A Tenerife Holiday has more to offer than you think. by Tony Garwood
Copyright © February 2, 2005 Tony Garwood
Tenerife Holiday has more to offer than you think. Museums abound.
If you are happy to while away your days on the beaches or around the pools of Tenerife then that’s fine but there are other things to do.
Like museums in the UK those on the island of Tenerife have had to move with the times to keep themselves interesting and motivating. The four I bring you to here have risen to the challenge and won. You will be happy with your day out and so will the children.
Museo de la Ciencia y el Cosmos (Museum of Science and the Cosmos)
Interactive exhibits abound from understanding how Black Holes work to finding your weight on other planets. The museum is housed in a large hall so no danger of little Sarah disappearing. There is a games and puzzle room and a number of large exhibits such as “flying over a huge 3-D map of Tenerife. Look out for the volcano!
An excellent planetarium is also housed on the site.
English versions of most information are provided.
The museum is located in La Laguna
Calle Via Lactea
Corner of Avenido de los Menceyes and Camino de la Hornero
Cruz de Pieda exit from TF5
Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre (Museum of Nature and Man)
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A wide range of exhibits are to be found at this Museum in central Santa Cruz.
The Gaunches, the original inhabitants of the Tenerife are featured fully including a very popular mummies display. You can learn much about their way of life, their art and their customs. Of course the history of the people on Tenerife since the conquest of the island is also covered. You will also find exhibits covering topics from agriculture to marine life.
Housed in a converted hospital the building and interior now exudes style and grace.
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There are English translations at the entrance of each room but you may also like to hire an audio guide in English from the reception desk.
This museum is in Santa Cruz
Calle Fuente Morales
near to Plaza de España and the bus station
Museo de la Historia de Tenerife (Tenerife Museum of History)
As you would expect, this museum records the history of Tenerife and the Canaries from the 15th to 20th centuries. The emphasis is very much on post conquest society and developments. The museum is housed in one of the few remaining 16th century buildings. It has been beautifully restored to its original glory and is a joy to see in itself. Casa Lercaro was built by a former Governor of Tenerife in 1593.
The displays are all in Spanish but at Reception you can obtain an English booklet which contains all the information you might need.
This is in La Laguna
Casa Lercano, Calle San Agustin, 22, near the Cathedral.
Museo de Antropologia (Museum of Anthropology)
One and half meters along the TF16 between Valle de Guerra and Tacoronte.
The final museum is located in the countryside on a 21000 square meter site. Indigenous plants abound and these are well complemented by various tropical plants. Other aspects of country life are to be seen from wine press to agricultural implements. In the house you can view traditional artefacts from across the Canary Islands.
The house is another exercise in restoration done really well. The Casa de Carta was built in the early years of the 18th century. A country house set around a central patio.
This museum is difficult to get to without a car but well worth the visit if your do have transport.
Opening Times
All museums operate to the same time table and admissions charges.
Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 7 pm
Monday closed.
Admission 3 €
Under 8´s free
Pensioners and students 1.50€
On Sundays admission is fee.
About The Author
Tony Garwood and his wife Jacquie Webber live in Tenerife. Here they have run Apartments Tenerife for the last five years poviding holiday accommodation at Castle Harbour in Los Cristianos..
www.apartments-tenerife-online.co.uk
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