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.

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.