The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife offers visitors an all-round Spanish holiday outing where one will not only find plenty of sun, sand and surf, but a variety of cities and towns of great cultural wealth as well. This rich history is reflected in the ancient castles, churches and monuments one will find throughout the island along with centuries old annual festivals and religious ceremonies.
For those wondering just what city or town to visit, here are a few of the destinations one can head to and their respective attractions that will help to enhance ones cultural experience in Tenerife.
Located along the Eastern part of the island, Tenerife’s vibrant capital Santa Cruz is rich in culture and has a wide array of historical sites. Palacio de Carta (18th century) which has been declared a national monument and Palacio Marti Dehesa can be found here, while the island’s religious heritage is represented in such attractions as the Baroque style Iglesia de la Concepcion (16th century), Iglesia de San Francisco and the Ermita de San Telmo (15th century).
Those wanting to get a better feel of the island’s history and traditions can visit the Museum of Nature and Man, the Municipal Museum of Fine Arts, Teatro Guimera and the Auditorio de Tenerife which holds various cultural events. Santa Cruz de Tenerife also plays host to the local Carnival (usually at the end of February) and the Virgen de los Remedios Festivities. Since accommodation at hotels and apartments in Tenerife can be hard to find during the festival season, booking ahead is always safer.
Home to a historical quarter that has been granted World Heritage status by UNESCO, the former Tenerife capital of La Laguna is a must visit for those interested in the island’s culture. Boasting over 1,000 Mudejar buildings, this ancient city is where one will find such religious sites as the Neoclassical style Ntra. Sra. de los Remedios Cathedral, the Church of Our Lady of Conception and the Ermita de San Miguel (16th century).
The Nava Palace, Lercaro Palace, Casa del Corregidor and Casa Ossuna also give one a chance to appreciate the local architecture. The Folk and Roots Festival, the Romeria of San Benito Abad and the Festival of the Christ are annual events in the city where one can experience traditional music and dancing as well as enjoy some local cuisine.
Situated on the Northern part of the island, Puerto de la Cruz is a lively tourist resort that has a variety of Tenerife hotels and apartments that one can use as a base to explore this culturally rich city. Historical attractions include the 17th century San Felipe Castle, Iglesia de Ntra. Sra. de la Pena de Francia, Ermita de San Amaro (16th century) and the Customs House. Depending on the time of year one can also experience Fiesta de San Juan and its beach bonfires, the Holy Week processions and the Virgin of the Carmen Festival which is celebrated by local fishermen.
La Orotava is another part of Tenerife that gives visitors a chance to soak up some local culture. The village of La Villa de la Orotava and its historical quarter is worth a visit as are such area attractions as the Church of the Conception (a National Monument), the San Augustin Church (17th century), Villa de los Molina (16th century) and the House of the Balconies where one can get a look at local architecture which includes typical wooden balconies. Not to be missed is the Romeria de San Andres and the Corpus Christi Festival where flower petals cover the road used in a local procession.
These are by no means the only cultural cities on the island. Depending on where ones hotel or apartment in Tenerife is situated, visitors can also head to such culturally rich areas as Garachico, Los Realejos and Costa Adeje. Observing a local way of life in its own environs is a unique holiday experience and Tenerife has plenty to offer by way of culture and traditions which will keep one coming back year after year.
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