Puntagorda

Overview

The municipality of Punta Gorda is the smallest on the island of La Palma but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in beauty. With a population of just over two thousand, it is a vastly rural area, made up of complex caves, above which the land is covered in trees and exotic flowers. The area is one that is still very much untouched by human hands, with the local government only recently implementing plans for a telephone system and a proper road network. It is therefore in a state of flux; a very traditional place that is rapidly developing. Its main centers, El Pino and El Pinar, are now home to a new church, a few bars and restaurants, two internet cafes and a handful of tourist shops. The rapidly developing municipality of Punta Gorda is one of natural beauty, with its still firm belief in practises of the earliest settlers; it is truly unique to the island of La Palma.

History

Punta Gorda is a very traditional place, rich in agricultural. It is one of the twelve municipalities in which, prior to the conquest in 1493, the aborigines built hidden societies in the towns' various caves and ravines. They  excelled in making household objects and tools thanks to their excellence in skills such as pottery and carving - many of these original objects can now be found in the Archaeological Museum Benahorita.

The area’s land has been used throughout its history for produce. In the first half of the 16^th century, Portuguese conquers used the land of Punta Gorda for extensive farming and by the 18^th century, it was one of the top producers of rye and grain on the island.

Despite the area receiving municipality status in 1833, the area remained untouched by technological or social developments, and people continued to live lives very similar to those of the first settlers. Punta Gorda only moved into ‘modern society’ in the late 1970s, when the local government saw the benefits of public/private light, running water, phones and better quality roads. This makes the area one of the most traditional, yet rapidly developing, areas in La Palma.

Culture

Due to Punta Gorda’s late move into modern society, the area is very traditional in comparison to the rest of the island. The citizens still adhere to many of the practices and principles that have been the lifeblood of their area since the original settlement over a thousand years ago.

Due to it being the smallest municipality in La Palma, Punta Gorda has a strong community spirit. However, this does not mean they are not welcoming to tourists. They’re very welcoming and offer great hospitality. Furthermore, as the main producers of rye and tomatoes on the island, they are very hard working.

Economy

Punta Gorda has long history of agricultural production; conquerors were very keen on exploiting the land's agricultural facilities for mass profit. However, the citizens will be grateful nowadays, as they now have a very healthy agricultural sector.

Punta Gorda produces 70% of the tomatoes in the La Palma area and in the 1970s, they started a festival in honour of the almond trees- such is the quality of the almonds in the area. However, since the 18^th century, Punta Gorda has been mostly reliant on its production of rye and grain. Three windmills were built by in the 17^th century; these were built to enhance production of the crop. Today, it is the chief source of income for farmers and the area is the largest producer on the island.

How To Get There

By Bus: There are no buses from elsewhere in La Palma that stop in Punta Gorda.

By Car: If you’re travelling from the airport, it will take you approximately 1hr and 20 minutes.  After heading north from the airport and taking the 1^st exit on 2 roundabouts, you will need to take the LP2/LP3 then the LP1.

If you’re travelling from the capital, Santa Cruz de la Palma, at 55Km, it will take you approximately 1hr and 10 minutes.  After heading south east towards Av Martinez, then take the first exit on the roundabout, then take the LP2/LP3 then the LP1.

La Antigua iglesia de San Amaro

The La Antigua Iglesia de San Amaro translates in to ‘The old church of San Amaro’. A site of historical significance, it is believed to be the original site of the first settlers on the island. The history of this simple, humble church is relatively unknown, due to a fire on the 31^st of August 1811, which wiped out all the archives relating to the San Amaro. However, it is believed to be one of the oldest one the island and has been visited by thousands of pilgrims throughout its long history.

Dragon Trees in El Roque

These marvellous dragon trees dwarf others on the island; they are one of the largest types of tree in La Palma and also among the oldest. The most peculiar thing is that the largest in the group, near the LP-1 main road, used to be even bigger, until a storm a few years back split the trunk. Despite the slight wound, it still stands tall and proud in the district of El Roque. These stunning trees truly are a must-see for any photographer/nature enthusiast.

Activities and Things to Do

Hiking

Various routes around Puntagorda are available. These vary in difficulty but are all fantastic ways to experience the areas beauty up close; from the astonishing dragon trees in El Rogue to the various spiral patterns carved into the rock down the years.

Polideportivo El Pinar

This public park has sport facilities that are suitable for football, volleyball and basketball. Public access is free, and is a great place to work up a sweat and get some exercise with the locals or with friends.

Festivals

Fiesta Del Almendro en Flor

First celebrated in the 1970s, the Fiesta del Almendro en Flor translates as ‘Almond Blossom Festival’. It originqated as a celebration of the almond tree’s importance in Punta Gorda, at the time it blossoms, between the end of February and the beginning of April.

It takes place usually around late January or early February and offers up many roasted almonds and some of the finest local wine, as well as live local Canarian music. There are also many stalls which sell costume jewellery, cheap clothes and, for the kids, a variety of handcrafted toys.

San Mauro Abad

The patron saint of the area is San Mauro and in the second half of August, pilgrims and locals alike flock to celebrate his protection over Punta Gorda. During the festival, people carry the saint’s image through the town to the old sanctuary - La Antigua iglesia de San Amaro. Then throughout the weekend, there is plenty of live music, as well as food and drink stands and even a peculiar time-trial obstacle course- the gimcana. This event provides great entertainment to the spectators as participants walk on stilts, throw eggs and get pushed in wheelbarrows with sausages in their mouths.

Restaurants and Nightlife