Arrecife
This is a natural harbour and became the capital of the Canary Islands due to the activities in the port. The harbour is protected by a barrier of islets and reefs and a small fishing community on the banks of El Charco de San Gines marked the beginnings of this city. The first commercial port was built in 1908. This city is said to have brought provisions to Gadifer. The port of El Castillo de San Gabriel is a well known landmark in this region. The hermitage of San Gines now converted into a parish Church of San Gines is worth visiting. The El Puente de Las Bolas and the El Castillo de San Gabriel were constructed by an Italian Leonardo Torrini in 1590. The El Castillo de San Jose built in 1779 is the international museum of Contemporary art. The houses in this municipality are perfect examples of Canary Islands architecture. Casa Agustin de La Hoz or La Casa de la Cultura are typical examples of residential architecture.
Haria
This municipality is known as the “village of one thousand palms”. The crystal clear waters of the Orzola and the breathtaking landscapes make this place a wonderful place to live in. This municipality was the witness to a number of pirate attacks and the most devastating of these which occurred in 1586 destroyed most of the palm trees in this village. However, they have grown again and give the village its name. This town is situated in the north east of Canary Islands and is composed of Arrieta, Orzola, Punta Mujeres, Tabayesco, Ye, Charco del Palo, Guinate, Maguez and Mala. The San Juan festival on the 24th of June and a number of other carnivals celebrated here such as San Pedro are famous.
The town has a number of historical sites worth visiting. The El Mirador del Rio built by Cesar Manrique has splendid views. The La Cueva de los Verdes is a natural cave with an auditorium installed within. The Los Jameos del Agua is a recast of a volcanic tube with a restaurant, garden, pool, auditorium and museum located within the tube. It is known as the House of volcanoes. A number of churches dot the landscape and the cliffs are known for their extraordinary beauty.
Tequise
This was originally the capital of Lanzarote. In 1852 Arrecife became the capital based on the economic activity generated by the port. One of the most important architectures of the Canary Islands is located here—the watch tower of Sancho de Herrera near Guanapay. This started out as a defence turret and ended up as El Caste of Santa Barbara. It was the scene of a number of pirate attacks and a massacre took place in 1586 when most of the population was killed. Today it is one of the largest municipalities of the island covering most of the land from East coast to West. It is one of the tourist attractions of the Island.
The parish church of Guadalupe is very old and was built by Maciot de Bethencourt and was frequently renovated by additions by the local populace. In 1909, a fire broke out in the structure and it was rebuilt by the faithful imitating the original structure of the building. Another famous building is the El Palacio de spinola constructed in 1780.
Tinajo
This municipality became part of Lanzarote in 1802. It is basically agricultural and supports different types of cultivation and bovine population. This region is known for the large houses of nobility constructed during a prosperous phase of the Island. La Santa and La Vegueta have a number of these houses. The most important event in this region is the festival of La Romeria de Los Dolores. The church of Los Dolores constructed in 1780 is a tourist attraction. The virgin is known as the virgin of volcanoes as she is said to have stopped the flow of lava from the volcano. The Church of San Roque constructed in 1795, is known for the altar piece. La Santa is a typical seaside village that is popular for surfing and the sports club which has excellent sporting facilities for tourists.
San Bartolome
This township is located in the centre of the Island. It was the refuge of the islanders during pirate attacks. It is well known for its museums displaying tools and crafts of ancient inhabitants. The El Monumento del Camesino displays the work of Cesar Manrique. This building is an example of typical rural architecture. The sculpture includes fertility. It shows a peasant with his flock.
Santa Cruz
The Capital of the Island and the main port of the Canaries, Santa Cruz is a noisy, hot, dusty city. The city is the hub of the islands beggars. The bus station is located on the outskirts of the city. The major hassle faced by tourists is that much of the islands activities are closed by 4 p.m. Nelson is said to have lost his arm and faced defeat here. The city is ringed around by mountains.
Icod de los Vinos
The name means “beautiful place of the wines”. It is an important wine growing area and one of the best wines of the island is produced here. The Spanish regard this as a holy place where the Gods created their race. The Dragon tree which grows here is more than 3000 years old. The wall surrounding the tree, put up by the administration, is a cause for resentment among the residents of the area. This town is also well known for the number of old buildings such as the convent of San Agustin and the Renaissance church of San Marcos. The best views of El Teide can be seen from here. The road to the mountains passes through pine forests and has a number of beautiful picnic spots. The boulders drip with lichen and the air is pollution free. The Mirador Lomo Molino on this road is a teaching restaurant which has excellent views and good food. The mountain path has a steep fall on one side and well trained drivers would be required for traversing this path.
Buenavista
This is considered to be the most westerly town of Tenerife. This town is known for the 17th and 18th century buildings. This town is also designated by the Spanish as the “end of the world”. A golf course and a hotel complex sits uneasily on the Buena vista as it is regarded by the local residents as an attempt to spoil the beauty of the region. Punta de Teno lies beyond the Buena Vista at the end of a long winding road with dramatic drops into the sea. The road is closed during bad weather as there are frequent rock falls. There is a lighthouse and view point which tourist often visit this place. The massacre and the victory of Acentejo is said to have taken place here and is commemorated by the establishment of twin towns La Victoria and La Matanza.
El Sauzal
This is a small picturesque town that abounds with traditional Canarian architecture. The Church and the Chapel of Los Angeles date back to the 16th century. This is an important wine growing area and has a number of restaurants that are very popular with the Spanish and the tourists alike. | 