The beautiful scenery throughout the Canary Islands and their Atlantic culture contribute to the pleasures derived from the island climate and the sea without having to give up nature excursions or cultural visits. This is especially true on the island of Tenerife, where the marked contrasts and dramatic beauty of its scenery, as well as the rich traditions, can be indulged in at the two large, renowned tourist centers: one in the fertile north, the other in the sunny south.

Puerto de la Cruz is the oldest tourist center in the Canaries. Since the 19th century, it exists as a famous place of rest and relaxation due to its mild climate and lovely surroundings. It is located by the sea at the foot of the fertile Orotava valley on the northern coast of the island. The harbor is an enclave that blends with the tropical valley, and its streets, filled with trees and flowers, are ideal for strolling. Particularly lovely are the Paseo Marítimo promenade and Lake Martiánez, a dramatic area of natural pools created by the great artist from Lanzarote, César Manrique. In the outskirts of the city, there are lovely spots that should not be missed, including the prestigious Botanical Gardens, and the aviary, Loro Park. A large number of excursions to all kinds of places of interest are possible from here by foot and by car, only a short distance from the city.

Another way to enjoy the sun and sea is at the tourist resorts of the south, more arid and with a better climate. The Playa de las Américas-Los Cristianos certainly stands out with its wide variety of lodgings, restaurants, bars, night spots, and other amenities for the comfort of the tourist. All along the southern coast, there are other smaller resorts, including El Médano for windsurfing, Costa del Silencio and Los Gantes; each one with a personality of its own.

The southern part of the island is perfect for relaxing on the beach, swimming in the sea, and practicing water sports, especially windsurfing.

Sights

Its origin goes back to 1516, with the building of a chapel that was extended several times. The celebration of the proclamation of Carlos V was held in it on 22 June, 1516. After the earthquakes caused by the Güimar volcano, it was in a ruined state. Work on the current building began in about 1768 and finished in 1788. It was declared a National Historic Artistic Monument in 1948. Inside, it consists of three wide naves with strong columns. Outside, the two bell towers, measuring 24 metres high, are outstanding.

Teide National Park is the biggest and oldest of the Canary Islands' parks. Its landscape is shaped around the biggest volcano in Spain: Teide, whose last eruption took place in 1798. The volcanic cones and the lava runs form an extraordinary group of colours and shapes, in which thrives a diverse flora of great biological importance.

In 1954, Teide National Park was founded in order to protect a landscape of impressive beauty and great ecological importance, that extended around the colossal volcano. Teide is a volcanic formation situated on an old and gigantic crater-like sunken area, shaped by two semi craters, separated by Roques de García. In the shelter of Teide live plants and animal species that are unique in the world. The diversity of plants is astounding: Teide broom, towers of jewels, echium virescens, bencomia stipulata, descurainia bourgaena, pterocephalus lasiospermus, silver thistle..The most important species in the park are the invertebrates. More than 700 species of insects are listed, 50% of which are endemic to the area. There are several species of reptiles (such as the tizon lizard) and birds (Egyptian vulture, sparrow hawk, kestrel, red kite). Mammals are scarce, but there are mouflons, rabbits and 5 species of bats.

These constitute one of the most spectacular coastline scenes in the Canaries. These huge formations that rise vertically from the sea up to 600 metres high are known as the cliffs (acantilados) of Los Gigantes.

Their official name is Acantilados de Teno and they form part of the incredible Teno Rural Park. Their average height is 450 metres and they are the result of constant erosion against an old mountain range. The seabed in this area is of high scientific interest, featuring vertical drops of over 30 metres. Its rich habitat includes communities of calcareous algae, black coral and sponges.

In the nearby town of Los Gigantes, there are dive centres that organise dives from the shore and from boats, by day and by night.