Tenerife with a difference

A Canarian cultural trip

Picturesque villages, historic centers and a lively art and culture scene: the Canary Island of Tenerife has much more to offer than 'just' summer, beaches and sunshine. A selection for culture connoisseurs:


The old town of La Laguna

It is the numerous pretty manor houses, monasteries and churches that give the old university town its special charm and at the same time commemorate the island's glorious past. It comes as no surprise that La Laguna has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A stroll through the bustling streets of the city reveals many historical and architectural treasures, small stores with Canarian handicrafts and typical gastronomic products. Tip: try the local wines!


Santa Cruz de Tenerife

The historic city center of the island's capital Santa Cruz scores with its proximity to the port, the pedestrian zone lined with stores, restaurants and cafés and museums worth seeing, such as the "Museum of Nature and Man" or the TEA (Tenerife Espacio de las Artes). Lovers of contemporary art will find what they are looking for in the latter. The building itself is an experience in itself - designed by the renowned Swiss architects Herzog and De Meuron. If you haven't had enough, visit the Leyendecker, a space for modern art in the heart of the Rambla, which has already been visited by artists such as Martin Kippenberger, George Condo and Alighiero e Boetti. One of the most surprising examples of urban architecture is the Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín by Santiago Calatrava, with its immaculate, reflective white and unusual shapes. Hot tip for night owls: Calle de La Noria with its bars and tascas!


Santiago del Teide

Santiago del Teide is a municipality in the southwest of Tenerife that stretches from the coast of Puerto Santiago to the pine forests of Mount Teide, covering a total altitude difference of 1000 meters. At higher altitudes, there are contrasting volcanic landscapes, vineyards, almond and fig tree plantations. The village of Arguayo is located not far from the historic center of Santiago del Teide. The small private pottery museum alone is worth a visit. It is located in an old, lovingly restored farmhouse, where pottery is still skillfully made by hand.


La Orotava

The historic old town of the small town of La Orotava is a protected monument. No wonder: historic buildings line the streets and alleyways and rightly attract the interest of visitors. Particularly worth seeing: the Ermita del Calvario chapel, the Iglesia de San Agustín church, the Constitution Square, the street exhibition by sculptor Estévanez and the former monastery of San Benito Abad.


Fiesta!

One thing is certain: traditions are upheld in Tenerife and festivals are celebrated as they fall. And the Canary Island has reason to celebrate almost 365 days a year. For example, there are the pilgrimages of Tegueste and La Laguna. Or the "Bailes de Magos", where people dress up in traditional costumes and celebrate with traditional music and food. At Easter, the whole island celebrates the holy week of "Semana Santa". In La Laguna in particular, you can see numerous impressive processions. Also original: the Corpus Christi festival in La Orotava, when the main streets are decorated with carpets of flowers and colorful sand from the Teide volcano.

More information at www.webtenerife.com