Fuerteventura - Tenerife: incredible contrasts

For the holidays you deserve in 2005 we chose to return to the Canaries. E? the first time that we take this decision, we deliberately changed the destination to learn always new places. Quest? Years but the goals we identified were for? Difficult? Want terrorism, or catastrophic weather events have opted for a healthy and rejuvenating holiday in the Canary Islands. This is not a duplicate of the holiday last year but a Fuerteventura? Deployment: l? Years past had done a week with a tour operator (Theorem) to Fuerteventura. Given the vicissitudes received, we decided to do everything alone, without support of Tour Operators (but in the end that serve?) And double the time to stay and the number of islands. The choice fell on Tenerife and Fuerteventura, the first for a healthy holiday by the sea, beautiful beach and little confusion. The second to try to visit one of the most densely populated island of the Canaries, the main goal of the English and German, full of entertainment and morphologically opposite Fuerteventura. One week for each island we felt it was long enough (also because we did not have many money to spend) and then we started to surf the internet for the construction of our trip: flights, hotels and car rentals. We have done everything with Lastminute.it and we spent two weeks with scheduled flights, half board hotel and residences in Fuerteventura to Tenerife and two weeks of hire car? Well not believe us but what a week last year Theorem. Oh, almost forgot: in 2004 we went to after August? Save? this the year we started out on 13! So friends travel advice: Before you book with tour operators try to do a tour on the Internet? I do it for several years and only in few occasions I have turned to traditional travel agents. The only advice I would give is to move in time because the prices with the Last Minute with just all fall? Last competitive but also to medium distances. We have everything booked for July 9 starting August 13.

 

The beginning is not the best...

Those of you who was in the Canary Islands are well aware that there are no direct flights between Rome and the islands (except for flights made available by the Tour Operator?) And then our flight was Hibernia stopover in Madrid and Tenerife before us Puerto del Rosario, the final goal of our journey. Two stopovers are long, not recommendable when both have small children? But in the end if you want to no attention to these things. The thing that is appropriate is when you lose your luggage! First, the Spanish company Hibernia is a real disappointment: meals and drinks on board are paid and have no idea what care! Well friends for a flight that cost about 650 € one expects at least a glass of water instead? 1.5 €! Stuff not to believe, are expected to be the Ryanair! However, the flight goes well until Tenerife when our Jumbo comes with a good 40 minutes late and in danger of making us lose the connection with our flight to Fuerteventura. We are in the airport like mad, we arrive at the gate and we board for a matter of minutes!
The flights are operated with a local company which is called Binter Canarias (there is also a? Other company Islas Airways sells tickets but not in Italy). Uses (such as? Other) of the ATR 42 by an eighty seats? Numbering on board without a touch of the airplane arriving on foot through the square of the airport and I must say that seeing him? Is still a little perplexed? Its turbopropellers not just give a sense of great confidence! But then you do not think the board and you find that water is served and gratisssss sweets! Incredible, over the no Iberia and Binter you! Viva the canarioti! The flight arrives at 20.30, punctual to the airport of destination (for Spanish-speaking!) And we go to the baggage belt (boarded in Rome) and unfortunately we find that? There are! Do not you know that sadness when the tape stops and you have yourself a look at this black strip that did not lead your pants, toothbrush, etc.. etc.. Let's go to? Lost luggage office and discover that there are stacked dozens of bags from every where and several people ask for files that end had made their precious suitcase. Using the ticket that you give at the time of the withdrawal of the bag lady (very nice I must say) tells us that our sleeping bags remained at the airport of Tenerife Binter and that has already done to make them check in and board the first flight in the morning to arrive in Fuerteventura to 10:37 the next day! Asks us if we do it delivered directly to the hotel, but knowing the coolness of the Spanish Canary Islands and I said, I prefer to return to the airport the next day to withdraw in person. Very shaken by this impact is not happy with our vacation I go to the door? AVIS with my beautiful reservation. And at least here? Nothing surprises! We give a beautiful brand new Renault Modus (1,500 km) with all the comforts (A / C, on-board computer, radio with CD, etc.) Seeing the car my girlfriend I reproach? Who knows how much you spend ? not just a normal car? Where can I see the receipt for payment remains with mouth open: 158 € for 7 days, including all insurance (also Kasko). We are all familiar with the island, l? The year before? We all turned several times and then aim the Modus northerly direction Corralejo. Approximately 35 km separate us from the final destination and half hour we arrived. We have put a? Another half hour to find our resort, hidden in a series of one-way streets. Arena Hotel was our choice last year, then by Theorem we have been beaten to 100 km away. Quest? Year we decided to go there alone and said we are at the reception. Pass the surprise of the girl who does not see our bags, we assign a room and tells us that whereas l? Late hour (almost 23) we would bring something to eat in your room. Our house is very spacious, large room divided in bed and living room, bathroom and closet and a large terrace that overlooks the pool. Air conditioning (some? Heavy for the truth), satellite TV and mini-complete l? Furniture. Arrive foodstuffs, two plates of cold cuts, two bananas, two bottles of water and "no bread! Ok not the end of the world, we are tired and without baggage? Dinner is the least?.

The holiday begins!

We stand up for good now and we go to breakfast. Our booking requires half the board as said by lastminute.it The only inaccuracy (or forgotten) is that nowhere was specified that the drinks are excluded? Second me? Would have to say. However, the breakfast consists of a rich buffet where everything is? Eggs, bacon, beans, bread, milk, jams, fruit? Eat everything, perhaps exaggerating! Time to realize that there are two pools at the center of the resort and we are driving towards the airport.
Parking (the first half hour is free) and we arrive to the area but we discover with great disgust and disappointment that our flight is?. Delay! He will be 12 instead of 10.37. But vaff? Speechless and we leave by car to Puerto del Rosario, the capital of Fuerteventura, which is located about 6 km from the airport. Not l? Have never visited and making the best of a bad grasp l? Opportunity to make a? Look. But that disappointment! Will be that it was Sunday morning, which will also guide Lonely said that it was not anything that? Fact is that no living soul we meet, everything closed, the whole desert. Let's take a stroll along the harbor just to fool l? Waiting and then again in the car towards the airport! Once there we read that our flight? There? More! Monitors no longer any trace of the flight we have been waiting! But that caz? Then go to the exit of the terminal and ask the police to come to collect my luggage showing the receipt (which not even worthy of a glance). He looks at me as if I had asked the most obvious thing in the world and I am going to sign! Basically we entered the terminal, passing from the passenger exit, with no metal detector, without a ticket, without a show! In the face of international terrorism and Striscia la Notizia! We went immediately to the baggage and distance of 55 meters there came the tears in the eyes: our bags there, nice to wait for their owner! The guy in charge of baggage had observed the scene with great emotion and sign after having done a couple of sheets made us leave with precious booty! Travel in a hotel, a panacea, and we dress by Sea (finally!) And then view l? Lunch we go to Corralejo to eat something. That was one of the few towns that we had not seen. C? Is a? Single street that? Crosses and many restaurants, fast food, game rooms and shopping of course. Let's go to the port area which is also the most characteristic. The area is prohibited to the car and then you can make nice walks, annoyed by the number of local waiter who ask you to eat from them and not from the nearby? I am quite folk, and after a while? there is even more appropriate. Eat in a place where they grilled meat, try a quick meal because we want to go immediately to the sea. The impact to the prices do not remember now but there is pleasure. Two beautiful sandwiches with meat and fried potatoes and two medium-sized beers cost us € 10. We go to two of Corralejo, one of the attractions of the whole island. E? a beach formed by sand of the Sahara desert that the wind brought. The sahara is in fact a hundred kilometers from the island and during the furious storms of the white sand grains of sand will lay on this stretch of coast. Over the years have formed the famous? Dunes?. If you take a photo facing the interior of the island you can safely say that you were in the desert. The beach is huge and very long, you will not find crowds ever. Parked the car along the FV-1 and then you have to walk up to the sea! The real annoyance is the perpetual wind that blows and tense and then straiati on the beach without a bed leads to a burial alive almost assured, do not despair because if you want you can rent a bed for € 2 or you are walking on the rich shoreline. Alternatively you can find the strange stone constructions, such as small nuraghe sardi? Were made by the various holiday for shelter from the wind. Then an arm stretch trovatene l? Towel and good sun! Advice: get the highest protection because the sun beats strong? A nice bath and a regenerator? the sun just to return us to the good mood! We wanted to own! Pity for the two mega-hotels RIU who built on his two (and tell you that in Italy c? Is? Unfairness?) The wind is refreshing and, above all, a boon for lovers of kite-surfing that crazy. Facing clear picture of the island of Lobos.
Towards evening we return to the hotel for dinner. Here too the rich buffet. Not long we will live our resort but we find that c 'is a? Evening entertainment with a little entertainment, that? Animation is run by an Italian girl and that most of the guests are Italian. The hotel is about 1km from the sea and c 'is a free shuttle service that takes you to the beach. But I say to all those who were there and that they bivouac in the pool who have lost so much really!

Welcome back, Cotillo!

The day of August we get up and go to breakfast. There is one thing in mind, not just regular? To make us sandwiches and take away for lunch, transforming our beverage without half board full board without beverage From this morning on our breakfast turns into an attempt imitation of Arsenio Lupine to make 4 sandwiches and put them in the bag after carefully wrapped in paper napkins. Moreover, being of good food, the sandwiches had to be strictly a stuffed differently from the other! The waiters looking away, the only confusing was the maitre but in the end too, busy with all the customers of this hotel, could not anything against the stubbornness of two cute boys.
The destination of the day of August was the beach of Playa del Castello in the town of El Cotillo. From Corralejo not do it the way north and muddy because it completely stopped at some point. E? The necessary point to Olive and turn to Lajares and El Cotillo. Are about 20-25 km and it takes more than half hour. Unfortunately the weather is just fabulous, but not interest us much. The beach on which we decide to spend the day in our opinion one of the most beautiful of the island: long, 70 meters wide with a sea full of waves for surfing and kite surfing. Besides the sky c 'is also a strong wind that forces us to camp near a rock. After a few minutes we are surrounded by other swimmers who seek allotment because the wind lifts the sand and lie over the towel was virtually impossible. Here I try my inflatable body board for the first time. E? a simple table to make the inflatable body surfing but with two practical handles for standing! and I go out from the water after three hours! Some body surf with the traditional approach and ask me where l? I bought many betray a certain envy. Besides being fast and convenient it is easily transportable by air as folding in a suitcase. The day folds into the beautiful and the evening time improves considerably. Towards sunset we go away to make us a nice shower and a dinner as you need. Then in the evening we go to Corralejo where you poured all the holidaymakers in the area for walking, taking a beer (it's full of British and Irish pubs!) Or to go shopping because the shops close to the 23rd As for the beer you point out the Dorada, local beer which is usually sold for € 1.5 a pint and served in a frosted mug, taking in the freezer!

The conquest of the American Star

One of the things that we had been left on the crop last year was that of not being able to see the American Star, a cargo ship aground on the western beach of Fuerteventura during a storm. The ship is famous because it is represented in most of the cards to Fuerteventura for the beach that the ship was the same. In fact the American Star ran aground in front of a small creek and its tonnage to permit the creation of a beach where before there? Was nothing! Ask at the hotel how to get this place and after the usual breakfast (with sandwiches below) we are now in motion. Compared to Corralejo is about 80 km of which the last 7-8 road but quite white bar. You have to go La Oliva, pointing towards Tefía. For those who do not l? Had ever visited the Betancuria otherwise continue to go to Antigua. The road is longer but with much less curve. Once in Tuineje to turn on Pajara FV 605 south. Attention because the turning for the beach is not reported. Go flat and a couple of km after Pajara is a white road on your right. Will take you on the coast where there are several bays, including one where lies the Star. The ship is on Playa de Garcey. Black beach, so big and beautiful this ship is now reduced to a scrap, the sea has ripped the stern and the front of the keel. I do not understand under what miracle has not yet placed on a fianco.Si located not far from the beach and is easily reachable by swimming, which would strongly advise to the power of the sea and the danger of being beaten against the plate fully rusty.
This beach like the others before coming to this camp shall be free from local residents, who have led roulette and have set up tents and small villages. There? Dirt is diverted around and say I'm almost? Uninhabited? but the impact is visual terribile.Non understand how the local authorities not intervened to eliminate this little edifying spectacle!
Swimming in front of the Star we put a bit of anguish and then made the pictures go back a couple of miles and we stop at Playa de la Solata. Even here a small but very few camp persone.Per the truth on the beach are only two of us! We do a full stop riding and eating. The sun is beautiful but warm breeze makes the stay pleasant. Even here I do my slut picture with my body surf and a couple of Spanish kids make me two hundred questions remain disappointed that no l? Had purchased on their isola.Verso 6 we decide to put in motion towards the way back. It takes about one hour to go back, but had planned to stop along the road to Tuineje because we needed a pharmacy to buy a cream.
Return to hotel and dinner with evening in Corralejo conclude our day.

Los Lobos: What a delusion!

On the morning of 17 decide to go and see? Other attraction in the island that we had skipped l? Year before: the island of Los Lobos. This time we can not do without, the island it faces Corralejo and visit there it seems a pity. The name does not have an explanation: Lobos in Spanish are the sea lions on that island seem to have never stayed. Were some years ago the monk seals, which are completely extinct. Lobos then nothing and no seals. But we still shave the animals missing.
To go on the island you must go to the port of Corralejo. There are several gabbiotti selling tickets for tours of all the tastes? Snorkeling trips on a sailing boat? Then l? Excursion over the island of Lobos. The ferries that go over the island starting from almost one every 10 hours until 15 and then returning from 12.30 with the latest on 18th The cost is € 10. If we put other € 2 will take you to do a tour lasting 10 minutes to let you see the fish and dolphins! But do not you will also see if the boat has a glass bottom and you can see the bottom of the sea, but sincerely believe that the latest I've seen dolphins in this way is the Captain Nemo! We have not given weight to this thing and we went direct to the island. On the island c 'is only one beach, one tavern to eat something, a guy (dressed as a pirate), which sells drinks on the beach a single dirt road that allows you to do everything around the island. We had the idea to do so unhealthy?. A warm atrocious, bad feet who do not tell you to not see nothing? Just rocks, dust and shrubs. At the southern side of the island c? Is a lighthouse (not open) while on the south side c? Is an extinct volcano. To do the tour we spent about an hour and a half but the masochists can also add? Ascent to the volcano for another 45 minutes! Satisfied disheartened and we went in? Unique (and affilatissima) beach Charco de la Galera to us bathroom (cold) and take a bit of sunshine. But at 13.30 we take the ferry to go back to Corralejo, not only because the crowd was increasing but also because the beach was disappointing with the presence of algae and rocks. With 20 minutes to traverse back to Corralejo and we head to El Cotillo beach to enjoy as it should be. This time, however, we continue southward to reach the beach of Playa de la Cueva Aljibe. It also reaches from the Playa del Castillo walking along a bumpy road along the sea (of course on foot). This cove is in fact covered by a small headland and the second hour the tide covers this part of the street making access extremely difficult. La Cueva of the playa is a true performance because you will have a beach 200 meters long virtually all for you. Precisely because of the lack of swimmers this beach is especially popular with nudists. Not that nudism is not practiced in other beach? Indeed encounter naked people almost anywhere in Fuerteventura. But this beach is almost exclusive. No one forces you and then everyone acts accordingly. But the Playa de la Cueva is worth a visit!
In the late afternoon I am also helping a boy with the kite could not return to shore. Along with a German gentleman l? We recover a swimmer. The wind is very strong, with venture Windsurfing and Kite surfing if you are not practical equivalent to truly be evil.
Corralejo A few evening attended by a Irish pub on the main Avenida del General Franco. The manager is a very nice Irish boy and the terrace is fresh and you can drink beer (or anything else) by observing the struscio evening. Even the music is not deafening as in other places and the clientele is rather familiar.

At the Canaries rains "nearly" never

Like last year this time the rain makes its beautiful appearance over the arid and desert island of Fuerteventura. Incredible to say but the morning we wake up at 7 by threatening thunder followed by a violent rain. After? Usual? breakfast we take the car and decide to take a trip on the north on the section that combines Corralejo to El Cotillo. Unfortunately, the direct road from the north is closed due to work. Are building l? Umpteenth luxury spa, one thing pharaonic? Then we head towards Lajares and then take to the north towards the village of Majanicho. Arrived on the coast we leave the paved road and we throw in the dirt going to the West. The road becomes muddy because of rain. We arrive at two bays Seganti on driving, and La Punta del Seba conversion. There are bold servisti that challenge the waves and the rocks that are on the coast. The stories of local people are not comfortable at all: they say that many tourists have lost their lives riding these waves too close to the rocks. We remain a few minutes but the rain is insistent, and then continue to the lighthouse de Toston. But surprise! Midway becomes impossible to continue? There? You can do with a jeep. In addition to the holes and bumps, the mud is too thick and more than once in danger of being blocked. To avoid trouble (since l? Insurance does not pay for any off road) we decide to go back and go to El Cotillo with the paved road. Got it right we go to a fish and chip run by a young English family, and we order a large portion of fish and potatoes, now that has come the hour of lunch. The weather finally seems to turn to the beautiful and the room to find a nice gentleman who emigrated to Barcelona in El Cotillo, which tells us that shortly would be out the sun and usually we could go to the beach.
And so it was! After the dinner we go to the beach at El Cotillo Playa del Aljibe usual de la Cueva. Spend the afternoon to body surf and sunbathe after all the rain in the morning.

The beaches of Fuerteventura

We work on the morning of Friday shopping in the town of Corralejo. We go into the store on the main street almost behind the pedestrian area which is called the New Territory to sell T-shirts, sweatshirts and gadgets that shows the goat (cabritos) symbol of Fuerteventura. Made some purchases we head to El Cotillo because we were told that in addition to the usual beach we frequented ce n 'is one that we have not seen. E? must continue on the dirt road toward the south when you get a pass and El Cotillo beach of Playa de la Aljibe Cueva.Bisogna do a few more kilometers on the road pebble to reach? beach Playa de la Esquinzo. The view is breathtaking as the beach is located tens of meters below street level, in an impressive cliff. Finally a tribute to the Canaries who thought to build a ladder to go down to the beach! So no climbing, no free climing to reach the desired goal. The beach is frequented by surfers in the left side. If you go right after discovering that a small promontory c 'is a beautiful cove. We arrived there and there seemed to be true that there were none. Towards? Lunch over to us c? Were a couple of umbrellas and just amazing! But we soon realized why: the tide began to rise and soon we were isolated compared to the beach! If you pretend not to have done so many bathrooms and surf. The waves are spectacular, although the water was really a bit cold. At about 5 the tide slowly began to retreat and only at 18.30 we were in the conditions of return to the main beach. We had passed the entire day on a beach practically isolated. Turning back was not thinkable: behind a cliff high and 80-90 meters to the left and half a meter of water with the waves that break towards the rocks!.
With great sorrow we leave the beach at sunset and we head towards our resort. Unfortunately part of our dedicated holiday in Fuerteventura was coming to an end. We spent the evening to make your luggage, and after dinner we were directed to Corralejo for? Last beer Dorada

Destination Tenerife

Around 11 we leave the resort and go to the airport. We stop for gas (the first time since we arrived!) Moved and pay € 22 for one tank of diesel Renault Modus! With diesel fuel at 60 cents life takes another look! We deliver the car without any of the inspector? Avis we were to check the status of the car or if we had done the full. All about trust, but in fact should be so: l? Honest people should take precedence over contracts and postille! At the airport there for a couple crucible d? Hours around the shops and eating something. Then at 14 we take our bitterino (Binter Canarias) for Santa Cruz de Tenerife. One hour of flight and the second part of our holiday can begin. Difficult to say but we arrive earlier than expected and therefore we should wait a quarter of hour the guy in the rental? Air arrivals. Well this time it was Holiday Autos? Raffled? a charterer other than traditional Orlando Rent A Car. The name is already an entire program and not having an office at the airport we have an appointment with a representative for the 16 in? Air arrivals to the airport. The weather is not good but we will do l? Habit: the north of Tenerife has a very different climate from the south coast. More arid and dry southern, more humid and rainy the north. Furthermore, the airport is on a? Hill that is often shrouded by the mists that descend from Mount Teide, a volcano that with 3,718 meters of height is the highest mountain in Spain!
Oddly puntuale guy comes to Orlando. Fill the forms at the counter making a bar (!) And then guides us in the underground parking of the airport to deliver the keys of our car: a red Renault Clio. There nothing explains the car and leaves, telling three important things:
? we had ten minutes to leave the car park without paying (it had paid him for us)
? the return would have had to leave the keys of the car in the mailbox that had been installed on a van inside the Orlando airport, not forgetting to include the parking ticket!
? The machine is in reserve and then left the parking lot tells us to go racing to make gas along the motorway. Obviously it makes us aware that we are free to bring the car in reserve and not with the full? Miss us more!!
Having said that he went and had already spent 3 minutes! At least he left us a map of Tenerife. We load your luggage and leave the parking maze? Credo che ce l? We have made in a matter of seconds of the expiry of 10 minutes!
Take the motorway leading to the capital Santa Cruz and then head towards? Autopista del Sur towards our final goal. We realize that the name highways could not be more appropriate: there are 4 lanes for the portion that leads to the capital of Tenerife and two lanes plus an emergency on the motorway del Sur. They are all free but very busy. The limit of 120 km / hour is not respected by anyone and you will find yourself glued to your cars sit at speeds unthinkable. A little? how our highways! We do full on the first distributor and also control the pressure of the tires because I get the impression of having 4 caciotta. Instead of being a 2.2 to 1.5! I doubt is that the rest is ok since I had not had time to check after check and this is the sad record:
? Mancava l? Antenna of the radio so it was impossible to listen to music if not with its Cd
? Lacked the owner's manual of the machine
? But more serious was absent movement of the book!
? The car had its interior filled with sand
? The tergilunotto was unusable because of the worn rubber
? Although it is a displacement of 1.2 bar and no air conditioning arrived at 120 km / h for miracle
Fortunately c? Was the spare wheel! I must say that I felt rather put in motion, with the promise of making a formal protest to my return to Italy.
Our final destination was the Green Park Resort in Golf del Sur on the Costa del Silenzio between El Medano and Los Cristianos. About 100 km away from the airport. With a? Hour we arrived at the second airport of the island, the Reina Sofia (Queen Sophia). 4 km from the airport we left towards the coast and heading towards the area of Golf del Sur. This is a huge complex, which houses dozens of residences and hotels of all types and all species. The main attraction is the golf course of 18 holes which is located at the center of this area. The second attraction is the airport and take off where abide dozens and dozens of flights a day (including night unfortunately!). enter the complex and rather easy to find the Green Park well marked. From the outside there seems to be a beautiful complex with three swimming pools, restaurants, pubs, bars and shops and services (laundry, library, supermarkets, etc.). At the reception on a boy vent? Years with few fluent English tells us that the room is not yet ready, doing the cleaning! At 5 pm?? Vabbè take advantage and do a tour of the residence and discover that it is really very big, with hundreds of mini-apartments with kitchen area.
After a half? Oretta go back to find the boy that he gives us the key to the room, the infamous post 112 on the first floor. Let's go a little fearful, as if aware of the tragedy that would be consumed by shortly? Open the door and "the apartment is quite spacious but the hygienic conditions are immediately affected. Everything is dirty, the bathroom Italian style after the war is almost unusable, the same kitchen and sleeping areas, a hide? Ultimate unacceptable pitfall: the sheets are clean but not used by previous tenants! The discomfort but we attacked the girl takes my hand and the situation descends into the room where a mix of Italian-English-Castillo says the boy that the sheets and pillows should be changed immediately! You, little surprise, tells us that he would do everything possible and that we would provide everything necessary. 7 to take the sheets and the change (alone) while the cushions and linings for c 'is expected to be l? Arrives supervision that has the keys to the warehouse. Let's do a walk and the car come out of the area towards the sea. In fact the sea is about 3 km from the resort and it is not unthinkable to get there on foot. Very disappointed add further grief to the sea, there is no beach, just rocks. We walk for several hundred meters in search of a small beach, also of black sand, even on land, but nothing? All inaccessible rock! We are practically in tears when the prey back to the resort. After several ups (get the pillow to cushion was not easy) we have at least necessary for the night, CLEAN! Reached the primary purpose we decide to leave from there to eat something and try to rest. We head towards Los Cristianos, the famous seaside resort of the island, set in Las Americas. Los Cristianos fingers about 10 km from where we are but when we arrive it is already dark and we do not see the sea. If you waiting a little fishing village then left to lose: it's a crazy conurbation, with buildings of 10-15 floors, shopping malls to do envy the Carrefour area of shops and restaurants style Rimini. E? an indescribable chaos of machines and people: finding a place is a center? difficult. Parking and we are heading for the P area.

Tenerife: The first delusions!

Unfortunately, the first pass almost sleepless night. We discover that the nearby Reina Sofia airport is practically open all night and charter flights from around Europe arrive and take off at any time. Only towards the end of the holiday we would have started to do l? Habit.
In the morning we go to the pool bar of the resort and we all have breakfast? English. Having applied for about 20 variations to the menu standards (!) The poor maid enters the ball and a continental breakfast to pay € 2! Conscious of the striking error we decide not to go over there to have breakfast to avoid being recognized!
Ask the guy at the reception any advice for a bit of beach, and he directs us to the Playa de la Tejita in the municipality of El Médano. Located a few kilometers (about 4-5 from the resort) going up north. The reference is obviously the airport and a large peninsula Red (Punta Roja appunto). The beach is great (we find that it is virtually one of the greatest of all island) and the sand is black, as the island formed by the Teide volcano, which dominates the landscape in the southern part of the island. C? Is a strong wind and stay with? Towel to the ground is almost impossible. The beach is equipped with deckchairs and umbrellas (fixed straw). Each piece which was chartered costs 2 €. We avoid l? Umbrella and take almost two streets in front of the sea. It is Sunday and c 'is many people. The roads are taken independently by the bathers. Each time a man passes that sign on the street and asks you for money. Selling understand the various signs whether or not you have paid.
At the end of the beach toward the north c 'is a little long beach a hundred meters where it is practiced in almost obsessively nudism. The show, compared to Fuerteventura, it's almost sad because dozens of naked bodies and are stuck fighting a few tens of meters, almost a display of worship? Exhibitionism. Prior to this cove c 'is a bar offering refreshments to the swimmers with drinks and sandwiches. The day is beautiful and we decide to spend the whole beach. Swim is pretty funny because of Mounting even if the water is pretty freddina. The tide also plays jokes not bad, given that all? Sudden two tsunami waves style almost overwhelm those who were avventuranti with deck chairs and towels too close to shore. You have no idea of laughter that this apocalyptic scene aroused because normally go to the beach! We fortunately we did not show up but for a mere matter of centimeters! At lunch there at the refreshment bar. The sandwiches (giant and facts about the time) cost € 2.5. The offer is varied: from lomo (pork cooked to the plate) to the tortilla espanola (potato omelette a) ce n 'is really for everyone. Beverages at the right price and one can of frozen cerveza.
In the afternoon we visited the nearby village of El Médano. Lonely on c 'is written? Country with a rather sad enough beautiful beach suitable for windsurfing enthusiasts?. The truth lies in the first and last part of the description. The beach sognatevela its quite nice, much better than de la Tejita. The beach is rocky and mostly very small. People are crowded in small spaces where there are rocks and the wind ve also found them on the head? Around this wonder we sit in a zumeria where we decide to enjoy a nice fresh fruit juice! This is the Zumeria Sotavento. A nice juice of your choice with a mix of several fruit costs € 2.9 It is worth it for the goodness both are great! We need an Italian boy who is six months living there! Incredible how the Italians to adjust to any place!
At the end of the day we return to the area Sunday and although we put ourselves in search of a supermarket to do some? expenditure and, above all, buy products to clean our apartment. It is an open 7 days a week 7 from 8 to 23 and then buy everything you need for our stay of one week, at least for breakfast and Drinks menu. Obviously, we buy too many cleaning products including sponges and flakes. At our return to the residence there is a spectacle unimaginable before: in the corridors of our English friends have l? Habit of leaving rubbish bags outside the door, waiting for the women cleaning them taken away! Imagine you in the summer heat of the Islands in these long corridors and closed with no windows giant blacks these bags that bell? Olezzo which propagate in air? Course of cleaning ladies who are certainly not paid to leave the garbage in these bags? Rot? until when? smell from the body become almost putrefactive and direction impietosita sends someone to take them off.
Spend two hours to clean everything, but everything. In the end, the health tornano white kitchen back and such. Cutlery are used as the pots. This cleaning, it will discover with the passage of days, we were able to take advantage of a change of sheets and towels almost every day! Why? Women cleaning are clearly accustomed to an audience of British barbarians, we know that not all of their fans? Hygiene in an absolute sense? Then seen the result of cleaning have maintained decent standard of our accommodation. This does not authorize me to recommend this postaccio horrible! Among cleansing shower and a restaurant, and we do late involuti towards Playa de Las Americas which is a couple of miles from Los Cristianos. There are a? Enormity premises, fast food, bars, pubs and discos. Struggling a bit to find parking because it is not easy to navigate. Indeed, apart from the map that you have the street names do not exist or is given by the best hotels that we found. So Avenida Marriott is because c 'is the famous American hotel chain! Incredible, everything is artificial and increasingly we have nostalgia of Fuerteventura. We stop along the way of clubs and very late going to take a kebab on the fly and do two steps. We're really cooked, l look? Now and find to be the 2 am! There are many people around (not just young people for the truth) that appeared 10? Make-turn and go to sleep.

Fun at the Aquapark

Given the disappointment at the beaches and marine decide to enjoy a day of relaxation all? Acquapark. We enter now in? Line of thinking that there will be lots and lots of people but prefer to go on Monday to wait for the weekend or for discounts on Wednesdays where we think there is much more confusing. The Acquapark is located in Costa Adeje, just past Playa de Las Americas. If you are living in a hotel you will find (at our c? Was) the park offers a free shuttle bus that takes you there and resumes. The park opens at 9.30 am and closes at 18 but we were already at 9. And do not believe it but c? Era row! In a half hour and she caviamo after paying l? Daily entry for the modest sum of € 22 per person entering the park. It is of course an organization estorsiva nice and good and have a locker we have to pay € 3 and the other in the streets? Other € 3! The park is huge and the attractions are genuinely funny. I am not a great frequenter of water parks but this seems to me very beautiful. There are games to suit all tastes and all ages. Even every half hour c? Is the ability to make a mini diving under the guidance of an instructor. The people are great and you start to make a file of even half hour to make a game, whatever it is? The heat soon became irresistible and the spectacle of young English completely burnt in a row under the sun I must say that is pretty hilarious, even though I realize to be a bit masochistic! Attention because for a couple of games you must be a small raft or a bun. If you want to? Staff? all day where others pay € 9 and since we do not just want we discovered that a particular shift system, there are however some gommoncini and donuts available to everyone. We are able to make all games with the system and we have saved € 18 that many are not. C in the park 'is also a dolphinarium and there are two shows a day with the dolphins. We decide to go to that of 15 and being 13 we try to eat something. All the kiosks inside the park have taken d? Assault and then the prices? For a hot dog and anointed bisunto ask € 6.5? Stuff from the Spanish for a foil to roast chestnuts! Then we remember that just in front of the park there are several pubs all? Scottish Open, British, Irish? But surely, we say, prices will be better. Do we issue a pass to come and go in front of? Entry where we enter the terrace of a Scottish pub and eat a giant hamburger with a mountain of fried potatoes. Dorada beer mug in ice cream and spend € 12 in two! In the face of the management of the park! And we enter the race to dolphinarium for the show. Attention because the seats are not numbered and once filled the stands are closed the access. This means that if you find the despicable individuals who want to see you twice you may not see it at all! So just l? Loudspeaker announcing the show to run perdifiato to the Dolphinarium. Also because the show really deserves is very beautiful! Takes about half hour and you will discover what they are able to do these cute animals. You know it is very sad to see them in the tank and the same sense l ce? We had at Miami Doplhin U.S. but the instructors seem very loyal to these animals that you try to forget this? another circus wanted from the man.
At 18 you are literally beaten out of the park and go there if you do not manage to make even the shower! Then all traffic to exit the maze of streets leading to the motorway. It seems any Sunday in August in Rome, aligned to the sea?
In the evening we decide to rely on our Lonely placet to go and eat a traditional dish in Spanish cuisine. Between Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas in? Hinterland have reported several typical restaurant. But we have difficulties to find them because in this part of city street names are given by the names of the residence and often there are the house .. in the end we find the local area are overflowing. We ask the waiter what c? Is to wait and tell us in the wrong way that we have to wait? But what is? Boh, asking another if we can give the name to put in file, since c 'is that many people expect, and he candidly tells us that there are lists? The list is self from people who wait. Ask who is the latest and you are after them! But that is silly? After ten minutes we have confirmation that not ever eat because the row is not respected (the Spanish are the same, unfortunately for the Italians in this and other situations that were not precisely?) And then raise the heels, and go on. Randomly parallel to find another place that is called Asador Castellano. Of course there? Is? Address and is not even listed on the ticket that is issued at the end of dinner. However, I leave you a phone if you want to go 922-750273 The place is nice with a beautiful terrace that overlooks the parking lot, unfortunately. But the area is quiet, the staff pleasant and Spanish cuisine such as Spanish are the patrons. We study the menu and we do recommend something from them and to take an octopus Galician (raw and marinated with lots of spice) and a full two-Lecha. This is a huge portion of meat? Bring a shank of pork (I think) cooked in the oven. But really good too! With water, a beer and a coffee we spend € 45 in two. Bear in mind also a? Atra thing in Spain will always pay the cover, sometimes l? VAT is not included in the price (and fortunately the Canaries is only 5%) and bread you pay salty! Us a portion l? We paid a 1.8 €? Exaggeration real because you do not wear a certain vein!

Tour of Tenerife island

Let's make a tour of the island to see for yourself what the guide hand and the various forums is not saying, or that the island has no beaches, and above all do not have a beautiful sea. We leave for good now with? Autopista del sur we go to Santa Cruz.Lasciamo thicker again, the motorway to go on the coast to check? Existence of beaches whenever the Lonely Guide or the map that we received from the charterer shall indicate the presence. But we increasingly disappointed: in fact, beaches are marked as real dumps, and other times it is 10-15 meters of volcanic sand with a dark sea and not at all inviting. Moreover, since these places outside the beaten track locations are discharged all the inhabitants of the island which of course does not even dream of spending a day at sea in the crowded beaches of the south of barbaric hordes of tourists. Hygiene conditions that we see in different countries to the north are nothing short of crumbling, these villages along the coast often have not even completely paved roads and dirt in every corner. Just before we turn to Santa Cruz for? Autopista Norte de La Laguna for Assigned Orotava.Il The heat is felt, and every time I turn the air conditioning of catorce guido that I can not do more than 80 km / hour. C? Is to consider that much of the road that connects Santa Cruz to Puerto de la Cruz is uphill and then? La Orotava is a pleasant town on the west coast of the island. Free parking is practically impossible. Let's go to the underground car park which is located near the Iglesia de San Augustin, and € 3 to let the car cool. We do a walk in this lovely country, the day is windy el? Altitude at which we are (about 400 m) makes the walk pleasant. What is most interesting to see the houses are typical of the island some of which date back to 1600. The most famous is the Casa Molina (or the Casa del Turista) where you can visit for free (at least on the ground floor) to see the cloister and make small purchases of handmade souvenirs. We go to eat in a place indicated by the guide is called Tapis Bar-Restaurant in Avenida José Antonio 6.Il bar is quite wide and the two ladies who are running quick but cordial. The sandwiches are all cast, and you can practically apply it as you like. The price you pay is derisory: two sandwiches and two Coca-Cola will cost € 6.20! We continue towards Puerto de la Cruz and cross vast fields of banana trees. Shortly before reaching the town we find a banana open to the public. It's called El Cheeks and pay 7.5 € per entrare? Us I do not recommend the great but if you want income. In addition to the banana plants which you can see for free on the whole island, there are dozens of plants and fruit trees that you can hardly look on? Alone. Pineapple plants of the Mediterranean, the cocoa plant, etc.. C? Is the chance to sample the famous liqueur banana and of course buying some souvenir.Se you want to buy the liquor that is typically the place for you, because on the whole island we did not find places where they sell for less. However a 750 ml bottle costs about € 7 (to the airport of Puerto de la Cruz l? I saw a 15 €). Furthermore, c 'is the projection of a video in various languages with an explanation of how to grow a banana plant and reap the benefits directly into your garden at home. In fact, the bulbs are sold bananas to be able to plant where you want (if you live in Bergamo sees tough? The temperature must be constant at 25 ° C for all year round!)
Around 16 we arrived in Puerto de la Cruz. The town is not bad has a picturesque but when we reach the sea? Beach beh neanche l? Shadow. Even after the boys are swimming in scoliosis of the town, having fun with Mounting that break on the rocks. Some hotels have pools filled with natural sea water? So do the bath in the pool pretending to stare at the sea. Further south is one of the Loro Parque major attractions of the island, as the advertising that you will find anywhere. This is a park where there are several types of birds and other animals. Again, the ticket of entrance is affordable? About € 25 a day to enter the park. We decided to defer all but the face? Entrance to the park is the beach La Romantica! irca 100 meters of black sand, wedged between the homes of Puerto de la Cruz, with beautiful big Mounting and obviously those 3-4 thousand bathers who try to earn a square meter of living is on the beach and water. We continue towards the south in an other location indicated by the map to the presence of a beach. We promise that is? Last time I leave the path to not see a beach. We are in San Juan de la Rambla. Here even the beach? Shadow? Then we stop in an agency travel along the street and ask, since we may have been wrong road. The lady who runs The agency is very gentle and explains that the beaches on the island there are not in the sense that we understand. Are the only ones in the south, where there are large groups of tourists as the only north and just above Santa Cruz, but totally artificial (then understand what it intended by this definition!) Beaches that the map (and even the Lonely) Points are only small areas of soil or volcanic sand that have been generously included in the computation of the beaches? isola.Poi seeing our eyes tells us disheartenment where we come from .. we say that we come to Rome from Fuerteventura and she now tells us that if we seek the sea and beaches, then we must go back there! We rely on the road, now became late and we head towards? Other places of tourist resort island, Los Gigantes. But this time there illusions to find a beach. The highway linking Puerto de la Cruz, Los Gigantes climbs for tens of kilometers. The machine makes a brutish toil on these hills and formed a beautiful tail behind me, but honestly I can not just get stronger. The spectacle that has overtaken us in front of the climb is beautiful. There are two huge mountains that drop sharply to the sea and among the two clusters of Los Gigantes and Puerto de Santiago. The name of the Giants when these two headlands really deserve it, as are large and beautiful sunset imponenti.Un, even if the show behind us is that of dozens of multistorey buildings, capable of hosting thousands of people. Characteristic of anything. Even Puerto de Santiago is nothing which is of course the beach which has a fascinating name, Playa de la Arena (which courage) I will not even describe. When we arrive in Los Cristianos is now almost 10 and we have no desire to go to our apartment and then being able to look at the menu nuovo.Mentre a? American steak house, we realize that, given c 'is a Spanish restaurant. Inside there? Is so many people, let a? Look at the prices that seem affordable. We plan to take one? Alone? but the urge to run is not quite so much and then enter. It was the discovery of our visit to Tenerife, a Spanish restaurant offering local dishes at very modest prices. We ask the waiter a tip and he tells us peremptory: zarzouela! This is the version? Soup? of paella or a great fish soup, whole fish with a lot

Los Cristianos and the English guests

We decided to spend the day lying in the sun not to nulla.Siamo a bit tired, there are still many miles and do not turn back more tired than when we partiti.Decidiamo then go to? Beaches? the south, and do a tour to see which of Las Americas and Los Cristianos can work. First, it is almost impossible to rent an umbrella or cot. C 'is also a part of each beach to bathers but the crowd reaches levels style? Rimini? in August? then decimated to just rent the necessario.Optiamo to the beach in Los Cristianos which is called? Las Vistas?, because larger and less crowded than Las Americas. Let us say immediately that the color of the sea will not invite some to make nice swim today but do not want to complain. The beach is well kept, clean and super organized with showers, public toilets, disabled access, and a lot to offer any kind of fun in the water. First l? Of rent? Umbrella and the bed can not be separated. Or if you want to rent only the deckchairs (perhaps because the hate? Shadow) you can not do. The deckchairs are traveling with? Umbrella and each piece costs € 3. Umbrella and two deckchairs total € 9. Not cheap but you can be. The plant closing to 18.00 and do not plan to stay beyond that seen at 18.00 o'clock start all cleaning activities of the beach and the coastline for the next day. If you have not bored you that? Choice: jet ski, parasailing, canoes, pedal boats, trips on a sailing boat, etc.. etc.. Do not hesitate: if you do not find your business and ask for marina will be offered. Everything is possible and everything has a price, however! The jet ski costs 40 € per 20 minutes (45 € if you go to two) the same for paragliding. If you want to save money then you have to do is swimming in water cloudy Las Vistas, trying to find a place to not be targeted by balloons, racchettoni, etc..
Of course, behind the beach you will find dozens of English pub in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland etc.. where you can Magyar standard fast food from food, drink beer iced spending as Mc Donald? s.
In the evening we decide to return to Los Cristianos and try some typical Spanish restaurant, maybe some nice pub where there are no tourists and where the staff does not have menus in 20 languages. Pedestrian walking in the center of Los Cristianos at the end of Avenida Luis XXIII on the right c? Is an uphill with a local anonymous. Some wooden table outside, a small counter inside. We read the menu outside (only in Spanish) and we are convinced. The manager is an old man of at least 80 years, very slow service, almost nerve-racking for the time that passes between? And ordering the dish. We see that we are the only patrons of the restaurant and some doubt it begins to rise from the belly? Order two and expect good paella 40 minutes? Then compare the old with two piattoni paella of chicken and fish. The view is great but the taste? Say that the envelopes of Buitoni are definitely better! Not that is bad but the fish was clearly frozen and the rice was not mantecato just seems to eat Chinese white rice and frozen fish. Bad dinner, the price thankfully does not betray the expectations and with the € 25 ce caviamo.Per return your mouth back to jail the Green Park take two and pass a cocktail? Oretta pool to gossip. But the evening started badly, ends worse for tradition. In the middle of the night near the British begin a fierce debate between an el? Residence of the other! Volano big words and insults? Triggering the reason is that younger people often go to disco and back at 5 am doing an incredible uproar? Furniture being moved, screams, blows on the walls? Up at 7 to collapse when the tappeto.Ma night a neighbor has no more right and (rightly in my opinion) did the crazy, screaming and threatening the nearby? all alone? alba, the situation has returned, without of course that none of the staff of the residence was moved a finger to re-l? order or call the police!

Las Teresitas and Santa Cruz

We decide to go and see a beach north of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Of course before this trip we ask the staff of the residence that we confirm that this is one of the most famous beaches of the island. In fact, Las Teresitas appears on all the brochures of Tenerife and seems quite nice. Ok, that done, we leave in the direction of Santa Cruz. There are about 120 km to get to the beach but we take l? Opportunity to give? Look at Santa Cruz. The capital of Tenerife is a crazy chaos of machinery, works, roads to 4 lanes in the direction of travel? Is not easy to get out unharmed. We can take the wrong path after at least 4 times? Find the north to San Andrés small village right on the beach of Las Teresitas. From Santa Cruz will be a dozen miles, during which it runs along the harbor (huge) and a quarry of pozzolana (giant). Behind the beach a long couple of kilometers c? Is a large car park but please note that you are close to the capital and if you go in the weekend? Andateci very soon then why? Becomes large enough parking for everyone!
The beach is of white sand, but it is to carry over or comes from the nearby island of Fuerteventura. I will realize that the ground is hard, compact, and also in front of the beach c? Breakwater is a barrier to prevent the sea can take away the precious loot accumulated by hard work and ingenuity of men. The beach has experienced numerous palm trees, is equipped with lots of stalls that are food and drinks, bathrooms and showers, and the inevitable rentals agrees sdraio.Vi settle in the north of the beach, towards the end because in central and southern crowd lots of people. The sunbeds cost € 2 per piece for the whole day and I think they should hire at least one. The wind fairly taut and steady throughout the day makes your stay on the beach no matter where you are raised by the sand.
The sea is clean enough but the presence of the breakwater to a few tens of meters apart from being unsightly, it makes the water very low and not suitable for swimming. If you go to Las Teresitas you can not go on the cliff that overlooks to take some photos. Follow the road north and after a few bends you will reach the cape in front of San Andrés. You can admire a spectacular view and you will realize also that the beach below the headland known as Playa del Burro is actually a kind of handkerchief full of people who dispute the square meter. In the afternoon we went to take a trip to Santa Cruz in the pedestrian part of town. We are very fortunate to find a place the machine next to Plaza de España, even without paying anything. The center is all pedestrian: Calle Castillo, Calle Bethencourt Alfonso, Plaza de la Candelaria. All shops that sell souvenirs and electronic materials. For the electronics, photographic machines and digital cameras, c 'is to do a small engraved. In the resort as Los Americas and Los Cristianos you will find dozens and dozens of shops for the most part run by Indians who sell electronic products at really affordable prices. Example of the Sony Cybershot 5.1 megapixels at 90 €? I was about to buy something more than once but in the end I said to myself: if placed in homes costing as imagined in the streets of a non-tourist, such as may be Santa Cruz? in fact the prices that are found in the streets of the capital are higher. Always very convenient compared to Rome, but certainly more expensive. Why? I discovered the mechanism for tourist-fraud case and I want to warn those of you who like me are tempted from the electronic purchasing VAT-free. The shops that sell these products at the lowest possible price sell products USED! But deny and swear in front of their God that this is new merchandise, brand new with a guarantee that complete (in Spanish for each product purchase). And all used stuff, guys not Fall: I l? I discovered by accident. Front of a window, a woman asks in Spanish, the price of a camera and the seller confirms the very low price. She asks him if it is new stuff and he says that all the price is not used while the price (price in line with or even superior to what can between true in Rome) is new! To confirm that I was wrong to understand the conversation I ask the shopkeeper the price of the camera (the same as the Spanish lady) and he confirmed the price. Wonder if it is used goods and he said that the goods on display is all new. My conversation was in English and then could not understand that I was in terms of understanding the Spanish (very near the Italian sense of the phrase is quite similar?). Then all the shops you find in tourist areas, selling used goods that you sell as new. Two questions you may you doing right now, because the Spanish lady told the truth? And as they do give you a warranty on a product used? First answer: the lady might have read the warranty in its language and would have easily discovered that this (second question) is not the official guarantee of the manufacturer warranty but the shop in Italy that is less than toilet paper! After discovering the mechanism of cheating I waxed see the product thoroughly exposed and actually I noticed small scrostature the stripe on chaissy. Products which are probably the major shopping centers keep on display (see Mediaworld) and they then buy and sell: in the worst cases are used and repaired and then sold as new. In confirmation of this notice that none of these merchants will give you the packaged product, but so will the window and tells you that this is the latest product remained in the shop: TOO EASY!
Back to Santa Cruz: the city is nice, but nothing of that. Shops are beautiful, c 'is a lot of confusion around. Near the center not miss the fumer Doña Papaya (Calle Callao de Lima 3). Reported by Lonely placet is worth the visit. A good milk shake? Combined? or mixed with fruit so you will pay € 1.65. Behind the counter c 'is a pile of fruit ready for smoothies, incredible. Take a table, ordered and spend half hour of your time to see people entering and ordering smoothies of all kinds?
The day is coming to terms and then go back to our accommodation. But now the 21 and then we do? Let's go to Los Cristianos and decide for an ethnic dinner. In the pedestrian center is an Indian restaurant, King of India. The staff is really nice, since the patient will explain the dishes one by one unless you're practical. In the end we spend in two € 36 including tip and drinks, eating like pigs? Perhaps we really ate too much! Also because the program for the day after announcing intense.

Pico de Teide

We came all? Last full day of vacation in the Canary Islands and as the icing on the cake we have kept for the latest day visit (compulsory) at the Teide volcano as that the highest mountain in Spain. Seeing him from the bottom there is aware of his height. Located in the southern part of the island but in fact the weather conditions across Tenerife. E? often shrouded in clouds and is likely to go to the summit not to see anything? this is one of the reasons why l? we held for the latest day? day earlier did not seem in favor of a tour of the mountain. Even on the morning of August 26 just does not seem favorable but the time has expired and we can not postpone. We start with good time and go to San Isidro. The road climbs and climbs fast are felt on the Clio. I long in advance (!) And formed behind me a small queue SUV ready to overcome them as soon as they have opportunity. Let Granadilla de Abona to take the C-821 that passes for Vilaflor and Boca del Tauch arrives direct wing of the National Park Las Cañadas del Teide. The landscape is truly beautiful and as you pass the salt is different? Layers? mountain: pines, firs and then the desolation of the Cañadas, the vast plains that are more than 2,000 m above sea level formed by lava and volcanic ash dating all? last eruption in 1798. The countryside came to the base of Pico del Teide is incredible: it seems to be suddenly landed on the moon. Even more conspicuous is the casting from the side of the volcano very long 1 kilometro.Con the car will arrive at the base of Pico to 2356 m. try to arrive early otherwise you will have two problems: the car park (too small for the amount of tourists who come to visit the volcano) and especially the queue to enter the cable car that takes you to the summit. We arrived around 10.30 (as that used to climb at least 1-1.5 hours by car) and we waited 30-40 minutes. But the return l? Waiting was expected to come two hours!
Remember that salirete over 3500 meters and then you do not like the British tourists? Magliettina and slippers because then you risk of dying of cold! Jeans and sweatshirt and k-way in my view are required. Also because the weather can change continuously with the wind, rain and fog (no joke). The waiting time to enter the cable car we took lots of water and wind chill donated generously by Mother Nature. The cable is the modest sum of € 22 per person and will bring you all? Altitude of 3555 m in eight minutes (so you have a place to sign? Entry). Will give you a souvenir pins and will make you a photo (squalid) that if you wish to withdraw must pay nearly € 10. Only reached the cable car you will find friendly multilingual signs that you felt that you can not just go up on the cone of Pico. Or reach an altitude of 3718 m maximum. In fact, to climb to the top requires a permit issued by the park office which is located over 100 km away (!) Or Santa Cruz. So if you want to climb the cone you will have to go to Santa Cruz and make a request. The authorities issue a maximum number of daily to avoid damaging the delicate ecosystem of the volcano and thus the risk of your permit allows you to climb when you are already back in Italy! Obviously, large groups of tourists have? Before? Mafia since these require permits great advance and therefore you will see them march towards the summit. In fact, I have realized that we had difficulty making the 200 m final. The air is very thin and difficult to climb with little oxygen are not minimal. You must be at least trained and equipped in mind the terrain el? Marine clothing and no mountain that you arrive in the Canaries. In any event for all those who feel able to do so, let me l? B option to cable to reach at least the 3555-meter volcano, the journey on foot. Totally free not only allows you to save the 22 € of the climb but also to make the? Excellent exercise. The climb takes about 5 / 6 hours (as indicated by signs placed at beginning of the path) and if you still want to make a regenerative Sgambata you can always buy a ticket? One way? that is one way for € 11 before falling to walk toward the parking lot. The descent along at about 3 / 4 hours. The ticket of the cable allows you to do, when you get to your destination, a journey of 40 minutes to the lookout. Go plan, because every effort is centuplicato from the absence of oxygen. There are many people who sit and wait several minutes before you recover the strength to continue. Along the route there are several guides that give you relief when you need to. To avoid barbarian hordes of tourists to the summit of the volcano, the ticket has a time duration that I think is an hour and a half, which expired you must go back. The wind is very strong and difficult to assure that you will find the strength and motivation to stay longer than expected. However the fact remains that pay € 22 to be tied to the time is excessive in my opinion. The weather was beautiful but we were able to see La Gomera, the island that faces Tenerife. Many clouds and strong winds have made the stay on Pico just not easy. Returning towards the sea, we stopped at the City Vilaflor highest in Spain up to 1500 meters above sea level. I assure you after? Del Teide altitude seemed to be already on the beach. We stop in a small room to eat a sandwich (bocadillos) to € 1.80 and pepito (sandwich with cooked products) to € 2.10. The local people there wanted to go is in front of all? Single gas station of the village.
Come to the apartment we decide to move The last part of the afternoon on the beach and go back where we started or at Playa de la Tejita. Have been the 15.30 and at the time turned ugly. We take two chairs and we hope that? Guy does not move to take the money? But we do have to say that coming? Cabbage we have to pay? Passes in front of us, we look and says nothing! In fact our deckchairs were? Marked? and therefore we do not have to pay? as we had the intuition? archaic payment system provides many flaws!
The final dinner tonight as we go to eat? Excellent fish from San Luis to Los Cristianos. We wanted to close with a good memory and we just managed!

Ready to go back.

Day of departure. Our flight is at 19.00 and will take us to Gran Canaria where at 3 o'clock in the morning another flight will be with us in Madrid at 7.30 am where we will do the latest deals to Rome! What a great day ahead! But in the end we are happy because we enjoy in full the latest day and then have the whole Sunday to rest and to fall in? Line of thinking of the return to work.
Let your luggage, we leave from the residence with the temptation to call the piece of feedback and how to compile it? But then we said that we are not interested, there will not be back no more and then we dropped. Climb in the car and we head towards Santa Cruz. We want to spend at least part of the day at the beach in Las Teresitas. We take a while? sun, we take a swim and a nice shower, we dried the costumes and then eat a sandwich in one of the kiosks that are located behind the beach. The kiosk is called El Ultimo because it is the latest in the series! And it is certainly one of the most affordable: bocadillos (any type) and a € 2 cans (any type) € 1
Let's go to San Andrés and the square of the country take a final zumo: specialty of the house with orange, pineapple and banana (€ 2.10). Let's make a visit to the town of La Laguna which is located between Santa Cruz and the airport. Incenses the leadership this country describing beauty and ancient history. Frankly we just do not disappoint? Very nice but nothing special. The small cathedral does not open all? Time indicated to us and is being done late and we decide to go on. We stop at Decathlon along the motorway for one last attempt at shopping, but even this falls on deaf ears, with prices aligned to the Italians.
We arrive at the airport at 18.00 we leave the car with the system described: parking and keys in the mailbox (!) And then we check in for Gran Canaria. C? Magone is because the end of the holiday is always very sad? Arrived in Gran Canaria spend 7 hours running between shops (open all night, more than Fiumicino!) And sleeping on the sofa. Thousands are the tourists who crowd the airport during the night, with dozens of charter flights that show, in English and German homeland. Our part puntuale Iberia and then we get to Madrid from where we start to Rome. This fact, 15 days have flown. Tired but satisfied we return home, enriched by this latest experience. With the promise that we will return to the Canaries again, we are just entering the blood!
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Hello to all and good Canary