A Last Taste of the Canaries

25 April 2025

Today’s adventure led us to a hidden gem: a French restaurant tucked away in the breathtaking Anaga mountain range. We had originally planned to spend the afternoon at Mount Teide, but the scenic drive to the tiny hamlet of Taborno changed everything. The journey itself was so stunning — and the village so peaceful and inviting — that we knew it deserved our full attention. We didn’t want to dash off to Mount Teide only to rush through it. So we embraced the slower pace and let the day unfold at its own rhythm.

Image gallery image — ***Watching the navigation system trace our winding route was nearly as captivating as the journey itself.***

Historias Para No Dormir is a charming French restaurant nestled in the hamlet of Taborno. This remote village is part of the Anaga Rural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve celebrated for its ancient laurel forests, dramatic cliffs, and panoramic ocean views … tranquil and bursting with natural beauty.

The area was blooming with unfamiliar yet stunning plant life — and we even spotted a few lizards basking in the sun.

Hjknjk;

Before lunch, we wandered a little farther up the road and discovered the Church of Saint Joseph — a humble yet historically rich chapel nestled in the heart of this secluded village. Its architecture reflects the island’s rural traditions, with a simple rectangular design and a roof of weathered Arabic tiles. More than a place of worship, the church remains a cornerstone of community life.

Just beyond the church, we came upon some cave dwellings with weathered entrances tucked into the hillside. It’s unclear whether it’s still inhabited, though in some parts of the Anaga Mountains, these traditional cave homes are still lived in today.

***Roque de Taborno is a striking geological formation that was formed through volcanic activity and subsequent erosion over millions of years.***

The name Historias Para No Dormir translates from Spanish as “Stories to Stay Awake.” Perhaps the restaurant is suggesting that a meal here is more than just dining; it’s an experience woven with unforgettable stories that linger long after the last bite.

And it was a very memorable meal with stories that will linger …

The meal exceeded all expectations. Each of us began with a beautifully composed, distinctive salad before moving on to the main event: hearty wild boar stew, succulent kangaroo sirloin draped in the chef’s signature sauce, velvety venison sirloin bathed in a wine and mushroom reduction, and a showstopping triple pork T-bone —generously stuffed with garlic and mushrooms, then crowned with a decadent Camembert sauce. Perhaps that was the story meant to linger.

And of course, we didn’t pass up dessert — it was included, after all. We indulged in a tempting array: pie, tiramisu, chocolate cheese cake and a decadent double chocolate cake.

While dinner settled, we took one last short walk to soak in the breathtaking views that surrounded us.

As we arrived back at the apartment, a show was just beginning in the plaza below.

From our balcony, we had a perfect view as a vibrant cultural performance unfolded in Plaza España — women in traditional Canarian dress, music, dancing and bursts of fireworks.