Puntos de Interés
Municipality
Puntagorda
Puntagorda is a municipality perched at the westernmost point of the Canary Island of La Palma. It is a small rural municipality bordered to the north, in the direction of Barranco de Izcagua, by the municipality of Villa de Garafía, and to the south, by the Barranco de Garome ravine and the municipality of Tijarafe. It consists of four centres or hamlets: El Pinar, Fagundo, El Roque and El Pueblo.
Chronologically, the history of Puntagorda begins with the formation of a Benahoarita community, passing through the period of European conquest and colonisation, up to the development of a contemporary agricultural society. The municipality became its own entity in 1812 and elements such as the old Temple of San Mauro Abad, dating from the 16th century, and the windmills, designed by Isidoro Ortega, are still preserved from this historical evolution.
Puntagorda stands out as one of the most agricultural and livestock farming municipalities on the island, with an economy strongly centred on the primary sector and related services. This is reflected in the architecture of the town's services, which reflects rural and agricultural life with barns, wine cellars, wine presses, threshing floors, water cisterns, fountains big and small, all essential for daily life in an environment where the scarcity of water resources is a particular feature. However, in recent years, the boom in rural and nature tourism has contributed significantly to the local economy, thanks to the stunning landscapes and viewpoints across the municipality.
Attractions include the port of Puntagorda, with two pools and dedicated and bathing areas, which seem to just emerge from a spectacular natural space. Its majestic cliffs and crystal clear waters provide an ideal setting for relaxation, offering visitors peace and tranquillity. The beauty of the landscape also stands out, with extensive pine forests and fields of fruit trees, which, in the flowering season, turn the municipality into a unique visual spectacle.
The gastronomic offering in Puntagorda is really diverse and attractive, covering a wide range of establishments that satisfy different tastes and culinary preferences. From traditional and typical Canarian options to more avant-garde dishes. Highlights: goat's cheese with mojo sauce, meats in sauce and grilled meats or expertly prepared fish dishes like Sole in Valeska. And without forgetting stews and soups or the irresistible homemade desserts such as the almond-based almendrado or bienmesabe, or Príncipe Alberto, something of a Canarian version of tiramisú.
The calendar of festivities in Puntagorda includes religious events, such as the Day of San Mauro Abad, and popular celebrations such as: the Fiesta del Almendro en Flor, Carnaval, the Day of the Cruz de Matos, the Day of the Canary Islands, the festival in honour of San Roque and the San Mauro Abad festival, held in August.