Los Roques Natural Monument

Monoliths and laurel forests in La Gomera

The island of La Gomera boasts a multitude of rocky outcrops of volcanic origin sculpted by erosion. But few are as emblematic as the huge Agando rock and its four peculiar companions: Las Lajas, flat and leaning; La Zarcita, small and discreet; Carmona, defiant and sharp and Ojila, large and commanding. This combination of monoliths (or standing stones) circuled by the laurel forest of the central mountain tops of La Gomera, should definitely be included in any trip around the island – an island that has been declared Unesco Biosphere Reserve.

Views of the Agando rock and Teide

The rocks are located beside the TF-713 road, which climbs up to the mountains from the island capital, San Sebastián, and follows the line dividing the north and south, where you can often see waterfalls of clouds on either side. From two fixed observation points known as the Los Roques viewpoints you can see both sides, photograph the rocks from a variety of angles and discover Mount Teide's peak 'floating' above the sea. From the base of the Agando rock is a lovely 2.5 kilometre walk through a laurel forest to Peraza.

Height

1.075 m

Flora interest

Parking

Trekking routes

Wildlife interest

San Sebastián de la Gomera

Monumento Natural de Los Roques, en La Gomera

Monumento Natural de Los Roques - galeria1

Monumento Natural de Los Roques - galeria2

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Sustainability

Never leave waste of any type lying around, including cigarette butts. Leftover food leads to a proliferation of rats and wild cats, which pose a serious threat to the fauna.
Respect the animals. Do not bother them or feed them. If you see an injured specimen, you can call the emergency number: 112. Do not pick flowers or plants.
Do not pick up or take away stones or any other item from the natural environment. And do not move them to pile them up into sadly famous 'towers'.
Do not walk in areas where it is not allowed and respect the signposting along trails. Leaving the set paths causes damage to the environment and could also be dangerous for you and anyone with you.
Do not light fires outside the permitted areas and be especially careful during the summer months.
Try not to alter the peace of the environment with excessive noise (loud music, yelling, etc.).