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Titolo 4
Titolo 6
Elevador de La Gordejuela
Los Realejos (Rambla de Castro)
The La Gordejuela Water Elevator, also known as Casa Hamilton, stands majestically on a hillside overlooking the Atlantic in Los Realejos. Built in 1903 by the British company Casa Hamilton, based on plans by military engineer José Galván Balaguer, its purpose was to elevate water from the Gordejuela waterfalls to a height of 200 meters to irrigate the banana plantations in the La Orotava Valley. Tenerife's first steam engine was installed there, a symbol of industrial innovation on the island.
During its heyday, it pumped thousands of cubic meters of water daily to power mills and convey water through pipelines that crossed the coast. However, it soon became obsolete with the arrival of electricity, the company went into losses, was leased in 1910, sold in 1919, and finally abandoned. Today, only the ruins remain: a roofless building, with no doors or windows, with some arches and sunken floors, but with an imposing view against the sea and surrounded by tabaibas, palm trees, and dragon trees in the protected landscape of the Rambla de Castro. It is considered one of the most photogenic and beautiful ruins in Spain. Since 2019, it has been on the Red List of World Heritage due to its risk of collapse.
Access to the building is prohibited for safety reasons, but you can see it from the Mirador de San Pedro or by following the Rambla de Castro trail, a route that allows you to enjoy the natural surroundings and views of the elevator in its wild setting. The City Council has expressed interest in restoring it, but for now it remains in ruins. Even so, it has become an almost obligatory stop for those seeking unique sites, steeped in history and a decadent aesthetic surrounded by natural beauty.
Mess conferma
Where to eat
Porsabor
If you love ice cream, you'll notice the difference from the very first spoonful. At Porsabor, they work with a carefully crafted base, intense flavors, and a creamy texture that's not your average drink. They have a wide variety, including more unusual flavors and lactose-free or sugar-free options. It's the kind of place where you stop for an ice cream and end up going back for more.
What to see
Escalera de Agatha Christie
If you love literature, this staircase will bring a smile to your face. Right on the Paseo San Amaro, you'll see steps transformed into the spines of Agatha Christie books, painted in vibrant colors and bearing recognizable titles. It's a tribute to her visit to Tenerife in 1927. When you climb them, you're not just walking; you're traversing a part of her history and her connection to Puerto de la Cruz.
Activities
Área Recreativa de Chanajiga
If you prefer the more authentic, lush forest of the north, Chanajiga offers an atmosphere unlike any other picnic area on the island. Here, the forest takes center stage: tall pines, frequent mist, and a constant feeling of coolness. It's a popular spot for spending the day with barbecues and picnics, but also serves as a starting point for trails that delve into one of Tenerife's greenest and most rugged areas.
Beaches
Playa el Ancón
El Ancón beach in La Orotava welcomes you with its dark volcanic sand and a deep blue sea that shifts with the light. It's a wide beach with lively waves and a natural setting that invites you to stroll, gaze at the horizon, and feel the power of the Atlantic. Ideal if you love authentic, unspoiled beaches with a pristine volcanic landscape.
Nightlife
Shopping
Las Llanadas
If you enjoy discovering local products directly from their source, this small artisanal cheese factory in Los Realejos is one of those places where cheese is still made the traditional way. They work primarily with goat's milk and produce fresh, semi-cured, and smoked cheeses, as well as ricotta and other dairy products. It's a place closely linked to the primary sector of northern Tenerife, where the authentic flavor of Canarian cheese takes center stage.
Sports
Parque Sostenible de Los Trazos
The Los Trazos Sustainable Park in La Orotava is not your typical flat, grassy urban park. Here, everything revolves around sustainability and the island's natural landscape. It features sloping paths, viewpoints, sports areas, calisthenics equipment, and gardens with native Canarian flora. It's a very pleasant place to walk, sit for a while, or simply unwind, all within one of La Orotava's most peaceful residential areas.
Trekking
Sendero de la Rambla de Castro,
The Rambla de Castro trail is a 9km (one-way) coastal walk that's very accessible and offers breathtaking views. Starting at the El Burgado or San Pedro viewpoint, you walk among black sand beaches, palm groves, tabaiba trees, and dragon trees, passing historic sites: the Castro Mansion, the San Fernando fort, and the ruins of the water elevator. All within a protected natural landscape brimming with charm.