Tenerife – Canyoning

May 26, 2008

There are some excellent opportunities for canyoning due to the extensive range of ravines on Tenerife. There is the spectacular Barranco de Carrizal, in the Teno Massif, with water and numerous short abseiling descents. Please note that due to the conservation regulations for the Osprey, a species in danger of extinction, access to this ravine is prohibited during its nesting season from February to June.

One of the longest routes on the island is The Barranco del Río. This is a tough course that starts at an altitude of 2000 metres and comprises of a succession of abseils through beautiful scenery and an abundance of water. In contrast, the Barranco de Badajoz, in the district of Güímar, is dry, very narrow with some spectacular abseiling. Another good route is the Anaga Massif which has many beautiful ravines as does the route at Taborno, a relatively easy course but with a spectacular return trip.

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Tenerife – Caving

May 26, 2008

The volcanic structures and formations are without doubt Tenerife’s most spectacular natural resources. Caving gives the visitor a unique chance to get to know these structures from the inside and to understand the powerful processes that formed them. Travelling through volcanic tubes and potholes it is possible to see the inside of the island and enjoy some magical, unforgettable moments during your holiday.

Tenerife’s rich underground heritage is made up of over a hundred volcanic tubes as well as potholes and other underground formations. There are many caving sites, the most significant being the famous “Cueva del Viento” (Wind Cave) in the district of Icod, in the north of the island. With around 17 kilometres of galleries it makes up one of the most extensive volcanic complexes in the world.

Due to the delicate nature of the underground environment and the presence of some unique species of invertebrates, access to some of the volcanic tubes is restricted. However, there are a number of other caverns that are freely accessible.

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Tenerife – Birdwatching

May 26, 2008

The birdlife in Tenerife has been of particular interest to birdwatchers for many years due to the high number of endemic species and subspecies that live on the island and the ease in gaining access to them. The Dark-tailed and White-tailed Laurel Pigeons of the laurisilva forest, together with the Blue Chaffinch of the Teide are some of the most well-known endemic species. There are a huge range of habitats where you can observe almost a hundred resident species as well as numerous migratory species that pass through Tenerife.

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Tenerife – Paragliding

May 26, 2008

Tenerife has more than 40 different launch sites for paragliders from all over Europe to enjoy. The great variety of flying areas located near one another plus an exceptional climate that allows flying almost every day of the year are the two great attractions of paragliding in Tenerife. This sport is very popular on the island and there are many clubs that offer courses, advice (essential to get to know the wind patterns for safe flying) and the chance of flying tandem (a good way to get started).

Best flying routes:

From Izaña, in the Teide National Park, to Puerto de la Cruz (30 minutes)

From Izaña, in the Teide National Park, to the Port of Güimar (13 kilometres)

From El Sauzal to Mesa de Mar, in Tacoronte (Cross-country flight)

From Icod el Alto to the Socorro Beach, in Los Realejos (Cross-country flight)

From Taucho to Adeje (Thermal flying)

From Jama – Valle de San Lorenzo, in Arona (Thermal-hillside flight)

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Classic Climbing on Tenerife Island

May 26, 2008

The island of Tenerife is an absolute must for fans of traditional climbing. The huge number of volcanic formations that have eroded over time have left rugged rock faces, facilitating the use of protection, creating a unique area for this type of climbing. There is a great collection of rock faces in the Teide National Park, which stands at over 2000 meters above sea level.

There are also many beautiful rock faces in the National Park such as La Catedral and the Roques de Garcia. These are the most visited on the island offering over 40 different routes. The Roque de la Grieta or the Torreón Figueroa, on the rim of Las Cañadas, also offer first class routes.

Other rock faces that one can climb are Las Ánimas and the Roque de Enmedio, both in the mountains of the Anaga Massif, above the picturesque village of Taganana.

The Omega Route, a 250-meter climb at the Roque de las Ánimas, is the model climb in the area due to its excellent level of equipment while the Directa Rusa at Roque de Enmedio, is listed as the most achievable with a grade 5 difficulty.

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Climbing

May 26, 2008

The type of volcanic rock on the island, the excellent year round climate and the large number of climbing areas for all levels makes Tenerife a popular destination for European climbers wishing to combine their holidays with some climbing practice. There are almost a thousand different routes all over the island, the best being the internationally-known Barranco de Arico and the spectacular Cañada del Capricho in the heart of the Teide National Park.

The district of Arico, in the south of Tenerife, is the perfect place for climbing. It has 200 well-equipped routes along the “barranco” (ravine) that bears the same name. Higher up the ravine the climbs are of an easy to medium level, while the lower climbs are just for advanced climbers.

La Cañada del Capricho, in the Teide National Park, has almost a hundred routes around the highest mountain in Spain and is another outstanding area for climbing. The fantastic scenery here will really impress you with its unique shapes and colours.

Other areas that are good for practising this sport are the Mesa de Tejina with easy routes, Valle Tabares, protected routes near the capital of the island and Martiánez, a cliff situated in the heart of Puerto de la Cruz.

More informations about your next holiday destination: www.la-victoria.eu


Mountainbiking-Tip: Las Calderetas – Pino Alto – Las Calderetas

May 26, 2008

This route traces a circle from the Las Calderetas Recreational Area, in the district of El Sauzal in the north-east of Tenerife, and runs through the mountains above La Matanza, La Victoria and Santa Úrsula. A large part of the route is within either the laurel woodland or the pine forest. Over the first few kilometres the route rises, however as this is a combination of gentle slopes and flat tracks the difficulty is not great.

At kilometer 3.5, you reach the El Rayo track, which is in perfect condition and maintains its height above sea level although with some rises and falls as it crosses the ravines. From kilometer 15.5 onwards, there is a more pronounced rise and the track is in places rather stony. This roughly three-kilometer-long slope is the toughest part of the trip. From the Los Asientos crossroads, the track continues to rise although more gently. After the La Matanza municipal district, the continuous descent begins which takes us to the end of the route just where it began.

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Mountainbiking-Tip: Lomo La Jara – Las Raíces – Lomo La Jara

May 26, 2008

This circular route is part of the recreational area Lomo La Jara in Tacoronte, which runs by the towns of La Esperanza, Tacoronte, El Sauzal and La Matanza. On this itinerary one can contemplate beautiful panoramic views of Santa Cruz, La Laguna, El Teide and the Orotava Valley. A great part of the distance covered passes through silver birch and Canary pine trees forest. The first 5 kilometres start an uphill climb. From the 6.5 kilometres take a track, which is in good, condition and practically flat which goes to La Esperanza road.

Walking up hill for 1 kilometre on this road, you reach a track found on the left and follow it for 2.500 metres. It is wide and in relatively good condition. From this point you will deviate on the route towards Las Lagunetas. This is a constant up hill hike of almost 5 kilometres where there is a lot of uneven ground. Past this point, the route is practically even and downhill with some small exceptions but with not too many dips or uneven ground.

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Footpath-Tipp: Anaga Forest Park-Cabezo del Tejo

May 26, 2008

You set off from the Anaga Forest Park towards Roque de Chinobre, a pleasant walk through laurel forests with magnificent views of the Anaga mountain range and Roque de Chinobre. You then carry on past the foot of Roque Anabro and on towards Cabezo del Tejo, which forms a natural balcony 800 m. above sea level. You can return along the forestry track through Hoya de los Toneleros, Ujuana and the Chamuscada look out. The walk takes about two hours.

There is an alternative route, starting out from the Anaga Forest Park, up to Chinobre and then straight down to Las Chamuscadas, Las Chamuscadas look out and back to the Forest Park. The alternative route takes about one hour.

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Footpath-Tipp: La Montañeta – Arenas Negras

May 26, 2008

The trail starts at the church of San Francisco de La Montañeta, from where you follow the road up to the forestry hut. Opposite the forestry hut, you take a path that leads 300 metres above the road. Once you are back on the black top, you follow the road until you see the sign that says “Arenas Negras”.

There is a bus stop next to the sign. From here, you take the dirt track that climbs from the road. Follow it for about 2 kilometres without turning off. It is best to make this climb during the cooler times of the day, in order to avoid the heat and too much sun.

After climbing for about 45 minutes, you will reach the recreational area of Arenas Negras, equipped with taps, grills, tables and a camping area.

More informations about your next holiday destination: www.la-victoria.eu