The good, the bad and the better

Ever since leaving the UK in search of a 'Place in the Sun' we have become very much aware that there are two sides to bear in mind. Take for example the mañana approach (which is very much alive and well on La Palma by the way) meaning that nobody gets too stressed if something doesn't happen when it is supposed to.  There is always the next day ... or the next ...  The other side to this is living on a beautiful little Canarian island where people place a high value on family life, take time to enjoy what is around them and where stress is a six letter word.  But just recently we came across two sides of the coin regarding flights to the island. It seems that unfortunately Thomsons have had to rationalize their flight programme between Manchester and La Palma with the result that during the summer months there will be no direct flights from the UK except between Gatwick and La Palma. The flip side of the coin actually has two pieces of good news attached to it. One is that when they restart in November, the flights will be on a Friday which it seems many people prefer. The other is that Islas Airways are now offering flights on a Friday and Sunday between Tenerife south airport and La Palma.  So all is not lost and there are many ways to reach the island any day of the week all year round from other countries who do have flights directly to La Palma such as from The Netherlands, Brussels, Madrid, Germany as well as from Gran Canaria, Tenerife North and now Tenerife South.  Then of course there are the ferries from both north and south Tenerife So if you are thinking of a holiday on La Palma - or visiting our place in the sun - I am always happy to help you find a flight (or accommodation) on La Palma.  Surely there is no better place to be laid-back abroad!

Buses on La Palma

If you are planning on using the bus on La Palma more than a couple of times, then it's a good idea to get what is called a 'bono' card.  Not only do you get a discount for using it but you don't have to worry about having change - it's  not a very popular move to offer a 50 Euro note for a 2.60 fare!
You can get the bono cards at the bus station in Los Llanos or the libreria (newsagent) on Calle O'Daly almost at the end by Avenida El Puente (that's the opposite end to the Post Office).  They cost either 12 or 20 euros. 
When you get on the bus, just ask for your destination and put the card in the machine by the driver.  For two people you put the card in twice. 
For a bus timetable click here.  Happy busing!!

Flights going cheap, cheap!

The great deals to La Palma are back on again with www.flights.thomson.co.uk    For example, from Gatwick to La Palma on 24th January, the tax-inclusive price is 89 pounds, erm - RETURN.  Gasp!  And flying from Manchester is just 20 pounds more, so still a very good deal, especially for an island that is not a mass tourist destination.  There are plenty more good prices for other dates too, so well worth checking out.
 Just to go along with the theme of offers, anyone staying in our accommodation (any time of year) and quoting the code 'HLP-that's a brilliant deal' can join in for free on one of our guided walks around the trails of Franceses.  Not only is it brilliant walking with some awesome scenery, but it's also a chance to learn about the history - the iconic dwellings with wooden roofs, the cochineal industry, the ancient drago trees - plus how to eat the fruit of the cactus plant while on the hoof, discover the hidden caves and the secret springs.
Hope to see you here!