La Esperanza

Overview

La Esperanza is the seat of the municipality of El Rosario. It is located high in the mountains to the west, at 905 metres above sea level. The town is a popular ecotourism destination and is a good base for walkers and those seeking a more activity centred holiday. From here visitors can explore the Corona Pine Forests as well as other national parks. Siete Lomas reserve and the protected Malpaís de Güimar can be easily reached from here.

El Rosario (meaning The Rosary) is a municipality of the north-eastern part of the island of Tenerife. The area is green and fertile with extensive grasslands, mountains, and forests to the west. The mountains boast magnificent views of the island and panoramas reaching as far as neighbouring islands. In this beautiful region of exotic flora and fauna are some rare endemic species. Due to volcanic action the relief between Las Rosas and the municipality of La Laguna is smooth, ranging from around 700-900 metres above sea level. The municipality of El Rosario has an area of 39.42 km² and a population of over 17,000.

A recent, important development in La Esperanza is the establishment of one of the biggest emergency centres in the Canary Islands. The other is Arinaga center on Gran Canaria. Both were opened in summer 2006.

History

It is the nature and forests of La Esperanza that give it real character and appeal. The forest also holds an important part in history. Discussions held here spurred actions that were to change the face of Spain.

Fearing General Franco's involvement in a possible coup, the Republican Government sent him to the Canary Islands in February 1936. He was appointed General Commandment of the islands. In June of that year, it was in La Esperanza forest that Franco met his co-conspirators to discuss the feared military coup. In July Franco flew to Spanish Morocco to take command of the Spanish Legion, and so began the Spanish Civil War.

There is an obelisk displayed in Las Raíces recreational zone, which commemorates the event.

Culture

La Esperanza not only places you in the best location to explore the stunning nature, but it is also an ideal base for cultural tours. Heading north is the historic one time capital San Cristóbal de La Laguna, and to the south is Candelaria where the patron saint of the Canaries is housed.

Economy

La Esperanza’s economy consists of business, tourism, and agriculture. As in the rest of the island agriculture has diminished considerably. There are farmlands both at high altitudes and in the valley areas. Potato is one of the dominant crops here, with beans, maize and various fruits also grown.

Tourism is less common than on its coastline and in the cities, although the area has become known for its ecotourism. Tourist attractions include hiking, cycling, scuba diving and water sports at Puerto Deportivo Radazul (Radazul’s Sport Port).

Flora and fauna

The municipality of El Rosario, which La Esperanza is in, extends to the west of the island up to the ‘Cordillera Dorsal’ mountains where there are evergreen forests of pine and eucalyptus. In more humid enclaves there is a rare eco-system where laurisilva and fayal-brezal grow. This is the start of the forest belt of Tenerife. A small population of a new hybrid trees known as Arbutus xandrosterilis was discovered here. The fertile area and extensive woodlands boast many species of flora including the colourful cineraria herb found in cool, damp areas.

There is also varied and interesting fauna living within this lush terrain. There are thousands of species of invertebrate, 56 species of bird, rabbits and lizards among others. The prehistoric lagarto gigantes (giant lizards) were known to have lived here. Although it is thought to be extinct, a species of this lizard has recently been found on other Canary Islands. Marine life includes around 400 species of fish and sea turtles.

How to get there

La Esperanza and the village of Las Rosas can be reached by catching TITSA bus number 3 bus from San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Buses run regularly to San Cristóbal de La Laguna from both Santa Cruz and Puerto de la Cruz:

- TITSA bus number 015 service from Santa Cruz. This journey lasts about 20 minutes.

- TITSA bus number 102 bus can be caught from Puerto de la Cruz, taking around 20 minutes minutes. Alternatively the number 101 service can be taken. This takes about 15 minutes longer but passes by attractive scenery and several pretty villages along the way.

It can be useful to remember that a bus in Tenerife is called a ‘guagua’ rather than an ‘autobus’ as in the rest of Spain.
Look out for the TITSA Bono bus card which provides up 50% discount on all buses and also many attractions.

Sights

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de La Esperanza

For the size of the town this church is quite large, standing out with its powerful bell tower. It is modern and rests in a spacious square where the old chapel from the 16th Century once stood. The fiesta of Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza is held on the first Sunday of August and includes an enchanting procession of the Virgin.

Ermita de Las Rosas

This is a pretty little church set in a quiet corner of the village of Las Rosas. It is situated next door to the bus stop.

Activities

Hiking

This rural town is an enjoyable place for walkers. Many trails start here taking you on an adventure in the surrounding dense forest or through pretty villages.

Circular Las Rosas- Birmagen- El Tablero- Machado- Las Barreras- Las Rosas

The walk takes you through a mixture of villages and nature, providing a broad experience of the region. The hike is a circuit taking around 4 hours, with medium difficulty due to frequent gradient changes from 400-1000 metres. It is around 15.5km in length.

A forest circuit from Las Raíces

From the campsite of Las Raíces you can enter the forest and choose from several trails. It is possible to navigate circular routes of varying length through the woods. This consists of solely forest trails apart from the possibility of passing by the main road that leads up to Teide. Along this walk many impressive views can be admired on a clear day, including panoramas that stretch as far as the island of Gran Canaria. Scanning the east of the island the shell-like structure of the Auditorio de Tenerife can be spotted. Difficulty of this track is medium since there are often steep gradient changes.

Cycling

There are several cycle paths beginning and passing through La Esperanza and the nearby village of Las Rosas. A popular track of varying gradients is one which leads to Tacoronte. It can be found on the Carretera General C-824, shortly after the turning down to Las Rosas.

Water sports

Radazul port and the close-by Playa de la Nea are ideal spots from which to enjoy windsurfing, sailing and other adventure sports. Underwater fishing is also practiced here.

Go-karting

There is a well-liked karting track in La Esperanza that can provide fun for all the family. It can be found on the Carretera General C-824, heading north from La Esperanza.

Camping

Las Raíces
This is a great central spot to stay for the night if planning a couple of walks in the forested hills, or through nearby villages. Locals often hold large picnics here, particularly at weekends, so it can get busy. The site has an area of 5000 metres, including a car park. Running water is provided and there are barbeque areas, although there are no toilets or showers.

Location: It can be reached via the TF- 24 La Laguna- El Portillo road, at km. 10, and then by taking the turning on the left just before the bar.
From Las Rosas bus stop walk along Calle Preventorio until you come to a fork in the road. Turn right here and follow the winding road to the campsite.

Permits are required for camping as a health and safety measure. It allows authorities to account for people who may be trapped in case of emergency such as forest fire. Acquiring a permit is free.