Los Realejos

Travel Agent's View

perfect for those wanting a carefree holiday but please note the very hilly streets close quotes

Los Realejos is on the North side of the island. It lays in the Western area of Valley of La Orotava. It is perfect for those wanting a carefree holiday but please note the very hilly streets.

The resort was originally 2 separate villages, it now comprises of a town with a lower and upper centre with steep streets. Whilst here you can visit the Tigaiga Mountain Range and Playa Socorro beach.

Los Realejos specializes in grape cultivation as well as potatoes, bananas and vegetables. On May 3rd every year Los Realejos hosts a magnificent display of fireworks during the Festivities of the Cross. It is known to be the largest fireworks display of the Canary Islands.

Los Rodeos Airport is approx 40 minutes transfer time.

Insider's View

If you've always had a yen to throw yourself off a cliff, head to La Corona where there's a take-off strip for paragliders close quotes

Around the 3rd May Los Realejos has one of the biggest firework displays in Europe close quotes

Los Realejos itself is not a resort, it's a busy working town, but the municipality covers some stunning countryside and coastline and that's where its hotels are located. You're a bit isolated from anywhere else though so unless you're planning to stay in and around your hotel, I'd advise hiring a car.

The town of Los Realejos is divided into two parts: upper and lower. Walking up involves a deal of gasping and coming down would be easier if feet had brakes. Because of its height, it's chilly on winter evenings so a fleece is a good addition to the suitcase.

But being that far up a valley has its compensations. For one thing the views are spectacular, particularly from Mirador El Lance where they also have a statue that leaves a lasting impression. If you've always had a yen to throw yourself off a cliff, head to La Corona where there's a take-off strip for paragliders; you can watch them float down to the coast of Puerto below and then decide if it's right for you. Don't expect to see me up there.

Around the 3rd May Los Realejos has one of the biggest firework displays in Europe where rival streets try to out-firework each other. It's one of Tenerife's most spectacular events of the year, even though it usually involves a lot of chilly standing around in between pyrotechnic scuffles.

One of my favourite Tenerife walks is along the coast behind the Hotel Panoramica Garden from the San Pedro Mirador, through palm groves and past old haciendas, to a small fort where they used to scan the horizon for pirates.

And the must-sees? El Monasterio on the border with Puerto de la Cruz should not be missed. Five restaurants, wine cellars, ducks, geese and ponies all set in stunning landscaped gardens with views over Puerto and the La Orotava Valley.