LA LAGUNA TENERIFE


Outwardly unappealing, the island's second city is a big, sprawling town rapidly spreading towards Santa Cruz, which is only 8km away. like the capital, La Laguna also has a life and an economy that does not depend upon tourism. Many islanders work here, and there's a thriving university, giving the town a lively, youthful Spanish energy. La Laguna dates back to 1496, when conquistador Alonso Fernandez de Lugo set it up as the island's capital, which it remained until 1723. The name means The Lagoon, but there is no lagoon here now (the town is properly known as San Cristobal de la Laguna). The secret of the town is its exquisite historic quarter, where many fine 16th and 17th century Renaissance mansions survive.

It is rewarding to take a leisurely walk around the old quarter. To see most of the sights, stroll along Calle Obispo Rey Redondo from Plaza del Adelantado to Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion and back along parallel Calle San Agustin.