Discover Femés: village history and the landscapes of Los Ajaches

Femés combines a village setting shaped by history and architecture with the landscapes of the Los Ajaches massif. The village lies 450 metres above sea level, among mountains stretching from northwest to southeast. When planning your trip, you can focus on different aspects: the history surrounding San Marcial, local festivals, or the mountain and coastal landscapes described in the hiking routes.

San Marcial and the historic village setting

Femés is considered a well-preserved village, with many houses of historic and architectural value. The former Church of San Marcial del Rubicón and adjoining buildings stand in Plaza de San Marcial. These buildings once belonged to the Diocese of the Canary Islands. The square brings together several aspects of the village’s history, although the individual buildings do not all have the same function or historical status.

The Church of San Marcial del Rubicón was built in 1630. It replaced the old hermitage-cathedral, which was destroyed by English pirates in 1593. A different date relates to its protected status: on 20 December 1985, the church was designated a Bien de Interés Cultural in the Monumento category. For a historical tour, it is helpful to treat the building’s history and its later designation as a monument as two separate milestones.

The village’s history goes back further still: in the 15th century, Femés was the first capital of the archipelago. This historical role adds to the story of the church and the buildings in the square. Those especially interested in the village’s development will find this a distinct focus alongside the landscapes of Los Ajaches.

Cultural sites and memories

Casona de Femés is located at the entrance to the village. For use by the local community, it has a Canarian courtyard, a threshing floor, garden areas and several rooms for talks, workshops, and activities for children and young people. The programme may change; if you are visiting for a talk or workshop, check the current programme beforehand. This helps distinguish Casona as a community space from the historic buildings around San Marcial.

At the foot of the Femés viewpoint stands the sculpture María, la de Femés. Cintia Machín created it on commission from the municipality. The sculpture commemorates Arozarena’s stay in the village, which inspired him to write one of the best-known works of Canarian literature. This connection links a specific place in the village with a literary memory; the work, the commission and the memory are also distinct parts of this story.

Los Ajaches: two hiking routes

The routes described offer different highlights. One route through the Los Ajaches massif connects mountain and beach landscapes. Its trails explore historical and geomorphological themes, and the route ends at the beaches of Papagayo. Another route leads to Morro de la Loma del Pozo. There is a central viewpoint over Los Ajaches, from which the massif’s valleys, ravines and cliffs can be seen in every direction. The route then descends to the coast and the secluded beaches of La Casita and El Pozo.

The routes therefore differ mainly in their described destinations and viewpoints: one focuses on the connection between mountain and beach landscapes and ends at Papagayo; the other features the viewpoint and the descent to two named beaches. Check route conditions before hiking. The history of the village and its landscapes can thus be considered a distinct travel interest, separate from Femés’ cultural sites.

Festivals and locally made cheese

The Fiestas de San Marcial, in honour of the patron saint, are dated 7 July. The celebrations include a solemn Mass followed by a procession, and are more than 600 years old. The Fiestas del Rosario, in honour of the Virgen del Rosario, include a Romería, a Mass and a procession. They last four days, with the main festival day on 7 October. If you want to plan your trip around either festival, check the current event dates in advance.

Visitors can take home locally made artisanal goat cheese from the area around Femés. Individual offers for sale may vary. If you are including the cheese in your travel plans, do not assume it will always be available. Alongside the festivals, this product adds a connection to local production to the historical and landscape themes.

Discover more destinations: Las Casitas De Femés, Playa Blanca, El Golfo, El Barquito, Uga, Las Breñas.

Go to the main travel overview: Yaiza.