La Guancha

Overview

La Guancha is a small municipal next to Los Realejos and Icod de los Vinos. Tourism is not alien to La Guancha but it somehow seems to maintain its serenity.  Nature lovers will find everything they are looking for in La Guancha as well as a healthy dose of the traditional Canarian way of life. La Guancha offers tranquillity and an interesting insight into the traditional lifestyle of its people.

History

The name La Guancha was created by Spanish colonisers under the command of Alonso Fernández de Lugo. While discovering the then unnamed locale they saw a native woman named “La Guancha” in Spanish. The captain was so mesmerised by La Guancha he decided to name the municipal after her.

Culture

La Guancha, home to around 5,500 inhabitants, is one of the municipals in Tenerife that still believes in their rural traditions. In the early years it was famous for its ceramic works as well as silk embroidery business. Nowadays these crafts are still evident in everyday life of the La Guancha people.

Economy

La Guancha is not a traditional tourist destination, income generated by tourism however, plays a great role in its economy. Many tourists come here to escape the hustle and bustle in the bigger resorts and find La Guancha a relaxing alternative. Agriculture and small-scale industry also contribute to its economy.

Location/ Vegetation

The municipal of La Guancha is elevated 500 meters above the sea level. Neighbouring municipals are Los Realejos, San Juan de la Rambla and Icod de los Vinos. Vegetation in La Guancha is quite rich, its volcanic ground makes the perfect area for growing grapes which are used to produce local wine. The municipal is 21.9 square kilometres and is surrounded by forest. From different parts of La Guanche, one gets to admire fantastic views of the coast and the Atlantic Ocean. The mild climate and many hours of sun make it a nice spot to visit.

How to get there

By Bus:
TITSA Bus 354 (Puerto de la Cruz - Icod de los Vinos) La Guancha from . Estimate journey time 55 minutes. Buses leave both direction for La Guancha regularly (hourly).

TITSA Bus 364 (Icod de los Vinos- San Juan de la Rambla). Estimate journey time 15 minutes. Buses from Icod de los Vinos departs at 07:00, 13:00 and 17:00 while buses from San Juan de la Rambla leave at 07:35, 13:40 and 17:40.

By Car:
If traveling from the north (i.e.: Puerto de la Cruz or Santa Cruz), take motorway TF-5. Journey takes about 20 minutes and 40 minutes respectively. If you are in Buenavista, driving to La Guancha takes 32 minutes on T-42.

If driving from Los Gigantes in the south, a journey on TF-82 with take about an hour. If you are in Adeje or Arona region, you can follow TF-47 then TF-82 for a more scenic route, it will take around 1 hour 40 minutes however. The faster alternative will be to travel anticlockwise via TF-1 to Santa Cruz then TF-5.

Sights

Dulce Nombre de Jesus (parish church)

This 17th century parish church is a great place for art enthusiasts to visit. Notable works are the baroque altar and a number of paintings.

Address: Calle Ensayo 2, 38550 La Guancha, Tenerife.

Hoya Brunco burial cave

Guanche mummies, clothes and ancient tools were once found in this cave in La Guancha. The findings are now displayed in the Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre (Museum of Nature and Man) in Santa Cruz. The cave is still a great attraction and can be located near Los Celajes.

Museums

Casa Museo Taller de Artesanía La Guancha

This house museum displays traditional Canarian art and craft works. Worth noting are the ceramics, silk embroideries, and the carved wooded door at the entrance. Live demonstrations are also available.

Address: C/Hipólito Sinforiano 4, 38440 La Guancha, Tenerife.
Telephone: +34  922 828 551
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 - 13:00 and 16:00 - 19:00

Activities

El Lagar recreational area

Lies in the heart of the forest, this 5,800 square metres recreational park hosts a camping ground, public barbecue area and playgrounds for the children. Water, shower, toilet, parking and access for the disabled are also available; a great spot for families and nature enthusiasts. El Lagar can be reached via the Carretera La Guancha- Casa Forestal (road) and then taking the second entrance on the right.

Beaches 

Charco del Viento (swimming cove)

There are a few bays in La Guancha that have evolved naturally through the erosion of the lava rocks. (“Charco” means "cove" in English). Charco del Viento is the perfect place for snorkelling and diving. However, it is not the typical sandy beach we all know.

Playa Santo Domingo (beach)

The beach is about 50 meters long and is one of the only real beaches around the area of La Guancha. The waves can be a bit rough though, hence it is more popular for sunbathing and a quick dip.

Festivals

Fiesta de la Virgen de la Esperanza

This festival is celebrated in honour of the patron saint of the municipal “Nuestra Señora de La Esperanza”. It is held every year in mid August, with the highlights being the religious possession La Bajada de las Hayas on the 3rd Sunday of August and the election of the Queen of the Harvest.

Restaurants

Casa Jorge

Address: C/Circillada 3, 38440 La Guancha Baja, Tenerife.
Telephone: +34 922 828 448

Casa Leon

Address: Avenida Villanueva 49, 38440 La Guancha , Tenerife.
Telephone: +34 922 828 006

Nightlife

Nightlife in La Guancha is rather quiet. For a good night out one should visit the nearby town of Puerto de la Cruz.