San Andres and Marine Walk to Charco Azul and Puerto Espíndola - Part II

On our way now from the beautiful little village of San Andres to the Puerto de Espíndola, this the second part of our blog post - you can see the first part here: http://holiday-lapalma.blogspot.com.es/2017/03/san-andres-and-marine-walk-to-charco.html

Although the walk is very easy and quite short, there are many things to see along the way and of course even a bit to learn. For example, you'll be able to read from one of the information boards about how the settlement of San Andres was the most important trading centre in the north-east of La Palma, especially in the 16th and 17th century. It's hard to imagine what it was like that far back!

But the tiny port of 'La Cuevita' that is passed along way was doubtless key and you can still see the winch that was used in more recent times to get boats in and out of the water. Before the advent of the fantastic roads we have now, it was
quicker to make the journey to Santa Cruz by sea than by road, as you can well imagine. But it's good to see that people are still using it as a place from where to fish. Oh, and sunbathe and swim :)

Along the marine walk, it's also interesting to see the few houses that there are. I'm sure each one has an interesting history. A few hang at the edge of the cliff practically dipping their toes in the sea. Whilst another is distinctly wacky!

Not quite as wacky as the odd collection of boards and bridges which look like something out of Popeye's village. Definitely not approved by the Health and Safety Executive, so please don't test it out.

From San Andres it is only a walk of about 15 minutes before arriving at Charco Azul which is a well known place on La Palma owing to its sea pool of azure blue, hence the name. The pool is very well fed from the sea and people love to line up against the sea wall and have the mighty Atlantic throw itself in. But it's calm as often as not, so those that like a bit of 'water action' can take advantage of the pump-operated waterfall which intermittently spouts out water in one corner of the pool.

There is also a pool for small children and great changing rooms, reminiscent of beach huts from yesteryear. And totally free of charge.
Another great attraction is the Restaurant Charco Azul which directly overlooks the pools. And just around the corner on street level is the Restaurant Rompecabos which has a slightly calmer atmosphere.

  

Not to be missed is the small museum of the Aldea rum distillery where you can have a guided tour or even just purchase one of the many types of rum made there. At one time there were around 30 rum distilleries on La Palma and it was a significant industry. However, now there is just the Aldea distillery. Tours are Monday to Saturday, 10.00 and 12.00hrs. But the shop (which is fascinating in itself) is open 09.00 to 14.00hrs and 15.00 to 17.00hrs Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings.

Aldea Rum Distillery and small museum

And finally, yes finally after all that excitement and interest ... is the glorious sandy beach of Puerto Espíndola. This is a place which has certainly seen some changes over the past ten years. From what was a small harbour, this has now been usurped by a far larger harbour on the other side of the bay.

The wide swath of sandy beach was created a few years ago and this has got to be the largest beach in the whole of the north. Access to the beach itself is very easy and so is entry and exit into the water. There is even another little cove next to it which we highly recommend for snorkelers and confident swimmers too.
If not a swim, the restaurant Mesón del Mar which is housed in a wonderful old building and overlooks the bay is the perfect place to end this little journey.

Restaurant Meson del Mar