Puerto de Santiago

North of Tenerife, near Puerto de la Cruz, the town of La Orotava is located in the fertile valley of the same name. Previously called Arauntapala, it was once the capital of the Guanche country. Today it has become one of the most beautiful towns in Tenerife, with a well-preserved old town and at its heart the church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, recognisable by its characteristic dome. An emblematic monument of the city, this beautiful church houses a wooden altarpiece sculpted by Lazaro Gonzales. The old town is features various aristocratic residences of traditional Canarian architecture, decorated with sumptuous balconies that line the steep paths of the volcano. Some of them, like the Casa de los Balcones and the Casa del Turista, can be visited.

A walk along the sea under the impressive cliffs of Los Gigantes, close to the village of Puerto de Santiago, is an absolute must. The vertical view of the 600m-high rocks is simply breathtaking. If you're lucky, you may even see a few dolphins!

The cliffs of Los Gigantes and the island of la Gomera facing them. The Playa Arena beach: a cove lined with rocks made original due to its fine black sand. Wooden walkways make it possible to avoid burning your feet on the sand.

The sand is black. It can be sizzling hot. Be careful of the waves and the sometimes strong current.

If you are a fan of beaches with white or golden sand.

The sea bream.

The black sand.