El Escobonal brings together local history, traditional pottery and an agricultural landscape in the south of the island. If you are looking for a hotel in El Escobonal, these themes can help you choose the focus of your stay: from the history of the Antigua Ermita de San José to the steps involved in a pottery workshop.

Local history in historic buildings

The Antigua Ermita de San José was built and consecrated in the mid-18th century. El Escobonal developed around it, making the building directly connected to the origins of the settlement. Following restoration work in the early 21st century, the ruins are open to visitors. The ermita is next to the old Camino Real. You can reach it via a turn-off at the entrance to El Escobonal, then continue along the Camino la Tirada. Check local route conditions before your visit.

In the town centre is the Fonda del Escobonal, an example of traditional Canarian architecture in the Agache region, built in the early 20th century. Historically, it served for many years as a stopping place and overnight accommodation for travellers from the south of Tenerife. The building was refurbished for use as a cultural centre. Check the current programme and public access arrangements before visiting.

The Museo Arqueológico, Costumbrista y Naturalista presents an archaeological collection with a particular focus on Guanche culture. This focus differs from the architectural history of the Fonda and the ermita: here, Guanche culture takes centre stage as part of an archaeological collection.

Pottery craft and traditional techniques

Alfar de Agael is a pottery workshop in El Escobonal that teaches traditional pottery techniques used by the former inhabitants of the Canary Islands. It also offers workshops in traditional pottery; ask about workshop dates before your visit. Various types of clay are used in the process. Almagre is used for colouring and creating designs, while charcoal is used for engobes. Picón sand helps the pieces withstand the heat of firing. The materials each serve a different purpose, from decoration to firing.

Agricultural landscape and routes through Agache

El Escobonal preserves a traditional agricultural landscape in the south of the island. A route through the mid-altitude areas of the Agache and Fasnia region follows the Camino Real del Sur and starts in the town at the parish church of San José. Check local route conditions and signage before setting out. For travel planning, the route offers a different experience from a single cultural site: it has a named starting point and passes through the mid-altitude areas, while the Ermita and the Fonda are historic buildings with their own architectural focus.

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