The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - Travel
‘We held hands with our fellow prisoners, sharing a bottle of rum, becoming close friends’
Your stories of visiting Spanish islands ranged from the dramatic to the resourceful and the sublime
LAND BEFORE TIME
It was the late 70s, and we were on a ferry away from the rowdy port of Los Christians on Tenerife across to the mysterious island of La Gomera. From the very small port of San Sebastian we boarded a basic coach and endured a trip of some two hours, grinding our way slowly through beautiful but mysterious laurel forest. The Hotel Jardin Tecina was the only hotel on the island at the time and beautifully situated on a clifftop set in a banana plantation. The food was basic but real, the locals welcoming. The island remained a mystery despite several forays on the limited roads and paths, but we loved it.
Nick Hildick-Smith, Hampshire
CHEQUERED PAST
It was 1970, and we went – three adults and three young children – to Menorca for sun, sea and sand. Our accommodation was in Binibeca Vell, still in its very early stages of development, with bamboo poles for scaffolding and electric cables snaking head-height across alleyways. The countryside was yellow dry and dusty, with raw red rocks and villages unchanged for 300 years. Our ancient Seat 500 developed a puncture, and while attempting to change the wheel, the jack went through the rusty floor. Luckily, a group of local men came by, two lifting the car while two others replaced the wheel – reminiscent of a F1 pit stop – and then on we went to the beautiful capital of Mahon, where we relaxed with a cheap London Gin.
Roger Beeching, Essex
PAR FOR THE COURSE
One March, I went to stay with my cousin, who has a house in Mallorca. The largest of the Balearics, the island is famous for its beaches so we duly went for a swim at nearby Pollenca. Being only March, the water was freezing – and that in his pool not much better – so we decided to try golf instead. Heading for Son Muntaner Club, we had a very enjoyable 18 holes (made more so because I sank a long putt on the last hole to win the match), followed by a couple of glasses of excellent Spanish wine. We drove back to the house via Cape Formentor from which one can see some of the other islands. Proof that this is a wonderful holiday destination at any time of year.
Mark Milbank, Dorset
FINAL FAMILY FORAY
It was one of our last holidays with our offspring, and I’m not sure I’ve experienced any trip so perfect – with daily unbroken blue skies, and temperatures in the mid-20s. The ferry from Tenerife offloaded us in La Gomera, into its peace and multi-faceted charm. We lazed on loungers absorbing books, and anticipated evening meals in the on-site restaurant overlooking the sea; explored dramatic scenery, including a tropical interior; and took a boat trip around the small island which took only an afternoon. One day, we walked to the new airport, not yet offering direct UK flights and almost completely devoid of passengers; its cathedral-like doors, modelled on those at the Church of the Assumption in the island’s capital, were majestic.
Dr Anne Keene, Oxfordshire
UNCANNY VALLEY
We’d briefly harboured ideas of revisiting California, but with just one February week at our disposal, we opted instead for a closer option, an apartment in Puerto De La Cruz, Tenerife. Arriving on a balmy evening, we joined the throngs along the attractive sea front, spoilt for choice by the numerous restaurants, many in the narrow cobbled streets of the older part of town, our path lit by lanterns. The next day, a lido offered an alternative to the town’s black-sand beach, and our battered hire car of unknown vintage gamely let us venture further afield, thankfully without incident. We explored the rocky northern coast, making a few visits to Santa Cruz with its well-preserved old town and imported golden sandy beach. With blue skies overhead, it could easily have been California!
Celia Harris, Hampshire
FEAST FOR THE SENSES
It was our Easter vacation, and the elusive nightingale was singing his “come hither” melody as we strolled through the shrubby woodland on the path towards the beach. Soon, we could hear waves hurling themselves onto the sandy shore – the dramatic aftermath of a storm the previous night on our arrival in Menorca. How many others had found this spot? Just our little group of nature enthusiasts, the sharpeyed amongst which spotted pristine white pyramids, disguised flies and even mirrors – all unusual types of orchids. We learnt that this island is ringed in paths, ideal for explorers like us. Afterwards, we discovered another of the island’s sensory pleasures: the scent of Ensaimadas from the bakeries – returning laden with boxes filled with the delicious pastries.
Wendy Osborn, Buckinghamshire