Most people choose to go to Tenerife to bask in the sunshine on beaches washed by the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean and therefore miss visiting one of Tenerife’s most historical towns. Situated in the north east of the island, San Cristobal de la Laguna is a beautiful town, home to the only university in the Canary Islands. The town lies in the fertile Aquere Valley close to the island’s northern airport and the Anaga Mountains. La Laguna is a good base from which to explore the capital and the northern coast as well as hiking in the hills and deep gorges in the area.
La Laguna is a well preserved old town that was established in 1496 and was originally the capital of the island. Its narrow pedestrianised streets in the old quarter, now a World Heritage Site, have changed little over the centuries and contain many fine buildings and churches. La Laguna lies in a verdant valley of banana plantations, palms and olives surrounded by rugged mountains. It is well placed for hiking holidays and for exploring the north of Tenerife.
La Laguna holidays are popular with couples of all ages. Many hikers come here to walk in the fertile valleys and in the mountains. Those with an interest in history will enjoy this historical town.
A La Laguna holiday can be taken at any time of year. Summer temperatures can reach thirty degrees with winter temperatures in the high teens. Early and later season are popular times for walking holidays when the weather is a little cooler. The festival of Easter sees silent processions of hooded figures gliding through the town.
Within the modern outskirts of La Laguna is hidden the historical heart of the town which appears to have changed little over the centuries. Stroll through the narrow cobbled streets and squares past the balconies and courtyards filled with flowering pots, walls covered in vibrant bougainvillea, and enjoy the sights and the sounds and the atmosphere of the place. There are many fine edifices including the Cathedral and the Church of the Immaculate Conception with its tower, the former convent of Saint Augustine and the Nava Palace.
La Laguna is surrounded by fertile valleys providing fresh local produce including bananas. Beyond the trees the hills and mountains rise above the town. The area is very popular with walkers and there are many easy to follow tracks into the hills and gorges.
The town is a cultural centre and hosts many music and folk festivals.
La Laguna is a university town and where there are students there is a lively nightlife. The area, Cuadrilatero, is full of bars and pubs which are open until the early hours of the morning. There are many gay bars in this area. The old town is another vibrant spot where there is plenty to entertain holidaymakers. An ample supply of restaurants provides for those who want to enjoy a peaceful meal over a glass of wine or beer.
La Laguna has a good number of shops selling a wide variety of goods. One of the attractions of shopping in Tenerife is that it is duty free and there are many bargains to be found. Perfumes, cameras and electronic goods, alcohol and cigarettes are all cheaper. There is a craft fair on most Sundays in the town. Those who would like a larger variety of shops can take a trip to the capital, Santa Cruz.
La Laguna has some very fine restaurants providing a range of menu from traditional Canarian to international cuisine. Typical Canarian food is the spicy mojo sauce and the salty new potatoes that are boiled in sea water before being baked. Fish features prominently on menus and is often served with the green variety of mojo sauce.
