^TM

“Si, Canarias”

Tenerife - A Continent in Miniature

By Sandra Scott

The secret is out!  Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, is no longer a getaway exclusively for Europeans. Located 65 miles off the west coast of Africa, Tenerife is a welcome change for those who have “done” the Caribbean and want the flavor of Europe and Africa in an island setting.

Tenerife, the most accessible of Spain’s Canary Islands, is truly a continent in miniature with something for everyone. From snow-capped Mt. Teide, to sun-soaked beaches, to lava covered lunar landscapes, to pine forests; Tenerife is an island of physical contrasts.

The verdant north coast is dotted with unspoiled island villages while the south is chock-a-block full of hotels. In Playa de las Americas, you can go deep sea diving in the morning, on a camel ride in the afternoon, and have dinner in a medieval castle before ending the evening in a casino.

Of course, if lazing in the sun, alternating between dozing and reading a favorite book is your idea of a vacation, then Tenerife, with miles of beaches and many resort hotels, is the perfect destination. With spring-like weather the year round, golf and tennis are always an option for the sport enthusiast.

The best news of all is that Tenerife is an affordable destination  only 6 hours from New York. Direct flights and package deals from New York make the Canary Islands even more appealing to those looking for a getaway vacation with a difference. 

Getting around the island of Tenerife is not a problem, there is frequent bus service connecting the towns and cites.  All major car rental companies have offices on the island.  Good roads make it possible to travel completely around the island of Tenerife in one day; but two or three day trips allows for a more leisurely pace and time to enjoy the ambiance of the Island. For the more adventurous, mopeds and motorcycles are also available.

Local travel agencies offer a variety of day and half-day trips for those who want a break from “fun in the sun”.  A day trip to Spain’s highest peak, Pico de Teide (rhymes with lady), is a “do not miss”.  From sea level to the summit, which is often snow covered, there are many climatic zones.  Starting in the tropics at the lowest elevation the road traverses a pine forest before reaching the moon-like, desert landscape near the top. A cable car takes passengers to the top of the 12,200-foot mountain for a panoramic view of the island.  Tours usually include lunch at a restaurant featuring food typical of the Canary Islands.

The picturesque village of Icod de las Vinos, 20 miles north of Playa de las Americas in the middle of a very fertile valley, offers a impressive views of Teide.  It is here, in the hillside town in the heart of wine country, that the thousand-year-old dragon tree is found.  The trees were worshipped by the natives as a symbol of fertility and knowledge.  The sap, referred to as “Dragon’s Blood because it turns red on contact with the air, was used as a magic potion reputed to cure many ailments.

In the city of Puerto de la Cruz, 15 miles east of Icod de las Vinos, is the first resort area to be developed on Tenerife.  Lago Martinez, in the heart of downtown, is a man-made swimming pool the size of a small lake complete with islands, bridges, and fountains.  Just outside of town on the main road heading east the cool and serene Botanical Garden is filled with unique tropical plants and trees.

Santa Cruz, the provincial capital, is a bustling city of skyscrapers and 200,000 people.  Of interest is the Museum of Archeology and Anthropology with its display of mummies and the Plaza de Espana dominated by a towering statue honoring those who died in the Spanish Civil War.  The war was launched from Tenerife by General Franco who had been exiled to the island.  Five miles northeast of the city, a mile- long golden sand beach, Playa de las Teresitas, was created from sand brought in from the Sahara.

Tenerife has a variety of activities designed to keep even the most jaded tourist happy.  Day safaris by camel, jeep, or donkey are offered by many tour companies as well as a compete gamut of water activities from sailing to diving.  The Yellow Submarine is perfect for those who want to see the underwater life without getting wet.

In Playa del Las America numerous restaurants and cafes, many with cabaret-style entertainment, line the beach promenades and Avenida Litoran. The food is excellent and reasonable.  A “killer” platter of barbecued steak, chicken, sausage and ribs is only $6. 

Paella, the local specialty of rice and seafood, is offered by most restaurants.  A local favorite is papas arrugada, potatoes boiled in sea water and served with traditional spicy sauces, mojo picon (made with peppers) and cilantro picon (made with coriander and avocado).

The Canary Islands are surrounded by some of the world’s richest fishing grounds.  Restaurants located right on the waterfront, especially those in the little fishing village of La Abrigo’s, serve the same day catch. 

Castillo Medieval in San Miguel combines a traditional King Arthur style banquet with medieval entertainment.     Most hotels and pubs offer free entertainment that can range from Karoke, to Flamenco dancing, to fashion shows.         

Tenerife is a free port so there is no value added tax on luxury goods.  The island is famed for its pottery, a craft inherited from the original inhabitants of the islands, the Guarches.  The best buys are the lacy hand embroidered tablecloths and place mats for which the island is famous.

In the Canary Archipelago there are seven major islands.  Each one has its own unique characteristic and can be reached easily by boat or plane from Tenerife.

Gran Canaria, the most populated of the Canary Islands, was the hot spot of the 60’s, and is considered to have the most beautiful single beach. Lanzarote is a desert isle with golden sand beaches and a moonlike landscape that was created by the many volcanoes.

Fuerteventura has just recently begun development to meet the demands of the wind surfers drawn to the island.  The interior is still undeveloped and mainly an area devoted to goat heading. La Palma, known for its luxuriant tropical foliage and black sand beaches, is called the “Garden Isle”. 

La Gomera has long been the favorite of the backpacking crowd. UNESCO has protected the primeval forest making the mountains ideal for hiking.  This is the very island where Columbus stopped for provisions in 1492 on his way to the New World.  El Hierro is the smallest and the least visited of the islands.  This island is for tourists who really want to be alone and enjoy the black sand beaches and the highland pine forest.

Whatever your dream vacation plans includes, if it can not be done on Tenerife or one of the adjacent islands, it probably can’t be done anywhere. Ptolemy, the ancient Egyptian ruler, was indeed correct when he called the Canary Islands the “Fortunate Islands” because of their perpetually mild, spring-like weather, temperate waters, and beautiful vistas.

For more information check: Spanish Tourist Office, www.okspain.com, (888) 657-7246

Images by Sandra Scott

Back to TravelLady Magazine