Today was the first day of group activities – and time for the first of many hikes of this trip. We first made it up into the mountains to an altitude of about 1400m above sea level and the small town of Vilaflor. Here we kicked if off with a quick tour through town, covering the Sanctuary of the Santo Hermano Pedro and the associated church, the town park – and the famous (well – on the island) local bakery (Dulcería Vilaflor), including a quick sample of their produce.

We left town and made our way out on a hiking trail going through the pine forest, that is typical on the island at this elevation. After about two hours we left the forest and found ourselves walking between vineyards. Wine was also the topic at the destination of this 8km hike – we were heading for Bodega Lagar de Chasna, where a wine tasting and some snacks were waiting for us (after a tour around the bodega of course).

After about two hours (and a bit of intoxication) we were picked up by bus, to get back to our base at the beach – with an opportunity for quick, refreshing dip into the Atlantic Ocean – before getting ready for some nice grilled octopus in a nearby seafood restaurant – what an upgrade to yesterday. 😉