A couple of years ago I came up with an idea to visit an exotic location, and it just so happened that Tenerife seemed to be the best choice.
Tenerife is one of the Canary Islands, and although it’s neighbouring with Africa, it’s actually part of Spain (together with the remaining six islands). The Canary Islands were a result of a volcanic eruption that took place twelve million years ago. The very peak of Tenerife is actually a dormant volcano which was given a picturesque name – ”Peak of Hell” – by its inhabitants. The whole island, and especially the volcanic landscape, is breathtaking. Since the surface of the Teide National Park looks like Mars, American film producers chose this particular location to shoot their famous movies like ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Planet of the Apes’.
The name Tenerife means ”white mountain” because of the snow-covered peak of the Teido volcano which is the symbol of the Island; it’s situated in the previously mentioned National Park. Beaches with black volcanic sand are full of beachgoers, as far as your eyes can see. The northern side of the Island is home to large palm plantations, and the steep hills of a former volcano nurture numerous vineyards.
Icos de los Vinos is a municipality worth mentioning. It’s known for its wine as well as the old dragon tree, or as the Spanish call it – ”Drago milenario”. The name actually comes from a resin it produces. When the trunk is cut, resin starts to ooze out, and in the beginning, it’s colourless but when it becomes thick, it turns dark red, and looks like blood.
In 1706, the Town of Garachico, situated on the northern side of the Island, came face to face with a volcanic eruption, and it ceased to exist. There’s a famous legend that tells a story of a priest who managed to save some of the townspeople by leading them to a rock located in the sea in front of the town. He placed a cross there and prayed for lava to stop. Legends aside, history says there were people who survived the event stranded on that rock, who later rebuilt the town on lava and ashes that destroyed their homes.
All in all, my vacation in Tenerife was truly unforgettable. Not only did I find a good place to relax, I also learned a thing or two about the culture, history and beauty of these Islands. I hope I get a chance to go there again. As for you, if you have the opportunity to visit Tenerife, my advice is, go for it!
L. Rađa
