San Cristobal de la Laguna Holiday Rentals, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife

Places of interest in San Cristobal de La Laguna

La Laguna Beaches

La Laguna  includes the coastal  tourist settlements of Bajamar area and Punta del Hidalgo, which are practically linked by El Arenal beach and form an important tourist centre with lovely natural pools on the edge of the sea. The beaches to head for are Arenal Beach, Arenisco Beach, Playa El Apio, El Navio Beach, Los Troches Beach, Roquet Beach, San Juan (Castillo) beach.  The coast of Bajamar-Punta del Hidalgo offers special spots in which to enjoy a sea dip or to sunbathe. Beaches of pebbles or of sand, such as Los Troches, San Juan and El Roquete, or the lovely natural swimming pools that you will find in either village, are perfect options for relaxation. Diving, fishing and surfing. The cliffs and underwater landscapes give the diver the opportunity to enjoy spectacular sights. Likewise, the coast offers superb locations for fishing and surfing.

Bajamar Pools -

In the district of La Laguna, on the north-eastern slopes of Tenerife, hidden among the spectacular peaks of Anaga  Mountains and an ever-changing ocean, full of colour and marine landscapes of incredible beauty, is the area of Bajamar-Punta del Hidalgo. This is one of the natural treasures that Tenerife reserves for those who still know how to appreciate the charm of peace and tranquillity. Bajamar has a rich abundance of natural assets; a splendid coast frayed with natural rock pools, spectacular views inland towards the Anaga Mountains and south westerly over the sweeping valleys of La Laguna and La Orotava with Mount Teide, resplendent in its mantle of snow, dominating the skyline and the best weather in the north of the island.
Bajamar offers a more health conscious vacation where facilities are geared towards time spent in the great outdoors with a campsite, sports facilities and wide coastal promenades for walkers and joggers. Recent developments include an idyllic swimming environment, an expanse of sunbathing terraces and plenty of seating to relax and enjoy the views.  Bajamar’s natural rock pools are a magnet for sun worshippers, swimmers and fishermen. Three elegant, capacious pools occupy the promontory; the first is open to the sea in one corner allowing a natural tide to lap onto the gently shelving golden sand beach that forms the mouth of the pool. Two further pools are entirely enclosed, save for the crashing waves of the Atlantic that break against the outer wall sending in naturally cleansing fresh sea water. Swimming here is like swimming in a bubble of dead calm in the midst of a storm.

La Punta del Hidalgo

La Punta del Hidalgo (The Tip of the Nobleman) is situated in the North-East side of the island and it is the last coastal village that can be reached by car.  In its origins it was a small fishing hamlet but even when this activity nowadays still, tourism has taken an important stage. But this village is away from any kind of usual picture you may have about a tourist resort. This is one of the few tourist Tenerife's hamlets that has learned about how to integrate the cultural Spanish life with tourism.  La Punta's shore is mainly about volcano reefs and stones beaches. But these reefs have a lot of natural pools and small bays, which people use to bathe in. To sit in La Punta's waterfront and watch the sea is an activity that can take you hours without being aware of it. La Punta is also well known by the surfers because of its great conditions to do surf.

La Laguna activities

Apart from spending time around the grand monumental buildings in the centre and taking in the scenery of the surrounding mountain ranges or natural pools, hiking is a popular activity here.  The three hour trek from the visitor’s centre at Cruz del Carmen to Punta de Hidalgo is one of the most spectacular hikes on the island.  Whilst Bajamar’s sea pools offer a leisurely bathing experience, for those who prefer the challenge of battling Atlantic rollers, nearby Playa del Arenal is part of the Canarian ‘surf and body boarding’ circuit. On the other hand, if any of the family prefers their boards with wheels, the specially designed park, near the campsite, is a skateboarder’s dream. Not all activities require effort; the only thing that’ll bring on a sweat at the Océano Mayr Centre is when hot stones are placed on your body’s energy points during ‘Lastone therapy’. With a bewildering range of cosmetic and therapeutic treatments including Cleopatra baths and massages.  Shopping - tucked away at the side of the Hotel Delfín in Bajamar, i a  small Artesanía shop, well worth a visit; original sculptures, paintings and photographic prints complement a stylish collection of jewellery and souvenirs.

La Laguna nightlife

La Laguna offers an atmosphere ideal for both day-time and night-time leisure, combined with cultural entertainment.  La Laguna´s small snack bars _ or tascas _ are an essential feature of this city´s nightlife, in which the young locals mix study with pleasure. Bars are are widely specialised and feature loyal customers. Bars, pubs and dancing cabarets are found near large schools and university buildings.  Scattered restaurants offer a variety of cuisine for all tastes.

Icod de los Vinos El Drago- Dragon Tree

The town of Icod de los Vino was founded in 1501.  As can be guessed from it's name it is located in an area of vineyards and famous wines.  The Dragon tree stands at 17 metres high and a 6 metre trunk circumference.   If you cut into the wood of a Dragon tree it ouse's a blood red rubbery sap, that looks like blood, Dragons blood -  thus giving the tree it's name.  The tree used to be very common around the Mediterranean but ancient climate changes, ice ages etc. have brought about it's decline in many areas. The fairly constant temperature on Tenerife favours the tree. The sap was tapped for healing purposes, mummification and a dye for toothpaste, hair dye and woodwork such as violins.

La Laguna Festivals

Among the local celebrations, the most notable is the Pilgrimage of San Benito, on the first Sunday of July, where people from all of Tenerife come. The other great civilian and religious celebration is the Festivity of Christ, on the 14th of September, with a spectacular exhibition of artificial fireworks. Also Our Lady of la Esperanza on January 18th and the Patron Festivities on August 17th.  These are Festivities of great tradition and of special devotion are the Corpus Festivity and Holy Week.  The hearts of Tejina, at the end of August, is a great popular Festivity, where each neighbourhood brings out its Heart, which is decorated by covering it in bread, cakes and fruits. It is carried on the shoulders of the men, followed by a lively parade.  Visit La Laguna in September during the festival period and have a ball, with lots going on for youngsters in the square, bustling markets, live music and general partying with a real family oriented festival feel. Definitely a highlight on any Canary Island itinerary!

La Laguna Sites to visit

La Cruz del Carmen Visitor’s Centre. Besides viewing an audiovisual tape, information is given out on this natural space as well as material for self-guided tours.    The Anaga mountain range with Mountain Las Mercedes – Llano de los Viejos.  Jardina Belvedere. Monte de las Mercedes.  Visit  La Laguna’s historical area.  Guildhall of San Cristóbal de la Laguna.  Claude Bigot House.  Corregidor House.  Temple of San Cristóbal.  Temple of San Roque.  Cañizares Fountain.  Market or Recova.  Ancient Town Barn.  Placete Rodríguez de Azero.  Montañés House.  La Laguna University,  the Provincial Library in the University, the 16C Cathedral with interesting carvings and paintings, the Institute,  the Episcopal Palace and La Nava Palace, San Francisco's, where El Santisimo Cristo de La Laguna is worshipped, and the ancient Dragon Tree in El Seminario Garden.  Contemporary La Laguna is still a bustling centre but for different reasons - there's a strong student vibe here now and a strong art and live music scene. Bohemia sits alongside historical heritage enthusing La Laguna with a unique energy.  Canarian Mansions, demonstrating the unique eccentricity of Canarian architecture, to keep your eyes open for include a selection of old houses on Calle San Agustin and Casa de los Capitanes beside the town hall. 

Anaga Mountains

Situated on the north eastern side of Tenerife, the Anaga Mountains remain untouched by tourism and a peaceful retreat away from the bustle of Santa Cruz and the southern resorts. The Anaga range is a series of high, steeply-
sided mountains on the north-eastern end of the island. Driving through them, one experiences a combination of fright and beauty. Fright because the road, while well made, is so close to the edge of nothingness, and beauty because the views are breathtaking.  They are  formed by a series of ranges with steep barrancos between them.  On both sides of the range are great views of even more mountains and small villages. These are old mountains, and they look it, sublime in their beauty, they're a haven for walkers with numerous spots to pull over and take a hike! Follow one of the may Anaga Mountain trails, taking you through Laurel forests and more. . The T12 is an excellent mountain road, much less demanding than the mountain roads around Teno, making it a relaxing and stunningly beautiful drive either down to historic La Laguna or down to Taganana - highly recommended if you have a hire car! The exuberant plant life and natural surroundings of the Anaga Rural Park are the best excuse for taking a walk along one of the many footpaths. Green and spectacular, those of Chinamada-Punta del Hidalgo, Homicián-Bejía, Bajamar-La Goleta- El Maquinal, and the hamlets of Chinamada and El Batán are especially to be recommended.

Histroy of La Laguna

San Cristóbal de La Laguna, declared a World Cultural and Heritage Site by Unesco, has maintained its highly valued historic centre in an exemplary state of conservation. As well as important monuments and historic buildings, The city has an important university tradition, thus providing the liveliness and relaxed atmosphere of its countless tascas.  San Cristobel de la Laguna remains largely as it was in the late 15th century - narrow streets, numerous Canarian Mansions and exquisite architecture dating back to the 15th century with delightful balconies, facades and wooden doors and window shutters everywhere you look.    La Laguna (population 125,183) is Tenerife's Province second most important city. It is the old Capital of the Island and seat of the Adelantados, situated on the Aguere Valley amid a beautiful country. It is also the cultural and religious Capital, due to the fact that it lodges the San Fernando University and the province's Bishopric. Its urban design its neatly arranged. The whole city is full of outstanding architectural monuments, palaces and traditional houses of the XVII and XVIII centuries.   History and art in La Laguna are to be found in the Casa Ossuna Museum, the Friends of the Country Economic Society Museum, the Concepción Church's Museum and the Cathedral's Museum.  Among its religious buildings the most outstanding are The Cathedral, the Santo Domingo and the Concepción Churches - this latter one a historical and artistic monument; one can also find the Church of the Holy Christ and the San Miguel Chapel.

Mercardo de La Laguna 

La Laguna Market is situated in the historical centre of the city in the “Plaza del Adelantado”, next to the Hermitage of San Miguel and the Court House. Of significant commercial and tourist interest, the La Laguna market is visited each day by a large amount of the public.  Enjoy or even taste the quality of the products and see their spectacular display especially in the flower section that you can see when you enter and the fruit and vegetables are situated on the central patio, the fish at the end of the building and the meat and dry goods are distributed on the sides of the two patios.