El Tanque

Overview

For nature lovers, the wild El Tanque is the place to be. The borough of El Tanque is surrounded by mountains which are waiting to be explored. It is one of the few places on Tenerife that doesn’t touch the Atlantic Ocean. Nevertheless, the location is one of a kind and an absolute hiker´s paradise. While the ocean and the beach are only few miles away, it´s easy to escape from the hoardes of tourists in this romantic little borough.

History

In 1706 a great volcanic eruption destroyed nearly the whole region of El Tanque. On one hand it was the most significant moment in the history of the region, on the other hand it was also the most destructive. The lava flow from the Volcano Travejo destroyed nearly all houses, estates, and churches.  Worse still, it destroyed 75 per cent of the fertile ground in El Tanque leaving little land on which to develop agriculturally.  Most of the inhabitants had to leave all their belongings behind and find a new home elsewhere on the island. The rebuilding of the area eventually began and the reconstruction of the church “San Antonio de Padua” only finished in 1770.

The history and original founding of El Tanque, however, likely dates back to the 14^th century. Historians cannot agree on a specific date of establishment, but the first church in El Tanque was built in 1540.

In the early 16^th century a big water tank was built in the borough to ensure the capital Garachico had enough water. The name ‘Tanque’ means water tank in English and the region probably finds the origin of its name from this.

The first Mayor, Baltazar Gonzáles, was appointed in 1621 but the first local council was only established in 1812.

Culture

El Tanque is a small community with around 3200 inhabitants. The rural traditions are very much alive in this little town. The natural environment plays a big part in their cultural lifestyle. The inhabitants of El Tanque celebrate their heritage and invite everyone to be a part of it.

Economy

El Tanque is in no way a hub for tourism like most if the other towns and regions in Tenerife. It mainly profits from its agriculture, namely potatoes and cereals.

Hunting also plays a great role in the region's economy. El Tanque is a great area to hunt for partridges and rabbits.

Location/ Vegetation

El Tanque is nestled into the north side of the Teno mountains. It is roughly 600 metres above the sea level. The whole region lies on a ridge and covers just over 24 square kilometres.  The whole region is surrounded by forests and at no point does El Tangue touch the ocean.

Due to its mountainous terrain, weather in El Tanque is rather unpredictable and the region often finds itself in a patch of clouds. Temperatures here are lower compared to those found in the sunny southern part of the island.  However, the clouds have one advantage - the humidity means region is always green and lush, ideal for crop growing. There are a few great natural parks in El Tanque, including the Parque Natural de la Corona Forestal and Reserva Natural Especial del Chinyer

How to get there

By Bus:

From Puerto de la Cruz TITSA Bus 325 runs every two hours (less frequent in the weekend) and takes about 90 minutes.
From Icod de Los Vinos TITSA Bus 392 and runs every two hours and take about 15 minutes.
From Playa de las Américas TITSA Bus 460 leaves every two hours or so and the journey takes about 10 minutes.

By Car:

If you are driving from the south, take motorway TF-82 road. If you are driving from the north (i.e.: Santa Cruz and Puerto de la Cruz), follow motorway TF-5 then TF-82.

Sights

Iglesia de San Antonio de Padua (Church)

The church of San Antonio de Padua was built in the early 16^th century in honour of the Saint Antonio Padua. Shortly after some expansion work done in 1660, it was destroyed by the volcanic eruption. The rebuilding of the church which took place in 1728 took almost 42 years and the bell tower was not restored until the 20^thcentury.

Where: Plaza San Antonio, Calle San Antonio, 38435 El Tanque, Tenerife.

Casa de los Martelos

Located on the south of Plaza de San Antonio is one of the most typical old houses of El Tanque. It is one of the few that survived the volcano eruption in 1706 and is now open to the public.

Where: South of Plaza de San Antonio (Calle San Antonio/ Calle Teleclub), 38435 El Tanque, Tenerife.

La Alhóndiga (the Granary)

Built in 1608, this public granary was originally intended to help local farmers to survive poor harvest. All the money made through the granary was later on spent on local facilities.  La Alhóndiga is one the traditional buildings that survived the 1706 eruption.

Where: Calle Calvario, 38435 El Tanque, Tenerife.

Museums

El Tanque Espacio Cultural

The giant tank-like building of El Tanque cultural centre is an attraction itself. It hosts a theatre and exhibition space for a variety of shows and exhibitions.

Address: Calle Fuente de Santa Cruz, s/n. 38003 El Tanque, Tenerife.
Telephone: (+34) 922 239 596
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Saturdays 12:00 to 20:00, Sundays and holidays 11:00 to 14:00

Activities

Camello Center (Camel Center)

Camello Center offers an alternative and fun way to explore the beautiful El Tanque - riding on a camel.  It contains a restaurant serving Canarian dishes, ideal for family outing and various celebrations such as birthday or communion for the little ones.

Where: Ctra. TF-82 Km 10,2 38435 El Tanque, Tenerife (Just 6km or 10 minutes drive away from the town of El Tanque)
Telephone: (+34) 922 136 191
Opening hours: 10:00 to 17:00
Admission fee: €8 Adult (entrance and camel ride)

Festivals

Fiesta de la Trilla (Grain Threshing Festival)

This festival takes place end of July in honouring the end of the harvest season. Farmers and their families get together to reenact the old ways of separating the grains from the chaffs using traditional tools.

Nuestra Señora del Buen Viaje (Patron Saint of Good Travel)

Festivities which take place end of August in honour of the patron saint of El Tanque.

El Belén Viviente

On Christmas Eve the inhabitants of El Tanque perform their own version of the Birth of Jesus. The ‘script’ to the play was written in the 17th century.

Fiesta en honor a San José

In March, the advance celebration in honour of the patron saint takes place in the district of San José de los Llanos. The bigger celebration in September of the same witness the romería procession of Saint José from the church to the hermitage.

Restaurants

Eco bar El Risco

This cabin-bar-restaurant is located on the mountain slope of San José de los Llanos (between Santiago del Teidesand El Tanque and closer to Erjos), surrounded by forests and farmland. Bearing the nature in mind, El Risco is fed on a generator, bakes its own bread and serves their own produce from the farmland. Their casserole of mixed veggies topped with grated cheese (verduras gratinadas) is not to be missed. It exhibits local artists’ work and is a host to many live music events and jamming sessions.

You can reach the village of San San José de los Llanos by taking the road that runs between Icod de los Vinos and Santiago del Teides via El Tanque and Erjos. When you get to the Puerto de Erjos area, take the side road opposite the ponds, which is also sign posted for Los Llanos and La Montañeta. El Risco is on the top of of the road uphill of village of San San José de los Llanos. Alternatively, TITSA bus 360 running between Icod de los Vinos and Puerto de Erjos passes through the village.

Restaurante Fleytas

Address: La Union, 53 (Erjos Tanque), 38435 El Tanque, Tenerife.
Telephone: (+34) 922 136 280

Monte Verde

Address: Avenida Principes De España 2, 38435 El Tanque, Tenerife.
Telephone: 922 136 502

Nightlife

Nightlife in El Tanque is rather quiet. Bars and restaurant are always a popular place to be. Proper partying is only possible in the bigger towns like Buenavista del Norte.

Shopping

El Tanque has a few supermarkets and shops that offer basic supplies for daily living, not the place for great shopping sprees.