It’s been named the”World’s largest swimming pool” – and at over a kilometre long it probably is. I first heard about it on the news last week on German TV, and how there are some pictures up on the Daily Mail website.
Which leaves me to ask the question: why?
One reason I read on-line was because although this is a large resort with beautiful sandy beaches, the sea still says cold in summer because of undercurrents from the Antarctic.
Looking at the photos, there are several hotels along the length of the pool, so rather than each one having their own, I guess they decided to go for this joint project instead.
The interview that I saw talked about the problems that they had creating the pool – such as filtration. But the benefits are clear: not only can you swim in the pool, you can paddle canoes and dinghies in it and still not be taken away by the tide.
It should certainly put Algarrobo on the map.
I guess you could also ask: why not?
The World's largest swimming pool – in Chile
El Golfo and the green lagoon
El Golfo is situated at the south-west end of the island. Itself a small fishing village, it has one big attraction – the volcano crater with the green lagoon.
The crater in itself is fascinating enough – parking at the shop and restaurant just outside the village, you walk along a narrow path with a handrail on one side and the rock face on the other until you reach a natural viewing platform.
At this point you are in the crater – only half of it is missing, wash away by the Atlantic ocean.
Looking landwards the remaining side of the volcano towers above you, black and red layers of dried lava and other rocks make for a stunning view. It is not hard to imagine the power that this volcano once had.
But that is not all – down below is the green lagoon, a naturally formed pool of water that shines bright green. The effect is caused by minerals left over from the volcano’s active days. The water flows in from the ocean by an underground channel and mixes with these minerals to give it it’s green colour.
On the way back to the car park you can pick up a piece of green rock for a reasonable price from one of the collectors’ tables – often unmanned with just a collecting tin to put your money in.
For more elaborate souvenirs there is the shop at the car park, as well as Teguise market.
Der Gemeindeschlüssel
The Gemeindeschlüssel is an 8-digit number that identifies the local authority in Germany. When you first register your address, the form requires you to give this number, although it is often pre-printed.
If not, ask at the town hall where you are registering. Most people will not know their Gemeindeschlüssel and you are highly unlikely to need it at any other time!
To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:
(Press the “play” button to listen to the podcast)
