The mountain village of Chipude is probably the oldest settlement on the island, having roots in aborigine times. Its 16th century Iglesia Virgen de la Candelaria is the center of a major Assumption festival on August 15 each year. Chipude makes a good base for exploring Garajonay National Park or La Fortaleza, the red-basalt table-top mountain used for religious sacrifices before the Spanish arrived. The town square offers a nice selection of cafe-bars after hiking, admiring church architecture or shopping for traditional pottery.