The Botanical Gardens at Puerto de la Cruz, or El Jardín de Aclimatación de la Orotava, to give them their proper title, have a fascinating, if chequered, history. Conceived by King Carlos III of Spain in 1788, the original purpose of the Gardens was to house examples of flora from all corners of Spain’s then… Continue reading The land that time forgot
Category: Travel
The insider’s guide to Granadilla
Perched 600 metres above sea level in the south of the island, the picturesque town of Granadilla is surrounded by mountains and ravines, its hilly vista a hotch-potch of rural houses, terrace farms and vineyards. Recently, foreigners and locals alike have scooped scores of aging farmhouses in the region’s mountainous climbs. Once you get off… Continue reading The insider’s guide to Granadilla
San Sebastian de la Gomera
Set on the east coast of the circular island of La Gomera, today’s San Sebastián is the main port of entry for visitors and is a pleasant, laid back little place to explore. No teeming metropolis this, despite its importance as the island’s capital. Located at sea level, ‘La Villa’ as it’s known locally, provides… Continue reading San Sebastian de la Gomera
Kite surfing
Each year there are more of them. Hardly a beach remains where sunbathers are not treated to the sight of an array of brilliantly colored kites out at sea. They belong to kite surfers, professionals and amateurs alike, practising their jumps and reaching outrageous heights while moving across the water with alarming speed. Wakesurfing is… Continue reading Kite surfing
Paradors of Spain – A Noble Retreat
The intense silence was broken only by my own bare feet shuffling across the polished floorboards. With a bleary yawn I pulled back the heavy drapes and sunlight flooded the room. I found myself staring at a massive volcano. Once the shock had registered, I remembered I was staying at a Parador in the Cañadas… Continue reading Paradors of Spain – A Noble Retreat