Catalino 2: La Palma's Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
Catalino 2: La Palma – Honestly, You NEED to See This Place (And Here's Why, Rambling Included!)
Okay, so you’re looking for a getaway. You're tired. Seriously, tired. You need… something. And if you’re even thinking La Palma, let me just cut to the chase: Catalino 2 is your answer. Forget the perfectly polished, overly-curated travel blogs. This is real-life, unfiltered Catalino 2, and I’m gonna spill the beans, the good, the maybe-not-so-good (but still totally worthwhile), and the downright magical.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good!)
Let's get this out of the way first. I'm not a wheelchair user, so my perspective is limited. But I did notice… things. The elevator (Facilities for disabled guests) is a godsend, and the common areas seemed pretty navigable. They do claim facilities for disabled guests, but I'd recommend REALLY checking with the hotel directly if accessibility is a MUST. I noticed some steps leading to the pool area, which is a bummer. I'd rate it a solid B+ for effort, but they can definitely improve.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe is EVERYTHING
Right, this is a biggie, especially these days. And Catalino 2? They get it. They really get it. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Double-check! They've got the whole shebang, including staff trained in safety protocol (and I saw them using the stuff, unlike some places!). I felt genuinely safe. And that, my friends, is priceless. I'd also point out a solid fire extinguisher presence.
And the room sanitization opt-out available? Super thoughtful giving you choices.
Rooms That Make You Sigh (In a Good Way)
Right, let's get to the good stuff. The rooms! Okay, they're not perfect. My non-smoking room had a slight hint of… something from a previous guest (not major, maybe a lingering air freshener thing). But otherwise? Heaven.
- Air conditioning that actually works. Thank the heavens!
- Free Wi-Fi? (yes, Wi-Fi [free] and it says it's Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) Hallelujah!
- Blackout curtains - crucial for sleeping in and not dying from the La Palma sun.
- Extra long beds (thank you, Catalino 2, thank you!)
- A proper desk! Useful for, you know, working (if you HAVE to)
- Bathrobes - always a win. Always.
- Mini bar - well stocked and reasonably priced.
- Coffee/tea maker and complimentary tea - because mornings are difficult.
- Hair dryer that actually dries your hair (unlike the weak ones in other hotels, also thank you)
- Shower with good water pressure (another blessing from the heavens)
- Safety/security feature - peace of mind is priceless!
The decor? A little… rustic chic. Think exposed stone walls, lovely wooden furniture, and local artwork. It's not minimalist perfection (thank god!), it's got a soul. And it offers room decoration!
Internet, Internet, Internet (Because We're All Addicted)
Okay, the Internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free]) was generally good. I could stream and work without any major problems. They also offer Internet access – LAN in case the Wi-Fi fails. They even have Internet services… which, honestly, in the 21st century, is basically expected. The Wi-Fi in public areas was decent too, so you could get by without being completely cut off.
Things To Do, Ways to Relax, and My Near-Religious Pool Experience
Alright, let's talk about the real reason you're going to Catalino 2: the chill factor. Remember that "pure bliss" feeling? Here we go…
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool area? Perfection. Okay, maybe not perfection, because there were some kids splashing, and it’s not exactly a secret pool. But the pool with view is breathtaking. That ocean view! I spent a solid four hours there. I ordered a drink (the poolside bar is excellent, FYI). The sun, the water, the view… it was a moment. Okay, several moments. I even considered writing a sonnet about it. I didn't, but the feeling lingered. Like, major relaxation achieved.
- Spa/sauna: Now, the details… I didn't get a full spa treatment, but poked my head in the Spa. They have a sauna and steamroom, if that float your boat.
- Gym/fitness: I'm not particularly fit but I did notice a Fitness center for any health nuts.
- Massage: I wish they had a massage! But I didn't see one listed.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Relaxation
The food… oh, the food. Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised.
- Restaurants: They have Restaurants and a Coffee shop, plus a Poolside bar - all a plus!
- Breakfast [buffet]: The Breakfast [buffet] was pretty standard, but with some local touches.
- A la carte in restaurant: You can also order A la carte in restaurant.
- Desserts in restaurant: If you have a sweet tooth, they've got you covered!
- Poolside bar: The poolside bar is a MUST for drinks.
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easier
- Concierge: Always helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: So nice not to lift a finger.
- Laundry service: Because packing light is a myth.
- Safety deposit boxes: Peace of mind for valuables.
- Currency Exchange: Because when on holiday, you don't want to have to leave to exchange that currency.
- Luggage storage: Nice for when you have to check out and wait a while for your flight.
- Cashless payment service: Super convenient (and the way of the future!)
For The Kids…
I didn't have kids with me, but I saw families there. It seemed kid-friendly, though I didn't get the full scoop on the Babysitting service and Kids meal. However, the Family/child friendly is a big plus.
Getting Around
- Airport transfer: Convenient.
- Car park [free of charge]: A major plus.
- Taxi service: Easily available.
The Imperfections? (Because I Have to Be Honest)
Look, no place is perfect. There's a bit of a "chill vibe" in the service. Sometimes, things take a little longer. But honestly? The laid-back atmosphere is part of the charm. It's not a place where you're rushed or made to feel like a number. It's more like a friend's place. Also, there was one day where the hot water in my room was a little… iffy. I mentioned it and it was fixed.
My Verdict: Book It. Now.
Catalino 2 isn't just a hotel; it's an experience. It’s flawed, it’s charming, and it’s utterly unforgettable. It offers a much-needed escape and a perfect place to de-stress and reset. My advice? Book it. Seriously. You deserve it.
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a messy, beautiful adventure in Catalino, La Palma. This isn't your perfectly-curated Instagram feed; this is the real deal. Consider this… my deal.
Catalino Caper: A La Palma Rambler's Itinerary (with a sprinkle of chaos)
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (aka, trying not to lose my luggage in the airport)
Morning (or what passes for morning after a red-eye): Arrive at La Palma Airport. Already feeling the post-flight funk – hair a disaster, brain foggy, and questioning every life choice that led me to this moment. Seriously, do I REALLY need that extra pair of hiking boots? (Spoiler alert: yes). The baggage carousel… oh, the baggage carousel. It's a cruel, slow dance of anticipation and potential despair. Did my bag make the transfer? Will I be wearing the same clothes for the next week? The suspense is killing me, this is going to be a long trip.
Afternoon: Finally, a sweet, sweet reunion with my luggage! (Phew.) Snag the rental car – a tiny, beat-up thing that I'm pretty sure has seen more action than me. Driving on these narrow, winding La Palma roads with a stick shift when you're used to an automatic is an event. The views are stunning, naturally, but my knuckles are white and my internal monologue is a constant stream of: "Don't crash. Don't crash. Breathe. Remember how to use the clutch…"
Evening: Check into the Airbnb in Catalino. It almost looks like the photos. The balcony does, anyway. The inside? Well, let's just say "rustic charm" is a polite way of putting it. There's a suspicious stain on the sofa, but you know what? I'm exhausted. Dinner at a local restaurant. Trying to decipher the menu is a challenge, but the papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauce are pure magic. I swear, I could eat them every single day. And the local wine? Smooth, cheap, and a perfect cure for existential dread.
Late Night: Stargazing on the balcony. La Palma is renowned for its clear skies. I get up, put my head out, and stare at the sky. It's a blanket, so dense with stars, so close it nearly feels like I can reach out and touch them. I'm so overwhelmed, I can't even identify a constellation. I have a moment of incredible, humbling insignificance. Then, back inside for a terrible night's sleep because the neighbor's rooster seems to have no concept of "nighttime."
Day 2: Hiking Hysteria (and the near-death experience of a slightly-too-challenging trail)
- Morning: Wake up to the rooster symphony. Fueled by strong coffee and the determination not to let a tiny bird ruin my vacation. The plan: hike a relatively easy trail in the Caldera de Taburiente National Park. Famous, well-marked, what could go wrong?
- Mid-Morning: The trail is breathtaking. Seriously, the views are unreal. I feel like I'm walking on another planet. The air is clean, the silence is broken only by birdsong, and I'm feeling smug about my excellent life choices. I take a photo of everything, documenting my happiness to an extreme.
- Afternoon: Well, smugness doesn't last long. We missed a turn. Turns out the "relatively easy" trail has some… challenging sections. Steep inclines that make my thighs burn, loose scree underfoot that threatens a dramatic tumble, and a sudden, unnerving fear of heights. I’m pretty sure my heart rate hit 180 at one point. I start wondering if I should have filled in that “emergency contact” section on the rental car contract. I'm pretty sure I'm going to die.
- Late Afternoon: We made it! Exhausted, covered in sweat, and slightly terrified, but alive. That sense of accomplishment, though? Pure, unadulterated bliss. I have a new level of admiration for mountain goats. Found a little cafe in a town that probably hasn't seen a tourist in decades. Best. Brewed Coffee. Ever.
- Evening: Absolutely no desire to cook. Find a lovely little beachside restaurant and feast on fresh seafood, watching the sunset paint the sky in a thousand colors. Seriously, the food here is amazing. So flavorful.
- Late Night: Try to review the day's photos to make sure I hadn't secretly taken any while feeling close to death. Realize I have about three hundred photos, almost all blurry and a little too close to the ground.
Day 3: Swimming and Serendipity (aka, getting lost and loving it)
- Morning: Beach time! I'm determined to relax today. Head to a black sand beach - La Palma is volcanic so naturally, the sand is black. The water is cold but the beach is beautiful. I spend the morning sunbathing.
- Afternoon: Rent a car and head out for a drive but get lost on the way to a specific, highly-recommended lighthouse. I mean, really lost. But, the best part? The winding roads take me through tiny villages, past banana plantations, and to hidden viewpoints that I would never have found otherwise. Driving around with no plan is the best plan.
- Late Afternoon: Stumble upon a local fiesta (festival) in a tiny village. Music blaring, people laughing, food stalls overflowing with treats. Despite not speaking a word of Spanish, I’m pulled in by joy and laughter. I spend an hour or two just observing, soaking up the atmosphere. A lady keeps trying to give me an orange, despite me not understanding her at all.
- Evening: Return to the Airbnb with a bag full of fresh fruit and a heart full of happiness, determined to sleep for days. But I won't. The night is clear again, the stars are calling, and I can't resist another night of amateur astronomy from the balcony (with slightly less existential dread this time).
Day 4: The Volcano and the Aftermath (aka, the best day ever and the worst sunburn of my life)
- Morning: Finally ready for a proper hike! The plan: the famous Ruta de los Volcanes ("Volcano Route"). Today is the day! The weather is beautiful. I can handle a mountain.
- Afternoon: The hike IS AMAZING. The views are incredible. The colors of the volcanic landscape – reds, blacks, ochres – are otherworldly. This is why I came to La Palma. This is why I live. The world is a beautiful thing. Time flies by.
- Late Afternoon: Triumphantly return to the rental car, sun-kissed and exhilarated. The volcano has been conquered.
- Evening: Oh. My. God. I ignored the sunscreen. The BURN. Oh, the burn. I can barely move, and the air conditioning in the Airbnb is a cruel tease. Every surface feels like sandpaper. I could cry, but even the tears sting my face.
- Late Night: Lying in bed, a ghostly white figure draped in aloe vera gel, questioning all my life choices once again. This time, it's not the hike I'm regretting, but my negligence in the sun. This is the price of glory, I suppose. Also, order some pizza because, what else can I do!
Day 5-7: The rest of the time? More exploring. More food. More stumbling upon hidden gems. More moments of pure joy, and likely a few more moments of questionable decisions. Maybe I'll finally learn some Spanish. Possibly, I'll find a beach I can call my own.
- There might be a boat tour to go dolphin watching
- Visit the local markets and buy amazing things for my friends and family (and me)
- The details don't matter. The messy, imperfect, and utterly human experience is what counts.
Final Thoughts:
La Palma is a place that seeps into your soul. It's raw, rugged, and breathtaking (and sometimes, sunburn-inducing). It's a place where you can lose yourself and, in the process, find yourself. Is this perfect? Nope. Is this luxurious? Absolutely not. Is it worth it? Absolutely, unequivocally, YES.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find more papas arrugadas.
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Catalino 2: La Palma's Hidden Gem You NEED to See! (OMG, You Seriously Need To!)
Okay, so you're thinking about Catalino 2 on La Palma? Brace yourself, because honey, you're in for a JOURNEY. Forget "hidden gem," think 'secret volcano lair of awesome.' Fair warning: My experience? Not always smooth sailing. But, oh man, was it worth it. Get ready for some messy, honest, and hopefully helpful (and hilarious) FAQs. I'm still recovering from it and that's a good sign, right?
1. What *IS* Catalino 2, Exactly? Spill the Beans!
Alright, alright, I'll spill! Catalino 2 is essentially a series of stunning cliffs and volcanic beaches on the western coast of La Palma. Think dramatic drops, black sand that *actually* gets hot enough to roast marshmallows (maybe don't try that though), and turquoise water that’ll make you weep with joy… or maybe just sunburn. Honestly, the photos barely do it justice. It’s rugged, it’s raw, it's... well, it's everything. I almost broke down in tears the first time I saw the sunset. Seriously. I'm not normally a crier, but that view… it just got to me.
And it's a little tricky to get to. That's the beauty (and the potential headache!). It’s not the easiest place to find or, for that matter, reach!
2. Okay, So How Do I Actually *GET* to Catalino 2? (And Will I Need a Sherpa?)
Okay, here’s where it gets REAL. Getting to Catalino 2 is part of the adventure. You'll probably either do the trek on your own or join a tour. The hike, bless its heart, is not for the faint of heart, especially if you are out of shape like I am. Wear good shoes, carry water, and make sure you do not go in the heat of the day, if you're doing this on your own.
I, bless my foolish heart, decided to do this on my own. Let's just say, there were moments I questioned my life choices. I got turned around. More than once. I kept thinking "Is this it?" And then: "Please just let this be it." There's no easy path. But the reward is worth the effort. Remember the view!
Oh, and parking? A glorious free-for-all. Expect to park on the side of a road, just prepare for a bit of walk to start your hike, if you're unlucky.
3. What's the Hike *Really* Like? Be Honest! (And Did You Almost Die?)
Alright, honesty time. The hike is not for the weak. It's a rollercoaster of emotions. "This is amazing!" followed by "Why did I wear *these* shoes?!" Then, "I can't feel my legs." Then, "Is that… a lizard? OMG, so cute!" Then: "I. Need. Water."
There's some steep stuff, some rocky stuff, and some glorious views that make you forget the burning in your quads. It's hot, it's dusty, and depending on the trail you pick, potentially slippery. I didn't *almost* die, but I did have a near-death experience with a particularly aggressive bush. It wanted my backpack, or maybe my face. Either way, I ran.
My advice? Pace yourself, take breaks, and for the love of all that is holy, wear sunblock. I reapplied three times... and still got a bit crispy.
4. The Beaches! Tell Me About The Beaches! Are They Actually Swimmable?
Oh, the beaches! They're the reward. As I said, they are a gorgeous mix of black sand and turquoise water.
Now, swimmability *varies*. Some parts of the coast are calmer and perfect for a dip. Others? Well, the waves can be a bit… *energetic*. Check the local conditions before you dive in. Strong currents are common. And rock can be a danger as well. I ended up with a sea urchin sting. It was NOT fun. But the water is clean, beautifully clear, and the views from the water are spectacular. Just be cautious, maybe bring some water shoes, and keep an eye on those waves, okay?
5. What Should I Pack For Catalino 2? (Besides My Sanity)
Okay, beyond sanity (which you'll need in spades), here's the essentials:
- Water, Water, Water: Seriously, pack more than you think you'll need. I almost ran out. That was a bad moment.
- Sunscreen: Reapply, reapply, reapply! The sun is brutal. I can't stress this enough.
- Good Hiking Shoes: Trust me on this. Your ankles will thank you. And your sanity.
- Swimsuit and Towel: If you plan on swimming (and you should!), these are crucial.
- Snacks: Energy bars, fruit, something to keep you going. That hike works up an appetite. I recommend sandwiches !
- Sunglasses and a Hat: Protect yourself! The sun and sand can be brutal, and your eyes will thank you.
- A Camera: It would be a crime to not capture the beauty!
- First-Aid Kit: Blisters happen. Cuts happen. Be prepared with basic essentials.
- A Sense of Adventure (and possibly a sense of humor!): Things don't always go to plan... Embrace the chaos!
6. Are There Any Facilities at Catalino 2? (Like, You Know, a Bathroom?)
Nope. Embrace the wild. There are no facilities, people! No bathrooms, no shops, no anything. Be prepared to go au naturale in the bushes (with, you know, proper consideration for the environment, of course!). Pack it in, pack it out.
7. Best Time to Visit Catalino 2? (And Avoid the Crowds... Or Not?)
Honestly? Any time is good in the Canaries. The best time to visit is *your* time. The weather in La Palma is lovely year-round, but the conditionsGlobetrotter Hotels
