El Refugio - A romantic utopia

11.02.2010 - In the vicinity of the Roque Imoque, the volcanic moun­tain top named after a Guanche princess, and the Barranco del Rey, a deep ravine which is turned into a gigantic waterfall when it rains, it is also at the cross­roads of many mountain walks and paths.  You can find your way to El Refugio from Taucho, Vilaflor, Arona or Adeje, and the road to the Mount Teide national park is also very close by.

But El Refugio is much more than a stopping place for walkers in need of a rest and resuscitation.  Those in search of an amazing chill out rest spot, with a 940 me­tre high breathtaking view over the sea, and a chance to leave all your worries be­hind and immerse yourself completely in the incredible surroundings have found their mecca.  This experience is made all the more won­derful by the excellent menu on offer, homemade food that will tantalise your palate and bond with your stom­ach!  Fresh produce is used to produce a selection of lo­cal as well as international dishes, and with a highly creative team in the kitchen, your taste buds will be well looked after.   Whether you fancy a ham dish with home made bread or something, or one of the kitchen specials,  the food will be mouthwa­tering.  Choose from fowl, meats, salads and vegetarian options, or simply enjoy a coffee and a slice of delicious home made cake, the choice is yours.  And with the excel­lent range of Vilaflor wines on offer, from Spain’s high­est vineyard, your repast is complete.

The kitchen will also be delighted to work with you planning a special meal or menu, and the restaurant seats 30.  You can also dis­cuss ordering food to take away on your mountain walks if you so desire.

Run by Carmen and Andreas for the last 15 years, this Austrian/Swiss couple have, they say, along with their son, found their new home here, among Tenerife’s mountain tops. They know the area well and are more than happy to advise walkers on different routes and conditions. 

The combination of the location, the food and the excellent prices makes this a place worth seeking out.   From the TF-1 motorway take the exit for Arona, stay­ing on the main road follow­ing the signposts for Teide National park.  On reaching La Escalona, turn left to­wards Ifonche, and three kil­ometres further you will see a small sign for El Refugio on the left of the road.  You can either park here and stroll a kilometre or so to your fi­nal destination or drive if you prefer.  Open Sunday to Friday, reservations and more information on 922 725 894.



This article appears in the print edition 609 of Island Connections

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