Although the island is well known for its beaches and good weather, Tenerife has charming villages and unique stories that are sure to delight any traveler.
This time we will visit 3 villages that you cannot miss during your visit to the island.
Vilaflor
The town of Vilaflor is located in the south of the island of Tenerife and is characterized for being one of the highest municipalities in Spain, at 1440 meters above sea level. This produces an important contrast of temperatures throughout the year, with snowfalls in winter and high temperatures in summer.
If you travel to the island in spring you should visit the area of the Llanos de Trevejos which is full of color with wild flowers. In addition, this area is purely agricultural and many of the best wines of the island are grown here. You can visit some of the wineries and even enjoy a brunch with tasting and guided tour like the one offered by Bodegas Reverón.
You can not miss its historic center and taste the gastronomy of Chasna, especially the typical sweets. The National Park of El Teide is only 30 minutes away from the village. On the way to the National Park you will find different points of interest such as El Pino Gordo, the Parque Recreativo de Las Lajas or viewpoints above the sea of clouds towards the western islands.
La Orotava
If you do some research on the island before your trip, you will see how it appears as one of the most recommended places. And no wonder! The historic center is one of the best preserved of the island, with its monuments, cobbled streets, squares and gardens cared to detail that make this place one of the most beautiful on the island.
If you are attracted to Masonic symbology and history in La Orotava you can find different examples hidden (and not so hidden) in the architecture of the historic center. In this line you can not miss the Victoria Gardens.
The first botanical garden of the island is still preserved behind the town hall. It was built as an acclimatization garden for tropical species brought from America before their introduction to Europe. It was later expanded with the construction of the botanical garden of Puerto de la Cruz.
In its historic center you should visit the Iglesia Matriz de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, the traditional gofio mill and Los Lavadores, the Town Hall and the squares and gardens in the center .
Finally, on your visit to Jardines Victoria be sure to visit the candy shop
Don Ego,
and enjoy a coffee or a chocolate accompanied by one of the legendary sweets of this establishment overlooking the gardens.
San Cristobal de La Laguna
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage City in 1999 due to the importance of the urban plan of its historic center, which was exported to the main American cities after the conquest. Thus, we find great similarities between La Laguna and San Juan de Puerto Rico, for example.
La Laguna is a university town, so it is full of life. There are restaurants, cafes and especially tascas where you can enjoy the local gastronomy but also the best restaurants of national and international cuisine.
Strolling through this city is a good plan both day and night. La Laguna also has a wide range of leisure activities to enjoy alone, as a couple or with the family. This is attested by the various museums, monuments to visit, the market, lively downtown streets, theaters, concert halls and parks. It is the epicenter of the island’s cultural life, where you can always find something to do.
We recommend visiting the Plaza del Adelantado, the streets of La Carrera and Herradores, the Plaza de la Concepción and if you are traveling with children, the Museum of Science and the Cosmos.
Tell us, what is your favorite town in Tenerife?