The coast of Garafía, The Witcher’s magical academy

• Fascinating Spain

• Canary Islands

In the fictional world ofThe Witcher—not only in the TV show, but also in the game and thebooks— there is a school called Aretuza. It’s not an ordinary school, but a magical academy for sorceresses. However, it’s nothing like Hogwarts. In the heart of a darkisland, desolate Aretuza stands up like a stark tower, connected to the palace of Garstang through a narrow bridge. The palace stands on the Isle of Thanedd. In order to depict both sceneries, Netflix picked locations from the Canary Islands,mainly in the coast of Garafía,in the island ofLa Palma.

Garafía is also the name of the municipality itself. The landscapes there, steep and struck by the sea, keep a hidden treasure of underwatercavesand coral reefs. Many marine species dwell in this ecosystem, and that’s whythis land is protected by Red Natura 2000, a European network devoted to preserving areas that are rich in biodiversity. The show’s producers decided to use Roque de las Tabaidas, near the beach of Bujaren, to resemble the mightiness of Aretuza.

The landscape that witnessed the rise of Yennefer of Vengerbergcan be seen in the real world from the heights of Santo Domingo in Garafía. Likewise, the travellers who wish to get a closer view of the academy for sorceresses might do so by visiting thebeach. It’s wild and difficult to access, but a favourite for many surfers. When the sea is calm and there’s no danger ahead, one can go down there and enjoy the embrace of the waves, contemplating the breathtaking view of a place that could perfectly belong to the Continent.

Источник: Fascinating Spain