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About 20 miles
from Puerto de la Cruz on the north west coast of Tenerife, the
village of Los Silos is the perfect location if your looking for
peace and tranquility, it is a completely unspoiled village hardly
touched by tourism with just a few shops and tavernas in the narrow
streets, an excellent fish restaurant and a patisserie/coffee
shop.
The village
square with it's old church is a nice spot to sit and relax. For
some lovely walks you'll find that from the square there are several
paths leading off through the banana plantations.
This is an
ideal area for biking and walking holidays and a favorite with
photographers, and artists.
Other places
of interest.
A fascinating
place to visit is Mount Teide with it's covering of snow creating
a fantastic backdrop, as the road climbs through beautiful forests
of unique pine trees that only grow on Tenerife, as you reach
nearer to the top the vegetation thins and opens out to a landscape
more akin to the moon and has been the location for several films
such as Planet of the Apes and Stare Wars, NASA also used it as
a training area for some of it's astronauts. To reach the very
top you must use the cable car, it's worth checking that it is
operating before setting out.
In the same
region at the foot of the beautiful Orotava valley, over looked
by Mt Teide is the charming old resort of Puerto
de la Cruz, with the famous black volcanic beaches, lovely
gardens, and a traditional way of life.
Near the harbour
area is the old quarter, worth taking a stroll to sample the local
cuisine at one of the Tapas bars and watch the world go by. On
the main promenade is the Martianez Lido a complex of sea water
pools, lots of fun for the kids as well as the grown ups.
Puerto
de la Cruz is also home to one of the worlds leading Zoo's.
For shopping the choice is varied from boutiques, modern electrical
stores to traditional craft and souvenir shops. Eating out is
a pleasure with a wide choice of restaurants, cafes and bars offering
something to suit all tastes and budgets. Nightlife includes nightclubs,
music and sports bars and the casino, Garachico A sleepy backwater
with a glorious past.
Garachico
was founded in 1496 by Cristos del Pone. Situated in the north
it was the main port and trade centre especially for wine, amongst
its most famous was Malmansay immortalized in Shakespears' Richard
3rd. In 1706 the town was devastated by a huge volcanic eruption
that overwhelmed it and partially buried the town and blocked
the harbour, without it the inhabitants were forced to fall back
on the past traditional methods of making a living namely fishing
and farming, which for us today means that we can enjoy some of
the islands best fish, shellfish and local wine. Of the buildings
left untouched by the eruptions partially noteworthy are the Castle
San Miguel dated (1517) the convents of San Fransisco and Santa
Domingo dated around the 16th and 17th century, the many fine
mansions built by the wealthy merchants of the town during its
flourishing hay-day and the Parish Church with its collection
of paintings and religious sculptures. Although there is no beach
the area is dotted with pools created by the molten lava flowing
into the sea perfect for a dip after exploring this unspoiled
town. Garachico past and present is one of Tenerife's Gems.
La
Laguna was named the capital of Tenerife in 1496 by its founder
Alonso Fernandez de Lugo. As a university town it is the second
most important on the island. La Laguna is not only of architectural
interest but has been built on a unique grid system that has been
the inspiration of other city planners in America. Buildings of
special note are the Cathedral built in 1515 which has a beautiful
arched nave of illuminated stained glass and behind the high the
alter is the tomb of Logo Conquistador de Tenerife y La Palma
(The Conqueror of Tenerife and La Palma).
The oldest
church is Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion built in
1502 and used by the conquistadors to baptize the Guanche leaders
as part of there conquest of the islands.
Also of note
is the Teatro Leal a triple tiered hall holding regular concerts.
Plaza del Adelantado the central square and main area for shops
bars and restaurants in between the cathedral and the main road.
To spend time
in La Laguna is to look back in time before the developers took
over, it has a long and impressive history a wonderful cool climate
and great charm.
Help line
0871 871 0130. 
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