Guatiza and Bad
One would like to say, that Guatiza and Mala are other white towns in the shadow of a volcanic crater. However, it is worth coming here not only because of it, that they are cute, but to see the only prickly pear plantations on the island, on which not so much cacti are grown, what special aphids used in the production of carmine. The biggest attraction in the area is the botanical garden designed by the famous Manrique, Cactus garden. The eight-meter high sculpture of a mighty cactus, visible from afar, is a harbinger of this, what can be seen in the garden hidden behind the walls. Inside the former quarry, among the strange lava formations it almost grows 10 thousand. cactus belonging to 1,5 thousand. species, including the famous "mother-in-law throne" (mother-in-law's throne), meaning big, round cacti resembling a pouf full of pins. The traditional windmill used for grinding gofio is noteworthy.
There is a gift shop and a cafe in the garden. If someone gets hungry, can dine in the Don Quijote or La Tunera restaurants. You can also stay overnight in Mali – apartments and casas rurales are rented by the Himmelsbach family, which also runs the Namaste Physiotherapy and Self-Development Center.
Los Cocoteros and Charco del Palo
You can take the main road from Guatiza to Mali – defeat 3 km will not take more than a few minutes. However, it is worth making some detours and driving along the coast, passing the small holiday resorts of Los Cocoteros and Charco de Pało on the way, where there are no beaches, but you can bathe in natural salt water pools. Do The Coconut Trees (the name refers to the coconut trees that grow there) there is an asphalt road from Guatiza. Charco de Pało a bit further north is a famous naturist resort. There are numerous hotels and apartments there, four restaurants, supermarket and car rental.
You can reach Charco de Pało by road from Mali. The brave ones can choose passable, but unpaved road from Guatiza.
Arrieta
There is a small fishing village of white houses by the sea, which – although inhabited mainly by the local population – will be an ideal base for these people, who do not necessarily want to be in a larger resort. The town has a nice sandy beach, La Garita, here and there strewn with volcanic rocks.
Buses stop here several times a day #7 i 9. The room can be rented in Apartamentos Arrieta close to the beach or closer to the center, w German Apartments. There is no shortage of restaurants serving good and fresh food in the town. There are several places to choose from, including located right next to the El Charcón beach, Miguel house, El Tahoyo or El Amanecer, considered one of the best restaurants.
Red gold from the Canary Islands
Carmine is designated as E-120 in food products, that is, a natural dye that dyes red. Used in the food industry, textile and, of course, cosmetic (hence the juicy carmine color of lipsticks), it is obtained from insects aptly named Cochineal (Dactylopius cuckoo), living, among others. on the fig prickly pear.
Before the invention of artificial dyes, cochineal was true red gold – practically the entire island lived from its exports. Unfortunately, the streak ended at the end of the 19th century., although in recent years the interest in natural dyes has increased again.
Women's Point
A small settlement of white houses lies by the water, whose intensely azure color is reminiscent of the Caribbean. It is true that there is no beach here (the town is situated on a rocky coast), however, amateurs of bathing and sunbathing can take a dip in natural pools with seawater. It is worth setting aside some time for a walk along the charming seaside promenade, with numerous restaurants serving fresh fish. In the village you can rent apartments for one night or longer stays. A decent place is Apartamentos Mary Sol.