La Palma is known amongst those 'in the know' as one of the most mountainous islands in the world for its size. But what even those 'in the know' don't always know is that there are some really interesting flat areas too - and that really is worth knowing!
Yes it's true; there are flat areas on La Palma, not just for walking but also for recreation. And since La Palma takes its recreation very seriously, there are quite a few dotted about the island.
One of the flatest however lies a little way out of the town of Barlovento in the north east of La Palma. Slightly deceptively named 'La Laguna de Barlovento' and easy to spot on the map with what appears to be a large lake, the apparent lake is in fact a water reservoir formed from what was a crater. One of the largest in the Canaries with a capacity of 5.000.000 m³ of water, it is sadly non-operational at the moment due to a ruputure last year of mammoth proportions (in fact, more the size of a large bus than a mammoth).
However, don't despair entirely as there is water at La Laguna de Barlovento in the form of an attractive duck pond. With various breeds of ducks, very often along with their ducklings, there are also geese that wander about the area of the pond and spend what looks like a very happy time in the shady, marshy parts under trees.
In fact, this large park has many hidden assets and a gentle stroll around will lead you through wooded paths to a few surprises. One of my favourites has got to be the bbq's - individual brick-built affairs complete with bbq, sink, table and benches. Firewood is supplied so best stop off at the Spar supermarket just down the road in Barlovento for a few burgers, buns and firelighters and you're all set. A bbq-roasted courgette topped with goat's cheese and La Palma mojo sauce is a great alternative too, not just for vegetarians :) so don't miss out on this outdoor treat. There is a charge of a few euros for the facility so do call in at the warden's office on the way through to let them know you are there and to pay your dues.
Apart from this being a particularly flat area, it is also quite high and often cool which can be another benefit for those who don't like full on heat. For this reason, it is a popular area at weekends for Palmerans who enjoy the open space and the sometimes cooler weather. The largest bbq buildings do get booked ahead but there are usually plenty of the smaller ones still available.
Another great experience at La Laguna is the camping and this might just be for fun, for those walking the GR130 La Palma Camino Real or for anyone wanting to keep the holiday costs low (or a mixture of all three of those things). You'll either need to bring your own tent or you can hire one of the cabins. The cost is 4.50€ per week day per tent or 9€ per Saturday and Sundays. Be warned though, the end of July and right through August tend to be rather overtaken by large groups singing Ging, Gang, Gooley Spanish style with various Summer Camps. But other than that, you can enjoy the tranquillity of the area. For those camping, there are also free-to-use solar powered showers - the water is generally hot, hot, hot and great after a day of walking or exploring the area. Also, there is an excellent restaurant on site, Las Goteras which is great for a snack or full meal with meat cooked over a log fire.
Another little known facility of La Laguna is the adventure park. It was closed for a short time for maintenance but has re-opened again under the management of Ekalis, a company run by young Palmerans and is an alterntaive type of recreation for tourists and other visitors alike. It is open every weekend and during the week by appointment. To book, ring 922444517 or email ekalis@ekalis.com
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Yes it's true; there are flat areas on La Palma, not just for walking but also for recreation. And since La Palma takes its recreation very seriously, there are quite a few dotted about the island.
One of the flatest however lies a little way out of the town of Barlovento in the north east of La Palma. Slightly deceptively named 'La Laguna de Barlovento' and easy to spot on the map with what appears to be a large lake, the apparent lake is in fact a water reservoir formed from what was a crater. One of the largest in the Canaries with a capacity of 5.000.000 m³ of water, it is sadly non-operational at the moment due to a ruputure last year of mammoth proportions (in fact, more the size of a large bus than a mammoth).
Apart from this being a particularly flat area, it is also quite high and often cool which can be another benefit for those who don't like full on heat. For this reason, it is a popular area at weekends for Palmerans who enjoy the open space and the sometimes cooler weather. The largest bbq buildings do get booked ahead but there are usually plenty of the smaller ones still available.
Another little known facility of La Laguna is the adventure park. It was closed for a short time for maintenance but has re-opened again under the management of Ekalis, a company run by young Palmerans and is an alterntaive type of recreation for tourists and other visitors alike. It is open every weekend and during the week by appointment. To book, ring 922444517 or email ekalis@ekalis.com
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