Tenerife
Largest of the Canary Islands Tenerife also has the most varied of landscape ranging from the mighty volcanic crater of Cañadas del Teide, with a diameter of 20 kilometers, from the 3.718 meters high Teide volcano in its centre to fertile valleys with important plantations of bananas and tomatoes, from the coast that boasts not only steep rugged cliffs topography but also wide beaches of fine volcanic sand.
Geological theory states that some three million years ago there were three islands that were comprised by the Anaga, Teno and Valle San Lorenzo mountain ranges. Over the millennium, these islands accreted into one island that today is Tenerife.
The last volcanic eruption took place in 1909 near the village of Santiago del Teide and ongoing geological studies indicate that the last stage of volcanic activity on Teide took place over 500,000 years ago. Indications are that the first to erupt was the Pico Viejo (old peak) then later the Pico del Tiede which today is coated in crystalline sulphur.
The Spanish conquest happened over 500 years ago and followed the discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus. Alonso Fernandez de Lugo, the Spanish conqueror, arrived at the bay which is lined today by the harbour of Santa Cruz; known then as Anaza.
The ancient inhabitants of the islands, known as the Gaunches, resisted the Spanish incursion but, on the 31st of May 1494, Alonso de Lugo was ordered to remove the last bastion of Canary resistance. A fierce battle, which resulted in the breaking of the indigenous natives’ power and the death of over 2,000 Spaniards, was followed by a callous slaughter in a place that still bears the memory of the events – La Matanza – or the killing grounds.
More information: http://www.webtenerife.com/
Recommended Places to Stay
Hotel Rural Costa Salada. www.costasalada.com. This hotel, located in the Valle de Guerra, not far from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is located right on the edge of the ocean and provides guests with a peaceful setting listening to the soothing sound of the sea. Around about 120 euros for a double room for the night with breakfast included.
El Patio de Tita, www.fincaelpatio.com is a colonial style rural cottage with splendid views of Mount Teide. The cottage is located in the Valley of Orotava and a couble room costs around 112 euros a night with breakfast included.
Recommended places to eat
Casa de Africa right on the Playa de San Roque provides typical Canarian gastronomy. More than potatoes and mojo. Try their squid with red peppers!!
El Burgado on the Playa de Arena. Fresh fish can't get any better.
Masía del Mar. Fresh fish with a historical ambience. Restaurant located in an old sugar warehouse.
Routes and Places worth a Visit
The Anaga Peninsula lies on the north eastern part of the island. It is the most extreme point of the landmass and is noted for its rugged terrain which is host to dense woodlands and many species of flora and fauna. On the coast, impressive cliffs fall to a sometimes wild sea peppered with the jagged teeth of rocks. Like all of the islands the geology of the terrain is volcanic, a feature that means that there is an abundance of minerals and nutrients ensuring fertility of the land and a wide range of agricultural produce including the famous Canary Island banana, potatoes and vines.
La Orotava is a town located in the centre of the island and surrounded by wild forests that must figure amongst the most beautiful in the world. Town was founded in the XVI century, principally by people from Andalusia who repopulated the lands won from the indigenous people. The town is replete with monumental buildings including churches, convents, palaces and windmills.
Important Fiestas
La Ortava: June – the festival in honour of the patron saint, a fiesta that has been declared as of national interest; this because of the traditional events that take place at this time.
Puerto de la Cruz: Carnival time is between the 27th of January and the 10th February. The fiesta mayors are held in July.
