Monte tropical gardens is one of the best places to spend half a day in, especially in 30+ temperatures. The cart selling €15 pina coladas with free refill helps as well.

The gardens have a spectacular display of painted tiles artwork, not to mention lush plants, ponds and tropical flowers.

I was overly optimistic about the casualness of walking up the mountain in mid day sun, but can confirm that the streets go uphill anywhere between 20…45 degrees. I have no idea how to manage driving here with a rental. Sensible people take cable cars.

Homogenous architecture can be a plus.

The 2024 wildfires caused a lot of damage inland, but some parties with fireworks seem to have blown off the rooftops, too.