IWNA 2019 Issue 2

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ituated in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of southern
Morocco, is Spain’s Canary Islands. The stunning volcanic
archipelago consists of eight inspiring isles: Tenerife,
Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera,
El Hierro, and La Graciosa. Tenerife , with its 785 square miles,
is the largest, located right at the heart of the group. The Island
of Eternal Spring has an abundance of attractions; not least of all,
its warm-hearted, easygoing inhabitants who will make you feel
welcome.
Every year, almost 6 million travelers spend time on Tenerife.
And while the island’s obvious appeal is Mother Nature at its best —
plenty of sunshine and exquisite beaches — here are some other
offerings that lure visitors to this little piece of paradise.
COLONIAL TOWNS AND CULINARY TREATS
Conquered by the Spanish from the native Guanches in 1496,
Tenerife is a great place to soak up some history. Start by exploring
its charming colonial pueblos. A couple of towns you should defi-
nitely get to know are La Orotava (Tenerife’s largest municipality),
Icod de los Vinos (home of the 800-year-old dragon tree), Garachico
(once Tenerife’s most prestigious port), and San Cristóbal de La
Laguna (a UNESCOWorld Heritage site). The first non-fortified Spanish
colonial town built on a grid pattern, San Cristóbal de La Laguna
provided the model for many colonial towns in the Americas. Apart
from checking out the splendid religious artwork at the numerous
churches and cloisters, art and culture enthusiasts will appreciate
the civil architecture and historical museums, such as the Museum
of History and Anthropology of Tenerife.
Treat your taste buds to culinary delicacies and learn all about the
island’s most typical foods — mojo (garlic sauce), gofio (toasted grain
flour), almogrote (cheese spread), bienmesabe (almond custard), and
miel de palma (palm syrup), to name a few — at the vibrant markets.
Stop at Nuestra Señora de África in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island’s
capital. Visited widely by locals, here you’ll find compact stalls selling
fresh homegrown produce. Be sure to wander the various tapas bars
outside the market, where small dishes of carne de cabra (goat’s meat)
Discover diverse
landscapes on
Tenerife.
or
at .
Getaways start
at $527.
The Getaway price is valid Aug. 1, 2019,
through Jan. 31, 2020.
Spellbinding Tenerife
The largest of the Canary Islands is full of surprises.
58 INTERVAL WORLD n Issue 2, 2019
BY CONNY MELKEBEEK