Teide National Park
Declared a protected area in 1954, the Parque Nacional de las Canadas del Teide has been recognized as one of the most spectacular landscapes of the world. It has an enormous volcanic crater with a circumference of 30 miles, from which rises Mt. Teide, the highest peak in Spain. Compared to the coastal regions of Tenerife, winter in the park brings snowfall and strong winds, while in summer temperatures can soar to above 40 A cable car transports visitors to its peak, but many prefer to hike the route to discover wonderful variety of flora and fauna, including rare specimens like the violet of the Teide, the Tajinastes, as well as the many varieties of mammals, lizards and birds.
Pirámides De Güímar
On the east coast of Tenerife, south of Santa Cruz, stand six mysterious step pyramids. Archaeologists have not yet discerned the origin of the marvelous pyramids. They were first thought to be just remains of agricultural stone terraces, perhaps random piles of stone cleared from fields by early Spanish settlers. The research of Thor Heyerdahl, the Norwegian anthropologist who lived in Guimar on Tenerife, indicated that the pyramids were built on similar principles to those in Peru, Mexico and ancient Mesopotamia. The pyramids are now enclosed in an Ethnographic Park. The site includes a museum, life-size model of Heyerdahl's reed ship Kontiki, a cafeteria and souvenir shop.
Website: www.piramidesdeguimar.net/ingles/pagina.htm Opening time: Daily 9:30am to 6:00pm
Masca
In the northwest tip of the island of Tenerife is the picturesque village of Masca. Set in an imposing gorge, the Teno Mountains, clinging to the slopes of a deep ravine beside a narrow road, it is arguably one of the prettiest villages of the island. It has quaint, cobbled stone buildings that look over beautiful green vegetation. Until recently Masca was not accessible by road. The zigzag drive from Santiago del Teide has now opened up the village and its magical setting, said to be once a pirate s hideaway. Hikers have popularized a two-hour walk from the village through a channel to the sea at the base of the majestic cliffs of Los Gigantes.
Adeje
Adeje is a wonderful municipality located south of Tenerife, near Playa de Las Americas and Los Cristianos. It is considered an upscale resort, offering plenty of lovely restaurants and bars. Initially it was known for its agriculture and fishing economy although now it is renowned for its booming tourism. Adeje is peaceful and serene, an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. At the same time, it is also a busy hotspot, with a very lively, sophisticated nightlife. It is definitely a brilliant place to stay, offering quiet and relaxation, as well as adventure and partying!
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Ancient Dragon Tree
In the town of Icod de Los Vinos stands a famous dragon tree said to be thousands of years old. Though there is no scientific study yet to confirm the claim residents there said the tree is at least hundreds of years old.
The tree hardly ever goes unnoticed and it has long been dubbed the symbol of Icod since no one speaks of the city without mentioning the dragon tree. Though one can hardly credit the tree with Icod’s progress since the town’s valley is fertile and agriculturally rich hence its full name, Icod de los Vinos (Icod of the Wines).
A tour of Icod is a visual treat for the senses. A person can start visiting all local shrines: Buen Paso, San Felipe, El Tránsito, Las Angustias, San Antonio, El Amparo., From there one can observe a wide variety of rich artistic treasures.
One must also visit such sights as the Plaza de la Pila with its ancestral homes; the Cáceres house, the former San Francisco convent and its chapel of Dolores, the former San Agustín chapel, León Huerta Plaza, Lorenzo Cáceres Park, and above all, the Church of San Marcos and its Sacred Art Museum.
Works of art by the most famous sculptors, altarpieces as well as articles of gold- and silver-smithing, like the Filigree Cross, are part of the treasures one can see in Icod. We see their beginnings in the establishment of the first settlements, conditioning of the farmland, opening of communication links and building of homes.
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