Cosmopolitan Spain Traveler - Winter 2019
TENERIFE - Island of Eternal Spring
Tenerife is the island of a thousand experiences. You can get lost in nature, relax on the beach, climb Teide, go shopping, see a show, walk the old town cobbles, have fun at a theme park, play golf, or sit on a terrace with sea views and taste the local cuisine.
As the largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is a fabulous world of contrasts. The idyllic combination of sun and sand, nature and leisure, has made it one of the most popular vacation destinations in Europe.
Its diverse coast offers a wide variety of places to enjoy sunshine and sea. In the north, where the countryside is steep with cliffs, you will find secluded bays, whereas in the south, you will find numerous beaches, most of which are volcanic in origin. You can swim and sunbathe all year round thanks to the abundance of sunny days and moderate temperatures which range between 65 degrees in winter and 78 degrees in summer.
Besides hiking in the Teide National Park, diving, cycling, golf, surfing and Hang gliding are just a few activities you can enjoy here. Together with the famous Carnival in early spring, there are many festivals where you will be able to experience popular and traditional customs of the islanders, and the cuisine, such as Orotava Valley wines, seafood dishes, “wrinkled potatoes,” mojo sauces and distinct cheeses.
Teide National Park
This is, without doubt, the icon of Tenerife. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. First, it boasts the broadest sample of supra-Mediterranean vegetation on Earth. Second, it covers one of the world’s most stunning volcanic landscapes. The park lies right in the middle of Tenerife, at an altitude of 6,500 ft. above sea level, topped by Spain’s highest peak at 12,198 ft. These record-breaking figures add to the fact that it is the most visited national park in Europe, welcoming some three million visitors every year. One of the most exciting experiences in this National Park is a ride on the cable car. The base station stands at an altitude of 7,729 ft. and climbs up to the top station at 11,663 ft. The journey between the two takes roughly 8 minutes and the thrill is electrifying. Once at the top, you will be treated to stunning views from the lookout point. But even if you take the cable car to the top station, you still can’t quite say you’ve made it to Spain’s highest point. There is a trail from here that leads you up to the crater on foot. It takes roughly 40 minutes and is a difficult walk, but just think of the pride of telling your friends you have reached the very top of Spain on your own two feet. If you want to live this unforgettable experience, you must apply for a free licence in advance.
Historic Quarter of La Laguna
La Laguna has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 and is considered a unique example of an unwalled colonial city. The original 15th century layout remains almost intact, and was also used as a template for the colonial cities founded in America, such as Old Havana, Lima and Cartagena, which is why their houses and streets look so similar. The city center is very well-preserved, dotted with lovely buildings on all of its streets, which are bustling, full of shops, cafés and taverns, making it the perfect opportunity to do some shopping or have a replenishing drink, a snack, or an authentic meal. A list of the buildings you won’t want to miss includes the refurbished Cathedral, the La Concepción church, the Santísimo Cristo de La Laguna Royal Sanctuary – which houses a figure of the Santísimo Cristo (Holy Christ), Plaza del Adelantado, the City Hall, Palacio de Nava and Casa de los Capitanes.
Anaga Rural Park
This rugged natural enclave is one of the few places on Earth where primordial laurel forest still grows. Walking its paths and catching sight of its beautiful landscapes gives you a real idea of the natural, cultural and aesthetic beauty of the area. Anaga Country Park covers much of the mountain range located on the north-west of the Island. With an expanse of almost 35,800 acres, it crosses quite a significant stretch of Tenerife, spanning the municipalities of La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Tegueste.
For more information on Tenerife,
visit: www.traveltotenerife.com
CARNIVAL
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
2020
19 FEBRUARY - 1 MARCH
Happiness and color flow through the streets, making you feel like the star of a great improvised show. There is nothing to stop you from enjoying the moment you’ve been looking forward to all year: Tenerife’s Carnival!
The Island’s most emblematic festival has been putting smiles on people’s faces for centuries, in a whirlwind of rhythm, glitter and madness. Tenerife’s Carnival has become the world’s second most popular carnival after Río de Janeiro in Brazil, thanks to its flamboyance, the quality of its pageants, street parties and concerts, and the authenticity of its street vibe.
Carnaval is based around a theme that is chosen each year. The city is decorated accordingly, and the locals rush around in the preceding weeks, choosing their costumes to match. Last year was carribean with “Under the Sea.” This year’s theme is “The Flirty 50’s.”
Paradors of Spain
Las Cañadas de Tenerife
Tenerife, Spain
How to arrive
The Parador is located in Las Cañadas del Teide National Park.
It is 44 miles from the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, via the
highways from La Orotava, La Laguna, Chio, Los Cristianos
and Granadilla.
Address
Las Cañadas del Teide
38300 La Orotava, Tenerife
Telephone +34 922 386 415
Email: canadas@parador.es
Besides amazing views of the peak of Mount Teide and the stargazing sessions offered by the Parador, the outdoor
swimming pool and terrace will make you feel that you are in a truly exceptional location. Inside, the traditional mountain lodge fireplace heats and lights a spacious room with a variety of atmospheres. The dining room serves local cuisine
along with its spectacular vistas. Located in the heart of Teide National Park, from here you can visit archaeological sites, go hiking or marvel at the diverse scenery. If you are a science buff, you will be interested to know that this part of the island has similar environmental and geological conditions to planet Mars. It is common to come across scientific expeditions in the area. In just a short time, you can go from the highest peak on any landmass in the Atlantic to immersing yourself in ocean waters, scuba diving or sunbathing on the beaches.
The southwestern coast of the island offers boat tours to see cetaceans such as pilot whales and dolphins. And when you return to land, don’t miss the streets dotted with monuments and the atmosphere in the bars of San Cristóbal de la Laguna, which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. If you visit during February or March, you won’t want to skip the festivities of Carnival on Tenerife. Can you think of anywhere better than the Parador for your Tenerife experience?
Cosmopolitan SPAIN TRAVELER
About Us
TURESPAÑA is the government tourism agency responsible for marketing Spain around the world, creating value in its tourism industry, and driving the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of Spanish destinations. Its mission is to break new strategic ground in Spanish tourism, coordinating and leading public and private actors. All our activities form part of our tourism brand España Global. Our network of 33 Tourist Offices abroad act both as centers of knowledge and marketing, and as business platforms for the tourism sector. Their role abroad is essential for the execution of our international tourism promotion strategy.
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