The combination of the aboriginal Guanche culture, its colonial past, and the fact that it is only 90 miles from the coast of Africa create a distinctive character resulting from the mix of Europe, America and Africa. Interesting towns are the perfect counterpoint to more than 200 kilometres of coastline.
We will go to visit the Cathedral. It dates from the early 16th century and has three naves and a transept. The interior is in the Gothic style and features a series of interesting palm-shaped columns. Construction was interrupted for several centuries, and the various architectural influences were combined within a Neo-classical exterior.
From here, we will walk to the Canary Museum, located in a building dating from the end of the 19th century. It is the largest centre devoted to Canary Islands culture on the archipelago. The institution conserves and exhibits archaeological and ethnographic items, and special mention should be made of its collection of more than 2,000 prehistoric sculls. It also has a library and archive specialising in themes related to the Canary Islands. Open since 1984, its collection centres on the pre-Hispanic cultures of the Canary Islands, making this a visit not to be missed by all those interested in the field.
We will walk around the Playa de las Canteras, one of the most beautiful beaches located in a city centre. The presence of an “arrow”, or natural breakwater, formed by volcanic rock at one end of the bay increases the quantity of sand of this beach, which is fairly wide and extensive, and offers all kinds of recreational services. We will stop to drink a natural juice.
Finally, we will arrive at La lush Castle, that Initially was built beside the sea, but today, because land has been artificially recovered, it appears slightly separated from the water. It is in the north of the island, situated next to the port. It served as a defence during the 16th century to protect the city from attacks by English and Dutch pirates and from this comes its old name: the Fortress of Light. It was opened to the public in the sixties. Since then it has been used as a cultural centre and naval museum for the city.
Return to the Port or Hotel.