You will notice that GR131 has not appeared in today’s title. Instead of going back up the mountain, we were going to the seaside. An hour’s bus ride across and through the Island [2.10 euros] and we were changing buses in Los Llanos to go down to Puerto de Tazacorte. I managed to hobble down to the black beach and have a dip in the waves until I realised my leg didn’t want to swim. A hilarious moment happened when we tried to walk across the beach barefoot and realised our feet were actually burning on the black ash, a lot of hopping and jumping onto clothes ensued. A decent fish restaurant served us lunch whilst looking up at the steep path we could have been coming down on the GR131. Ah well, some other time.

The night was spent in the delightful old part of Los Llanos. Tree lined streets were perfect for the  relaxed café culture. The trees are 150yr old Indian Laurels, a type of Ficus, and are crying to be climbed.

Santa Cruz was explored the next day. Old narrow streets, flower decked balconies, museums, seafront restaurants, little bars. Not bad for an anticlimax.

A final float in the sea and we were heading home well impressed with La Palma – La Isla Bonito.  Hasta luego!