What we like to do - OCÉANO Insider Guide

Tenerife is often referred to as a small continent. The discoveries that can be made here are correspondingly large and varied. Everything is surrounded by an unusually balanced climate and the ocean, which invites you to swim all year round with its mild temperatures. We have selected a few excursions below as examples because of their remarkable and authentic character. In their own way, each of these places offers an experience and a view that will remain in your memory for a long time.

Camino de la Costa

If you go for a walk from the hotel to the right, along the sea to the northeast, you will reach the Camino Costa del Hidalgo after a few minutes’ walk. Granted, there are more magnificent promenades, but this one is special. The path leads past craggy rock formations that form countless natural pools and bays in the water. After a quarter of an hour, you reach the Faro de Punta del Hidalgo, one of the island’s more recent architectural landmarks. Passing the café and restaurant “Sociedad Recreativa Charco de la Arena” and impressive street art, you reach the small chapel, the Ermita San Juanito, after another quarter of an hour. From here you have a spectacular view of the “Roque de las dos Hermanos” and the Anaga Mountains behind it.

Our sea side

Already the small beach promenade in front of the OCÉANO has something special to offer. Directly at the foot of the hotel is the Piscina Natural Punta del Hidalgo, a protected seawater pool where you can swim and bathe. A few steps further on is a small fishing harbour with a café and bar. From the pier you can watch the surfers and boogie boarders surfing with “El Teide” in the background.

La Laguna

Old island capital and seat of the university.

The old town of La Laguna was the model for the city complexes of the Spanish colonial rulers in Central America. It is largely preserved in its original state, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts visitors with a pleasant mixture of cultural-historical sights and the lively hustle and bustle of a Spanish town.

Oficina de Turismo

Calle Obispo Rey Redondo 7; 38201 San Cristóbal de La Laguna

Tel. +34 922 63 11 94

www.aytolalaguna.com

Santa Cruz

In the capital Santa Cruz, numerous museums and art galleries house changing exhibitions. Always worth a visit is the Auditorio de Tenerife, the spectacular concert hall at the port of Santa Cruz, planned by the Spanish star architect Santiago Calatrava. Highlights of the programme every year are the International Canary Islands Music Festival in January and February, where world-class performers and orchestras come together.

The Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (TEA) is an unparalleled arts and cultural centre in Santa Cruz. The Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron created the architectural haven of peace on the Barranco de los Santos – inside, a lively centre awaits with a cinema, exhibition rooms and a library that is open 24 hours a day. In addition to the permanent exhibition of the surrealist Óscar Domínguez (1906-1958), there are always interesting temporary exhibitions to visit.

Teide National Park

The gigantic crater landscape of the Cañadas is overlooked by the Teide, the third highest island volcano on earth. The landscape is geologically unique and the observer feels as if he has been transported to another planet. The ascent to the summit (3718 m) from the top station of the cable car is restricted and only possible after obtaining the appropriate permit. Mountain-experienced hikers and mountain bikers (only on special slopes) can enjoy spectacular routes. Ever since Alexander von Humboldt impressively described his ascent of the Teide 200 years ago, a visit to the island’s landmark has been part of every trip to Tenerife.