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.
September 21, 2010
Fuerteventura Canary Islands
The second largest of the Spanish Canary Islands, Fuerteventura is located to the south-west of Lanzarote, off the coast of north-west Africa, it has an are of 1,660 square kilometres and a resident population of around 74,983, over one third of whom live in the capital Puerto del Rosario. Fuerteventura has some of the best beaches in the entire Canary Islands group and has areas of sand dunes similar to those found around Maspalomas in Gran Canaria. Not quite as well known as a holiday destination, Fuerteventura still attracts thousands of holidaymakers each year, they arrive to enjoy the sunny weather and most are looking for a beach style holiday but without the crowds of Lanzarote, Tenerife or Gran Canaria. Not yet developed to the extent of neighbouring islands, Fuerteventura only has a few resorts of any note, the main one being Corralejo, while others exist at Jandia and Caleta de Fuste. The island can be easily reached by air (the airport is near to Puerto del Rosario) or by ferry from Lanzarote and Gran Canaria.
May 11, 2010
La Caleta Tenerife
The former fishing village of Caleta has in recent years become a popular holiday destination. Situated in the south of the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, La Caleta is in the area known as the Costa Adeje. Though there has been quite a bit of development in the town the harbour area and seafront are mostly unspoilt, one of the most pleasant things to do is eat a fine fish dish in one of the excellent seafood restaurants. Caleta weather is perfect for holidays all year round and is especially pleasant during the winter months.