Tenerife’s vibrant Hispanic culture has been going strong since the Spanish conquered the island in the fifteenth century. Visitors today can enjoy the proceeds of this history with an abundance of local foods, museums, and galleries. The gastronomy of Tenerife draws notable comparisons to Spanish cuisine but with a special local impression. Alongside this, the museums and galleries could surprise even the most sceptical critics with their size and content.
The dormant volcano at the centre of the island is in many ways symbolic of the fiery heart of the island’s culture. This comes to an annual climax at the stunning Carnaval de Santa Cruz. For those who prefer to travel out of peak season, there are plenty of other things to explore. This article will introduce an amuse-bouche of places to tickle your taste buds for a slice of Tenerife.
Museum of Nature and Man
This impressive museum, referred to locally as MNH (Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre), is a melting pot of important historical findings from the largest Canary Island. The isle’s first inhabitants, the Guanches, are on centre stage here, with a vast collection of their ancient practices and traditions made material in various mummies and ceramic wares. In particular, the mummified remains of the Guanche kings of old are on display and are definitely worth a look.
The museum itself is divided into three sections: Archaeology, Natural Sciences and Bioanthropology. The Natural Sciences section boasts a remarkable selection of the regions flora and fauna put into the context of change and persistence over time. The Bioanthropology section dedicates itself to explaining the story of the Guanches from ancient beginnings to the modern day. This museum is a must-see for all those interested in history and science. The comprehensive development of a civilisation is on display here, waiting to be discovered.
The Museum of History and Anthropology
This museum, known locally as the Museo de Historia y Antropologia de Tenerife, consists of two locations housing a content-rich analysis of the development of the island economically and socially. The first location, La Casa Lercaro, is a quaint sixteenth-century building in central Laguna. Behind the numerous exhibits on display, researchers proactively engaged in conservation and education are on site.
La Casa de Carta, situated in the town of Valle de Guerra, is home to the sister centre of the museum. Visitors can experience the inside of an eighteenth- century stately home. The exhibits here aim to tell the real social story of the history of the island from start to finish.
La Casa Del Vino
After all that cultural education visitors have definitely earned themselves some downtime. Where better to enjoy something a little lighter than at the Casa del Vino? This converted country estate house is now a lavish wine museum. The best part of this experience is undoubtedly the tasting room where an array of wines are available to be sampled and bought.
How to Get There
The best way to get to the island is by choosing to fly into one of the two international airports on Tenerife. Transfers from the airport to your accommodation can be pre-booked to ensure that your journey is as hassle-free as possible. You’ll be soaking up that Canarian culture in no time!
Martin Wynn
Priya
