Apartments La Fuente

Perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the provincial charm of La Palma's picturesque capital, these simple but attractive apartments are situated in the very heart of the old town, in a narrow cobbled street just one row back from the seafront. The front part facing the street is a handsome old townhouse with a typical Canarian balcony, whilst to the rear a more recently built four-storey extension houses the majority of the nine apartments (please note that there is no lift).

Each apartment comprises a lounge with an open plan kitchen equipped for basic self-catering, a bedroom with either a double or twin beds, and a modern shower room. The Apartments Type A face a narrow internal courtyard, Type B have external views, and the superior Type C apartments are more spacious and have balconies with sea views. Although not luxurious, the apartments provide all the necessities for a relaxing holiday in authentic surroundings, and some useful extras, such as satellite TV, radio/cassette players and telephones. Wireless internet access is available.

For those occasions when you simply want to relax with a book, there is a communal roof terrace with uninterrupted views of the ocean, or you may prefer to stroll to one of the town's pretty squares, where you can spend hours sitting amongst the locals and absorbing the delightfully traditional ambience of this charming little town. If you do wish to explore further afield, there are public bus services to other parts of the island, and guided walks and excursions can also be arranged, so a hire car is by no means a necessity here. Originally from Germany, but settled on La Palma for many years, La Fuente's friendly owners Thomas, Rupert and Mona will happily advise guests on things to do and places to visit.

Another advantage of staying in the heart of the town is that you have a good selection of restaurants within easy walking distance, whilst for those who actually wish to self-cater, the nearest supermarket is just a two-minute walk away. Traditional bakers, butchers, fishmongers and greengrocers can also be found in the surrounding streets, together with a whole range of other shops, from the tobacconist on the seafront where cigars made from local tobacco are still rolled by hand to the odd quite smart boutique. For a town of just 18,000 people, Santa Cruz also has a surprisingly lively cultural scene, with several art galleries holding temporary exhibitions and two theatres putting on a variety of performances. And although the town is not renowned for its nightlife, there are a few atmospheric bars, where you may find the locals joining forces in an impromptu singsong on weekend nights.