Tazo
Our Tazo accomodation
During the more than 6 weeks we have been to La Gomera we were almost th entire period in Tazo. Tazo is a very small remote village in the northwestern part of the island. It is located in the barranco (ravine) but at just over 300m altitude. We had come across a great property in Tazo and we ended up there for 6 weeks. Read more in this blog about the village of Tazo, the great accommodation and the welcoming reception by the owner Meike and the nice relationship we have built with her.
After arriving in Tenerife on November 11th 2020, we first spent a few days to 'land' quietly in the Canary Islands. We were 'officially' travelling indefinitely from September 2020 and the first months were fun but we also needed getting used tot his new life. In September and October of 2020 we drove our camper through Europe, as planned. After that, the intention was to hibernate in the south of Spain and Portugal. However, due to the deteriorating Covid situation throughout Europe, we thought that was an unwise idea. At the beginning of November we drove back to the Netherlands and soon the idea arose to spend the winter in the Canary Islands. At that time that was a destination with 'code yellow' and of course it is no punishment to spend the winter there. We just had no idea how and where we would spend the period on the islands.
During the first days on Tenerife, the idea developed further to focus mainly on the smaller islands. The situation around Covid was pretty good there, there were few tourists and they seemed like beautiful islands. We went looking for accommodation for a longer period on La Gomera. In addition, we were looking for a very quiet accommodation with nice outdoor space. We wanted to end the hectic year 2020 in a quiet place as relaxed as possible. The focus was on reflection, yoga, meditation, rest and healthy living. After a few days, Ella found an apparent beautiful location in a secluded spot in the village of Tazo. We soon came into contact with the Dutch owner Meike and were initially able to rent the accommodation for 4 weeks. That ended up being 6 weeks. Meike also gave us the tip that we really needed a car at La Gomera and arranged a good address for us.
Tazo
Tazo is located in the northwest of La Gomera in the barranco in a very secluded and quiet place
On Saturday November 21st we took the boat from Tenerife to La Gomera where we arrived at the port of San Sebastian de la Gomera. There we picked up the rental car from Alberto from Autos Mulagua. In the end, this car really took us everywhere on La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro. The first two days we had a lovely apartment in San Sebastian. It was a good base to land on La Gomera and do a first exploration. On Monday November 23rd we were able to check in at Meike's accommodation in Tazo. She had given us directions and we had already read that the last part of the drive was a challenge, downhill and unpaved. After a beautiful drive across La Gomera we arrived at the last part. Meike had said nothing too much, first an admittedly paved road but very winding and narrow, and steep sections down. But the last part to the house was unpaved, potholes in the road, very curvy and steep. But it all turned out to be worth it.
Tazo location
Our accommodation was really secluded, there are not very many houses in the barranco in Tazo
As promised, Meike was waiting for us to receive us. Her house where she had lived for years and what she rented to us is in the most beautiful place in Tazo. It has unobstructed views over the barranco, the mountains and the sea a few kilometers further and 300m lower. On arrival you walk onto the fantastic spacious terrace that is sunny all day. And on the terrace everything is present, nice large table with chairs, sun loungers and hammocks. And wherever you stand, sit, lie or watch, the view is breathtaking. Inside is everything you need, a wonderfully comfortable bed, small but functional kitchen, nice bar with chairs, it is complete. The first impression was immediately good, what a good thing we had done to go for this property. During the 6 weeks we were there we were able to do exactly what we wanted. Every morning meditation and / or yoga, wonderful hiking in the immediate vicinity and across the island, taking all the time to eat healthy, hanging out in the hammock and enjoying many beautiful sunsets.
And Meike turned out to be a super sweet woman who left us completely in our value. She has lived on La Gomera for 18 years, now livesin Arguamul and that is really the 'end of the world' from the perspective of La Gomera. Meike also had all kinds of great tips for us, where we had to go, where we could do groceries, too many to mention. On this one again, thank you so much Meike, a friend for life!
Meike’s house
Meike's house is detached in a beautiful secluded spot in the barranco with a large terrace with unobstructed views over the mountains and the sea
Tazo turned out to be a great base to get to know the island. Yes, it is secluded, and it takes time to get somewhere because you have to go up the mountain first to get to the main road. The nearest mini market is a 45-minute drive away. But we had all the time, so totally fine. Tazo is, as mentioned, a small, really secluded and almost idyllic village in the barranco where few people live. There are about 12,000 palm trees in the Tazo area. It is an important link in the production of the famous 'miel de palma', the palm honey of La Gomera. This palm honey was already used by the original inhabitants to make their desserts tastier or to bake goat cheese.
Tazo’s church
When entering Tazo stands this beautiful little stately church
People live in Tazo widespread. In the old days, more people lived in the area. The proof of this can be found in the countless traditional stone houses in the barranco. Most of these, however, have become deserted and small but beautiful ruins. When entering Tazo you will see a small but stately church, built in the traditional Canarian style. And there are also some small goat barns here and there. But the goats are usually released to graze in the mountains. They are therefore regularly just on the road. Or you can see their shepherds walking through the mountains with the goats.
Tazo sunset
The sunsets in Tazo were wonderful
Tazo was a great place for us. At Meike's property we were able to close 2020 as we wished. And from Tazo we got to know the island of La Gomera in all facets. We have closed La Gomera, Tazo and Meike in our hearts forever.
For more photo material and information about Tazo, please visit our Instagram posts and our Polarsteps page!
Ella & Geert.