A good sized town in the Santa Cruz de Tenerife province of Tenerife, Icod de los Vinos is also the capital of a municipality of the same name, it is in the northern area of Tenerife and has a population of 24,179. Not especially noteworthy as a tourist destination, it is however famous for its Dragon Tree, said to be over 1,000 years old, and whether this is true or not it is a fine example, and makes the town worth a look if you are passing nearby. The municipality which also takes in an area of coastline, comprises mostly fertile agricultural land, which has made the town prosperous through its orchards, banana plantations, and particularly its vineyards, for winemaking is the towns main enterprise. The town of Icod de los Vinos is 57 km drive from Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
October 26, 2010
Los Realejos Tenerife
Located on the northern coast of Tenerife, to the west of Puerto de la Cruz, the town of Los Realejos is in the Santa Cruz de Tenerife province of the island. Divided into two areas, Los Realejos comprises Realejo Alto and Realejo Bajo, meaning roughly the high town and the low town. Historically the town is significant as the place where the ultimate surrender of Tenerife took place, as the indigenous Guanches gave way to the superior forces of the Spanish invaders. Today it has a population of 37,559, and also gives its name to a municipality, Realejo de Arriba, which runs from the Orotava Valley to Teide, it includes some areas of coast with some popular beaches. Los Realejos is approximately 42 km from Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
October 25, 2010
Puerto de la Cruz Tenerife
The biggest and most popular tourist resort on the north coast of Tenerife, Puerto de la Cruz has a population of just under 32,000, and a history going back to the 17th century, when it was founded as Puerto de la Orotava, a port serving the town of La Orotava, and for a time significant for the export of wines produced in the area. The decline of the port due both to a drop in wine production and to the severe weather conditions experienced along this stretch of Tenerife’s coast, meant much of its activity was moved to santa Cruz de Tenerife. Renamed Puerto de la Cruz in 1831, the town began to attract tourists by the end of the 19th century, and towards the end of the 20th century, saw something of a tourist boom, as thousands visited Tenerife, to enjoy some winter sunshine and escape the dreary weather of their native countries. Having the disadvantage of rough seas and less than perfect beaches, Puerto de la Cruz, saw the construction of man made beaches, lidos and seawater pools to enable holidaymakers to get the most from their visit.
October 22, 2010
Bajamar Tenerife
Located in the north-east of Tenerife, the former fishing village of Bajamar is becoming an increasingly popular holiday destination, though it has of course attracted visitors since the early days of Tenerife’s tourist boom. Lying close to the stunning Anaga Mountains, Bajamar offers the opportunity for walking and cycling, as well as the traditional beach style holiday. Swimming is a little different in Bajamar, to other popular resorts, as it mostly takes place in seawater pools, due to the fact that the sea is very rough here, and not really recommended for even the strongest of swimmers. For something a little different you can take a look at the 17th century chapel of San Juan Batista, or head a little north to the Punta del Hidalgo, which offers spectacular views of the coastline. Bajamar is about 27 km from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of the island.
October 6, 2009
Tenerife Canary Islands
The biggest and perhaps the best known of the Spanish Canary Islands, Tenerife has a resident population of approximately 850,000 and is a very popular, all year round holiday destination. Tenerife is divided into two distinct areas by a large mountain range, the area to the north is lush and green with a rugged coastline, the area to the south is arid and sparsely vegetated with plenty of fine sandy beaches and most of the island’s popular resorts. In the centre is the highest mountain in Spain – the Pico del Teide (3,717 metres). Two areas of great beauty on the island of Tenerife are the Orotava Valley and the Las Canadas National Park which are both worth a look if you are visiting the island. Some of Tenerife´s best known resorts lie on the west coast and include Los Cristianos, Los Gigantes, Playa de las Americas, Costa Adeje and Puerto de la Cruz, most of these within the municipalities of Arona and Adeje. The vast majority of visitors are attracted by the superb all year round climate, with Tenerife weather being particularly pleasant during the winter months (the best time to visit), the north of the island can experience a significantly different climate and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of the island, in the north-east is often wetter and cooler. Tenerife Map.