Puntallana is one of those funny villages that you drive by and think there is nothing there. Part of the reason for this is that you do just that - drive by - and since the bypass is a wide, clear road bordered only by suitably boring-looking buildings, there seems little reason to make a detour into the village itself.
Lucky old Puntallana! The result is that it doesn't have to suffer a steady stream of traffic as cars make their way between the capital and the north of La Palma and can pretty much get on with life on its own, which includes keeping its treasures to itself.
However, you really don't have to go very far into Puntallana before you start to realise that perhaps there is more to discover than initially meets the eye. In fact one of the most impressive buildings that you will come across is the church of St. John the Baptist, built in the 16th Century and which has been declared a cultural monument. It is well worth taking a moment to stroll inside.
A little below the church lies the spring, or rather the Fountain of Saint John. It is a peaceful corner, reached by a little cobbled road and each year as part of the fiesta of Puntallana, the holy patron is carried to it in gratitude for the precious water.
Another treasure of Puntallana is Casa Luján, a large colonial style house which dates back to the 17th/18th century and now houses a museum and handicraft centre.
At the other end of the spectrum and located down a narrow lane off a slightly less narrow lane, you come across 'La Fuentiña,' which are a series of stone basins. This was the original washing place where villagers would come and use the facilities to do their laundry.
Puntallana is also the gateway to the beach of Playa Nogales and the GR130 Camino Real walking around La Palma passes through. Nearby there is more walking at La Galga and Los Tilos and the historic capital of Santa Cruz de La Palma just 10km away.
Puntallana is also the gateway to the beach of Playa Nogales and the GR130 Camino Real walking around La Palma passes through. Nearby there is more walking at La Galga and Los Tilos and the historic capital of Santa Cruz de La Palma just 10km away.
Of course no self-respecting village would be without a bar and Puntallana does not disappoint with approximately four bars which include two stalwart bars almost always open and several others depending on the time of day and fiesta schedule.
Well worth a visit and if you would like to spend a little longer there, we can certainly recommend a beautiful and traditional holiday house to rent. Then you too can enjoy the hidden treasures of Puntallana.
