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Tenerife: warm, incredibly photogenic, and the largest of the seven Canary Islands, it really is a gem of a holiday destination. It’s home to fabled, beautiful beaches, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, breathtaking volcanic features, and a distinct Canarian culture that makes it well worth a trip even if you are a frequent visitor to Spain. In fact, although a Spanish island, it’s closer to the North-West coast of Africa. Tenerife’s prime position where the tropical climate zone meets the sub-tropical means the island is perpetually in spring. The temperature here averages around 18°C even during the winter season and can reach highs of more than 30°C in the summer. There isn’t really a wrong time to visit weather-wise. Whenever you do decide to visit, there is one place in Tenerife that you truly wouldn’t want to miss out on: La Laguna. San Cristobal de La Laguna Known by the locals simply as ‘La Laguna’, this town is the former capital of all the Canary Islands. As such, it boasts an exceptional historical and cultural heritage. It’s widely regarded as being the most photogenic and charming town in Tenerife and luckily, it’s ideally placed for a day trip from the capital, Santa Cruz. After making this short and easy journey, you’ll be met with charm and authenticity; narrow streets lined with villas in an array of pastel shades, a selection of small boutique shops and much more await. Its reputation for being a beautiful place is certainly well-deserved, so you’ll want to have your camera at the ready. UNESCO More than just a charming location, the town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999; La Laguna is brimming with architectural masterpieces. Its elaborate mansions were designed and constructed by wealthy families in the 17th and 18th centuries in order to impress (and they do). Its centre features Renaissance and Neoclassical churches dating back to the 16th century, and the town’s overall layout was actually used as a model for many other colonial cities founded in the Americas. Lovely Historic Centre During your trip, make sure you find the time to visit these attractions in particular: The Cathedral is the pride of the town, and is located centrally on the main square, Plaza de los Remedios. Constructed in the early 1900s, its façade takes inspiration from the Neoclassical cathedral of Pamplona over in mainland Spain, while the interior décor belongs to the baroque. Inside, you’ll also discover 18th century paintings by the prominent Tenerife artist Cristobal Hermandez de la Quintana. The Iglesia, the local parish church, can be found to the west of the cathedral. It was built in 1496 and then modified twice over the course of the next few centuries. Its wooden ceiling belongs to the Mudejar style of architecture, which marks a union of Moorish and European styles. A special highlight of the Iglesia is a tall, gorgeous-looking bell tower that you can climb to take in some scenic views over the area. Aside from these religious must-sees, there are plenty of museums to explore. The History and Anthropology Museum in particular will provide you with an excellent overview of local history. How to Get There Once you’ve arrived on the island, it’s easy to get to where you’re staying in or near La Laguna from the airport of Tenerife. Transfers by shuttle bus can easily be pre-booked before you leave home, so you won’t have to worry about navigating complicated public transport routes or break the bank at expensive taxi ranks. In Tenerife, transfers can be booked either privately or shared. Either way, with pre-booked Tenerife transfers you’ll receive door-to-door service, meaning you’ll start your holidays in the most hassle free way possible. So, if you’re going on holiday to Tenerife, make sure to plan a day trip—or a multi-day stay—to the cultural capital, La Laguna. You wouldn’t want to miss out on this beautiful historical gem. Author Plate Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers in various countries across the globe. If you’re looking for affordable Tenerife transfers, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.
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