Two Sides of Tenerife, Canary Island

Best Of IgoUgo

Overview

Los Gigantes Photo - Tenerife, Canary Islands

Quote:

We arrived in the Canary Islands without having done any research and without knowing what to expect. We did know there were beautiful beaches, a Spanish influenced culture, and a big volcano, but the bus loads of travelers and congested tourist Mecca’s were a big surprise. The side we didn’t warm up to:The southwest corner of Tenerife is a bustling area cram packed full of hotels, resorts, condos and timeshares all catering to the lazy tourist. Plane loads of vacationers arrive at the island’s south airport waiting to be bussed off to self-contained, all-in-one, vacation destinations. The towns of Las Americas, Los Cristianos and to some extent, Adeja, have the highest tourist-per-squa...Read More

Cheer!
Flag

Apartamentos Escuela

Best Of IgoUgo

Hotel

See Tenerife from afar Photo - Apartamentos Escuela,

Quote:

We found this place purely by accident. We decided to spend 2 days in Gomera and wanted to find accommodations on the south side, but during our sightseeing trip on the north heading west from Hermigua, we came across another place called Residencial Jardin La Punta and couldn’t believe the view (rooms perched atop a hill with an amazing view east towards Tenerife). The Jardin was booked, but the owner got on the phone and called a sister property not far along the road in the small town of Agulo. We were getting hungry and thought it would be best to check it out, find a place to call home for the night, and get some dinner. We arrive in Agulo with no idea how to find this hotel, the town is short ...Read More

We found this place purely by accident. We decided to spend 2 days in Gomera and wanted to find accommodations on the south side, but during our sightseeing trip on the north heading west from Hermigua, we came across another place called Residencial Jardin La Punta and couldn’t believe the view (rooms perched atop a hill with an amazing view east towards Tenerife). The Jardin was booked, but the owner got on the phone and called a sister property not far along the road in the small town of Agulo. We were getting hungry and thought it would be best to check it out, find a place to call home for the night, and get some dinner. We arrive in Agulo with no idea how to find this hotel, the town is short and we make the first right hand turn off the highway after we pass what looked like a snackbar / rest stop type restaurant for buses. We are driving on a very small / narrow road which winds right (behind the buildings along the highway) and veers to the left onto a one-way road and lo and behold, we run smack into the Escuela. There is a very small parking lot just beyond the property next to a grocery store (this lot may hold all of three cars).

The hotel is run by a lovely woman who was expecting us (tipped off by the Jardin innkeeper). She walked us one floor up to a nice clean room with a beautiful view, living room, kitchenette / dining table, bedroom for 2 and nice clean bathroom. She hands us the keys and disappeared without a word. Later we learn the room went for €35 a night. Such a deal, the nicest room and the best value we had on the trip (see Palm Beach Club and Sol Tenerife reviews).

This apartment / hotel property is well kept, clean, and modern while retaining a lot of charm. The property is located adjacent to a small grocery store where we stocked up on fresh fruit, snacks, soda & water and some local Gomera wine. The area around the property is extremely charming, authentic—no hotel or restaurant chains, no tourists, no neon lights – just locals living a nice quiet serene life.

We were told that we could take a short walk down to the beach, but after a 30 minute hike down a steep hill, we came across a rocky shoreline and opted not to jump in. On the hike back up the hill, we ran across some people who suggested other nearby beaches with easier access.

Speaking Spanish is not required, but recommended in this wonderful town of Agulo.

Apartamentos Escuela
Pintor Aguiar, #10, Agulo, Gomera
Phone: 922 14 61 94
www.apartamentos-escuela.com

Sister Property
Residencial Jardin La Punta (Spanish speaking)
On the hill northwest of Hermigua on route to Agulo
Phone: 922 14 60 97 or 922 14 61 94
Mobile: 686 457 726 27
www.residencial-la-punta.com
Read Less

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 3, 2006

Apartamentos Escuela
Pintor Aguiar, 10
Agulo, Spain 38830
+34 922146194

Cheer!
Flag

Sol Tenerife

Best Of IgoUgo

Hotel

View from the Pool Photo - Sol Tenerife, Tenerife, Canary Islands

Quote:

We had prearranged a reservation for two rooms to extend our “time share week”. We checked in and immediately realized that one of our rooms did not have a functional air-conditioner, and the other room was without bath towels—both were reported to the front desk within an hour, and neither were fixed within a timely manner. We were able to manage the lack of bath towels, but our friends in the other room suffered from the lack of A/C. We got back from dinner around midnight and found the A/C was still not working, a trip back down to the reception desk yielded no result, they kept telling us they would send a service technician up, but none arrived. It was a very hot night so our friends opted to ope...Read More

We had prearranged a reservation for two rooms to extend our “time share week”. We checked in and immediately realized that one of our rooms did not have a functional air-conditioner, and the other room was without bath towels—both were reported to the front desk within an hour, and neither were fixed within a timely manner. We were able to manage the lack of bath towels, but our friends in the other room suffered from the lack of A/C. We got back from dinner around midnight and found the A/C was still not working, a trip back down to the reception desk yielded no result, they kept telling us they would send a service technician up, but none arrived. It was a very hot night so our friends opted to open the windows and within minutes, were attacked by thousands of mosquitoes. Another trip to the reception desk and we were told that no one could help until 7am when the morning shift arrived. After repeated unsuccessful requests for another room, the security guard took pity and sprayed the room for mosquitoes—it worked, but the chemical was strong and made it difficult to breath in the room so the windows were opened once again. It wasn’t until late morning that we could get the front desk to give us another room, and after 10am that we were able to talk with the rude, but attractive and improperly dressed “Director of Quality” (tank top with no bra for a hotel executive?). She argued with us for an hour when we requested a refund for the room, telling us we would have to get our refund from the travel agency who booked the nights. Of course, this made no sense as our problem was not with the travel agency, but the low-quality hotel and inept staff. After more arguing and a screaming match between my friend and the director of Quality (heard by everyone in or near the lobby), and she finally relented to “co-sign” a letter we wrote to our travel agent requesting a refund.

Later, after we all calmed down from the lobby screaming match, we requested a concession for all the inconvenience, and the nice lady offered us a free meal at the hotel restaurant. Three of us went and got sick. I skipped the offer and was glad I did.

This hotel is located in the extremely congested town of Playa las Americas, within walking distance to bad restaurants, souvenir shops and within earshot of loud late night discos and clubs that heat up after midnight and continue till the wee hours of the morning.

Other comments: cock roaches seen wandering around the lobby restrooms. Extremely dirty bathrooms next to the pool, (I couldn’t hold my breath tight enough to go in), and I got sick from dinner at a nearby Spanish restaurant also owned by the hotel –in the end, we ALL got sick from their food
Read Less

Member Rating 1 out of 5 on September 3, 2006

Sol Tenerife
Avda. Rafael Puig Lliviana
Canary Islands, Spain 38660

Cheer!
Flag

Mirabello Restaurante

Restaurant

Quote:

This quaint and charming restaurant offers typical German and Austrian dishes in a typical Canarian atmosphere. Run by Heidi & Rolf (transplants from Germany of course). Food is good, view is nice, and the establishment is quaint.

This restaurant is located 7km from the Chafiras roundabout at San Miguel (just north of the airport on the south side of Tenerife).

Open Mon/Tue/Thr/Fri 6pm to Midnight
Sat & Sun 11am to midnight
Closed Wednesdays.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on September 3, 2006

Mirabello Restaurante
Calle Juan Bethencourt Alfonso, 76
Canary Islands 38620
922 70 06 27

Cheer!
Flag

Casa Pana

Best Of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Restaurante Casa Pana"

Bim Bon, Pringo & Queso Asado Photo - Casa Pana, Canary Islands, Spain

Quote:

We came across this place on our way back from a day trip up to the top of the volcano, Del Teide. This restaurant is located in the small town of Vilaflor on C-821 south of the volcano, about half way between Boca de Tauce and Granadilla Abona. On a map, find the half way point between the southern airport and the volcano. Find the town square of Vilaflor, park and walk to the south east corner of the square, to the east and then south and the restaurant will be on your left. This is the BEST food I ate the entire 10 days in the Canary Islands, The restaurant is family run—dad is the cook (and wine maker) and the daughter runs the place, takes your order and serves, she is just great! The r...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 3, 2006

Casa Pana
C/ Castaños, 9
Canary Islands, Tenerife
922 709 070

Cheer!
Flag

Banana Garden

Best Of IgoUgo

Attraction

Quote:

This restaurant offers great nightly entertainment with a free Flamenco Show, live music and dancing. The Flamenco show started promptly at 10pm with a cast of 4 and lasted about an hour—and it was just marvelous. The dancers appeared to be classically trained and went through a wide variety of dance styles and at least half a dozen costume changes during their performance. The Flamenco show alternates nights with a few other live performances, which we didn’t catch. After the performance, guests are treated to live music with singer Dominic and a keyboardist (who also runs the karaoke track). I would never expect to hear such great range and variety of music from a lounge singer in the Cana...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 3, 2006

Banana Garden
Avenida de Rafael Puig Lluvina, S/N
Canary Islands

Cheer!
Flag

Horseback Trek Near Las Americas & Adeje

Best Of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Horseback Trek Near Las Americas & Adeje"

Quote:

La Caldera del Rey606 086 467One hour horse treks through banana and mango plantations with a very friendly guide, €30 per person. Great scenic ride.A short drive (10 to 15 minutes?) from Las Americas, this place is difficult to find – in fact, we drove by it and didn’t recognize it as a place of business. To get there, take exit 29 or 30 off TF-1 (near Las Americas) and head away from the beach through the new condo & housing developments up to the top of the hill. At the top of the hill head south along a newly paved road. To your left, you’ll see the banana plantations, make a left turn at the end of the paved road and it will make a u-turn and head back north. You’ll know ...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on September 3, 2006

Cheer!
Flag

Playa de las Teresitas

Best Of IgoUgo

Attraction | "San Andrés to La Laguna via Monte de las Mercedes"

Descending into La Laguna Photo - Playa de las Teresitas, Santa Cruz, Tenerife

Quote:

Playa de Las Teresitas is a beautiful, pristine, and uncrowded white sand beach enjoyed by locals without another tourist in sight. We really stood out with our untanned bodies on this beach. This beach is located in the far north east side of the island near the town of San Andrés. From the tourist Mecca in the south west corner, this beach can be accessed by traveling east, then north on TF-1, proceed through Santa Cruz and stay to the right along the water’s edge, continue past the industrial zone and you’ll drive through the small town of San Andrés. The beach is on your right about where the road dead-ends. Driving time from Playa las Americas is about an hour with a few stops along the way. ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on September 3, 2006

Playa de las Teresitas

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands

Cheer!
Flag

2-Day Trip to La Gomera

Best Of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Quote:

Our 2-day visit to Gomera started with a pleasant and short ferry ride from the harbour at Los Cristianos on Tenerife. The ride is about 30 to 40 minutes each way. The ferry docks at San Sebastian in la Gomera and we immediately headed west up to the center-most mountain range (I think this is the only road to take if you want to see other parts of the island). From the top of Parque Nacional de Garajonay you’ll find breathtaking views of coastal towns amidst a forest of trees, giant rock formations and hiking trails. From there, we drove north towards Hermigua and to Playa de Santa Catalina, and we misread the map and found ourselves on a one-way dirt road at the edge of a cliff which dumpe...Read More

Our 2-day visit to Gomera started with a pleasant and short ferry ride from the harbour at Los Cristianos on Tenerife. The ride is about 30 to 40 minutes each way. The ferry docks at San Sebastian in la Gomera and we immediately headed west up to the center-most mountain range (I think this is the only road to take if you want to see other parts of the island).

From the top of Parque Nacional de Garajonay you’ll find breathtaking views of coastal towns amidst a forest of trees, giant rock formations and hiking trails. From there, we drove north towards Hermigua and to Playa de Santa Catalina, and we misread the map and found ourselves on a one-way dirt road at the edge of a cliff which dumped us into the very eastern side of Agulo (charming houses, landscaped with bouganvilla) but this proved to be a dead end. The only road to exit from was under construction so we headed back to Santa Catalina and got back on the main road heading west to Agulo where we stayed the night, ate delicious local cuisine from a small bar/restaurant, large enough for only a handful of tables inside and a few more on the patio. We were lucky to meet an interesting local there at the restaurant (only one of two in Agulo, the other being more of a cafeteria on the main road). We sat for a while and talked with this man, a teacher on Gomera for I think 17 years who once left the island to attend school in Tenerife. Very interesting stories!

The next day, we headed west through Vallehermoso, through small towns and villages that dotted the terraced landscape. We ended up on a road at the western side of Gomera, heading south to Calera, La Puntilla and Vueltas to a small beach side resort town and took a few hours to lay on the black sand beach and swim in the refreshing water. After a day in the sun, we headed back up the road and stopped along the way to take in the view. Terraced hills of small farms (fincas) growing mostly bananas but also some mangos and other fruits. We must have missed a road sign, thinking we were rounding the island towards Santiago, but instead back up through the same route we took to get there, back through national park and then to San Sebastian to catch the last ferry to Tenerife.

This was a really special two-day journey ~ hardly a tourist in sight, mostly locals enjoying their every-day life, small towns without commercialized tourist traps.

Although there is a one-day bus excursion that will take you around the island to stop at the scenic view points and treat you to a so called “local restaurant”. We are glad we had our car and again found our own way off the beaten path.
Read Less

Cheer!
Flag

Aqua Club Termal , Adeja, Tenerife

Best Of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Quote:

Aqua Club Termal Galicia Parcela CD, Torviscas Alto, Adeje, Tenerife, Canary IslandsTel: 922 716 555This is truly an amazing place (if you like being in the water). Aqua Club Termal is sort of like day spa featuring a 1 to 2 hour circuit in a dozen water based therapies. The circuit starts in the hydro massage pool with several “stations” to enjoy, including: built-in chaise lounge type beds with bubbles coming up, a series of three ultra powerful shower heads each with a slightly different pressure & aim onto your shoulders, neck and back, an area with giant super powered jets, a waterfall and a short “river” to float through. The hydro massage pool is so large, that these...Read More

Aqua Club Termal
Galicia Parcela CD, Torviscas Alto, Adeje, Tenerife, Canary Islands
Tel: 922 716 555

This is truly an amazing place (if you like being in the water). Aqua Club Termal is sort of like day spa featuring a 1 to 2 hour circuit in a dozen water based therapies.

The circuit starts in the hydro massage pool with several “stations” to enjoy, including: built-in chaise lounge type beds with bubbles coming up, a series of three ultra powerful shower heads each with a slightly different pressure & aim onto your shoulders, neck and back, an area with giant super powered jets, a waterfall and a short “river” to float through. The hydro massage pool is so large, that these stations are repeated 4 times, 2 on each side of the pool. The pool water is heated to a comfortable temperate, but is not hot.

After leaving the big pool, you are directed towards a VERY CHILLING cold plunge where you walk down a few steps, take a few more steps across the pool and up a few steps at the other side. It’s a small plunge, but its so cold, you can’t wait to climb the steps on the other side to get out. After that, there are hot jetted Jacuzzis.

The circuit continues with a series of short, but nice experiences arranged in a series of mini-rooms: Mineral Water Spray, a Roman thermal bath (actually a sauna room), followed by a Turkish bath (another sauna, wetter than the Roman) and finally a standard sauna. It is recommended that you dip into the cold plunge or take a cool shower after each trip into one of the three saunas.

The next station was one of my favorites, a small pool filled with salt water, so salty, anyone can easily float. I found this the most relaxing experience and would have fallen asleep had I stayed longer. This is followed by the Foot Deluge, a short walk over chunky pebbles with water spray heads along the way.

The final station includes several showers – some scented with aromatherapy oils, others a simple (and cool) bucket of water that you get dunked by pulling on a rope.

Non-Resident price is €25 for the water circuit which could take 1 to 2 hours. Massages and spa treatments are also available for an additional charge. Access to shower, locker and bathroom facilities are included with the circuit fee.

Hours: 9am to 10pm daily
http://www.aquaclubtermal.com/

Aqua Club Termal is located on Exit 30, an exit or two northwest of Playa de las Americas heading towards Adeje
Read Less

Cheer!
Flag

Playa de San Juan, Tenerife

Story/Tip

Lava, Desert Cactus and the ocean Photo -

Quote:

On one of our journeys, we stopped in the town of Playa de San Juan for lunch. This little town is situated about half way between Las Americas and Los Gigantes. Playa de San Juan can be reach by taking C-82 (west of Teide), and taking a smaller road near Isora, or by taking TF-1 highway along the coast. Both routes are wonderful. We found an amazingly high-end seafood restaurant near the harbor and beach. We ate the most delicious meal here and had a delightful talk with the restaurant staff about the lack of bananas on any menu. With all of the banana fincas on the island, we really expected to see the them incorporated into some local cuisine. The waiter explained that the bananas were grow...Read More

Cheer!
Flag

Teide National Park/Mount Teide

Best Of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Teide (the big volcano in the middle of Tenerife)"

A view of Tiede from the southwest Photo - Teide National Park/Mount Teide, Tenerife, Canary Islands

Quote:

Teide, the world’s third largest volcano reaches 12,200 feet (3718 meters) high and last erupted in 1909. If you plan to visit Teide during your stay in Tenerife, take the first opportunity of good weather – don’t wait until the last moment. The temperature at the top can be significantly colder than beachside. In fact, the day before our visit, it was just about freezing at the top and the gondola was closed. We met a couple on the gondola ride, they have lived in Tenerife for years and each time they attempted to catch the gondola, it was closed -- this was their first successful experience at the top after several attempts.The drive from Las Americas could take anywhere between 45 m...Read More

Teide, the world’s third largest volcano reaches 12,200 feet (3718 meters) high and last erupted in 1909.

If you plan to visit Teide during your stay in Tenerife, take the first opportunity of good weather – don’t wait until the last moment. The temperature at the top can be significantly colder than beachside. In fact, the day before our visit, it was just about freezing at the top and the gondola was closed. We met a couple on the gondola ride, they have lived in Tenerife for years and each time they attempted to catch the gondola, it was closed -- this was their first successful experience at the top after several attempts.

The drive from Las Americas could take anywhere between 45 minutes and 90 minutes, depending upon how often you stop along the way to marvel at this imposing and remarkable landmark. We stopped twice. Once just south of Boce de Tauce / Los Toques and once again just past this highway intersection – and both stops could not have provided a more different view & landscape. At Boce de Tauce, we pulled over on the west side of the highway near a closed gate to a forestry road. The terrain was wooded with pines and other tall trees, the ground was littered with large lava rocks and shrubs, and we found ourselves JUST above the cloud line. We walked west a bit, maybe 10 minutes, and could not believe the view we found. To the east / northeast, was an unobstructed view of Teide. To the west we saw the mountains of La Gomera peaking above the clouds.

Continuing towards the volcano, we pulled over at a more official scenic point and were amidst a moonscape – all rock and no vegetation. The lava rocks here blanketed the ground leaving no room for anything to grow. Again, we enjoyed another wonderful, yet different view, of Teide.

On the east side of Teide you’ll find the cableway (gondola) up to almost the top. Be warned, the lines can be long depending if a tour bus recently dropped off a crew of visitors. We arrived rather late in the day and there were no lines to be found. The gondola ride was around €25 each (give or take). There was a snack bar, cafeteria and gift shop in the gondola station. Remember to bring a sweater or light jacket and some tennis shoes or light hiking boots. Those with flip-flops or sandals had a difficult time hiking the two paths to the north and south. Plan on a 20 minute hike each way / 40 minute round trip for each of the two paths. The north path takes you to "near the base"-camp hut where permitted hikers can traverse up to the top. The southern path takes you past areas that have active “holes” in the ground where steam escapes, and you can really smell the strong sulfur in the air. Since we were at the top near closing time, we took the last shuttle down and wondered what it would have been like to climb all the way to the top.

To climb the last portion between the goldona stop and the volcano peak, you must have a permit. To obtain a permit, you must apply at the official office in the capitol city of Santa Cruz. We were told it is advisable to apply for this permit days in advance. If you are interested in the climb, I would try to get this permit at the front end of your trip in case it takes more than one day to process and approve.

This was a grand adventure !
Read Less

Teide National Park/Mount Teide

Tenerife, Canary Islands

Cheer!
Flag

Trip to Garachico, Tenerife

Story/Tip

Quote:

Garachico is a lovely little town on the north coast of Tenerife, possibly an hour’s drive north of Las Americas / Los Cristianos. This little (rebuilt?) town sits on a lava bed that destroyed half the village when Teide erupted in 1706. There are plenty of restaurants with views of the waterfront dotted with lava. In fact, next to the small beach is a really interesting formation of lava that has created tiers of small swimming holes. During our visit, the town center was decorated in colorful streamers preparing for the August festival and made us feel like we were transported to another time & place. The drive to and from Garachico is along a windy narrow road down a steep hill with amazi...Read More

Cheer!
Flag

Water Sports with the Ocean Explorer Crew at Los Gigantes, Tenerife

Best Of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Quote:

The four of us, all wanting to spend a little time in the water, decided to head up north to Gigantes, thinking we could rent a boat or jet skis or something. When we got to the dock, we ran into an extremely helpful woman, Betty, at the Ocean Explorer dock and asked what they had. Instead of one or two, we signed up for almost ALL the water activities they offered. 90 minute whale watching $25 each, guaranteed that you will see some whales or your money back. We rode off shore for a bit, and lo and behold, we saw MANY whales. Mostly the smaller pilot whales (large dolphin sized with rounded noses), but many of them, perhaps a dozen, and we were right there, almost within reach as they swam ar...Read More

The four of us, all wanting to spend a little time in the water, decided to head up north to Gigantes, thinking we could rent a boat or jet skis or something. When we got to the dock, we ran into an extremely helpful woman, Betty, at the Ocean Explorer dock and asked what they had. Instead of one or two, we signed up for almost ALL the water activities they offered.

90 minute whale watching $25 each, guaranteed that you will see some whales or your money back. We rode off shore for a bit, and lo and behold, we saw MANY whales. Mostly the smaller pilot whales (large dolphin sized with rounded noses), but many of them, perhaps a dozen, and we were right there, almost within reach as they swam around, playing around & under our boat. Off In the distance, we did spot a rather large whale, but we were unable to get too close. This was worth the money.

Back on shore, 3 of us went on the water ski boat. The two guys signed up for 20 minutes each, and my friend signed up for 10. If you haven’t been water skiing in a while, this is long enough as your arms will be sore for a day or two afterwards. They all enjoyed this excursion and being out in the water. Total cost was about $50.

After a short break and quick snack, all four of us went back out to try Parascending. Similar to parasailing, but you take off & land on the boat. I did parasailing a few years ago off the beach in Mexico and I just hated it. I am terrified of heights and didn’t feel secure in the contraption and feared I would fall to my death (I landed and survived, but hated it). Still afraid of heights, my friends talked me into it because you take off & land on the boat (instead of off the beach), and they allowed two adults to go tandem side by side. I have to say it was a MUCH better experience. The take off & landing were smooth as silk. The view of the cliffs was unbeatable, the equipment and crew were very professional. But in the end, I was still terrified flying so high in the sky without any significant equipment (like a jumbo jet) keeping me safe. All the others though, thought this was the highlight of the day. And I am sure if ever presented with the chance, I would do it again.

And then we did half an hour of Jet Skiing. Each Jet Ski was large enough to hold two adults so the four of us split up and then took 15 minute shifts. It would have been really fun to jet along the coast looking at the cliffs from different angles, but with strict laws and safety concerns, you are confined to ski around a rather small track. After a few circuits, you realize how limited you are and feel rather silly going round & round in a big circle. I have gone jet skiing in Mexico & the Caribbean and aside from some safety tips, they let you go where you want to. I wouldn't recommend jet skiing if it involves a closed circuit, like they do here.

The day ended with a night time boat excursion to the town of Alcala, sipping Champagne while we watched fireworks from a rather unique viewpoint. There must have been more than 50 boats of all shapes & sizes bobbing around as the show lit up the sky – a truly memorable night. We returned to the harbor exactly 12 hours from our arrival, amazed at all we did and exhausted.
Read Less

Cheer!
Flag

IgoUgo

Canary Islands Journals

Upload Photos