For top-class food and drink, and also for its otherworldly beauty, it’s well worth making the connection to La Palma in the Canaries, writes Sam Boland.

Strong winds fanned forest fires on the Canary Island of La Palma, and firefighters were forced to retreat as flames raged out of control near two towns.

STRONG winds were fanning fierce forest fires for a second day on the Canary Island of La Palma while a fresh outbreak has been detected on nearby La Gomera island, the Spanish government said.

Strong winds were fanning fierce forest fires for a second day on the Canary Island of La Palma while a fresh outbreak has been detected on nearby La Gomera island, the Spanish government said today.

A fierce forest fire fanned by high winds has forced the evacuation of around 4,000 residents on the south-eastern tip of the Canary Island of La Palma.