El Sauzal

Overview

El Sauzal is a small town nestled in the cliffs towering above the North West coastline of Tenerife. Centred along Avenida Immaculada Concepción the area is noted for its cooler climate, which makes it a refreshing stop. Lining the Avenida Immaculada Concepción is a wide promenade that acts as a balcony offering beautiful panoramic views across the Atlantic Ocean.

To the west is the commercial centre of the town with many shops and businesses, but if you continue east you will find yourself in the heart of the community and historical centre. This area is set out like a traditional village with a beautiful town hall, a large church and cafes surrounding a central plaza. The area is well preserved with some of the buildings dating back to the 15^th Century, which is just one example of this region’s rich history.

In this agricultural zone potato, cereals and fruits thrive but the speciality is grapevines, which are well suited to the hilly, green countryside. In fact, the name El Sauzal, comes from the Spanish word for Willow Tree, which are common in the area.

This is a relaxed and calm town ideal for families or couples. It is close to the larger town of Tacoronte and also the small fishing village of El Prix.

El Sauzal is heavily involved with the arts providing space and support for exhibitions and performances. During the Classical Music season the Tenerife Symphonic Orchestra and the Teobaldo Power Camera Orchestra often play at the Municipal Auditorium, next to the town hall.

History

El Sauzal was an important place for the aboriginal people of Tenerife, the Guanches. It was the perfect place for settlement with its green vegetation, cliffs with many caves for shelter and the coastline for fishing. You were once able to visit these caves that house relics left by their ancient inhabitants; however, access to many of these have now been cut off.

In 1572, parts of the Island suffered from the Plague and during this time all political and administrative work for the island was moved from La Laguna to the Church of San Pedro in El Sauzal. The church was actually built on the orders of Queen Juana de Castilla at the beginning of the 16^th century. Alsonso Bello was the founder of the town before the Spanish conquest of the island and Sebastian Bello, his brother, was the first priest in the church.

After the conquest Alonso Fernandez Lugo settled in El Sauzal with his family. This resulted in him building the hermitage of Our Lady de Los Angeles. Most of the population then settled around this area due to the hermitage and the access to the cereal trade. During the 16^th century the population increased as people from all over Europe came to settle in El Sauzal.

Traces of the traditional life style can be seen in many aspects of the town including the beautiful park of Los Lavanderos, whose name indicates that its many ponds and waterways were used for washing clothes.

Culture

The town gives an extremely relaxed and pleasant atmosphere and its ancient history is apparent to all who visit. A lot of the cultural aspects of the town revolve around the arts. The Municipal Auditorium entertains its 600 strong audience with many classical concerts from local and overseas musicians, whilst the Sala de Exposiciones hosts exhibitions in partnership with the social and cultural work of Cajacanarias. Behind the Municipal Auditorium is the Cultural Centre of El Sauzal. The beautiful example of modern architecture amongst the historic streets holds many local, cultural events in its main hall. Inside is also a library, a conference room and a school of dance and music. Religion is also an important part of the community and a number of religious festivals are celebrated through out the year.

If you travel a short distance further down towards the coast, you may be able to catch sight of some of the caves that were the ancient dwelling areas of the Gaunches, including La Garanona, El Risco de Los Angeles and Barranco de Acentejo.

Economy

Agriculture is the main industry of El Sauzal as it is blessed with rich, fertile soil. It is in one of the major wine producing areas of Tenerife, but it also grows other fresh produce such as potatoes and fruits. During the 1950’s, the tourism industry started but it wasn’t until the 1980’s and 90’s that it took off. Whilst tourism does contribute to the local economy, it has not changed the traditional town much and the area is not considered especially commercial or ‘touristy’.

How to get there

By Bus:
If travelling from Puerto de la Cruz, the 101 bus stops at the top of El Sauzal town. From here you take the steps down and follow the road downhill, which takes you to the centre. If you are coming from Tacoronte, the number 012 bus drops you right in the centre.

By Car:
If driving from Puerto de la Cruz you need to get on to the Autopista del Norte/TF-5, northeast bound, take exit 21 following the signs for El Sauzal. The journey takes about 15minutes. From Santa Cruz, again, follow the Autopista del Note/TF-5 travelling in a northwesterly direction.

Sights

Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol (Church)

This church was built in the 16^th Century on the orders of Queen Juana de Castilla. It houses art depicting San Sebastian, San Miguel and San Rafael along with a neoclassical Italian baptismal basin. In 1572, when La Laguna was under attack from the Plague, the Church of San Pedro became the centre for political and administrative work. This is possibly the reason for the ornate baroque style shrine in silver, made by La Laguna’s silversmiths. The front of the courtyard is an open terrace overlooking the sea whilst the side has a walkway with benches that are shaded by the towering trees.

Parque Museo de la Sierva de Dios (Park Museum of the Servant of God)

Sister Maria de Jesus was born in the town of El Sauzal and this 17^th Century building has been restored to showcase the life and work of this nun. She died in 1731 and her body has been preserved. Her body is immaculately preserved in a bier at Convent of Santa Catalina in La Laguna. Many visit her body on the 15^th of February every year.

Parque de los Lavaderos (Park)

This beautiful park was once an important meeting place for the women of El Sauzal. In its water ways and stone pools was once where the women would wash clothes. Now the crisscrossing streams and ponds house wildlife and allow huge plants and flowers to grow.  The park is a weaving path down the cliffs; using stairs and bridges to link the different levels culminating in a large, paved terrace high above the sea. You can access the park from the top or the bottom. Find the top entrance by continuing past the Church of San Pedro down the Avenida Immaculada Concepción and you reach a gate with stairs. Follow the stairs down and watch as the dry foliage soon turns to plush greenery. Alternatively you could take the road off Avenida Immaculada Concepción, opposite the Church, called Calle Lavaderos which is lined with colourful houses. At the bottom is the gated entrance to the park. Half way up (or down!) is a bar where you can refresh yourself after the steps. The park attracts a lot of wildlife including colourful dragonflies and lizards, small fish and, if you are very quite and patient you may even spot the tortoise that paddles beneath the huge leaves that overhang the final pond.

Access from: Avenida Immaculada Concepción or Calle Lavaderos, 38360 El Sauzal, Tenerife.
Opening hours: Summer – 08:00 to 21:00; Winter – 8:00 to 19:00

Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles (Hermitage of Our Lady of Los Angeles)

This is a hermitage built in 1505 by Alonso Fernandez de Lugo when him and his family settled in the town after the Spanish conquest of Tenerife. The people of the town settled around this hermitage as it was positioned perfectly for working in the agricultural trade.

Casa del Vino La Baranda & Casa de La Miel

The Tenerife Island Council now owns this large traditional estate and restored it in 1996 in order to promote the Tenerife wine industry. Inside you can learn where and how to grow the best grapes in the different wine regions of the island, the history of the rise of the Tenerife wine labels and have a lesson on how the wine should be tasted. There are also tasting rooms and a beautiful restaurant and bar with a large terrace. You can catch the Number 012 bus from Tacoronte or El Sauzal up to the museum, however, the entrance is the opposite side to the visitors’ car park and where you get off the bus. Make sure you go there first for translations and extra information on any of the concerts, lectures, exhibitions and courses that are held in the building.

Address: Carretera General Del Norte, KM 21, 38360 El Sauzal Tenerife.
Telephone: (+34) 922 572 542
Opening hours: 

Casa-Museo
Tuesday:10:30 to 18:30
Wednesday to Saturday: 09:00 to 21:00
Sunday: 11:00 to 18:00
Public holidays: 11:30 to 17:30
Monday: closed

Restaurant
Tuesday to Saturday: 13:00 to 23:00
Sunday and public holidays:13:00 to 16:00

Tasca
Tuesday: 10:30 to 23:00
Wednesday to Saturday: 09:00 to 23:00
Sunday:11:00 to 18:00
Public holidays:11:30 to 17:30
Monday: closed

Museums

Sala de Exposiciones

This is owned by the social and cultural work of Cajacanarias and the space, which overlooks the crystal blue sea, holds exhibitions of all kinds.

Opening hours:
Weekdays – 17:00 to 20:00
Weekend – 11:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 20:00

Beaches

El Sauzal’s main town is not on the beach but if you make just a short trip down to the coast, there are a number of beautiful beaches hugged by cliffs. A number of them are difficult to access due to the cliffy terrain but if you are up for the terrain, Garanona beach is regarded as the best.

Festivals

January 5^th – Representation of the Living Bethlehem (Cavalcade of Wise Men)

Beginning of March – San José

End of April-Beginning of March – Our Lady of Los Angeles

First Week in May – The Holy Cross, Le Calvario

June 29^th – Patron Festivities of San Pedro Apostle

July 19^th-25^th – The Holy Crosses, Ravelo

September 10^th – San Nicolás

Restaurants

Jalea de Menta

A particular favourite in the area is Jalea de Menta. Situated across from the endless steps up to the town hall, this contemporary restaurant and bar has a prime position. The interior is beautifully decorated and the fresh, neutral tones allow you to enjoy the stunning vista across the ocean. The menu consists of traditional local dishes alongside some ‘nuevo’ (new) cuisine.  The staff are friendly and professional, making this the perfect spot for those who enjoy a little fine dining.

Addresse: Av. Inmaculada s/n 38360 El Sauzal, Tenerife.
Telephone: 922 571 775
Book online or find out more at: www.jaleadementa.com

Nightlife

There are a few restaurants and bars in the town centre but if you are looking for something more lively you may want to take a trip in to Puerto de la Cruz. There you will find a host of busy bars and restaurants, along with lively discos, plazas and a promenade buzzing with people.

Shopping

El Sauzal is not really the place for retail therapy and the best the town has to offer will be its local produce. Fresh vegetables, fruit and flowers can be found at the market, ‘El Mercadillo’, which sets up on the near by Calle Guerra. Wine, the areas other local produce can be purchased from the numerous vineyards in the area. If you are looking for some more retail type shopping head to nearby Puerto de la Cruz or Santa Cruz de Tenerife.