Moments of Relaxation in Candelaria

From Santa Cruz we took the trip to Candelaria, a town with a beautiful historical center and exclusive charm. The historical and religious importance of Candelaria makes the city unique in the Canary Islands. The city has its own identity and it is important place of pilgrimage.

A lovely and relaxing walk along the seafront revealed breathtaking views to the sea...

... and the waves crashing against the rocks and the Canary black sand beach.

The beautiful promenade is a few kilometers long.

This small town boasts the Basilica of Our Lady Candelaria, the Patron Saint of the Canary Islands is right near the sea.

We visited the town on 2th February when the festival to honor the Virgen the Candelaria took place. The town was completely overcrowded by tourists and visitors.

This is a very beautiful basilica with a wonderful stained glass windows, impressive altar and very worth to visit. The basilica is welcoming to visitors and is home of the black Madonna. There was a service ongoing when we visited and we really enjoyed the spiritual atmosphere.

The cathedral with its 45m high bell tower.

Next to the Basilica is also the Dominican monastery built in 19^th century.

We had a nice afternoon here and enjoyed a delicious Canary food and freshly prepared fish dishes in one of the nice restaurants around the square Plaza de Patrona de Canarias.

Huge and open square in front of the Basilica.

Right on the square and almost on the edge of the beach there are enormous statues of the Guanches, the ancient inhabitants of the island, who ruled the islands before the conquest of the Spanish trups.

Impressive statues of the nine kings of Tenerife- the Guanches were the natives of Tenerife.

Behind the Basilica is the cave Cueva de Achbinico, called Ermita de San Blass.

Here according to the legend the Guanche King Acaymo has brought the original statue of la Madona. The cave was the first Christian sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Marry.

A view from the cave.

The pedestrian streets are full of shops in which you can find the ideal gift or souvenir of your visit.

We strolled through the streets that are so well preserved, a place where the old architecture is harmoniously combined with the modern one.

Candelaria is an intimate place with a special flair and we enjoyed our visit , here in the fresh air we enjoyed magical views.

San Cristobal de La Laguna

San Cristobal de La Laguna, also known as La Laguna, is the old capital of Tenerife and is considered to be the cultural capital of the island. La Laguna is one of the most beautiful cities in Tenerife. Its cobbled streets and colonial architecture make it a truly unique home of hidden treasures.

We visited the city in a splendid sunny day and spent nice few hours wandering around in this beautiful and peaceful city.

La Laguna historical center is declared a Unesco World Heritage site. Here we stopped to try the local wine and the traditional dishes and enjoyed the surrounded beauty of this place.

La Laguna is ideal to be explored by foot, this is a place full of charm and every corner tells us the history of the islands and their people.

The cathedral is located in the historical center of this fascinating city.

The cathedral is very lovely inside with superb altar, windows paintings and carvings.

Iglesia de la Conception is a five hundred years old church really shows the history of Santa Cruz.

The church is so impressive with its nice stained glass windows and its tranquil atmosphere, just a wonderful place to visit.

People can climb the fascinating bell tower and enjoy spectacular views over the city.

Strolling along the cobble streets we passed through the gorgeous Casa de los Capitales Generales.

The house has such a lovely interior with a patio and a fountain and represents an excellent example of Canary identity.

The area is large and the main attraction is the intact colonial architecture.

Bars, restaurants, shops, museums-there is something for everyone. The city brings a lovely feeling with its mixture from modern and traditional architecture.

Enjoying the area and the history around, we continued our walk to the small square Plaza del Adelantado.

This is a small green area, a nice place to sit and enjoy the sun.

Very close is the Convento Santa Catallina and its attraction the wooden room. From here the nuns could observe the world outside without being seen.

La Laguna is considered to be the most beautiful town in Tenerife and its architecture is used as a model of many colonial towns in America.The city is unique and well preserved with its nice colorful houses, many people and great energy.

Las Teresitas

The best way to start the day is enjoying the sunny beach of Las Teresitas, which is highly valued by tourists and locals. Taking the road along the seashore we reached the fishing village of San Andres on the foot of Anaga Mountains.

This is an ideal beach to stop and just relax and unwind. 

The beach is several kilometers long and is caressed by warm and tranquil waters.

Here we walked along several kilometers brilliant, golden Sahara sands, which feel like a soft powder under the feet and dive into clearest and most refreshing waters.

This is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. 

Even its gold yellow color is so fascinating for the visitors.

Here we enjoyed an enviable climate, which hardly changes in the course of the year and we felt nature in its greatest splendor.

This is the oasis of peace, a little paradise where you can escape from the daily routine.

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.

Around the important port are wide avenues, square, exotic landscapes.

We really enjoyed the pleasant walk revealing delightful views over the city.

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.

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.