LANDSCAPE TRAVELING
SPAIN
WITH PETRA VAŠKOVÁ
tENERIFE
CENTER OF THE CANARY ISLANDS
tRANSPORTATION
There are direct flights to the island from several European cities. On Tenerife, larger cities are connected by bus lines, which work quite reliably. But the ideal and most reliable is to rent a car.
THE NORTH OF THE ISLAND
Due to the high mountains in the middle of the island, a rain shadow forms on the south side. In the north, most of the clouds are caught from the ocean, it rains more often there and more favorable conditions for greenery are created. I find this side of island much more interesting.
pUERTO DE LA CRUZ - THE NORTH
We spent almost the whole holiday in Puerto. We attended a great language school FU International Academy. Puerto is a nice city with a historic center and several beaches. It is definitely worth a visit. I recommend the restaurant La Marea & Copacabana on calle Blanco. Visit the square, Mequinez Street, Agatha Christie’s stairs or the botanical garden.
OTHER PLACES ON THE NORTH
Other places worth seeing are the wild black sand beaches de Benijo, del Ancon or de los Troches. The charco de la Laja sea pool, in fact any of these pools are beautiful. The village of La Oratova, where you will find typical Canarian houses with terraces or the mountain village of Masca. Then, for example, parque rural de Anaga.
SANTA CRUZ
The capital Santa Cruz is noticeably larger and more populated than other cities in Tenerife. More buildings and less greenery is not the most pleasant for walks on hot summer days. In my opinion, Santa Cruz is better to visit in the late afternoon. Ideal is the area around the Auditorium, the historic center, and for dinner the street c. Antonio Domínguez Alfonso. In the morning, the Nuestra Senora de Africa market or the beach near the city, las Terasitas are interesting to look at.
DALŠÍ MÍSTA NA JIHU
The southern part of Tenerife is dry and, in my opinion, less interesting. The famous cliffs of Los Gigantes, which can be seen from the beach of the same name. You can take the cableway to the top of Spain’s highest mountain, the Pico del Teide, or at least explore the Sendero Roques de García below. From the beaches, for example, Montana Pelada or Montana Roja, but they cannot be compared to the beaches in the north.
cAMPING
Since we are not very hotel loungers, we decided to spend two nights in nature. Camping in the Canary Islands is not forbidden, but there is a great drought. I do not recommend lighting a fire! We slept a little above the beach de los Troches, which can be reached from Santa Cruz by bus. Due to the cold ocean wind, we built a stone enclosure for protection, which worked perfectly. We enjoyed the 2 best days of vacation in beautiful nature and outside of civilization.
OUR BONUS
Last summer, my boyfriend and I decided to take a Spanish language course in Tenerife. The night before we left, we went out to the city to say goodbye to our home. In the morning, however, the couple’s holiday became a group trip. 3 of our friends decided, in a good mood, to buy a ticket 4 hours before departure and fly with us. They managed to pack only a few T-shirts in a yellow plastic bag, one just someone else’s swimsuit and a beach blanket over his shoulder, and we set off for the Canary Islands. Back in Vienna at the airport, we ordered shots for strengthening at 8 in the morning and without water we boarded a plane to meet the 5 hour journey. The worst and driest flight we’ve ever had. Upon arrival, we first massacred the water vending machine, then arranged a car rental and then enjoyed a great holiday.
BARCELONA
A CITY FULL OF INTERESTING ARCHITECTURE
tRANSPORTATION
From the airport to the center, it is best to take a train. I recommend buying a T-Fimiliar ticket, where there are 8 rides for 10 €. The center of Barcelona is not a problem to go through by foot. However, it is good to use the metro or buses to speed up.
THE CITY
Barcelona is a large multicultural city. A little hectic for me. The center is relatively large, full of cars, beton and tourists. But it can be proud of many world famous architectural works that are worth seeing.
GAUDÍ a MONTANER
Gaudí is not only a very important architect for Barcelona. Of its buildings, the Sagrada Familia is worth a visit, including the interior (book in advance online), Casa Batllo or Casa Mila. He also designed the beautiful Park Guell, which was originally intended to be a garden city. No less interesting buildings were created thanks to Montener. For example, Palau de la Música Catalana or Hospital de Sant Pau.
OTHER PLACES
Other places to stop are the Mercado de La Boqueria, La Rambla and the Columbus monument, el Born, the Fundacio Antoni Tápies, the magic fountain of Montjuic, the Olympic Stadium. Free views from the Arenas de Barcelona or the bunkers in Carmel, from where there is a great sunset over the city (beer, wine with you), there goes a bus from the center. Furthermore, the legendary Camp Nou, I still managed to catch Messi in the match! Or nearby Montserrat. Great and high on level is the club Pecha or Bus Terrassa.