The village of Alajeró is located in the southwest of the island and is part of the ancient aboriginal territories of Hipalán and Orone.

The two districts of Alajero and San Sebastian are divided by Playa Santiago. This is the most important place on the southwest of the island (population-wise).

The coastal area has some spectacular natural attractions; the waters are crystal clear and extremely calm. They’re surrounded by a variety of geology and fauna that’s completely unique to this part of the island, including a few species of Drago tree.

The beaches at Santiago and Erese are an absolute must see. Santiago has blossomed into a thriving tourism location, thanks to its good weather and pretty landscapes.

Nowadays, however, Playa Santiago has discovered a new economic activity: tourism, thanks to its good weather and lovely landscapes. The area has been converted into one of the most successful locations on the island. There have been numerous improvements to the harbour and a new hotel has been built by the Fred Olsen Company.

Some of the places worth visiting in this area include; Tapahuga, del Medio and Chinguarime, the villages of Benchijigua, Lo del Gato, Targa y Antoncojo and of course, Santiago beach.

In the 1920’s a farming cooperative between a Norwegian company (Nowga) was set up with Rodríguez López. Crops began to grow on irrigated land. Tomatoes and bananas were exported in abundance from the small nearby port.

This small southern empire eventually collapsed during the agrarian crises, in the sixties and seventies. Most of the factories were shut down and there was a large-scale emigration to Tenerife and South America.