Is that a phallus? Here, before us, rises the Roca Falo. It is a striking rock formation on La Gomera. Many use it as a symbol for this island.
Long ago, this entire area was alive with volcanic activity. About 10 to 15 million years ago, La Gomera emerged from the ocean. Imagine the fiery eruptions. Basalt rock formed from the cooling lava. Roca Falo is a volcanic plug. It is one of a group called Los Roques. Roque Ojila and Roque Zarcita are nearby. Sometimes Roque Carmona and Roque Las Lajas are included too.
The Roca Falo is hard to reach on foot. Some people climbed it in the 20th century. They created easy rock-climbing routes. Today, climbing is not allowed. Hiking is restricted to paths nearby. The area is protected.
But there is more than just geology to this place. The Guanches were the original inhabitants of La Gomera. They lived here long before the Spanish. They were shepherds and gatherers. They lived in caves and quarries.
The Guanches left traces of their spiritual life on Roca Falo. Remains of their sacrificial shrines were found at the summit. These shrines remained in good condition. Sadly, a German film crew looted them in the 1980s. They were making a documentary.
La Gomera has a unique language too. It is called Silbo Gomero. People whistle to communicate across long distances. The whistles mimic Spanish. They can carry messages over 5 kilometers. Imagine hearing someone speak from so far away. The Guanches may have used a similar language before the Spanish came.
La Gomera’s history includes conquest and resilience. The Spanish arrived in the 15th century. There were four tribes living on La Gomera then. The Spanish enslaved many islanders. They sold them on the mainland. The islanders lost their language.
Christopher Columbus visited La Gomera. He stopped here on his voyages. The island served as a refreshment station. It was a base for his expeditions.
Today, La Gomera welcomes tourists. Many come to see places like Roca Falo. The island focuses on tourism, agriculture, and fishing.