POZO DE LAS CALCOSAS - An All Inclusive Canary Islands Trip

1
POZO DE LAS CALCOSAS
An All Inclusive Canary Islands Trip
2
In a small bay enclosed at the foot of a towering
cliff, a rare beautiful gem lies hidden. Its a
charming village of old stone houses standing
firm on the rugged coastline. And for hundreds of
years, it has endured the powerful winds and
rough Atlantic waves. Beyond the shadow of a
doubt, Pozo de las Calcosas is the most unique
hamlet on the island. For two centuries now,
Pozo de las Calcosas is the local summer getaway
for the townspeople of El Mocanal. More than a
seasonal destination though, it is a testament to
El Hierros culture and heritage. It is the big
open secret of the smallest of the Canary
Islands. And travelers are now turning their
heads to its direction.
3
A Living History by the Sea
Unlike other relics of the past, Pozo de las
Calcosas is not only a historical eye-candy. It
is very much an active summer destination where
people can plunge and have fun but with two
hundred years of stories to tell. In El Hierro,
it is quite common for locals to have seasonal
residences. In fact, this is a tradition that
dates back to the 17th century. What is not
common though is building one at a small patch of
shore at the bottom of an immense cliff. However,
more than two centennials ago, that is exactly
what happened in the north of the
island. Sometime around the 1800s, El Mocanal
fishermen laid their oars and fishing nets. At
the base of a cliff, they built volcanic rock
houses with rye roofs using their own strong
hands. In only a brief period of time, the few
abodes a stones throw away from the Atlantic
became a hamlet. And that gave birth to the most
one-of-a-kind village in El Hierro.
4
Winding Path to Pozo de las Calcosas
A cliff-side village greets visitors before they
go down the road to Pozo de las Calcosas. The
houses are typical, but the area itself is
fantastic. To its north is the expansive
Atlantic, while the mountains stand proud to its
south. With such splendid panorama, even the
simple parking space becomes a viewing
point. From the top of the cliff, the view is
pretty astounding, but its bound to get even
better. Following the winding footpath to the old
hamlet gives visitors a glimpse of what awaits
below. Already, the sound of waves crashing onto
the rugged shore is relaxing as well as inviting.
5
The Hamlet
The few minutes of walk leads visitors to a
cluster of traditional Canarian houses built at
the most untraditional place. Its a tranquil old
hamlet of volcanic stone houses with rye roofs
and cobblestone alleys. How the randomly shaped
rocks fit perfectly to form walls is in itself, a
puzzle. It seems like the fishermen who built
them not only know how to fish but were also
artisans themselves.
The Sea and the Pools
Although the galloping Atlantic waves may
intimidate, they also create a spectacular scene.
Into the rocky bay, they crash, and smaller waves
rush onto the natural pools. It is in these pools
where vacationers enjoy the waters even when the
sea is rough. During summers or anytime the waves
are calmer, they may jump in the open sea and
make it their playground.
The God by the Bay
While visitors revel in the waters, the statue of
Neptune near the pools watches over them. Made in
2007 from recycled materials, the figure of the
Roman god of the sea couldnt be in a much
fitting place. This artificial beauty is a great
complement to the natural wonders of Pozo de las
Calcosas.
6
Where to Stay
Travelers love that Pozo de las Calcosas is not
as busy as other tourist spots. One downside of
having a small number of visitors though is the
lack of accommodations. At the moment, there are
no hotels or apartment complexes in Pozo de las
Calcosas or the village up top. This shouldnt
discourage anyone from visiting the hamlet
though, as there are plenty of options in El
Mocanal.
Where to Eat
The only restaurant in Pozo de las Calcosas is
the Casa Carlos. This lovely restaurant has been
in the food business for decades now so guests
can expect great food. Here, they serve sumptuous
meals for guests to feast on amidst the beautiful
sea. Should travelers crave for more, many
restaurants offer Canarian and international
cuisines just a few kilometers away.
7
How to Get There
The only bus that services Pozo de las Calcosas
is TransHierro Bus line 09. From Valverde, it
stops at Echedo before heading to Pozo de las
Calcosas every day. The bus departs every 0700,
1100, 1600, and 1730 on regular working days.
While on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, it
leaves at 0700 and 1100. The ride takes up to
20 minutes and tourists can also take the same
bus line returning to Valverde. For visitors
coming from towns or villages other than Valverde
and Echedo, they may hail a taxi or hire a car.
Only one taxi company services the whole island
and a 30-minute drive would cost around 25. As
for car hire companies, there are plenty near the
airport or the harbor. Some accommodations also
have their own.
8
The Path Less Traveled
I took the one less traveled by, Robert Frost
wrote in The Road Not Taken. And that has made
all the difference. He could very well have been
describing Pozo de las Calcosas. The road to
this hidden gem is without a doubt less traveled
compared to other tourist spots. The winding path
down the cliff towards the bay also isnt for
everyone. But those who brave the journey are
never disappointed. It is a minuscule coastal
hamlet with more than 200 years of rich history.
Its architectural relics amaze sightseers up to
this very day. And the view of the rugged coast
meeting the Atlantic is utterly
breathtaking. The path towards Pozo de las
Calcosas is less traveled, but it is certainly
one of the most rewarding.
9
For more Info
Visit our Website
https//www.canaryislandsinfo.co.uk