Santa Cruz: Tenerife's Busy Capital

My name is John and I am a qualified Canary Island Guide working on the island of Tenerife. I enjoy meeting people and showing off the delights of my island. I consider myself easy to get on with and always do my best to make your day interesting and relaxing. Although I am British I was brought up here in the islands when the rhythm of life was perhaps a little gentler. In fact, I have a preference for gentle, unhurried excursions with plenty of time for taking photographs and for clients to stretch their legs. My Scottish ancestors settled in the Canary Islands over two hundred years ago so I can tell you quite a lot about the real, native Tenerife with numerous anecdotes and interesting information one doesn't usually find in books or brochures. Tenerife has a fascinating history. Its people are unique and proud of their connections with the original pre-Hispanic Guanche inhabitants. During my excursions I can tell you something about the Spanish conquest, the island's volcanic eruptions, its history of trade with Europe and America, its charming traditional customs, its involvement with piracy from as far back as the 16th century and much, much more. I offer guided tours in my own vehicle or sometimes a hired vehicle if necessary. But they are always private and for you only. I will also hire transport and a driver if your group is larger. We will see the places you choose to visit be they old town centres, historic monuments, volcanic landscapes, vineyards or even beaches. The island is full of fascinating contrasts, the vegetations and colours changing from valley to valley, from the black sand beaches hidden under cliffs to the amazing lunar landscapes inside the Teide National Park, from the coastline banana plantations to the vineyards on the sloping hills. And, of course, it is blessed with folklore and delicious local cuisine. In fact, if we have the time and you request it I will always try to squeeze in a visit to a local inn so you can sample some of the Canary Island recipes and wines. Tenerife is a remarkable island and I very much look forward to meeting you and showing you around. I am a qualified Official Canary Island Tourism Guide, with License Nº 3736, as issued by the Canary Island Government. To prepare myself for the required exam I took a course specifically designed for guides in the Canaries at ESETEC, (Canary Island School of Technical Training). This enabled me to pass the required examination to qualify as a guide. I am not a mountaineer so would not be able to take clients mountain climbing, for example up the slopes of Mount Teide, but I can, of course, take you on the cable car and walking along the many mountain and coastal tracks in Tenerife.