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Los LIanos de Aridane
With over 21 000 inhabitants spread over approximately 37 km sq., Los Llanos surpasses the capital Santa Cruz in size, and is also economically more significant.
Los Llanos was always a fertile valley. Spoilt by its sunny location in the west with little condensation, it nonetheless possesses sufficient water reserves thanks to the flowing springs of the Caldera de Taburiente.
Sugar cane was farmed here in earlier times, while today banana plantations define the landscape. Since the 1980s, a further economic factor has been the tourism industry.
Puerto Naos, with the most beautiful beach on the island, belongs to the community of Los Llanos and is a preferred destination for tourists wishing to spend their holidays in the guaranteed sunshine of the west coast.
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Los Llanos has a colourful, old but renovated city centre with pedestrian zone, many boutiques and restaurants, and of course with the large Plaza España located in the centre, surrounded by Indian bay trees. From here one can gaze at two murals on houses, which are a part of the “La Ciudad en el Museo” cultural project. There are already 9 murals completed, out of a total of 25 planned.
About 7 % of the inhabitants are foreigners, predominantly German, Dutch and Swiss.
The parish church is located near the Plaza España, behind which one can find the Plaza Chica. A cozy little square with palm trees, benches and fountains. Keeping to the right, one arrives at the Los Llanos old town, where one can amble through angular alleyways, past attractive brightly-painted houses in which boutiques and restaurants hide.
Los Llanos is the ideal departure point for hikers. The Caldera de Taburiente lies directly at its door and bus lines depart in all directions from its bus station.
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Argual, oldest part of Los Llanos
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Sightseeing
Plaza de España: Centre and departure point for undertakings of all kinds, with a view of the parish church and of the municipal administration, an old Canary building with beautiful wood balconies. In the summer months, a stage is set up here for concerts and theatre productions.
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios: At 16th century three-nave church near the Plaza España with a high altar for the patron saint.
Mercado Municipal: On the main road in the direction of Tazacorte, turn right for the covered market (at the intersection with the “cepsa” gas station on the right)
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 6:00-14:00
Sat 6:00-16:00
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Plaza Chica: Idyllic little square to rest, upside the church.
Parque Gómez Felipe: South of the city centre along the way to Puerto Naos, these little garden allotments stretch to the right, and are currently being redesigned by the island artist Luís Morera. The work will last awhile longer, but a look now is nonetheless worthwhile.
Argual: The oldest quarter of Los Llanos is located somewhat on the outskirts, but the detour is well worth it. Travelling by car, one turns in the direction of Tazacorte, where towards the right the road branches off to Puntagorda zeigt, o the left to the Plaza Sotomayor. Around the square are located the oldest buildings in the city, the restoration of which is currently underway with EU support. The Casa Massieu-Van Dale (house no. 31) was the previous property of the sugar barons, with valuable woodwork, inner court and galeries. The building is used today as a tourist office and for rotating exhibits.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8:00-15:00
In the old Monteverde-Palais, located diagonally across from it, is located a restaurant and guesthouse, with many old antiques.
Glasstudio Artefuego: The workshop of the German glass artist Dominic Kessler is located towards the back of the square. The visitor can view the artist at work on Sunday mornings, when the flea market takes place on the square.
Opening hours: daily 10:00-14:00, closed Thursdays
The largest and most beautiful beach Puerto Naos
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Puerto Naos: The largest and most beautiful beach on La Palma is located here. Coconut trees offer shade and a south sea flair to the sandy beach, and the promenade with bars and restaurants contribute a holiday atmosphere. Unfortunately, the multi-floor apartment blocks in the second row somewhat tarnish the view.
However, there are other beaches in the area which are also highly popular.
Playa de Charco Verde - large bay south ofPuerto Naos.
Playa de las Monjas - “Nuns’ beach” is of all things the name of the only naturist beach on the island. Turn right in the direction of El Remo.
Playa El Remo - – lies at the end of the country road towards the south and has a small bay for swimming. However, the visitor comes here more for the 3 kioscos, the rustic and simple fish restaurants located directly along the water, from which one can view the sunset while enjoying dinner. This simple, quiet beach settlement consists of summer and weekend homes.
Playa de la Bombilla - lies before Puerto Naos turning right, and is like El Remo a beach settlement, with 3 kioscos as well.
Playa Nueva - a popular summer bathing area. The sand is in large part covered by stones in winter, and due the strong current is then more a place for hanging out.
The dragontree near Puerto Naos |
