Declared a National Park in 1954, no trip to Tenerife is complete without a visit to Teide National Park – which is home to the world’s third highest volcano and the tallest peak in Spain. The 3,718 metre high El Pico del Teide (The Peak of Teide) volcano is the most dramatic feature of the Canary Islands. Standing at the heart of Las Cañadas Natural Park, the Park is a UNESCO protected zone since 2007. The Park is 17 kilometres in width, and has many lava formations, steep cliffs, vertical walling and rocks of volcanic origin. A day trip to this Natural Park will afford you some weird yet wonderful scenery, and you will learn as to how and when the eruptions took place and how the magnificent craters were formed. The flora of the area will fascinate you, and the park offers great walking routes. Try and see the rock formations of Los Roques de Garcia, and you will see the result of thousands of years of erosion.
The volcano is now extinct, but you can get access by either foot or by cable car (called the Teleférico Teide) which will carry you almost to the actual summit. From the very peak on a clear day, you are afforded breathtaking views of Gran Canaria, La Palma and La Gomera. Indeed this is one of the few places on earth where the sea can be seen from the top of such a tall mountain. Mount Teide is the major emblem of the Canary Islands and can be seen all over the island. The often snow capped peak of the mountain can be seen as you relax on the beaches!
Teide is at the centre of the island and is located 64km from the Tenerife capital Santa Cruz. To get to the park, the main road to get on is the TF-24.
Santa Cruz
If you are based elsewhere on the island, why not take a trip to the capital city of Tenerife, Santa Cruz, located to the north of the Island. The city has much to offer visitors and both its cultural and historical heritage makes it a great place to enjoy a day trip. Visit the Natural History Museum, which displays many artefacts from Tenerife’s past and learn all about the history of the island. The Art Museum collection is also very impressive.
For the archaeologist in you there is some impressive buildings here – the 18th Century San Francisco Church and the Carta Palace are of a typical Canary Island design, with wonderful balconies and impressive courtyards. There is some great shopping to be enjoyed here, with many popular shops along the Plaza de Espana to Plaza de Candelaria. The Santa Cruz Port is also a popular tourist spot, with plenty to see and do here, from shows and concert to yacht races. Santa Cruz is also a good base to visit the local areas such as Masca, a charming village with a Moorish past, and the wonderful cliffs at Los Gigantes.
Vilaflor
Just south of Teide National Park is the charming old village of Vilaflor (Village of the Flowers). The village lies at an altitude of over 4,900 feet making it the highest place on the island. The stunning scenery and cool weather makes Vilaflor a popular day trip destination. The village has a rich heritage since its foundation in the 16th century. The famed Spanish Saint and Missionary Hermano Pedro de San Jose de Bettancurt was born in Vilaflor in 1626. One of the most famous sights to see here is the Church of San Pedro, which is built in a traditional style.
To get to Vilaflor from Santa Cruz, your best bet is to get on the TF-1, and then the TF-21 from Calle del Calvario.
Gomera Island
A trip to the magnificent island of Gomera, which is located 22kms off the coast of Tenerife, makes the perfect day trip from Tenerife. You will catch the ferry from Los Cristianos, which brings you in around an hour to San Sebastien, the capital of Gomera. Often you will see whales and dolphins on your journey to the island, and the views are just magical. Famed explorer Columbus is reputed to have stopped off at Gomera en route to the American continent. Gomera has some wonderful scenery and you will be amazed as you discover the innovative terrace farming systems from the hills.
San Sebastien is the chief town on Gomera. Positioned very near the outlet to the sea of the stunning Valle Gran Rey, you will enjoy the small beach and quiet harbour here.
Day Trip to the Guimar Black Pyramids
You might not be aware but yes there are Pyramids in Europe! Such evidence is perfectly displayed at Guimar on Tenerife. Guimar, a small town on the east coast, is around half an hour from Santa Cruz on the TF-5. The Black Pyramids Park covers a total of 60,000 square metres and you could spend a day here enjoying the nature trails and the strange buildings.
Explorations properly began in 1991 on the stone structures shrouded in mystery. The step pyramid buildings are believed to have been constructed to face the summer and winter solstices. The formations reach a height of 12 metres and researchers believe they have similar characteristics to the Maya and Aztec civilisations in Mexico, with their six angular stone steps.
Mairead writes for Novacarhire.com - an independent car hire reservation website where you can book low cost car hire at over 5000 locations worldwide.
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