Alajeró facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Alajeró
Municipality
Flag Coat of arms
Location of Alajeró on La Gomera
Alajeró Location in Canary Islands Show map of Canary Islands Alajeró Location in Spain, Canary Islands Show map of Spain, Canary Islands
Country	Spain
Autonomous community	Canary Islands
Province	Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Island	La Gomera
Area
• Total	49.43 km2 (19.09 sq mi)
Elevation	810 m (2,660 ft)
Population  (2018)
• Total	2,006
• Density	40.583/km2 (105.11/sq mi)
Climate	Csb

Alajeró is a town and a region (called a municipality) on the island of La Gomera. This island is part of the Canary Islands in Spain. Alajeró is found on the south coast of La Gomera. It is southwest of San Sebastián de la Gomera, which is the island's capital. The name Alajeró refers to both the main town and the wider area it governs.

The valleys and coastal areas near the Atlantic Ocean are used for farming. The mountains and hills in the north are covered with forests. There are also grassy areas where sheep and goats graze.

History of Alajeró

In the past, the area of Alajeró was known by different names. These included Hipalán and Orone.

Founding of Playa Santiago

On the southern coast of Alajeró, there is a place called Playa Santiago. Fishermen started this town because it was a great spot for catching fish. Because of the good fishing, factories were built to can fish. Places to fix boats were also set up there.

Economy and Life

Alajeró has a unique climate. Summers are hot, but winters are often foggy, especially high up in the mountains. People use this fog to their advantage. They plant crops in November and gather their fruits and vegetables in May.

Changes in Farming and Fishing

Farming has become less common in Alajeró over the last few decades. In the 1960s and 1970s, there was a big problem with farming. This caused many people to leave the smaller villages. As a result, these villages became less populated.

The fish factory in Playa Santiago used to can tuna and sardines. It closed down because there were fewer fish to catch. A few fishing boats still operate. They freeze their catch to send it away. There is also a boat repair yard at the port. However, ferries no longer run from this port. A ferry called Garajonay Exprės used to run from 2002 to 2008. It stopped because it did not get enough money from the government.

Tourism in Alajeró

La Gomera Airport (GMZ) is located between Alajeró and Santiago. Tourism is not as big in La Gomera as it is on some of the larger Canary Islands. Still, Playa Santiago has a nice beach with sand and small stones. It also has many apartments, rooms, and restaurants for visitors.

Rural tourism is also growing. There is a new hotel in Alajeró town. You can also find Casas Rurales, which are rural houses for rent in the villages. The island is very popular with people who enjoy hiking. It has many footpaths with clear signs.

Alajeró Town and Playa Santiago

The town of Santiago is actually split between two different municipalities. These are Alajeró and San Sebastián. However, Santiago is the biggest town in the Alajeró municipality. About half of Alajeró's population lives there. The main town of Alajeró, where the local government office (the Ayuntamiento) is, is about 4.5 kilometers inland. It sits high up, at 812 meters above sea level.

Subdivisions or Settlements

• Agalán
• Alajeró
• Antoncojo
• Arguayoda
• Benchijigua
• Erese
• Lo del Gato
• Imada de Tecina (2005 population: 152)
• Magana
• part of Playa Santiago (2005 population: 989) - a fishing port and tourist town
• Quise
• Targa

Historical Population

Sites of Interest

• The Ermita San Isidro is a small church on a peak called Roque Calvario (807 meters high). From here, you can see amazing views of the southwestern coast of La Gomera.
• A very old and famous dragon tree called the Drago de Agalán is found north of Alajeró town.
• The Pastrana water mill is an interesting historical site.
• The Monumento Natural de La Caldera is a natural monument worth visiting.

Images for kids

• 

  The beautiful Alajeró valley

• 

  Playa de Santiago, a coastal town

See also

In Spanish: Alajeró para niños