La Laguna - Santa Cruz - Monte de Las Mercedes (Tenerife)
From Puerto de la Cruz, we take the northern motorway TF-5 as far as La Laguna - San Benito exit. This is the former capital of the island, founded by the Conquistador Alonso Fernandez de Lugo.
The most important sites are:Cathedral – work started in the 16th century and was finished in the 19th century. Church of La Concepcion, which was started in the 16th century. Royal Sanctuary of the Santísimo Cristo.(16th century) Casa Lercaro History Museum - c/ San Agustin (Tuesday to Sunday 9.00 to 19.00 h) Museum of Science and the Cosmos – outside of the town centre, (Tuesday to Sunday 9.00 to 19.00 h) Carry on to Santa Cruz, the capital of the island since 1822.
A bustling port and the largest city on the island: Plaza de España – Tourist Board in the Island Cabildo. Plaza de la Candelaria and Calle Castillo – shopping area. Garcia Sanabria Park (open air sculptures and Floral Clock). Church of La Concepcion (16th C) Museum of Man and Nature (Tuesday to Sunday 9.00 to 19.00 h) (Museum of Archaeology and Natural Sciences).
Carry on to San Andres and Las Teresitas – a beach made from white sand brought from the Sahara. In San Andres, take the turn off for Taganana, a small village in the Anaga massif.
Sites of interest: Church of Nuestra Señora de Las Nieves with a famous Flemish School tryptich (16th century).
Two beaches on the coast: Playa de Almaciga and Playa de Los Roques.
The road comes to an end here. Go back to the Taganana
tunnel and turn right at the cross roads, towards Monte
de Las Mercedes, an area of spectacular scenery and vegetation.
Most interesting look out spots: Pico del Ingles Lookout –
view over the Anaga massif in general.
Cruz del Carmen Lookout: Visitors´ Centre (everyday from 9.30 to 16.00 h) and the Anaga Rural Park Market. Carry on in the direction of the village of Las Mercedes and turn right at the Las Canteras cross roads, in the direction of Tejina and Tegueste.
Follow the main road to Valle de Guerra: Casa de Carta Anthropology Museum (to the right of the road), open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9.00 to 19.00 h. Continue on in the direction of Tacoronte and El Sauzal. Outside the town centre of El Sauzal, next to the northern motorway, you will find the: La Baranda Wine Museum – Museum of local wines and tasting sessions (Tuesday to Sunday, from 11 to 20 h, Sundays from 11 to 18 h). Back to Puerto de la Cruz along the motorway.