Allan
Well-Known Member
We arrived in Santa crus Tenerife this morning. After a short rest, it would be nice to see some of the island. Does anyone have any recommendations?
Allan
Allan
Tenerife recommendations.
- Thread starter Allan
- Start date
capnsensible
Well-Known Member
Hiya. We did a rent a car ride up most of Teide mountain, but the cable car ride looks like a good one.
Davy_S
Well-Known Member
Puerto del acruz worth a look, along with Lorro Park, Parrots, killer whale, Dolphins etc, as mentioned cable car up the mountain, probably snow on top, if it is rainy/cloudy, don't bother you will see nothing, Candelaria worth a trip, to head any further down South could make it a long day, lots of traffic around the Alcala area.
oldharry
Well-Known Member
Well worth exploring the west side of the Island. From Santa Cruz there's a spectacular drive over Teide down to Santiago de Teide, then take the side road down to Masca. This road is a quite challenging series of hairpin bends down to an incredibly picturesque village, and not really suitable if you are a nervous driver. It can be approached from Buenavista in the north by a rather better and less challenging road. You can either enjoy the peace and quiet, or work off the adrenalin of the road by walking down the track to Playa del Masco, but its quite steep, and a long climb back! If thats not enough carry on north from the village in the car and go out to to the NW tip, Punta del Teno. There you will get the best view of the huge cliffs of Los Gigantes, claimed to be the highest in Europe, as are several others! You will also get good views of the neighbouring Islands of Gomera and La Palma if the visibility is good.
On the North coast Icod de las Vinas sports what is claimed to be the oldest tree in Europe, a 6,000 years old Dragon Tree. It too has competition, notably a 6,000 year old Yew Tree in Scotland, but whatever, it is incredibly ancient and worth seeing!
But for sight seeing, going up and spending time in the Caldera del Teide, and if its running (which it often isnt this time of year because of the weather and altitude) ride on up the cable car to the summit at 3,700m (14,000 ft), but not if you have respiratory or cardiac issues, because of the altitude. Even the caldera car park at around 2,300m (<7,000ft) will leave you puffing if you over exert yourself. OTOH we have spent the morning up there in snow, and the afternoon sunning ourselves on the beach! The main roads up to Tiede are not difficult as the 3 main approach roads have been improved to a high standard for the numerous tourist coaches. If driving is not your scene you should have no difficulty getting a seat on a coach tour up the Mountain or to any of the places I mention possibly excepting Masca which the bigger coaches cannot get to.
On the North coast Icod de las Vinas sports what is claimed to be the oldest tree in Europe, a 6,000 years old Dragon Tree. It too has competition, notably a 6,000 year old Yew Tree in Scotland, but whatever, it is incredibly ancient and worth seeing!
But for sight seeing, going up and spending time in the Caldera del Teide, and if its running (which it often isnt this time of year because of the weather and altitude) ride on up the cable car to the summit at 3,700m (14,000 ft), but not if you have respiratory or cardiac issues, because of the altitude. Even the caldera car park at around 2,300m (<7,000ft) will leave you puffing if you over exert yourself. OTOH we have spent the morning up there in snow, and the afternoon sunning ourselves on the beach! The main roads up to Tiede are not difficult as the 3 main approach roads have been improved to a high standard for the numerous tourist coaches. If driving is not your scene you should have no difficulty getting a seat on a coach tour up the Mountain or to any of the places I mention possibly excepting Masca which the bigger coaches cannot get to.
Davy_S
Well-Known Member
Oldharry,
A nice well informed post, I do hope that you won't mind me correcting one point, the Masca walk is closed for the winter, the jettys at the waters edge have been damaged in storms (they picked walkers up in boats and took them to Los Gigantes) also rock falls have made the walk unsafe, so are closed till further notice. you can still drive through Masca itself.
A nice well informed post, I do hope that you won't mind me correcting one point, the Masca walk is closed for the winter, the jettys at the waters edge have been damaged in storms (they picked walkers up in boats and took them to Los Gigantes) also rock falls have made the walk unsafe, so are closed till further notice. you can still drive through Masca itself.
oldharry
Well-Known Member
Useful update, I have not been there for a couple of years as we went to Fuerte last year, which remains my favourite. Thanks.
oldgit
Well-Known Member
Fancy a quiet relaxing day ?
Just down the road, Playa de Las Teresitas a decent beach with good but somewhat expensive fish resturant on the right down a dirt track at south end of beach .
For culture vultures literally just across the street, Calle San Isidro, 2, 38001 Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
A "military" museum located in centre of old fort now occupied by Guardia Civil ?
.A bit daunting walking timidly past the armed soldiers at the entrance
but a treasure trove of stuff within, including of interest for us maritme types, the cannon which rumour suggests blew off Nelsons arm,the table he signed his surrender during battle of Tenerife and the ship ensign they confiscated.
For any Donald Trump admirers, as unpleasant a collection of weapons thoughout history on display, as any disfunctional gun worshipper could possibly wish for.
Franco also planned his return to Spain from here to start the Spanish civil war.
Entre sus fondos destacan el Cañón "Hércules", cañón aculebrinado fundido en Flandes en el siglo XVI que protegió las costas de Tenerife hasta el siglo XIX. Dos banderas inglesas ganadas en combate a las fuerzas que intentaron el desembarco en Santa Cruz de Tenerife el 25 de julio de 1797.
If you are in Cruz for New Year, the celebrations kick off in big way, all the other touristy places have go but this is the biggy proper Spanish effort with all the lads dressing up in their tuxes, the girls in their ballgowns and party dresses to dance in town square at midnight .
Later they are supposed to drive up to the top of the volcano and watch the sun rise.
Any tourist driving up early that particular morning should not be suprised to see a number of cars simply abandoned on the road up.
Just down the road, Playa de Las Teresitas a decent beach with good but somewhat expensive fish resturant on the right down a dirt track at south end of beach .
For culture vultures literally just across the street, Calle San Isidro, 2, 38001 Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
A "military" museum located in centre of old fort now occupied by Guardia Civil ?
.A bit daunting walking timidly past the armed soldiers at the entrance
but a treasure trove of stuff within, including of interest for us maritme types, the cannon which rumour suggests blew off Nelsons arm,the table he signed his surrender during battle of Tenerife and the ship ensign they confiscated.For any Donald Trump admirers, as unpleasant a collection of weapons thoughout history on display, as any disfunctional gun worshipper could possibly wish for.
Franco also planned his return to Spain from here to start the Spanish civil war.
Entre sus fondos destacan el Cañón "Hércules", cañón aculebrinado fundido en Flandes en el siglo XVI que protegió las costas de Tenerife hasta el siglo XIX. Dos banderas inglesas ganadas en combate a las fuerzas que intentaron el desembarco en Santa Cruz de Tenerife el 25 de julio de 1797.
If you are in Cruz for New Year, the celebrations kick off in big way, all the other touristy places have go but this is the biggy proper Spanish effort with all the lads dressing up in their tuxes, the girls in their ballgowns and party dresses to dance in town square at midnight .
Later they are supposed to drive up to the top of the volcano and watch the sun rise.
Any tourist driving up early that particular morning should not be suprised to see a number of cars simply abandoned on the road up.
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Homer Simpson's Lovechild
Well-Known Member
Please ,please do not go to Lorro Parque. If you have the slightest insight into the ethics and practice of keeping Orca and Dolphins in captivity you can only boycott these establishments. You don't have to be some eco nutjob- this practice is up there with dancing bears and circus elephants in terms of animal abuse.
ashtead
Well-Known Member
If you looking for a useful eatery the chicken shack up in Adeje was always worth a drive up there and seems well frequented by locals assuming it's still open . Some restaurants at Sueno Azul might be worth a try if open plus a couple in Los Gigantes worth a look in case in search of hostelries in less built up areas. In terms of shopping I seem to recal hypertrbol was a larger store on road to Adeje province if looking for practical supplies. If time permits maybe catch the ferry for a day trip to la gomera island .
oldharry
Well-Known Member
Oh yes and be warned - don't just order a cup of tea, unless you like it made with condensed milk! If you want a proper cuppa you have to specify fresh milk, which is often not available. 'thé con lech fres' is the way to order a proper brew,. Even then it's long life not real fresh milk which is very scarce.
Birdseye
Well-Known Member
Beware of pickpockets if you go to a fiesta or event. Happened to me twice in Tenerife and its a pretty common experience.
Allan
Well-Known Member
The only other time I've been here, some guy tried to lift my wallet and today someone asked my mate to take their picture. As the girl handed the phone over it wasn't on camera so she had to mess with it while her boyfriend pushed towards the other side of my friend. When he saw me staring at him he took his hand away from my friend's pocket. I think we got away with that!
Thank you to everyone who has given us recommendations. We drove to Tiade and Orotava today. Both worth a visit.
Allan
Thank you to everyone who has given us recommendations. We drove to Tiade and Orotava today. Both worth a visit.
Allan
oldgit
Well-Known Member
...have been going to Tenerife since 1980 on a regular basis and have yet to have any problems of the nature mentioned above.
This may be due to a lifelong determination to avoid under any circumstances a small area of coast in the south..
Unfortunately it is the only way to get to the ferry across to Gomera and driving to port always confirms your worst nightmares
Circles of Hell 1 - 7 combined with (No 8.)Birmingham on Sea.
This may be due to a lifelong determination to avoid under any circumstances a small area of coast in the south..
Unfortunately it is the only way to get to the ferry across to Gomera and driving to port always confirms your worst nightmares
Circles of Hell 1 - 7 combined with (No 8.)Birmingham on Sea.
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