Isidoro Luz Carpenter, born in Puerto de la Cruz in 1897 and passed away in 1980, completed his high school education at the Instituto Canarias de la Laguna and obtained a degree in Medicine and Surgery from the Central University of Madrid.
During his time at the El Pinar student residence in Madrid, he resided with renowned figures such as poets García Lorca and Antonio Machado, writers Juan Ramón Jiménez and Miguel de Unamuno, filmmaker Luis Buñuel, and painter Salvador Dalí.
After returning to his hometown, he initially worked with Mr. Ingram, a distinguished English doctor based in Puerto de la Cruz, for four months. Subsequently, he pursued further studies in England and Germany, mastering both languages.
He served as the Mayor of Puerto de la Cruz in 1927, 1934, and 1944. During his final term, he made a significant career shift from his professional practice to focus on developing the international tourist hub that exists today, transforming the municipality from an agricultural and fishing community to a designated Tourist Interest location in 1955.
He held the position of President of the Commonwealth of the La Orotava Valley and the Provincial Commonwealth of Cabildos in the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
In 1962, upon his appointment as the President of the Island Council of Tenerife, he spearheaded various developments including the enhancement of Los Rodeos Airport through the construction of a new terminal and runway expansion. Additionally, he established the Humboldt (La Orotava Valley) and Vistabella (Santa Cruz) viewpoints, constructed the current Altavista shelter, and renovated the Mencey Hotel, among other projects.
Don Isidoro Luz Carpenter was honored by the Spanish Government with the Commendation of the Order of Cisneros and the Order of Knight of Civil Merit. The Ministry of the Air also bestowed upon him the Grand Cross of Aeronautical Merit.
He further received accolades such as the Gold Medal of the Spanish Red Cross, the Silver Medal for Tourist Merit, the Father Anchieta Medal from the Government of Brazil, and the Commander of Dangebrok Irdemen from Denmark. He was recognized as the Favorite Son and Honorary Mayor of Puerto de La Cruz and was awarded the City’s Gold Medal.
He played a pivotal role as the founder and first president of the Institute of Hispanic Studies of the Canary Islands and was esteemed as an Honorary Member of the Institute of Ibero-American Cooperation in Madrid. He also served as a member of the Administrative Board of Public Works and the Agrarian Trade Union Chamber.
