We definitely enjoyed Vigilia Park. The view from the rooftop pool is breathtaking, and there are plenty of little shops and restaurants within a short walk. We loved the tapas at Chez Leon, and the supermarket in the downhill block had so many interesting things, that I couldn't resist. We wish more restaurants would adopt the Canary tradition of a free after dinner drink--peach schnapps with whipped cream for instance.

Warning! Visit Masca, but the "walk" is some kind of mountain hike. It's a five-mile hike to the boat that picks you up, and 2000 feet in vertical distance. That's about 250 stories in a skyscraper. And little of it is "walking." It's boulders all the way. But if you are in top shape, can do 100 deep knee bends without stopping, it's a fantastic experience. Just be aware that once you start, there's no turning back--you MUST continue all the way down.

Warning #2: I spied a box of "Absinthe 80" in a liquor store (great prices by the way). I'd never had a chance to try Absinthe, so we took the five little bottles for 7.5 euros. My husband poured me a little, and I sipped. Then I choked, sputtered, and finally croaked, "Omigod!" THEN we read the fine print. The "80" part meant it was 80% alcohol. 160 proof!!! That's near laboratory grade! So now I've tried absinthe, but I can't tell you what it tasted like.