The Cabildo has been proposing to rehabilitate the network of viewpoints in Tenerife for decades, but the different projects, more or less designed, are still tucked away in a drawer. The Popular Party, as the Canarian Coalition did before, recovers this old argument and requests the improvement of those balconies to the privileged nature of this Atlantic corner that are usually the first image for the visitor of the Island.
The viewpoints are the first watchtower that visitors usually look out of when they arrive in Tenerife. The climatic floors of an overflowing geography are the key to demonstrating their importance as balconies towards the dazzling nature of unique landscapes. The Popular Party (PP) in the Cabildo brings to the present a rehabilitation plan that has not been developed for decades. In May 2021, the island plenary session, at the proposal of the Canarian Coalition (CC), unanimously approved the preparation of an improvement project. No execution term or financial sheet; hardly, with the unitary conscience of alleviating the deterioration suffered by these symbols of the territory that extend to the natural treasures of the Island.
The most recent example of frequent vandalism occurred on January 31st. The well-known sculpture of the mencey Bentor, located at the El Lance viewpoint (Tigaiga), in Los Realejos, the work of the Canarian artist Carmen León in 1996, woke up with graffiti with derogatory descriptions in white. It is unknown whether the author has been arrested or not.
A tool
Viewpoints are a tool to increase knowledge and appreciation of the landscape among residents and visitors. They are located at geostrategic points that invite you to enjoy the best panoramic views and geomorphological manifestations. The Cabildo has published brochures with the principals of Tenerife. Includes a map marking 45. Those listed here are just examples.
From north to south and from east to west, Tenerife is full of watchtowers. Domestic, like those of a capital with special orography (Los Campitos, Vistabella…). And in full ascent, those destined to show the visitor. In the area of Anaga and La Laguna are the most visited by the local population. The Pico del Inglés, the Cruz del Carmen or Jardina. With extraordinary views of the Massif or the Vega.
Further north, on the way to Las Cañadas and Mount Teide, there are mandatory stops such as the Mirador de Ortuño (it owes its name to a Director of Forestry), the municipality of La Victoria de Acentejo or that of Humboldt, in La Orotava, dedicated to the naturalist German who fell in love with the Valley.
There are also those in the South that are even less well known. For example, Chiñama, on the TF-28 highway with a unique view of the Red Mountain of El Médano. Or Montaña Amarilla, on the coast of San Miguel, which shows the distinct beauty of erosion.
The popular cites examples of these infrastructures that have suffered an “intolerable deterioration.” The PP demands that the Cabildo draw up, urgently, a rehabilitation plan. This was announced by the councilor Manuel Fernández, after visiting the Garachico. He lists other examples of poor conservation, such as El Guincho (also in Garachico) or La Centinela, in San Miguel. He sentences: “The absence of maintenance gives a regrettable image, which does not correspond to the quality tourist destination of the Island.”
Fernández criticizes that the viewpoints “depend on Roads and Landscape, instead of Tourism, which would be the most logical.” The popular councilor considers that “this means that the Cabildo does not have the necessary sensitivity to consider them as a fundamental tool for promoting tourism in our destination.” At the moment, the viewpoints are stretched to deterioration.
Eight examples of ‘balconies’ in Tenerife
The Campitos
about the capital
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TF-11, Km. 2. It allows you to see the capital of Tenerife like from nowhere else. The peaks of Anaga are on the left.
Carmen’s Cross
The Vega lagoon in the background
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TF-12, Km. 23. Among the laurel forest of Anaga appears the unique panoramic view of the Vega lagunera and the city of Aguere.
garden
Aguere and Anaga
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TF-12, Km. 25. Right at the beginning of the Anaga Rural Park. It is possible to see how fields of crops, towns and a rich and varied vegetation extend. Accessible and close.
the little cross
The Güímar Valley at the foot
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On the TF-24, Km. 30, towards La Esperanza. Balcony that offers views such as the Güímar Valley.
The Garañona
the steep coast
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TF-423. Practically inserted in the hull of El Sauzal. Impressive views of the cliffs of the Acentejo coast.
ortuno
mandatory stop
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TF-24, Km. 19. An obligatory stop on the way to Teide along the Esperanza road. Panoramic views of the National Park or the northwest coast and the spectacle of the sea of clouds.
The Lance
Bentor’s footprint
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On the TF-342, Km. 5, Los Realejos. On the road that goes down from Icod el Alto. Privileged perspective of the Valley of La Orotava. It is dominated by a huge bronze sculpture of Mencey Bentor, the Guanche king who preferred to throw himself into the void rather than be captured by the conquerors. Defaced last January 31 by the vandals on duty.
Humboldt
A ‘virgin’ valley?
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TF-212, km. 1. Spectacular views of the Orotava Valley and its wide extensions of banana plantations with the majestic Teide at the top. The question inevitably arises: what would the virgin vision enjoyed by the German explorer at the beginning of the 19th century be like?
