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Titolo 4
Titolo 6
Museo de Historia y Antropología de Tenerife - Casa Lercaro
La Laguna
The Lercaro House, built between the 16th and 17th centuries for a powerful Genoese merchant family based in La Laguna, is one of Tenerife's most emblematic civil buildings. Its imposing Mannerist façade features carved stonework, with scrolls, coats of arms, and classical elements inspired by Italian architecture, including the characteristic sgraffiti carved into the façade.
Upon entering, one enters a central courtyard surrounded by seven columns, some wooden and others stone, which support upper galleries with carved lattices. Also noteworthy are simple frescoes on jambs and windows, as well as a stone staircase leading to the main floor. The interior was carefully restored to preserve original details such as the courtyard well and several historic carriages.
Since 1993, the house has served as the home of the Tenerife Museum of History and Anthropology, where collections chronicling the island's history between the 15th and 20th centuries are displayed. It includes areas dedicated to the conquest, social and economic life, traditional trades, and the Lercaro family. One of the treasures on display is a Baroque nativity scene brought from Genoa in the 17th century, which continues to amaze visitors with its delicacy and age.
It's not just a museum: Casa Lercaro is also said to be connected to a mysterious legend. According to tradition, Catalina Lercaro, the youngest member of the family, threw herself into a well on her wedding day, and since then, many have spoken of her spirit wandering the halls. This story has earned it the nickname "the haunted mansion" of the Canary Islands and adds an intriguing touch to any visit.
Visiting Casa Lercaro is like immersing yourself in stately architecture, historical memory, and the mythology of the Laguna region in the peaceful setting of the old town. An ideal stop for those seeking culture, architectural beauty, and a bit of local mysticism.
Mess conferma
Where to eat
Lucky Helado
If you're in downtown Santa Cruz and fancy something cold while strolling around Plaza de España, Lucky Helado is a very convenient option. It's a takeaway shop with a variety of ice creams and fast service, ideal for a quick stop before continuing your walk. Perfect for cooling off without any hassle right in the city center. There are often queues.
What to see
Presa de los Campitos
If you're looking for a peaceful getaway near Santa Cruz with a unique twist, the Los Campitos Dam has something special. It's not just nature: it's an abandoned structure that lends a distinctive character to the surroundings. You can stroll around, explore, and discover the contrast between the natural landscape and what was left unused. It's a little-known spot, perfect for disconnecting and discovering something different without going too far.
Activities
Área Recreativa Llano Los Viejos
If you're looking for a picnic area within Anaga that's more secluded and less crowded than others, Llano de Los Viejos has a very different feel. Here you're immersed in the laurel forest, with frequent mist, humidity, and that typical silence of the northern mountains. It's a more enclosed spot, perfect for relaxing, having a picnic or barbecue, and disconnecting from the hustle and bustle.
Beaches
Playa de la Nea
La Nea Beach in Radazul is a volcanic black sand beach perfect for lingering. It's very close to Santa Cruz, but the atmosphere here is calmer, with a breakwater that softens the waves and a promenade along the entire shore. It's a comfortable beach, well-integrated into the surroundings and very popular with locals.
Nightlife
Urban 180
If you enjoy sipping a drink with city views and continuing the night without leaving one spot, Azotea Urban 180 is one of those rooftop bars I love to visit. Located on the seventh floor of the Hotel Urban Anaga in Santa Cruz, it shows: you get a panoramic view of the city, the sunsets take on a whole new dimension, the music and cocktails liven up the atmosphere, and as night falls, the place transforms into a lively rooftop club with a great vibe and people ready to have a good time.
Shopping
Ron Guajiro
If you want to try a rum with a true Canarian identity, Guajiro is one of those that's part of the local culture. You'll notice it especially in the honey rum: sweet, smooth, and very easy to drink, perfect after a meal or on the rocks. They also have drier and oaked versions if you prefer something more robust. It's a very local product, the kind you'll find in traditional bars and shops around the island.
Sports
Santa Cruz Extreme
The Santa Cruz Extreme is an iconic mountain race in Tenerife, which runs through Anaga Rural Park and finishes in Santa Cruz. It has several categories (60 km, 33 km, 18 km, 10 km, and a vertical race), with steep slopes, routes along trails, and traditional farmhouses. Held in October, it attracts runners of many nationalities; it is also notable for its sustainable approach and for promoting the natural and rural value of Anaga.
Trekking
El Tomadero
A circular route in Anaga Rural Park connecting Punta del Hidalgo with El Tomadero, ascending via a channel carved into the rock and descending through the ravine. It's approximately 6 km with little elevation gain, but includes technical and exposed sections that increase the difficulty. The channel is in very good condition and clean, although it can be quite vertigo-inducing in some places. The descent through the ravine is rocky and uncomfortable. A short but demanding route, not recommended for people with vertigo.