All posts by bestplaces

What to visit in Ibiza City (Balearic Islands)

May 23, 2015Balearic Islands / Islas Baleares, Beach, mountain and nature, Nightlife, Tours and Guidesbestplaces

The lively city of Ibiza (or Eivissa) is the capital city of Ibiza island, which is one of the Spanish Balearic Islands (Islas Baleares) in the Mediterranean Sea. Situated on the south-east coast of the island, Ibiza is really a multicultural city with a population of about 50,000 inhabitants. Moreover, Ibiza lies fewer than 90 km off the Iberian peninsula, and its favorable geographical location with an excellent climate all year around certainly make Ibiza one of the best tourist destinations in Spain. Evidently, tourists love the city which has a great atmosphere, with shops, bars, restaurants, terraces and cafés full of stylish young and middle aged people. It is said that Eivissa is the capital city of fun.

Ibiza has a lot of to offer visitors in the way of gastronomy, architecture, culture, nature, parks, comfortable lifestyle, excellent sandy beaches, water sports, leisure facilities, nightlife, festivals, a wide range of fun and entertaining activities, as well as magnificent buildings and archaeological remains that let them know and enjoy the interesting history of the island. In fact, the Phoenician Ruins of the Sa Caleta, the Phoenician-Punic cemetery of Puig des Molins, the Salines (Nature Park), the Upper Town of Ibiza, called Dalt Vila and the 16th century fortifications were declared World Heritage Sites in 1999 by UNESCO.

Dalt Vila (Upper Town) is the oldest area of the city of Ibiza and an excellent example of a fortified town, its architecture and physiognomy have remained intact since the 16th century. Dalt Vila preserves in its walls and urban areas successive unmistakable cultural imprints of the earliest Phoenician settlements, Roman, Muslim and Corona de Aragón periods through the seven Renaissance bastions. Therefore, no visit to Ibiza will be complete without spending some time in the Dalt Vila.

What to visit in Ibiza town

Firstly, we suggest taking a walk around the vibrant cobbled streets of La Marina neighbourhood, the perfect place to try to experience the local culture, meet the local people, visit shops, eat in a local café, buy some arts and crafts and just sit with a coffee and watch the city go by.

The following days visitors will probably enjoy visiting the Upper Town which has five entrance gates, one at the Reina Sofia Park, but the main one is located in front of La Marina neighborhood near The Old Market (Mercado Viejo) from where visitors can go up to Portal de Ses Taules to arrive at the walled town. Once inside Dalt Vila, visitors can enjoy the spectacular views from the fortified ramparts and the Cathedral square before going sightseeing and shopping. The Gothic Ibiza Cathedral, which was built on the top of the town and on the site of a previous building ( it might have been the Yebisah Mosque), was begun its construction in the 13th century, although its interior was rebuilt in Baroque style in the 18th century. The Cathedral is the most remarkable building in Ibiza dominating the whole city with its Gothic bell tower. Santo Domingo’s church built in the 16th century; the Town Hall building was built between 16th and 17th centuries; La Almudaina –the castle of Ibiza– is dated between 16th and 18th centuries and the Archaeological Museum in Dalt Vila are all worth a visit.

The Phoenician-Punic necropolis of Puig des Molins, which lies to south-west of Dalt Vila, was used until the end of Roman period. This Phoenician-Punic cemetery is considered to be the best preserved Phoenician-Punic cemetery in the world with more than 3,500 tombs, statues and other interesting objects. In this area there is another Archaeological Museum in Puig des Molins. It is a must-see place.

Tourists interested in visiting the Phoenician Ruins de Sa Caleta will go back to 8th century BC. Besides, they will be able to see evidence of urbanization and social life in the Phoenician colonies. It is situated on the southern coast of the island where visitors can also enjoy the beautiful Sa Caleta cove, Sa Canal port, Salines beach, Es Cavallet, a nudist beach to 9 km away from Ibiza city, and Sant Jordi de Ses Salines village, as well as Ses Salines Nature Park.

Ibiza Beaches

Ibiza has a lot of white sandy beaches and beautiful coves which attract thousands of tourists every year. Almost as famous for its lively nightlife as for its beaches, the island has more than 200 km of spectacular coastline, offering superb diving opportunities and other water sports in its clear water.

– Ses Figueretes, with white sand, is an urban beach very popular amongst the citizens and is within walking distance of Ibiza city. This beach is one of the places from where visitors have the most wonderful views of the Upper Town of Ibiza. There is also easy access to the beach by car and by public transport.

– Platja d’en Bossa is one of the longer and more famous beaches in Ibiza, there are water sports, as well as cheap and luxury hotels nearby. Located about 2 km away from Ibiza city, the Bossa beach is easily accessible by car, by public transport, by bicycle and on foot from Ibiza city. However, this beautiful beach is usually crowded in summer during the day and at night with parties of tourists, because tourists just want to have fun and relax. This beach offers a unique ambiance which is not found in other beaches.

– Talamanca is a quiet beach for sunbathing and swimming, it is about 2 km away from Ibiza city. This pleasure beach is special for children and families being accessible by public transport and on foot.

It is easy to arrive in Ibiza either by plane or by ship. Ibiza also provides easy access to the main tourist places.

Other Spanish islands and interesting places to visit in the Mediterranean Sea

– Balearic Islands (Islas Baleares): Check all our posts about the Balearic Islands: Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera.

– Canary Islands (Islas Canarias): A touristic group of Spanish islands located in the west coast of Africa, at the south of the Iberian Peninsula. They are composed by these seven islands: Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, La Palma, Lanzarote, El Hierro and La Gomera.

– Barcelona and Valencia: Two of the main cities witch have beaches in the Mediterranean Sea.

– Andalucia Region: In the south of Spain, you will find warmth weather, beaches, and a lot more.

Monastery of Veruela, Vera de Moncayo (Aragón)

November 21, 2014Aragón, Emblematic buildings, Saragossa / Zaragozabestplaces

Founded in 1145 by Don Pedro Atarés, Señor de Borja, the Monastery of Veruela (Royal Monastery of Santa María de Veruela – Monasterio de Veruela) was the very first cistercian Monastery established in La Corona de Aragón (Crown of Aragón). In fact, the cistercian monks moved here in 1171 and the consecration of the abbey was in 1248 by the bishop of Calahorra.

The emblematic Royal Monastery of Santa María de Veruela is located in an outstanding quiet valley at the foot of the spectacular Moncayo Mountain, very close to the Huecha River, and 1 km away from the lovely Vera de Moncayo village, in the western Zaragoza province.

Veruela’s Monastery was certainly built as many cistercian abbeys, a standard layout or a typical design of the cistencian order was repeated with its abbey church beside the cloister and the rooms spread around the cloister. Besides, a vegetable garden and gardens and other buildings such as the mill and the water tank ( aljibe) were separated from the main buildings.

The medieval complex of the Monastery of Veruela was built between 12th and 14th centuries in Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. Moreover, the Renaissance palace of the abbot and other buildings were built in the 16th century, and a new Baroque monastery was also added next to the medieval cloister in the 17th century, as well as a fortified hexagonal wall, which has remaind intact since 16th century, had been erected around all the buildings and its grounds in the 16th century occupying an area of more than 50,000 square metres.

What to see in Veruela’s Monastery

A fortified tower built in the 13th century in Romanesque style gives visitors a cozy welcome before going into the walled Monastery.

If tourists decide to visit the monastery by themselves, they should not miss the chance to see the breathtaking Church of Santa María de Veruela, which impresses visitors with its measurements of more than 72 meters long by more than 22 meters wide and more than 18 meters high. Being the most remarkable building of the Monastery, the church has three naves and Latin cross plan in Romanesque and Gothic styles dating from the12th and 13th centuries. Its main facade from the12th century in Romanesque style with fine capitals on its portade (gate) shows us the beauty and simplicity of the cistercian architecture. Inside visitors can see: several Romanesque chapels from 12th century; the Virgin of Veruela, a statue of wood carving of Our Lady of Veruela from the 15th century; on the left there are the chapel dedicated to San Bernardo with the beautiful sepulcher of the abbot Lope Marco dating in the mid 16th century and a medieval spiral staircase that goes up to the San Martin’s bell tower dating from the 13th century; on the right, there are the Baroque gate of the sacristy from the 16th century; the magnificent monks door from 13th century that allows visitors to go into the cloister and admired the three sepulchers dating from 12th century on their left; and the converts door that goes into the cilla( storeroom) and the cloister.

The spectacular medieval cloister from the 14th century in Gothic style is the heart of the monastery, from here visitors can easily go into the most important rooms of the medieval monastery even the church. In the 16th century, a Renaissance double cloister was added over the medieval cloister.

The new sacristy lies among the church, the cloister and the chapter room, here visitors can know more about the beautiful main altarpiece of the church and enjoy the interesting paintings, sculptures, remains of the main altarpiece among other things..

The remarkable chapter room is dated in the 13th century in Romanesque style, here visitors can admire the sepulcher of Lope Ximenez from 13th century and the abbot Sancho Marcilla from 14th century.

The monks room from 13th century in Romanesque style is also worth a visit, as well as the Refectory dating in the13th and 16th centuries in Romanesque and Gothic style that is used for exhibitions.

People should not leave the monastery without visiting: lavatorium, storeroom (cilla), kitchen, warming room, dormitory, new monastery, as well as the mill and the Wine Museum which is situated in the aljibe (water tank).

This beautiful monastery is also renowned because the poet Gustavo Adolfo Béquec and his brother Valeriano stayed here between November 1863 and October 1864 so that Gustavo got over his serious disease. The poet wrote the famous “ Letters from my cell ” during his stay in the monastery.

If tourists are interested in knowing more about this historic monastery, they are allowed to wander around the monastery. Moreover they might come across interesting artwork. By the way, the cistercian monks left this abbey in 1835; after that, in the mid 19th century it become a hotel where a lot of tourists spent their summers. Besides, the Jesuit monks stayed in this monastery nearly one century; and finally, in 1998 the property of the monastery passed to La Diputación de Zaragoza ( Country Counsil ) which maintains it in excellent state of preservation.

People enjoy visiting Verula’s Monastery and its outanding natural landscape, imagining themselves for some moments back in the medieval period, it can be a unique experience.

It is 75 km away from Zaragoza, 12 km from Tarazona and 15 km from Borja.

More places to visit in Aragon

– What to see in Zaragoza city: With almost 700,000 inhabitants, Zaragoza (Saragossa) is one of the biggest cities of Spain. Its strategical location between Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Bilbao, and its proximity to The Pyrenees and France, make Zaragoza one of the most important logistic points of Spain.

– Tarazona: Tarazona is situated in the Queiles valley at the foot of the majestic Moncayo massif, in an outstanding natural landscape of exceptional beauty in the western Aragón.

– Huesca and The Pyrenees.

– Teruel: Located in the south of Aragón, Teruel city is an ideal city to live and enjoy its interesting museums, unique architecture, traditional festivals, delicious gastronomy, among other things.

Zarautz, Guipuzkoa (Basque Country)

October 25, 2014Basque Country / País Vasco, Beach, mountain and nature, San Sebastián, Spain / España, Tours and Guidesbestplaces

Located on the breathtaking Cantabrian Sea Coast, in the province of Guipuzkoa in the north of Spain, Zarautz is a popular resort town only 20 km away from the beautiful Donostia – San Sebastian city. With a population of about of 23,000 inhabitants, Zarautz is really a famous tourist destination of high quality in Spain for people who like enjoying its traditional cuisine and its excellent beach, as well as leisure activities and sports among others.

The old fishing village of Zarautz became a favorite destination for aristocracy and upper class people who chose Zarautz to enjoy the quiet beach during their holidays in the late 19th century. Nowadays, one of the most important economic sectors in Zarautz is really tourism. Therefore, Zarautz has focused on the preservation of its heritage cultural, its healthy lifestyle, its traditions and its natural surroundings so that Zarautz goes on being a tourist destination of the highest quality.

Gastronomy

Zarautz is known over all world for its delicious cuisine and its magnificent chefs who are used to cooking with the best and freshest ingredients. Moreover, the excellent food attracts not only local people, but also other visitors from other cities and countries. In fact, here tourists can find some of the most renowned restaurants and bars of Basque Country full of friendly people tasting the flavorful pintxos (a tiny haute cuisine) with the traditional txakoli (light white wine). If tourists visit the popular local market of Zarautz, they will certainly soak up the atmosphere of this town and understand its traditional gastronomy.

Beach and Sports

The Beach of Zarautz, which is one of the longest beaches in the Cantabrian Sea coast with more than 2,500 m long of fine golden sand and clear blue water, is other attraction for lovers of the outdoor activities, such as surfers who can enjoy the spectacular waves; golfers that can play golf in the Real Club of Golf of Zarautz which borders a part of the beach on the eastern area. Moreover the beach is also bordered by the lively promenade, the main meeting point of the town, where visitors can find a lot of excellent restaurants, bars, terraces, cafés, shops and have a lot of fun.

Visitors can also enjoy the outstanding natural landscape of Zarautz walking along its picturesque streets, taking a stroll about its peaceful surroundings as well as climbing its hills and mountains because there are facilities for most cultural and athletic activities. Besides, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking scenery if they decide to go to Getaria on foot bordering the Cantabrian sea coast. As for Getaria (Guetaria), it is a beautiful fishing village only 3 km away from Zarautz with medieval houses and the remarkable San Salvador’s church in Gothic style dating from 14th century. Both Zarautz and Getaria are connected by a spectacular promenade between the mountain and sea.

Zarautz can also offer tourists interesting buildings such as Santa María la Real’s Church built between the 15th and 16th centuries in Gothic style; the Zarautz Tower, which is the oldest building in Zarautz from the 15th century, is used for the Museum of Art and History and for the bell tower. Inside the church visitors can find several impressive Baroque altarpieces and the tomb of Lopez Martinez de Zarautz from 15th century; the four storey-Luzea Tower was built in the 15th century in Gothic style; the Narros Palace built in the mid 16th century in renaissance style with lovely gardens; the Portu House is a remarkable three-storey building from 16th century ( Town Hall headquarters); Franciscans’ Convent Church from early 17th century; Makatxa House among others.

If visitors wander through the streets and squares, they will come across impressive sculptures, other magnificent buildings and beautiful gardens and parks that are worth visiting.

Other places to visit in The Basque Country (País Vasco)

– San Sebastian (Donostia): Situated in the north of Spain on the Bay of Biscay coast, washed by the Cantabrian Sea, San Sebastian (or Donostia) also known as Perla del Cantábrico (the Cantabrian Sea Pearl) is renowned for its spectacular natural beauty.

– Bilbao: Bilbao is one of the main cities of the Basque Country, in the north of Spain. It has more than 700.000 inhabitants, counting the city and the metropolitan area. In this article we are going to tell you about what are the best places to visit in the city, and how to visit them on foot in a two-days weekend.

More places to see in The Basque Country.

What to visit in Mérida city (Extremadura)

July 11, 2014Extremadura, Mérida, Tours and Guidesbestplaces

Mérida certainly has a monumental Archaeological Ensemble which is considered to be the best preserved in Spain. In fact, the Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida was declared a World Heritage site in 1993 by UNESCO. This ensemble consists of 29 well-preserved remains of the old city.

Situated in Badajoz province, in the west of Spain with a population of about 60,000 inhabitants, Mérida is the capital city of Extremadura region. Moreover, its favorable geographical location in the Silver Route with several highways to Gijón, Seville, Madrid, Lisboa among others and the Guadiana and the Albarregas rivers crossing the city make Mérida an attractive and easily accessible city.

Mérida was founded in the year 25 before Christ by order of the Roman Emperor Octavio Augusto (68-14) who called it Emerita Augusta, which became one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire. In fact, the most emblematic monuments in Mérida were built during the Roman Empire. After the Romans, in the 5th century the Visigoths were in Mérida until the early 8th century that was conquered by Muslims. When Abderraman II (792-852) of the dynasty Omeya arrived in Mérida in 834 built the Alcazaba on Roman and Visigoth walls. After that, Alfonso IX (1171-1230) king of León reconquered Mérida in 1230.

What to visit in Mérida

Mérida is of special historic interest in where visitors can explore plenty of ancient monuments within the walled city. Although several of them are scattered around the city or outside the walled city, the followings monuments are must-see places.

Roman Theater is the most remarkable building in Mérida being built by Marco Vipsanio Agrippa (63-12) son-in-law of Augusto and finished its construction in the year 15 BC. As for the current monumental proscenium (stage), it was built in the early 2nd century with marble colums and statues. Having a capacity of about 6,000 spectacles, the Roman Theatre is regarded as the most renowned Roman Theatre in Spain.

In summer, visitors to Mérida should make sure to include an evening performance to the Roman Theater in their programs because this is the season that is celebrated the most important Festival of Classical Theater in Spain. Roman Amphitheater was inaugurated in the year 8 BC with a capacity of about 16,000 spectators. It is next to Theater.

The House of the Amphitheater dating between the 1st and 3th centuries consists of remains of several Roman buildings. It is also worth visiting.

The National Museum of Roman Art ( MNAR ) whose building is itself worth a visit, was built by world renowned architect Rafael Moneo Valles in 1986, here visitors can enjoy Roman sculptures, mosaics, documents and so on. In fact, the Museum is one of most great archaeological Museum in Spain. It is near the Theater.

By the way, in this area there are terraces, cafés, restaurants, bars, shops and the pedestrian streets of the city center nearby. If visitors take a stroll along the pedestrian Streets they will find emblematic monuments. Diana Temple was probably built in the early first century under Emperor Augusto in order to dedicate it to imperial cult.

Roman Bridge over the Guadiana River has 60 arches and almost 800 meters long and 12 meter high at its highest point, being the longest Roman Bridge in Spain. It was repaired several times in the 17th century being added 5 arches.

La Alcazaba was a Islamic fortress to protect the Roman Bridge over the Guadiana River and was built by Abderraman II in 835 on the banks of the Guadiana River reusing Roman and Visigoth construction materials. Obviously, it is next to Roman Bridge.

House of Mithreo is a grad home dating between 1st and 2nd century AC decorating with wonderful mosaics and paintings. Here the visitors can see the Cosmological Mosaic which is one of the best Roman mosaics in the world. Tourists should not leave Mérida without enjoying it.

Spain Square is he main meeting point in the city with important buildings such as the Cathedral, City Hall and several palaces, as well as, restaurants, open air terraces, cafés, benches, a lively and enjoyable place to have fun. Co-Cathedral of Santa Maria was built on the site of the main Visigoth Cathedral of Santa Maria. Dating between the 13th and 16th centuries the Cathedral was a burial site until 14th century.

Old Santa Clara Church dating from 17th century in baroque style is used as the Visigoth Museum, here visitors will be able to see one of best sculptural Visigoth collection in the Peninsula. It is near the Cathedral.

Arch of Trajano was probably an access gate to a temple, measuring almost 14 meters in height and more than 5 meters in width. Old Hospital of Jesus dating from 17th century is currently a luxury hotel. However, tourists should not leave the city without seeing its cloister.

Santa Eulalia’s Basilica was built on the side of remains of Roman houses and a Visigoth Basilica between the 13th and 14th centuries. Here people can find the Temple of Mars and tombs of different periods. It is also worth a visit.

Roman Bridge over the Albarregas River is near Los Milagros Aqueduct it was built in the late first century before Christ. Los Milagros Aqueduct was built by the Romans in the first century, it was a hydraulic system to bring water from Charca of the Albuera or Proserpina reservoir to the city. Nowadays, people can see about 800 meters long of this preserved Aqueduct which was 840 meters long and 25 meters high. It is near the Roman bridge over the Albarregas River.

Roman Circus was possibly built in the first century AC outside the city walls. Measuring more than 400 meters in length and more than 95 meters in width. Having a capacity of about 30,000 spectators, the Circus of Mérida is one of the largest and best preserved circuses of Roman world. Close to the Roman Circus can be seen remains of the San Lazaro Aqueduct.

Lusitania Bridge over the Guadiana River was built by the known architecr Santiago Calatrava in 1991. Mérida is not only popular with the tourists because its monumental Archaeological Ensemble but also its gastronomy, festivals, parks, sport, relaxed and friendly atmosphere, nightlife and above all, its tasty cheese, ham and wine.

If you are thinking of visiting Mérida, you will come across many much interesting buildings, sculptures, monuments,and so on. Mérida is situated to 340 km from Madrid.

More places to visit in Spain

– Extremadura: What to see in Extremadura Region.

– Andalucia: Andalusia Region is located close to Extremadura, and has many touristic cities as Sevilla, Granada, Cordoba or Cádiz.

Garachico, Tenerife (Canary Islands)

June 27, 2014Beach, mountain and nature, Canary Islands / Islas Canarias, The islands, Tours and Guidesbestplaces

People visiting Tenerife island (Canary Islands) should not miss out on Garachico which is situated in the northwest of Tenerife Island between the steep mountain slopes and the volcanic rock cliffs on the Atlantic Ocean coast. Obviously, it is a scenery of indescribable natural beauty.

Garachico was founded in the late15th century and its seaport was possibly the most important port in the island during 16th and 17th centuries. However, in 1706 there was a volcanic eruption and the lava flowed from the Trevejo Volcano towards the sea destroying a part of the town and burying its commercial port. In fact, the beautiful bay disappeared under the volcanic lava while the natural rock pools were being formed on the coast, currently known as El Caletón.

Nowadays, this historical town with one population of about 5,000, and a pleasant mild climate all the year round, has a lot of to offer visitors in the way of traditional Canary architecture, extraordinary natural landscape, typical food, delicious wine, traditional dance, nature, culture, beaches, and above all, El Caletón of Garachico a natural swimming pools of black volcanic rocks, and the breathtaking views of its surroundings among other things.

What to visit in Garachico Town and Port (Tenerife)

Starting in the lively Plaza de la Libertad (Freedom Square) which is the main meeting point of the town and Glorieta de San Francisco next to Plaza de la Libertad visitors will be able to find the most important buildings of Garachico.

Santa Ana Church is one of the most beautiful and remarkable buildings of Garachico, dating in the mid 16th century was partly destroyed by the volcanic eruption in 1607 and rebuilt afterwards. Its square bell tower stand out from all the houses of Garachico. Inside the church there are an impressive altarpiece and other artworks which are worth visiting.

Convent of San Francisco of Asis, a two-storey building dating from 1524, there are exhibitions of Canary, volcanoes, photos and the Public Libray among other things; Our Lady of the Angels Church (Iglesia de Nuestra señora de los Angeles) dating from 1524, both buildings the Convent and Church form a magnificent architectural ensemble in traditional Canary style.

Casa del Marqués de la Quintana Roja in traditional Canary style was rebuilt after the volcanic eruption like the original building; La Casa de Piedra is an Art Space was also rebuilt; and City Hall building all of them are in Plaza de la Libertad.

Castle-Fortress of San Miguel dating from 16th century is situated on Atlantic Ocean Coast, next to El Caletón but fortunately the castle was not destroyed by the volcano in 1706. It takes 3 minutes on foot from Plaza de la Libertad to San Miguel Castle.

Puerta de Tierra is a picturesque park inside the town with exotic plants and remains of old port that remind us of the volcanic eruption. It is located next to the beautiful Plaza la Pila which has a spectacular view of Puerta de Tierra and surroundings. It takes 2 minutes on foot from Plaza de la Libertad.

Casa del Marques de Villafuerte, in traditional Canary style, was built in the late 17th century its geographical location avoided being destroyed by the volcanic eruption; and Concepcionistas Franciscanas Convent are also worth visiting.

Taking a leisurely walk along the promenade visitors will come across interesting sculptures, historical buildings and Casa el Molino an interesting old flour mills, after they will arrive at San Roque Chapel dating in the early 17th century which is near the New Marina.

The Garachico Rock, which is a islet to 300 meters far away from Garachico coast and rounded by Atlantic Ocean, has a surface area of 50,000 square meters with a wealth of native wildlife. Anyway, it is certainly a Natural Area and the visits are forbidden.

Beaches in Garachico

Due to its tropical trade winds, its annual average temperatures between 18 degrees and 24 degrees and its geographical location near the Teide National Park, the beaches and sport activities are of the main tourist attraction of Garachico.

– El Caletón is situated on the site of the old port coast with natural swimming pools that were made during the volcanic eruption. It is often crowded of tourists with adequate facilities for all the family. Visitors should not leave Garachico without enjoying the beautiful pools.

– The Muelle Beach, located in the old bay of Garachico is a lovely and excellent beach with black sand and clear blue water. It is highly popular with tourists and local people. It is near El Caletón.

–Las Aguas Beach, situated next to New Marina is larger, quieter and more secluded than the Muelle Beach with black sand, clear blue water, plenty of free space and a beautiful landscape.

Other beaches of Garachico: Gomero, La Caleta, Guincho and La Madalena.

By the way, Mount Teide (El Teide) is one of the tallest volcano in the world and the highest peak in Spain at 3,718 meters above sea level it occupies a majestic location in the center of the Canary Island known as Teide National Park was declared a World Heritage site in 2007 by UNESCO.

More places to visit in Canary Islands (Spain)

– Read here all ours places in the Canary Islands (Las Islas Canarias – España).

– Tenerife: Dont dofget visiting Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and Icod de Vinos.

Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife (Canary Islands)

May 10, 2014Beach, mountain and nature, Canary Islands / Islas Canarias, Tours and Guidesbestplaces

Situated in the beautiful Orotava Valley, on the Atlantic Ocean coast in the north of Tenerife Island (Canary Islands), 37 km. away from Santa Cruz de Tenerife city, Puerto de la Cruz is a lively town with lovely gardens and a population of about 30,000. To add, the town is at the bottom of foothill of the Teide Mountain (3,718 meters high).

The annual average temperature between 15 degrees in winter and 27 degrees in summer, its mild climate and its nature beauty of its surroundings have really played an important role in the quality of life in Puerto de la Cruz, which is regarded as one of the main towns in tourist attraction in Canary Islands. Moreover, the volcanic sand beaches and the fresh mountain air make Puerto de la Cruz one of the best towns to have a lifestyle healthy, spend an enjoyable holiday or do all sort of sport. In fact, in this town visitors can stroll, play, rest, eat, drink, dance, have fun and enjoy its nightlife in a friendly, relaxed and pleasant atmosphere among other many things.

In the heart of the historical neighborhood in the north of the town visitors can find the Plaza de la Iglesia (Church Square) and Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia (Our Lady of the Rock of France Church), the square is a quiet and clean area to rest and enjoy its traditional buildings . It will take two minutes on foot from Church Square to get the remarkable Charco Square the main meeting point for citizens and tourists where people can find shops, cafés, restaurants, open air terraces. This square is immensely popular with the local people and the perfect place to spend the free time. Moreover, the old pier is nearby too. Tourists should not miss on out this area.

The Castle of San Felipe was built in the middle of the 17th century in order to keep safe the place. However, if you like music you will listen concerts in this Castle currently.

Puerto de la Cruz: Visiting the beaches of the Port

Puerto de la Cruz has four black sand beaches:

– Martianez Beach, is an ideal beach to go surfing, swimming, walking and enjoy water sports.

– San Telmo Beach is near the Iglesia Square in the heart of the historical Town remaining as a typical beach for bathing. This beach is especially popular among the citizens.

– The Jardin Beach, which is near the San Felipe Castle, is the largest beach in Puerto de la Cruz covering more than 16,000 square metres. It has plenty of gardens with paths to stroll, play or rest and a range of facilities. This beach – garden was designed by the world renowned artist and sculptor Cesar Manrique Cabrera ( 1919-1992) who expressed through his designs a love of nature.

– Lago Martianez Complex, (Complex Martianez Lake) which is the most emblematic place in Puerto de la Cruz, has several seawater lakes or swimming spools, gardens, terraces, bars, excellent facilities. Its surface area is about 50,000 square meters and was designed by the artist canary Cesar Manrique Cabrera (1919-1992) who built the Complex like a natural environment space. By the way, the Complex becomes a bustling and lively place during the evening and the night. This beach is between San Telmo and Martianez beaches.

The Botanic Garden, Taoro Park and Loro Park (Tenerife)

The Botanic Garden (Jardin de Aclimatacion de la Orotava) dates from 18th century creating with astonishing variety of plants is a beautiful landscaped garden. It might have more than 4,000 different plants.

It will take about 25 minutes on foot from Church Square to arrive at Botanic Garden. Its nature beauty makes it a must-see place

The Taoro Park is also worthy of mention, it takes about 18 minutes on foot from Church Square to get this park, covering an area of about 100,000 square meters.

Loro Park is one of the most interesting zoo in the world where people can see plenty of animals and spend all day strolling and enjoy the zoo. It will be a unique and unforgettable experience for children if they can see the intelligent dolphins acting as if the dolphins were in the sea.

If you want to know more about Puerto de la Cruz , it goes back to the 16th century like Orotava’s seaport until the first years of the 19th century that it was renamed like Puerto de la Cruz. In fact, the seaport probably had quite importance between the 16th and 18th centuries when the pier was used for international trade of sugar and wine. Besides, Puerto de la Cruz was a fishing village and parts of the old seaport are still visible. By the way, the town has followed with its fishing seaport for several centuries.

Strolling around the streets of this town tourists will come across of architecturally interesting buildings, museums, and so on.

More about Tenerife and The Canary Islands

– Canary Islands: Read here all about the Canary Islands, Spain (Islas Canarias, España).

– Tenerife island: The beaches and places to go when visiting Tenerife.

– Santa Cruz de Tenerife: The main city of Tenerife Island.

Icod de los Vinos, the Drago town in Tenerife (Canary Islands)

April 17, 2014Canary Islands / Islas Canarias, Streets and monumentsbestplaces

Icod de los Vinos also called the Town of the Drago tree is not only famous for its Drago Milenario tree (millennial tree) which grows in this town, but also its nature, its forest, its vineyards, its plataneras (banana trees), and the Cave of the Wind (Cueva del Viento).

Situated in the north-west of Tenerife Island, in the Canary Islands, on the hillside of Teide (the highest mountain in Spain 3,718 meters in height), Icod de los Vinos has a population of about 25,000.

The Drago tree

It is said that the exotic millennial Drago tree, which is the oldest drago tree known in the world, can be more than one thousand years old. In fact, it measures more than 17 meters in height and 20 meters the perimeter trunk. Moreover, the drago trees were regarded as sacred by the Guanches ( people who were living in Tenerife Island when the island was conquered by Spaniards in 1495. Considering that drago tree is a healing herb it was used in medicine.

Nowadays, the ornamental drago trees are considered to be together with the palm trees the plant symbols of Tenerife island and can be seen in parks, gardens and streets frequently in the Canary Islands. However, in the past, the prized red sap of the drago trees called the drago’s blood, was extracted massively from their trucks and used to make several products by the traders and plenty of drago trees were cut down for their exploitation. Fortunately, drago tree is being protected from exploitation in the Canary Islands.

Tourists should not miss out on the Milenario Drago tree, the longest living drago tree.

The Wind Cave

The underground Cueva del Viento Sobrado (the Wind Cave) is one of the largest volcanic caves in Europe, it can really measure more than 15 kilometers in length and might have been made about 20,000 years ago when the volcanic lava flew from the active Teide volcano. Situated on the foothill of the Teide Mountain which is the highest mountain in Spain with 3,718 meters over sea level, the cave is three kilometers away from Icod de los Vinos. It is well worth a visit.

Visitors had better wear comfortable shoes and clothes to enter the cave, the visit takes about two hours. The ticket to visit the cave can be booked in advance, it costs from 5 to 16 euros. By the way, the white wine of this town is delicious.

Other interesting places nearby Icod de los Vinos

– Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Read here everything abut the capital city of Tenerife island.

– The Canary Islands (Islas Canarias): The best places to visit in the Canary Islands.

Tenerife Island: Beaches and gastronomy in Tenerife (Canary Islands)

March 29, 2014Beach, mountain and nature, Canary Islands / Islas Canarias, Gastronomybestplaces

Situated in the Atlantic Ocean, Tenerife Island is the largest island of the seven Spanish Canary Islands (known as Islas Canarias) off northwest coast of Africa. Tenerife covers a surface area of about 2,030 square kilometers and being Santa Cruz of Tenerife its Capital city.

Its favorable geographical location, its pleasant mild climate, its tropical trade winds (vientos Alisios), its annual average temperatures between 17 degrees in winter and 25 degrees in summer, its sunny beaches, and leisure activity make Tenerife Island an ideal holiday destination. Moreover, Tenerife also has a lot of offer in the way of culture, nature, gastronomy, sport, festivals, and so on.

The beaches of Tenerife

The exceptional warm climate makes the beaches of Tenerife its main attraction for visitors who can enjoy bathing, windsurfing or swimming in the clear water of the Atlantic Ocean during all the year round, sunbathing, relaxing on the Médano, the Cabezo, the Cristianos, The Gigantes, San Juan or some of the many sandy beaches which surround on the coast of Tenerife island.

If tourists want to enjoy a different beach every day, they can take the public bus or tram which run very frequently from wherever village or city of Tenerife to all the most famous beaches of the island. It might take about an hour or less to arrive at the farthest beaches. Although the best way to reach the beaches is to hire a car and enjoy the incomparable beauty of the island.

We suggest joying the fine golden sand of Teresitas beach in the north of the island, it takes about 12 minutes (9 km. away) from Santa Cruz de Tenerife city. The volcanic black sand of Arena beach in the south of the island which will take about an hour (100 km. away) from Santa Cruz de Tenerife city, or the exotic black sand Socorro beach near the Orotava Valley it takes about 30 minutes by car (42 km away).

By the way, the beaches have excellent facilities for people of all ages.

The gastronomy in Tenerife

Visitors can enjoy delicious food and excellent wine in Tenerife if they ask for traditional dishes at the cafés, taverns, or restaurants which offer Canary Islands’ cuisine such as montaditos de batata (sweet potato canapé), bacalao con mojo rojo (cod with red mojo sauce), queso asado con miel (fried or roasted cheese with honey), puchero canario (Canary Islands’ stew), grilled pork, chicken or fresh fish with the famous papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes boiled dry in sea salt) served with mojo picon ( a spicy of garlic sauce), Besides, the sweet and famous plátanos (bananas), aromatic goat’s cheese and the excellent honey are massively popular with tourists and local people.

Anyway, all the villages on the coast have restaurants and cafés where tourists can try tasty fresh fish in Canary Islands’ style. Do not forget that many restaurants in Tenerife have terraces overlooking the sea and modern open-air terraces to have lunch, dinner or tapas with good red, rose or white Canary Islands’ wine. Read more here about the Gastronomy of the Canary Islands.

The Wine of the island

Although international cuisine is served in all the restaurants and cafés of Tenerife, visitors should not forget the great quality of its wines which have just been chosen by world renowned chefs. Moreover, tourists must not lose the opportunity to see the vineyards, which grow on volcanic soil giving a delicate flavor to its vintages, such as in the beautiful landscape of the Orotava Valley, Gúimar Valley or Taracote among others. As for wine, people interested in knowing more about wines can also make the wine route which offers leisure activities, visits wineries, savors fine local wines and superb traditional cuisine, among other things.

By the way, there are several guided winery tours of half a day, full day, nature and wine and so on. However, a few tourists make it on their own because the distances are short in Tenerife what let people combine several activities the same day taking the efficient and cheap public transport service. The Orotava Valley takes about 25 minutes by car ( 35 km away) from Santa Cruz of Tenerife city.

More places to visit in the Canary Islands

– Santa Cruz de Tenerife city: A guide to visit Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

– Towns, Ports and beaches in Tenerife: Garachico and Icod de Vinos.

– Gran Canaria: Find here our posts about the best beaches of Gran Canaria, and Towns and Mountains of Gran Canaria.

– The Gastronomy of the Canary Islands: In this post you’ll learn more about the traditional food and drinks of the islands.

The best places in Spain

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