La Laguna
It lies inland and is the most important town after Tenerife, the capital. It lies in Aguere valley among magnificent countryside. Picturesque walks take the visitor through silent, straight streets with stately houses. Other places of great interest are the university city, the 16C cathedral with interesting carvings and paintings, La Concepción Church - officially a sight of national importance -, the Institute, the Provincial Library in the University, the Episcopal Palace and La Nava Palace, San Francisco's, where El Santísimo Cristo de La Laguna is worshipped, and the ancient Dragon Tree in El Seminario Garden. Its township includes the Bajamar area and Punta del Hidalgo, which are practically linked by El Arenal beach and form an important tourist centre with lovely natural pools on the edge of the sea. Near La Laguna, there is Mount Las Mercedes, which has splendid vegetation of laurel and pine trees as well as other Canary species. From the La Cruz del Carmen and Pico del Inglés observation platforms, there are magnificent views of the La Laguna plain and Anaga Sierra.
La Orotava
La Oratova boasts some indescribably charming scenery. From La Cuesta de la Villa, there is a splendid panorama of the valley and El Puerto de la Cruz. The place as a whole is a beautiful sight, with beautiful gardens, balconies and stately houses. Especially outstanding among its sights are la Concepción's with its Baroque façade, San Juan's and the Hermitage of El Calvario.
Also remarkable is the collection of hand-made objects of the Canary Islands and of Spain, which can be admired in the so-called Casas de los balcones, the Houses with the balconies, two residential buildings of the 17C, built with the typical resin-rich wood from the old pines of the island.
Puerto de la Cruz
It is the main tourist centre of the province and one of the most important in Spain, with a marvellous climate. Martianez beach and excellent natural pools are found on Colón Avenue. Along the coast, the Martianez complex was built by César Manrique and attracts many tourists. Puerto de la Cruz has magnificent hotel establishments and others, night clubs with international attractions, excellent restaurants and cafés as well as other tourist facilities, which all contribute to giving it a busy air. Numerous national and international congresses and conventions are held there. Also very interesting is the Acclimatization Garde, built in 1788 on the order of Carlos III. It lies halfway between La Orotava and Puerto de la Cruz, to acclimatize plants and trees from all over the world. A visit should also include San Felipe Castle and the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia as well as the Naval Museum of Iriarte House (in the street of the same name), which shows the history and evolution of navigation.
Garachico
It is like a pearl at the sea and used to be the most important harbour of the island in other times. It is a very beautiful place with interesting sights, such as San Miguel Castle and the parish church. El Puertito is a black-sand beach and there are natural pools at El Caletón.
Los Cristianos
It is a picturesque village on the south coast and has become a magnificent summer resort in winter, because of its position, climate, hotel facilities and especially its magnificent beach with clear, clean water and golden sand, and its yacht club. From Los Cristianos, it is possible to reach La Gomera by taking a ferry.
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