Get off the beaten track in Tenerife

Get off the
beaten track in
Tenerife
British Guild of Travel Writers 2010
Annual General Meeting 26th to 29th January
The diversity of the island’s scenery allows visitors to enjoy extraordinary natural
treasures, getting to grips with Canarian culture and taking part in many
adventurous activities, as well as discovering the varied flora and fauna in the
many national parks. Tenerife also has an extensive network of rural hotels that
mean getting and staying off the beaten track is definitely an option for those
that prefer to stay away from the main resorts.
Some of the places to discover include:
Exploring the North of Tenerife
The North of Tenerife is less popular than the busy resorts of the South, but has
much to offer the visitor who wants to get off the beaten track and discover
the island’s culture. Los Realejos black sand beaches, La Orotava’s Old Quarter,
Isla Baja’s local cuisine, wines and boutique hotels are just some of the things to
enjoy in the north of the island.
About a 45-minute drive from Tenerife South airport is Santa Cruz, the largest
city and the capital of Tenerife. Stroll down the ramblas for shopping and
cosmopolitan culture and head out to the green Anaga region where there are
small villages hidden in the rugged landscape. Places of interest include the Fine
Arts Museum, the Neoclassical Carta Palace, Calatrava’s auditorium and the sandy
Las Teresitas beach.
British Guild of Travel Writers 2010 - Annual General Meeting 26th to 29th January
Tenerife offers much more than sun, sea and sangria and those that venture
away from the beach will be rewarded with stunning landscapes, tiny villages
and towns, reflecting traditional life that has changed little over the years, and
spectacular natural sights such as the Masca Gorge and Mount Teide, the highest
mountain in Spain.
La Laguna town is an excellent location to see the most wonderful examples
of the Canarian architecture and to savour the local cuisine and varied wines.
Its historical centre is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are many art
galleries to potter around, as well as good shopping in the designer boutiques
and traditional shops, some of the oldest on the island.
Mount Teide National Park
Mt. Teide is the highest mountain in Spain at an altitude of 3,718 metres above
sea level. The steep slopes of the mountain reach this altitude in a mere thirteen
kilometres from the coastline. One of the best ways to experience the mountain
is to take the cable car up to an area known as the Rambleta, at a height of 3,555
metres. The cable runs daily from 9am to 4pm, unless bad weather or high winds
make the service impossible. The more adventurous can ascend on foot and the
walk takes around six hours.
A permit is needed to reach the summit by foot and can be applied for in person,
post, fax or email at the Administration Office of the Teide National Park located
Masca hamlet and gorge
Masca is a tiny hamlet of typical stone houses with some of the best examples
of rustic Canarian architecture, located 600m above sea level in the spectacular
Teno Rural Park, in the Buenavista del Norte district. It boasts spectacular scenery
and is a unique beauty spot ideal for hiking down the nearby ravine - the Masca
Gorge. The gorge is around five kilometres long and the hike down takes around
four hours, passing by huge sheer rock walls above the winding ravine and a
wealth of botanical species.
The path ends at Masca beach, a small black sandy cove where hikers can enjoy
a cooling swim before either hiking the six hours or so back, or taking the more
popular option of returning by boat. The Masca hamlet is worth spending a little
time in before or after the hike with several local bars and restaurants, historical
buildings such as the oldest building in the village, the Casa de Los Avinculados
and handicraft shops for picking up traditional island gifts.
Teno Rural Park
Teno Rural Park covers 8,063,6 hectares and takes in the districts of Buenavista
del Norte, Los Silos, Santiago del Teide and El Tanque. It was declared a Nature
Park in June 1987 and designated a Rural Park in 1994, as well as classed as a
Bird Sanctuary in 1979. The park consists of spectacular gorges, steep cliffs and
British Guild of Travel Writers 2010 - Annual General Meeting 26th to 29th January
in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Those who don’t have the permit can still see excellent
views of Tenerife and the other islands of the Canarian Archipelago at two
viewpoints that don’t require a permit, the Fortaleza and the Pico Viejo. And
those that want to stay overnight in the Altavista Refuge at 3,720 metres,
don’t not need to apply for a permit to reach the peak, as a stamped copy of the
application to stay overnight at the refuge is sufficient.
varying landscapes as well as important areas of ancient forest land that only
exists in the Atlantic islands and is home to a wide variety of endemic species.
Anaga Rural Park
Anaga Rural Park, in the north east of the island, is a large protected area
of immense ecological value with a many tracks and paths that are ideal for
walkers who want to discover the picturesque scenery and beauty spots, as well
as the unique flora and fauna of this area. The rugged mountain range is over
3.5 million years old and features a wealth of rocky crags and outcrops, natural
breakwaters, jagged peaks, raised beaches and spectacular cliffs. There are also
plenty of archaeological remains scattered around the park.
Wine routes in Tenerife
Verdant and lush, Tenerife North produces a significant variety of red, white and
rosé wines and welcomes visitors to its vineyards and wineries for a flavoursome
wine tasting experience.
A la carte tours can be arranged according to special interests.
One of the five Designations of Origin in Tenerife can be tasted along the
Tacoronte-Acentejo Wine Route, covering the northeast of Tenerife. Visitors can
learn about the wines, visit various vineyards and charming family-run wineries
while enjoying the picturesque volcanic landscape.
The Casa del Vino La Baranda, a traditional farm-house from the 17th Century,
is now used to promote the local wine produce. With fabulous views to the sea
and Mount Teide, this ‘wine house’ is recommended for wine lovers and includes
a wine museum, a wine shop and a restaurant where delicious creative Canarian
dishes are served.
Other places to visit along the route are the markets in Tegueste and La Matanza
for fresh fruit, cheeses and pastries. www.rutasyvinos.com
- Ends -
British Guild of Travel Writers 2010 - Annual General Meeting 26th to 29th January
Wine tours last half a day or a full day; the second option includes a meal at
a local restaurant and accommodation on weekend tours. The routes can also
combine other activities such as visits to places of interest along the route. These
vary from trekking and heritage tours to trips to vineyards, historical quarters,
markets and museums. English speaking specialised guides help to learn in depth
and transport allows visitors to enjoy a comfortable journey throughout the wine
locations.
Tenerife Tourism Corporation
For more information visit www.webtenerife.com or contact Raquel Fonseca
Email: raquel@humewhitehead.co.uk Tel: (0) 20 8334 7026