Tenerife
Tenerife belongs with 6 other islands to the Canary Archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean in front of the African West coast. Tenerife has with the volcano El Teide (3718.metres) the highest mountain of Spain. The top of this volcano is practically the entire year covered with snow.
The mountain ridge that walks crosswise over this island is the reason that Tenerife is called the island with the two faces. The North side of the island shows a green and flowery landscape, while the South side is an ochre coloured and drier area. At the South side you can find the most beautiful beaches of the island, that is however discovered by the tourist industry. The typical atmosphere from the colonial episode you can find in La Laguna, the old capital of the island or in the place La Orotava where you can find the typical mansions with balconies of teakwood. In the most beautiful part, at the North West coast of Tenerife at 600 metres above the historical seaside village Garachico, lies the village El Tanque from where you can have a beautiful view at the volcano El Teide and the Atlantic Ocean. Garachico has a deep historic flavour and is outstanding not only because of its typical architecture but also because of its peace and calmness. Until 1706 when it was suddenly destroyed by a volcanic eruption Garachico used to be the main port of Tenerife. Remains of this volcanic eruption are nowadays used as natural swimming pools next to the seaside promenade. Also in the vineyard of Tacoronte nearby Puerto de la Cruz you have a beautiful view over El Teide. The Canary Islands offer a climate of eternal spring with an average temperature of 21ºC during winter time.
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