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  -Spain    -Tenerife

-Spain

-alpine flowers Bernese Oberland

           Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands - about 3 times La Palma, and I think it is also the most interesting island. It offers everything to all the visitors - beach lovers, nature-lovers, hikers and those who love culture as well. Yet, the most appealing attraction is the wonderful landscape of the "Parque Nacional Del Teide" with the highest mountain of Spain, the Teide with the 'Pico del Teide' - 3718 metres. As you might know, the Canary Islands belong to Spain since the end of the 15th century. 
            Presumable most of the visitors go to the most southern coastal resorts of Los Christianos\Las Americas, but it would really be a shame, if they would not visit the rest of the island. There is more than beaches, sunshine and sea! So - I would suggest - rent a car and explore the beauty of landscapes, coasts, interesting cities and mountains, also in the north the Anaga-Mountains. And don't forget the beautiful wildflowers! Let my albums inspire you to do so end enjoy it all.

Short travelogue

           For general sightseeing even the 2 weeks we were here are too short. We stayed at a finca, a vacation home near San Miguel, not far away from the airport Reina Sofia and about 600 metres above see-level. We had a nice view onto the landscape below us up to the coast and saw the flying airplanes. From here we had good access via road TF-21 to Vilaflor and further to the main attraction of the Island, the 'Parque Nacional del Teide'. This national park is overwhelmingly beautiful! A volcanic landscape with craters, lava fields, the cañadas, interesting rocks and also wildflowers. We drove this road several times and could not get enough to see this awesome landscape. Take your time and get out of your rented car to enjoy it all!! You really need a car, though busses are a reasonable alternative. Following this TF-21 you can take the cable way to the 'Pico del Teide' to get 200 under the top. For the last 200 meters you need a special permit, you must aply in advance. From here you can walk around and have the most awesome views onto the surrounding mountains, the volcanic plains, the 'Pico Viejo', the old crater, and to the north the Anaga mountains and the clouds you can see below.             Following the TF-21 to the north you can visit the information center in El Portillo and  drive further on the TF-24 to look into the valleys on both sides. Driving farther to La Laguna - where it is hard to find a parking place - and visit the rough Anaga mountains with magnificent views. From here visiting the interesting villages of San Andres in the east or Taganana on the western side.
From El Portillo you can also follow the TF-21 to reach the Orotava Valley and visit the interesting cities of La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz, Los Realejos, Icod de los Vinos and Garachio. Each of these cities are worth a visit, also for interesting churches. 
          Taking the TF-21 we also drove northwest, taking the TF-38 to the Teno Mountains. This area is well known for the small villages, like the idyllic village of Masca with the Barranco de Masca, a deep gorge that you can walk down to the coast, 600 meters below!! If you are tired, you can take the boat back to Los Gigantes, where you can also do whale whatching. Here are some interesting coastal cities\resorts. Most of the visitors are visiting these beach resorts along the southwest coast, but it would be a shame not to explore the main points of this island. 
         And - please don't do wrong to yourself by missing the impressive wildflowers. They 'enlighten' the landscape with their natural beauty. Special attention for the Echium wildpretii - Viper's bugloss - found between 1500 and 2000 metres. From the basal centre of linear leaves it shows its florescens standing up to 3 metres and showing thousands of bright red flowers. Amazing! One of the finest wildflowers I have ever seen!! See the album.
        I could go on like this in praising this wonderful island. My recommandation is to prepare your trip carefully, buy books and maps and prepare yourself for a magnificent adventure. And - enjoy my albums.