Pescante de Hermigua
Iconic concrete pillars rising from the Atlantic, remnants of a historic fruit export pier, adjacent to a stunning natural ocean pool.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Safest for ocean pool
Pescante de Hermigua
Best Time
Safest for ocean pool
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic concrete pillars rising from the Atlantic, remnants of a historic fruit export pier, adjacent to a stunning natural ocean pool.
"A striking monument blending history with the wild coastline and the power of the ocean."
🚗 Parking & Access
Park at the dirt track's end barrier, then a short walk to the site. :car:
⚠️ Safety First!
Always check sea conditions; swimming is risky with waves/high tide. :warning:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Pescante Pillars
Atlantic Coastline
Four massive concrete pillars rising dramatically from the sea, a testament to an unfinished historical project.
Natural Ocean Pool
Adjacent to the pillars
A spectacular, sea-filled pool carved into the rocks, perfect for a refreshing dip when the sea is calm.
+1
Dramatic Coastal Views
Surrounding area
Experience the raw power of the Atlantic with crashing waves and rugged cliffs framing the historic site.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Safety
Historical Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking & Access
Park at the dirt track's end barrier, then a short walk to the site. :car:
⚠️ Safety First!
Always check sea conditions; swimming is risky with waves/high tide. :warning:
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
Slippery rocks around the pool make water shoes essential.
🌊 Ocean Pool Caution
Enter the natural pool only when locals deem it safe. :ocean:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking & Access
Park at the dirt track's end barrier, then a short walk to the site. :car:
⚠️ Safety First!
Always check sea conditions; swimming is risky with waves/high tide. :warning:
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
Slippery rocks around the pool make water shoes essential.
🌊 Ocean Pool Caution
Enter the natural pool only when locals deem it safe. :ocean:
📸 Drone Views
Capture stunning aerial shots of the pillars and coastline.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the dramatic Pescante de Hermigua pillars and the adjacent natural ocean pool, appreciating the unique blend of history and raw nature. While the site is visually stunning and offers a refreshing swim opportunity, many caution about the inherent dangers of the ocean, especially during high tide or rough seas, emphasizing that swimming is at one's own risk. +1
"To reach this spot, you first drive through the town of Hermigua. As you approach the coastline, look for a right hand turn. This road eventually becomes a smooth dirt track that ends at a low metal barrier. There is enough space around the barrier to park.
From there, it’s a short walk until an ocean pool appears between the cliffs. Continue a few more minutes, and you’ll arrive at four massive concrete pillars rising straight out of the Atlantic, surrounded by crashing waves.
It turns out these four structures are man made. They were meant to support a loading platform for transferring goods from small boats to larger merchant ships that couldn’t dock near the shore. For reasons unknown, the project was never completed, and the pillars remain, now a striking monument that blends surprisingly well with the wild coastline and the power of the ocean.
And of course, don’t forget to visit the nearby and equally impressive natural ocean pool."
Arie Zur
"I’ve been swimming here several times with great pleasure. It’s a fantastic experience. But this video illustrates that the tidal bath (Pecante de Hermigua) can be very dangerous - yes even deadly - too. Only five minutes before this video people were still swimming in the pool! So you can dangerously be caught by surprised. Chat GPT advised me that high tide would be the safest time to go into the pool, but to my humble opinion I think it should be low tide, as then the sea level doesn’t reach the pool. Please have yourself well informed by locals and be careful and warned at all times."
G. Maussen
"Swimming was perfect today but I can imagine that it is very dangerous here with a full moon tide. Lots of signage and a red flag to advise you not to swim, so you go in at your own risk. However this is an interesting historical site and a beautiful place to chill."
Jill Lowe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Drive through Hermigua town and look for a right turn towards the coast. The road becomes a dirt track ending at a barrier where you can park. It's a short walk from there.
Yes, there's parking space around the low metal barrier at the end of the dirt track.
No, you cannot drive directly to the site due to the risk of falling rocks. Parking is available nearby, followed by a short walk.
It's a short walk, typically 5-10 minutes from the parking area to reach the ocean pool and pillars.
The terrain is generally flat and easy, but can be slippery around the rocks, especially near the ocean pool.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit the Pescante de Hermigua. Entry is free.
The site is accessible at all times, but it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
While entry isn't prohibited, you enter at your own risk, especially concerning rockfalls and sea conditions.
The main risks include potential rockfalls from the cliffs and dangerous sea conditions, particularly during high tide or strong waves.
You can swim in the natural ocean pool, but only when the sea is calm and locals advise it's safe. It can be very dangerous otherwise.
📸 📸 Photography
The area around the concrete pillars and the natural ocean pool offer dramatic shots. Drone photography provides unique perspectives.
Drone footage is popular and captures the scale of the pillars and coastline beautifully.
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting, while midday can provide clear views of the structures.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be mindful of safety and the natural environment.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the pillars and coastline. A drone offers aerial perspectives.
🎫 🌊 Nature & Activities
It's a spectacular pool carved into the rocks, filled by seawater. It's ideal for a refreshing swim when the sea is calm.
Swimming is only recommended when the sea is calm and locals advise it's safe. It can be extremely dangerous with waves or high tide.
The area features a rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, and the powerful Atlantic Ocean.
While not a dedicated hiking spot, the walk to the Pescante is pleasant, and the surrounding area offers opportunities for exploration.
The primary natural attraction is the marine environment and the powerful ocean itself.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, extreme caution is advised regarding the ocean pool; it's only suitable for swimming if the sea is exceptionally calm and under strict supervision. 📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1 Drone shots are highly recommended to capture the full scope of the site and its dramatic coastal setting. +1 The natural ocean pool also provides excellent opportunities for unique shots, particularly during calm seas. Experiment with different angles and times of day, especially sunrise and sunset, for the most impactful imagery. 🚶♀️ Adventure Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Pescante
However, for reasons that remain somewhat obscure, the project was never fully completed. The loading platform was never installed, leaving the four imposing concrete pillars standing as a solitary monument against the relentless force of the Atlantic. Today, these pillars are a powerful symbol of the island's past agricultural trade and a unique blend of human engineering and raw nature.
Visitors often marvel at how well these man-made structures integrate with the wild coastline, creating a visually dramatic scene. The site serves as a poignant reminder of La Gomera's connection to international trade and the enduring power of the ocean.
Safety and Swimming at the Ocean Pool
+1It is crucial to always check the sea conditions before entering the water. Locals often advise that swimming is only safe during low tide and when the sea is calm. High tide and strong waves can make the pool extremely dangerous, even deadly, as swimmers can be caught by surprise.
For those who choose to swim, wearing water shoes is highly recommended due to slippery rocks. The experience can be exhilarating, but prioritizing safety and heeding local advice is paramount to enjoying this natural wonder.
Capturing the Pescante: Photography Tips
+1Drone footage has become particularly popular, offering breathtaking aerial perspectives that showcase the scale of the pillars and their integration with the coastline.
+1 For ground-level photography, a wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the grandeur of the structures and the surrounding rugged scenery. The natural ocean pool also presents a unique photographic subject, especially when filled with clear, blue water. Consider visiting during sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting conditions. The golden hour can cast a warm glow on the pillars and create stunning reflections in the water. Always be mindful of safety when composing your shots, especially near the water's edge and the potentially unstable cliff areas.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit