ROUTE 2: Tacoronte - Valle Guerra - Mercedes Forest - Taganana - Santa Cruz - La Laguna - El Sauzal

From Puerto de la Cruz, take freeway TF-5 (in the direction of Santa Cruz) until the exit for Tacoronte. This is the most important wine-making region on the island. Continue on the road towards Valle Guerra.

• Anthropology Museum Casa de Carta, open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am - 8 pm

Continue towards Tejina and Tegueste. At the crossroads at Las Canteras, turn left to Monte de las Mercedes, Mercedes Forest.

• Viewpoint Cruz del Carmen - visitor center, open from 9 am - 4 pm
• Viewpoint Pico del Inglés - marvellous view of the Anaga Forest and Mountains.

Continue on the road to Taganana, a village built along a ravine.

• Famous Triptych (16th century) from the Flemish Art School
• Church of Our Lady of the Snow

On the coast, there are two beaches: Almáciga and Los Roques. The road ends there. Drive back until you reach Taganana’s tunnel. At the crossroads, turn to the left in the direction of San Andrés, a small fishing village with seafood restaurants.

Continue to Playa de Las Teresitas, a beach with sand imported from the Sahara. Take the road to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island’s capital since 1822. It is the largest town on the island with a very busy harbour.

• Plaza de Espana - Tourist Office in the Island Council Building
• Plaza de la Candelaria and Castillo street - commercial centre
• Garcia Sanabria Park
• Conception Church
• Museum of Nature and Man - open from 10 am to 8 pm

On the freeway, you arrive at La Laguna, the old capital of the island established by the conqueror Alonso Fernández de Lugo.

• Cathedral (16th century) - inside is the tomb of the conqueror
• Conception Church - part of it is from the 16th century; however, it has been modified over the centuries.
• Shrine to the Holy Christ - formed part of the Saint Francis Convent, most worshipped crucifix on the island (You’ll see this one for sure, we are getting married there!)
• History Museum Casa Lercaro - open 10 am - 8 pm, closed on Mondays
• Museum of Science and Cosmos, outside the old town

Return to the freeway in the direction of Puerto de la Cruz. Exit at El Sauzal.

• Casa del Vino (wine museum) - local wine tasting
• La Garañona Viewpoint - magnificent view of the north coast

Return to Puerto de la Cruz.