowadays, in the place of the mythical tree, is a linden tree, planted there in 1949. The surrounding it wells and reservoirs still gather the rainwater.

More about Árbol Santo : How to get | Opening hours | Neighbourhood of Árbol Santo | Photo Gallery

From Valverde you should drive in the direction to San Andrés, from where the 3,5-kilometres long sandy road leads you to the holy tree.

Monday: closed

Tuesday to Saturday:
November-February from 10:30 to 17:30
March-June from 10:30 to 18:30
July-October from 10:30 to 14:30 and from 15:00 to 17:30

Sunday:
from 11:00 to 14:00

At the exit from the object it's possible to get a certificate confirming our presence in this holy place.

• La Albarrada


• Mirador de la Peña


• Valverde


• Mirador de Jinama

Visit other sites about Canary Islands: Gran Canaria

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