In the heart of the lush Orotava valley in the peace and quiet of this plantation property you have the majority of Tenerife´s history at your doorstep. La Orotava dating back to the 16th Century was the first Colonial settling of importance in Tenerife. Most of the Island´s aristocracy stems from this town. Witness to this is the architecture still to be seen in all its glory. The Spanish conquerors of Tenerife divided the island in wedges rather like a cake from mountain tops to the sea. Many of these properties are still in their original families´ names as are many of the ancient houses one sees walking up the steep cobbled streets of La Orotava.
Puerto de la Cruz, originally called Port of Orotava was La Orotava´s Access to the sea. From here under sometimes difficult maritime conditions agricultural products such as cochineal, sugar cane, bananas and wine were taken out on small boats and loaded on ships bound mainly for England. Tenerife in the 16th and 17th Century was famous for its Malvasia wine and British merchants were chiefly responsible for its exportation. Some of the descendents of these families are still on the island. Mine being one of them!
To be seen at the old Port of Puerto de la Cruz is the old Customs house still intact and open to the public.
Along the north coast, towns of historical interest are Icod and Garachico.
La Laguna, at one time the Capital of the island is a beautiful city to visit.