Gordejuela Pumping Station Ruins - a very tall tower sitting in the middle of a field
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Gordejuela Pumping Station Ruins

4.6
·371 reviews·Los Realejos, Spain

Explore the striking industrial ruins of a 1903 water pumping station, set against dramatic coastal landscapes.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Clearer views, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
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Gordejuela Pumping Station Ruins - a very tall tower sitting in the middle of a field

Gordejuela Pumping Station Ruins

Best Time

Morning

Clearer views, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the striking industrial ruins of a 1903 water pumping station, set against dramatic coastal landscapes.

4.6
(371 reviews)

"Beautiful industrial ruins, worth a visit even from afar!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential

Trails can be steep and rocky. Good hiking shoes are crucial for a safe and enjoyable exploration.

🚗 Parking Challenges

Finding convenient parking can be tricky. Be prepared for a potential walk to reach the ruins.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gordejuela Pumping Station Ruins

Gordejuela Pumping Station Ruins

Protected Landscape of Rambla de Castro

Impressive industrial ruins, a testament to early 20th-century engineering, offering a unique historical glimpse.

Mirador de San Pedro

Mirador de San Pedro

Near the ruins

Panoramic viewpoint offering stunning vistas of the ruins and the coastline, perfect for photos and reflection.

Rambla de Castro Coastal Trail

Rambla de Castro Coastal Trail

Along the coast

Scenic hiking path with ocean views, leading to the ruins and offering a beautiful natural experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Access & Safety

While the Gordejuela Pumping Station Ruins are visually striking, direct access is often restricted due to safety concerns like falling rocks. Always check local advisories and be prepared for steep, rocky paths. Sturdy footwear is a must for exploring the surrounding trails.

Best Viewing Points

The ruins are best viewed from a distance, particularly from the Mirador de San Pedro. Information boards offer historical context, making it a worthwhile stop even if you can't get close to the structure itself. Plan your visit around these vantage points.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Clearer views, cooler temperatures
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour light on ruins
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential

Trails can be steep and rocky. Good hiking shoes are crucial for a safe and enjoyable exploration. Reddit

🚗 Parking Challenges

Finding convenient parking can be tricky. Be prepared for a potential walk to reach the ruins. Reddit

⚠️ Safety First

Direct access to the ruins may be closed. Respect safety warnings about falling rocks. Reddit

ℹ️ Informative Boards

Look for information boards detailing the history and technology of the pumping station. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential

Trails can be steep and rocky. Good hiking shoes are crucial for a safe and enjoyable exploration. Reddit

🚗 Parking Challenges

Finding convenient parking can be tricky. Be prepared for a potential walk to reach the ruins. Reddit

⚠️ Safety First

Direct access to the ruins may be closed. Respect safety warnings about falling rocks. Reddit

ℹ️ Informative Boards

Look for information boards detailing the history and technology of the pumping station. Reddit

🍽️ Mirador San Pedro Reward

Consider ending your hike at Mirador de San Pedro restaurant for great food and views. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(371 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Gordejuela Pumping Station Ruins to be a visually striking historical site, appreciating the industrial architecture and the scenic coastal trails leading to it. While direct access is often restricted due to safety concerns, the views from designated points like Mirador de San Pedro are highly praised. The challenging but rewarding hikes are a significant part of the experience for many.

"Beautiful industrial ruins. It was used to pump water from the springs.
Beautiful walking trail leads to the place. There’s information board telling a short history and explaining the technology.
Unfortunately the site is permanently closed and there’s no way to go down closer to the building. Yet worth a visit. Beautiful even from afar!"

Karolina Kubiliute

"Interesting place to visit in the area, nice hiking paths surrounding the ruins, accesible from Puerto de la Cruz and Mirador de San Pedro. A bit steep in some parts with big stones, good shoes recommended."

Barbora

"Great place, beautiful route right by the ocean. note because going from Puerto de la Cruz part of it is closed due to the danger of falling rocks. You go at your own risk or go around part of the route deeper inland. It is worth going further and ending at the Mirador San Pedro restaurant - great reward after the route. :)"

Bartosz Biniecki

What People Like

Impressive industrial ruins
Beautiful coastal trails
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Restricted access
Steep/rocky paths
Parking difficulties

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The ruins are accessible via hiking trails from Puerto de la Cruz or Mirador de San Pedro. Parking can be challenging, so consider public transport or be prepared for a walk. Some parts of the route may be closed due to falling rocks, requiring detours inland. Reddit

Parking can be difficult to find close to the ruins. Visitors often park further away and walk, so factor in extra time. Reddit

No, you cannot drive directly to the ruins. Access is via walking trails, and parts of the coastal route may be closed, necessitating inland detours. Reddit

Many visitors recommend approaching from Puerto de la Cruz or Mirador de San Pedro via the coastal paths. Be aware of potential closures and steep sections. Reddit

While specific routes vary, public transport can get you to Puerto de la Cruz or nearby towns, from where you can start your hike. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No tickets are required to visit the Gordejuela Pumping Station Ruins, as it is an outdoor historical site. Access to the immediate vicinity of the ruins may be restricted for safety reasons. Reddit

The ruins are an outdoor site and can be viewed at any time. However, access to certain paths or closer proximity to the structure may be restricted or unsafe. Reddit

There is no entrance fee to see the Gordejuela Pumping Station Ruins. The site is freely accessible, though safety precautions should be observed. Reddit

Unfortunately, direct access inside or very close to the Gordejuela Pumping Station Ruins is often permanently closed for safety reasons. Viewing from designated viewpoints is recommended. Reddit

No booking is required. The Gordejuela Pumping Station Ruins are an open-air historical site. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can see the impressive industrial ruins of the water elevator, built in 1903. Information boards explain its history and the technology used to pump water. The surrounding landscape and coastal views are also a major draw. Reddit

The walking trails can be steep and rocky in parts, especially the coastal routes. Good hiking shoes are highly recommended. Some sections might be closed, requiring detours. Reddit

Built in 1903 by the Hamilton Company, it was the first steam machine on the island, used to pump water from Gordejuela springs to power mills and irrigate banana plantations. Reddit

Yes, the ruins themselves are very photogenic, especially against the coastal backdrop. The Mirador de San Pedro also offers excellent panoramic shots. Reddit

Amenities are limited directly at the ruins. The Mirador de San Pedro restaurant is a popular spot for food and drinks after your visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons provide a beautiful golden hour glow on the ruins and coastline. Reddit

Capture the imposing industrial architecture against the dramatic coastal scenery. Wide-angle lenses are great for the landscape, while telephoto can isolate details of the ruins. Reddit

Many photographers capture the ruins from the Mirador de San Pedro for a sweeping overview. Shots from the coastal trails, looking up at the structure, are also popular. Reddit

A sturdy tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions or capturing long exposures of the waves. A wide-angle lens is recommended for the expansive views. Reddit

Direct access is often restricted for safety. You'll primarily be taking photos from designated viewpoints or along the trails, so plan your shots accordingly. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting the Gordejuela Pumping Station Ruins can be an engaging experience for families, offering a blend of history and outdoor activity. While direct access to the ruins is limited, the surrounding trails provide opportunities for exploration. Ensure children wear appropriate footwear as the paths can be steep and rocky. Reddit

Focus on the educational aspect by discussing the historical significance of the pumping station and its role in powering local agriculture. The information boards can be a great resource. Consider a shorter, less strenuous section of the trail or visiting the Mirador de San Pedro for easier access and amenities. The expansive views can also captivate younger imaginations. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers

For hikers, the trails around the Gordejuela Pumping Station Ruins offer a rewarding experience with stunning coastal scenery. The routes from Puerto de la Cruz or Mirador de San Pedro are popular choices, though they can be challenging with steep, rocky sections. Reddit

Be prepared for potential trail closures and always wear sturdy hiking boots. The opportunity to see the impressive industrial ruins juxtaposed with the natural landscape is a unique draw. Many hikers extend their journey to the Mirador de San Pedro restaurant, making it a perfect day trip combining a good hike with a scenic destination and a place to refuel. Reddit

📸 Photographers

The Gordejuela Pumping Station Ruins offer a compelling subject for photographers, blending industrial decay with dramatic natural backdrops. The best light is often found during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon. Reddit

While direct access to the ruins is restricted, excellent vantage points exist from the Mirador de San Pedro and along the coastal trails. Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the scale of the ruins against the ocean, or use telephoto lenses to focus on the architectural details. Remember to wear appropriate footwear for navigating the trails to find the most unique perspectives. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Engineering Marvel of Gordejuela

The Gordejuela Pumping Station Ruins represent a significant feat of early 20th-century industrial engineering. Built in 1903 by the Hamilton Company, it housed the island's first steam machine. Its primary purpose was to harness the power of water streaming from the Gordejuela springs to operate a mill and, crucially, to transport water to the extensive banana plantations in the Realejo Alto and Realejo Bajo municipalities. The sheer ingenuity required to construct such a facility on the rugged, steep terrain is a testament to the era's innovation. Reddit

Visitors can learn about this fascinating history from information boards located near the site. These boards often detail the technical aspects of the pumping station and its vital role in the region's agricultural development. While direct access to the structure is often prohibited due to safety concerns, its imposing presence from afar still evokes a sense of awe and historical significance. Reddit

Exploring the surrounding landscape further enhances the experience. The ruins are situated within the Protected Landscape of Rambla de Castro, offering beautiful natural scenery alongside the historical site. This combination of industrial heritage and natural beauty makes the Gordejuela Pumping Station Ruins a unique destination for those interested in history, engineering, and scenic walks.

Navigating the Trails and Safety

The journey to the Gordejuela Pumping Station Ruins is an adventure in itself, often involving scenic but challenging hiking trails. Many visitors approach from Puerto de la Cruz or the Mirador de San Pedro, following paths that hug the coastline. These routes offer breathtaking ocean views but can be steep and uneven, with loose stones. Therefore, wearing sturdy hiking shoes is paramount for safety and comfort. Reddit

It's important to be aware that parts of the coastal trail may be closed due to the danger of falling rocks. Travelers are advised to heed any warning signs and be prepared to take detours inland if necessary. This means the route might be longer or more strenuous than anticipated, so carrying water and snacks is a good idea. The experience is often described as 'worth it' despite these challenges, especially when reaching the Mirador de San Pedro restaurant at the end of a hike for a well-deserved meal and panoramic reward. Reddit

Finding convenient parking can also be a hurdle. Visitors often report needing to park some distance away and walk for 30 minutes or more to reach the ruins. Planning your arrival time and understanding potential access limitations will contribute to a smoother visit. The overall consensus is that while the site itself may have restricted access, the journey and the views are highly rewarding. Reddit

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