Tenerife it's origins

The volcanic development of the island dates back about 20 million years. But the oldest mountain range arises about eight to twelve million years ago from the Atlantic. It was the melting volcanic process of the central volcano and the mountain range (cumbre dorsal) that created what is known today as Tenerife. It is known that the top of volcano did not explode but collapsed in on it making it now one of the greatest collapsed volcano craters's in the world. The oval crater measures almost seventeen kilometres long in distance. The last volcanic eruption was back in 1909 and took place near the village of Santiago Del Teide.

The Spanish Conquest

It was 500 years ago the Spanish conqueror Alonso Fenandez de Lugo arrived in what is known today as Santa Cruz. The Guanches proved to be brave warriors and surprised the Spanish with their tactics. King Raoro congregated all his warriors and enticed the intruders to the Bay of Acentejo were they slayed two thousand Spanish troops and seriously injured De Lugo.
The year of this battle was 1494 the town were this massacre took place is called La Matanza which translated means (the slaughter). The spot is also marked with a huge stone wall painting with a Guanche blowing the victory signal through a horn. It was December 1495 a year and a half later that the Spaniards conquered Tenerife after the Guanches had been weakened by the plague.

The extermination of the people and the culture followed and only until recently has this time in history been discussed. Under the mandate of Franco it was forbidden to talk about it. However a Renaissance is now taking place in Tenerife and even streets are being named after Guanches families.

Also the native artist Jose Abad made seven statues with royal sceptres, stone weapons, wood spears and slings. In 1496 after the Victory constructed the city of San Cristobal but in 1723 under a Governments mandate the city was renamed Santa Cruz. This city from late to middle ages remained uncommunicative to foreigners but shortly before its 500th birthday the city woke up and opened its doors to foreigners. The history of Tenerife can now be found in a museum in a renovated nobleman's villa were you can follow the times of the Guanches people.

Aparthotel La Pinta

The average temperature lies between 20-22°C throughout the year the temperature rarely rises above 30°C and doesn't drop much under 15°C. With sunshine pretty much guaranteed all year round in the south of the island Tenerife is a good choice for summer, spring or winter holiday. Season's change almost unnoticed the south of the island is regularly warmer and sunnier than the north. The north of the island is much greener due to the humidity and damp caused by the Passat winds. Many visitors are surprised when traveling from the south to the north of the island the dramatic weather changes they can encounter. In winter at over 2,000 meters high snow can fall on mount Teide and its essential when visiting the mountain to bring extra warm clothing.

Tenerife is known as the (island of eternal spring) this is because of its equilibrated climate and abundant vegetation in the north part of the island. The Passat winds that run through the mountains and the cool air brought in from the sea give a good balanced climate for the whole year. Tenerife can boast several climatic zones. For in the Northeast of the island you can find moist woods and a abundant amount of vegetation. Lunar like landscapes can be found at over 2,000 meters high also large forest areas and further south you have beautiful dry sunny weather. Also as well as all those facts you can find three different cloud climates zones around Tenerife.

Puerto de la Cruz

This is the second largest city on the island and can accommodate about 30,000 tourists. El Puerto contrast hugely with the modern construction in the south. Puerto de la Cruz accommodation is also slightly different in that most is based around hotels instead of apartments. The area in the north is also much greener and the lushness of the gardens can be seen by all. The city also houses a number of buildings of great historical interest as well as churches. The seawater pools of Lago Martianez are one of the main attractions also on the outskirts of town are the Loro Park gardens which are a must for nature lovers. The botanical gardens founded in 1788 give a lot of peace and pleasure to many visitors also.

Tenerife Beaches

Jardin Beach is located at Puerto de la Cruz in the north part of the island it stretches for almost one kilometre in length. The sand has been extracted from the surrounding seabed and is estimated that 200,000 cubic tonnes of sand were used to make this new beach. A half-submerged breakwater that consists of 17,000.00 square metres of landscaped area.

Martianez Pond

The public complex at Puerto de la Cruz is the pride of the North Island a team headed by the architect Cesar Manrique who was born on the Island of Lanzarote. He used his local knowledge of the Canary Islands in the design concept and worked with local artist on the sculptures and gardening area around the complex.

It's artificial pond consisting of 27,000 m3 of sea water, highlights the rest of the pools, there are four pools for adults and three for children all beautifully laid out with their own original features. It is strongly recommended that if you are in the North area that a visit to the Public complex in Puerto de la Crux is on your list.

Martianez Beach

The beach is located between the cliffs and the public complex in Puerto de la Crux. Sections of this beach are open to the powerful seas of the Atlantic the beach here features the black sand synonymous with the volcanic islands of the canaries.

Teresitas Beach

This beach located in Santa Cruz back in 1973 was totally re-designed and enlarged with sand imported from the Sahara dessert. Also a breakwater has now been added to protect the beach from the harsh waves of the Atlantic. Plantation of palms and sea grapes has been planted along the edge of the 1.5-km Long Beach. Teresitas beach is located near the fishing port of San Andres and fresh fish restaurant line the road alongside the beach.

Roque Beach

This beach is well used by the surf crowd but has very dangerous currents and those who use it should be aware of this. It has dark sand and this particular beach has a very low tide you can find some restaurants and open air cafes close to the beach.