Find here some suggestions for the best places to visit during your stay in Tenerife.
Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos
Playa de las Americas (America’s beach) and Los Cristianos are on the south western coast of the island. Over the last 30 years Playa de las Americas has developed to become one of Europe’s largest and liveliest holiday resorts. This part of Tenerife is packed with luxury hotels, apartment buildings and tourists in search of sun, beaches and holiday. There are several nice beaches, lots of attractions and activities, a vast choice of bars and restaurants and perhaps the best nightlife in the Canary Islands. Those looking for a quieter resort can stay in Los Cristianos, just a 25 minute walk, or a short taxi or bus ride.
Teide National Park
The national park of “las Cañadas del Teide” in the volcano mountain that occupies the center part of Tenerife has been a protected area since 1954. Here you will find some of the most spectacular landscapes of the world, including an enormous volcanic crater with a circumference of 30 miles (48km), out of which rises the highest peak in Spain, Mount Teide. In contrast to the coastal regions of Tenerife, winter in the park, which lies at about 6,562ft (2,000m) above sea level, brings snowfall and strong winds, while in summer temperatures can soar to above 40ºC. A cable car carries visitors to the summit, but many prefer to hike the route to experience the flora and fauna, including rare specimens like the violet of the Teide, the Tajinastes, and the many varieties of lizards and birds.
Pirámides de Güímar
On the eastern coast of Tenerife, south of Santa Cruz, stand six mysterious step pyramids whose origins are still unknown to archaeologists. The pyramids were initially thought to be just remains of agricultural stone terraces, or random piles of stone cleared from fields by early Spanish settlers. However Thor Heyerdahl, the Norwegian anthropologist who lived in Guimar until his death in 2002, thought differently. His research indicated that the pyramids were constructed on similar principles to those in Mexico, Peru and ancient Mesopotamia. The pyramids are now enclosed in an Ethnographic Park; the site includes a museum, life-size replica of Heyerdahl’s reed ship Kontiki, a coffee shop and souvenir shop.
Masca
For scenery a visit to the northwest tip of the island of Tenerife, around the picturesque village of Masca, is hard to beat. The village is set in the Teno Mountains, clinging to the slopes of a deep green ravine beside a narrow road full of alarming hairpin bends. Until recently Masca was off the beaten track and not accessible by road. The zig-zag drive from Santiago del Teide has now opened up the village and its amazing setting, reputed to have once been a pirate’s hideaway. Hikers have popularised a two-hour walk from the village through a gully to the sea at the base of the majestic cliffs of Los Gigantes.
Garachico
Garachico has around 6,000 inhabitants – along with Buenavista and Los Silos forms the ‘Low Island’. It is a quiet historical town which was in fact the island’s most important port until it was destroyed in 1706 by a volcanic eruption. There are several historical monuments – the Saint Michael Castle, the Churches of Santa Ana, Santo Domingo and Our Lady of the Angels. The whole village is practically a living museum. The popular ‘romeria’ (country festival) of San Roque has been declared of national tourist interest. Garachico is also well known as a ‘craft’ centre and Craft Fairs are frequently held around.
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