Monday, February 27, 2017
Las Teresitas
Labels:
Canary Islands
Location:
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Santa Cruz, Tradition and Avant-garde on the Coast Part 2
The Auditorio of Santa Cruz, the work of the architect
Santiago Calatrava, perched dramatically on the edge of the coastline and is such
a unique building. The splendid area around is a nice place where you could
spend the entire day.
We spent relaxing afternoon here and enjoyed the sunset over
the Ocean.
The majestic profile of Auditorio, is a fine example of modern architecture and has become one of the symbols of Santa Cruz.
Around the building we found pictures of famous artists over
stones.
The Church la Concepcion is the main church in the city
built upon the first chapel erected by the Spanish conquistadors.
The bell
tower is the most remarkable part of the baroque church.
The street of La Noria runs from the church of la Conception
and is particularly beautiful with its houses in typical colonial architecture.
This is one of our favorite streets in Santa Cruz, which is also a popular
evening meeting point and home of many Carnival groups. The street offers a
selection of good restaurants where you can try typical Canarian cuisine. We
were very impressed by the cozy atmosphere here and enjoyed the local spirit at
its best.
The emblematic market Mercado Municipal Nuestra Senora de
Africa is such a fabulous place. This is one of the best markets I have seen,
it is such a great place with plenty of fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables and
many more.
There is an open area in the center and stalls at the ground
level and downstairs. Here we stopped for a glass of wine and enjoyed the
atmosphere around.
We could not leave Santa Cruz without visiting Parque Garcia
Sanabria, the green area of the city. Almost two hundred plant species live
together in this park and it is ideal place to sit down and enjoy the
surroundings.
The park is a fine combination of fountains, plants and
architectural groups.
The natural beauty of Santa Cruz is intriguing and
unpredictable even for the imagination of the most experience travelers. Here
you can find everything that you need for an unforgettable vacation.
The natural beauty of Santa Cruz is intriguing and unpredictable even for the imagination of the most experience travelers. Here you can find everything that you need for an unforgettable vacation.
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Santa Cruz, Tradition and Avant-garde on the Coast
The Canary Islands have picked up things from the many
cultures that have passed through this land and have left their customs,
activities and architecture.
Tenerife is such a magical island that offers so much to enjoy.
The capital of Tenerife Santa Cruz is a cheerful city that will
transport you to a magical world- modern, increasingly cosmopolitan and enjoying
fantastic views over the mountains and the sea.
Situated on the sea front, Plaza España is the heart of the
city and is linking the shopping center to the sea.
The square is quite big and
open with the centered pool, a really nice part of Santa Cruz.
This is a splendid area, the
modern buildings and the pool make the square unique.
Close to Plaza España we found numerous cafes with terraces
and views over the lake.
The atmosphere here is so
vibrant and fun, it is so great to pause on a hot day, eat ice cream and enjoy
the sun.
In front is the Port of
Santa Cruz, the biggest harbor of the Canary Islands, with an area of about 12
km.
The harbor stretches from Santa Cruz to the fishing village of San Andres.
Labels:
Canary Islands
Location:
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Sunday, February 19, 2017
Puerto de la Cruz, Fusion of the Sea and the Mountains
The Canary Islands offer wonderful beaches, exotic
subtropical landscapes and a mild weather during the whole year.
The island of Tenerife, in the middle of the Archipelagos,
offers fascinating views dominated by the impressive majesty of Teide and its
volcanic landscapes. Teide is the highest Spanish geographic summit with its
3718m. But Tenerife is not just Teide- vast and fertile valleys, long beaches,
dense forests, charming towns- enough reasons to visit the island.
The Northern part of Tenerife and particularly the valley La
Orotava have been discovered by national and international tourists as a favorite
tourist destination. We were especially impressed by the valley-green, leafy
and landscapes. A true pleasure for the sense.
The charming city Puerto de la Cruz is situated on the north
of Tenerife. This is one of the oldest tourist resorts of the Canary Islands
and one of the largest and most interesting cities. Particularly
characteristics of the city are the luxury hotels and the pleasant atmosphere
which can be enjoyed by strolling along the promenades and admiring The Ocean.
Puerto de la Cruz offers also small beaches with black volcanic
sand and the best known is Playa Jardin.
The magical beauty of the beach captivates all those who see
it. This is one of the beaches which the locals like the most.
Ideal place to take a dip.
Unique landscapes along the long promenade. The best way to
enjoy the sunny afternoon.
Here we found plenty of bars and restaurants but the best
are the exotic plants beside the beach. Very very impressive.
The public garden just behind the beach gave its name to
Playa Jardin and made it so famous.
A very popular attraction Puerto de la Cruz is Loro Parque,
one of the most spectacular theme parks in the world with species from all over
the planet.
We took a leisure stroll along the main street, always full
of people at any time of the day.
Castillo de San Felipe, the little fort built to protect the
city from the pirates.
Puerto de la Cruz is full of life with a large range of
hotels, shops, terraces. The lovely city perfectly combines tradition and
modernity.
The old harbor, right in front of Plaza del Charco, is very picturesque and popular part of the city.
Case de la Aduana- The House of the Customs, close to the
old harbor is built in a traditional Canarian style. Next to it is the Battery
of Santa Barbara which served to protect the ships.
Seaside restaurants offer exquisite menus and amazing views
and in the evening the cooling sea breeze adds to the enjoyment.
Not far away from here is Lago Martianez, considered a real
gem by tourists.
A huge bathing pool right into the Ocean.
An excellent way to spend the day. This is the most
beautiful coastline we have ever seen. Simply stunning!
A really nice place with lovely views.
The city is also famed for its breeze, making it an ideal
spot for surfing at any time of the year.
Playa Martianez.
Puerto de la Cruz offers perfect conditions for swimming and
relaxation and is so spectacular with its unique exotic atmosphere and
wonderful views. Here we touched nature in its greatest splendor.
Saturday, February 18, 2017
San Sebastian de la Gomera, a city of charm
The Canary islands enjoy a privileged climate and are a
great place to visit during any time of the year. The small island La Gomera
and its serenity are an amazing natural attraction for visitors. La Gomera is
an island of many traditions. Very interesting for us was The Silbo Gomero- a
whistling language used by the locals to communicate over long distances.
The heritage of La Gomera can be experienced in its capital San
Sebastian. It is worth enjoying this small, typical Canary port town with a
special flair, with its marina and historical sites.
La Marina de San Sebastian-bright yachts and colorful boats.
A small promenade leads directly to Plaza de Las Americas. Here
is the town hall with its open arcade, small clock tower and wooden balcony.
Very close is the house where Columbus stayed for a couple
of months before his journey to America. In the courtyard there is a fountain from
which he took water for his oversea journey.
The building in which Columbus stayed is now a museum and in
front is his monument.
Strolling in the center of the town, we found a small shop
with homemade jams, mojo sauces, palm honey- made from the sap of the Canary
island palm trees and the typical banana wine.
Also worth seeing is the Parish Church of Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion.
The church is full of beautiful artifacts and paintings.
Here Christopher Columbus prayed before setting off to discover the new world.
Torre del Conde is well preserved tower, centrally located
in a green park. This is the oldest building in La Gomera.
Going back to the port is the black city beach-well-kept
beach with fine sand and pure blue water. Here we enjoyed hours of sun and
their positive effect.
Another nice beach is Playa de la Cueva.
Several recreation areas are located throughout the capital.
Such a lovely promenade with plenty of benches to enjoy the
sunshine with lovely views to Teide.
La Gomera is so valuable natural paradise-traveling from
landscape to landscape, we enjoyed the exceptional beauty of this magical island,
so unique in the world.
Garajonay Natural Park- Rocks and legends
With a total area of about 7490 m², the Canary archipelago
comprises several islands. A good reflection of its natural wealth is La Gomera
island.
The landscape of La Gomera is filled with large straight
lines of rock that outline it from coast to summit.
The main highlight is the Garajonay Natural park, located in
the center of the island, is the highest peak of La Gomera.
The park includes
important woodland areas of Laurel forest and Canary Island Pine trees, as well
as dry open country areas, cliffs, offshore rocks. The area is often surrounded
by clouds which brings a magical aspect.
The nature here is just unreal, the higher we went up the
mountains the colder it got.
We passed through slender palm trees, imposing
rock faces, terraced fields, small mountains and villages.
Serpentine roads and breathtaking views.
Due to the isolation conditions, typical for the island
ecosystems, the nature here is unique.
Like an artist sketchbook, La Gomera is filled with shapes,
silhouettes, profiles, figures… The erosion of the outer crust of the volcanoes
that arose on the island has been going on for so many years that it has
generated very varied shapes across the length of the island.
The beauty of the park-impressive rocks, ancient
forest-absolutely breathtaking.
Roque de Agando
The park has a large number of viewpoints and recreation areas.
Roque de la
Zarcita
Extraordinary nature.
Amazing environment.
The park offers the best example of the Canary Laurisilva
forest, a humid subtropical forest.
Laurisilva-the mysterious fairy tale forest of laurel trees.
The whole area around the park is very well developed. From
here the visitor is given wonderful insights into this unique natural landscape
of La Gomera.
Valley of Vellehermoso and the green banana plantations,
small vineyards and potatoes cover large part of the area.
The impressive volcanic landscape offers hikers resting
beautiful accommodations.
Agulo is considered to be the most beautiful village of La Gomera, particularly appealing by its old buildings and winding streets.
We could even see Teide and the lovely small
village of Agulo.
Hermigua is situated between high mountains chains and the
beautiful valley.
The beaches of Hermigua offer a welcome access to the sea.
Garajonay Natural Park is well worth the visit, it is
impossible to tell about this beauty.
The landscape of La Gomera is filled with large straight lines of rock that outline it from coast to summit.
Roque de Agando
Labels:
Canary Islands
Location:
La Gomera, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
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