Hautacuperche

Hautacuperche is a bronze memorial statue in Valle Gran Rey, on the island of La Gomera, standing on La Puntilla beach where the valley meets the Atlantic. It depicts a Guanche warrior who led resistance against the Spanish conquest of the island in the late 15th century, and it has become one of the most photographed landmarks along Valle Gran Rey's seafront promenade.

Who was Hautacuperche?

Hautacuperche was a Guanche warrior from La Gomera who took part in the 1488 uprising against Hernán Peraza, the island's feudal lord. Peraza had already been killed by local islanders in retaliation for his treatment of the native population, and after his death the elder chief Hupalupo took charge of the rebellion. Hautacuperche emerged as one of its most determined fighters. The rebels laid siege to Peraza's widow, Beatriz de Bobadilla, and her men at the Torre del Conde fortress. During that siege Hautacuperche reportedly showed a level of courage and combat skill that unsettled the Spanish forces, who eventually killed him with arrows to the chest. The episode remains one of the defining stories of native resistance during the Castilian conquest of the Canary Islands.

What will you see on site?

The centrepiece is a bronze figure of the warrior, created by Canarian sculptor Luis Arencibia, who has produced other public works across the islands. The statue was unveiled in 2007, commissioned by the regional government's heritage department to commemorate the historical figure. It stands in a dynamic pose facing the ocean, reinforcing the dramatic weight of the story it represents. The setting itself is worth the stop: a volcanic-sand beach backed by the steep cliffs that frame Valle Gran Rey, so the visit works equally well as a scenic break.

How do you get there?

The statue sits on La Puntilla beach, in the part of Valle Gran Rey known as La Playa — the town's main tourist area, connected to the rest of the valley by local roads. Driving from Playa Santiago or San Sebastián de La Gomera means following the winding mountain road that links the island's south with its western coast, a trip that typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. Parking is available near the promenade, and the statue itself is just a short walk from the shoreline, making it an easy addition to a beach walk.

When should you visit?

Valle Gran Rey enjoys mild weather year-round, but spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) offer the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing, with moderate temperatures and fewer crowds than at the height of summer. Late afternoon, just before sunset, bathes the statue and the surrounding beach in warm light, making it a favourite time for photographers.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, the statue stands in a public space on the beach and can be visited free of charge at any time of day.

How much time should I set aside? Viewing the statue itself takes only a few minutes, but pairing it with a walk along the La Puntilla promenade and beach is worthwhile — plan for 30 to 60 minutes.

Are there other attractions nearby? Yes, La Playa is the tourist hub of Valle Gran Rey, with restaurants, bars and cliff viewpoints close by, so the visit fits naturally into a longer stay in the area.

Is the site accessible for visitors with limited mobility? The paved promenade makes reaching the statue itself straightforward; the beach, like most on La Gomera, has a sandy-and-pebble surface that can be harder going for wheelchairs.