VILAFLOR TENERIFE

Quite unlike other settlements in the south, the prettily named 'flower town' is the highest village in the Canary Islands. Standing at 1, 160m, it rises through cultivated terraces to pine forest on the volcanic slopes of the Teide National Park. The vines of Vilaflor produce drinkable dry white wines, and the village also has an abundant natural spring whose waters are bottled and sold all over the island. Although millions pass through Vilaflor on their way to the national park, few pause here and it remains unspoiled. On the village outskirts are a couple of artesania centers, useful places to buy local arts and crafts.

Just outside the village, set back from the main road, the little chapel called the Ermita de San Roque stands by the viewpoint Mirador de San Roque. From here there is a majestic panorama across southern Tenerife down to the dazzling coast.