Finca Las Cañitas in El Tanque
Historic finca (rural house) with pool and garden in the verdant north of Tenerife
Introduction
Finca Las Cañitas was built in the early 18th century. The finca in the verdant north of Tenerife has been lovingly restored and is licensed for tourist rental as a "Casa Rural." As part of the Canary Islands' historical heritage, the property is entitled to bear this symbol. It is one of the oldest, originally preserved fincas in the Canary Islands (listed as a historical monument), a true collector's item.
On the approximately 1,800 m² property with two separate finca houses, the "Casa Sindical," and outbuildings, a vacation dream can come true. The area is surrounded by a rustic wall and is virtually invisible. Various seating areas in the well-tended garden with endemic plants and trees offer the opportunity to retreat. A pool with a sunbathing lawn completes the property, offering views of Mount Teide and the sea. Here, you can escape the stresses of modern life and enjoy the tranquility of authentic Tenerife.
The finca is located in El Tanque, a small community on the edge of the Teno Natural Park in northwest Tenerife, at an altitude of approximately 550 meters. The Teno Natural Park is considered one of Tenerife's most beautiful natural landscapes.
The Blue House, "Casa Azul," and the winery's former bodega, "Casa Sindical," are available for rent.
The Red House, "Casa Roja," is for private use only.
Restaurants, pizzerias, and shops (including a supermarket), pharmacy, hairdresser, etc., are within walking distance.
The coast of Icod de los Vinos or Garachico can be reached in about 15 minutes. Thanks to the expressway, Puerto de la Cruz is also quickly accessible. Tenerife South Airport is just 50 minutes away, and the beaches in the south are about 30 minutes away.
Climatic Conditions
This dream property is located in the verdant north of Tenerife, not in the – usually somewhat warmer – south of the island. The sun-drenched, barren landscape of the south, with its large hotel complexes around Costa Adeje, Playa Americas, and Los Cristianos, may be suitable for mass tourism – but most locals and the majority of individual tourists prefer the green, blooming nature of the north for living and vacationing. You have to decide for yourself what you prefer: relaxation seekers and hiking enthusiasts will find their money's worth here in the north, in the original Tenerife – yet attractive beaches are within easy reach. In the north, we sometimes find a somewhat cooler and wetter climate, but of course, the Canary Islands weather also prevails here. Check out the climate chart for yourself:
Climate El Tanque:
https://klima.org/spanien/klima-el-tanque/
History
As already mentioned in the introduction, the "Finca Las Cañitas" was built in the early 18th century. This historically significant property is largely preserved in its original condition. The name "Cañitas," Spanish for reed/sugar cane, indicates the finca's importance during the so-called sugar cane era on Tenerife: From the first decades of the 16th century, sugar cane was cultivated primarily in the north of Tenerife. Sugar cane led to an extreme economic boom, with exports to Holland, and later primarily to England, ensuring great economic prosperity. Exports necessitated the expansion and construction of ports; for example, Garachico became the most important port on the north coast. The sugar boom later ended, after less than 80 years, as quickly as it had begun: in other regions, especially in Central America, sugarcane could be grown more economically – particularly due to more favorable climatic conditions. Today, sugarcane is no longer cultivated on Tenerife. Below El Tanque, on the coast of Los Silos, the remains of an old sugar mill with a chimney still stand. Sugar was also shipped from here.
Later, wine was grown on the finca, and parts of the old wine press are still preserved. The bodega, with its old wooden barrels, also bears witness to the finca's former use as a winery.
Fruit and Jam
The finca is operated according to organic principles. The use of herbicides and chemical fertilizers is avoided.
The following fruits are grown on the finca, among others:
Lemons
Figs
Loquats
Oranges
Avocado
Almonds
Peaches
Yellow Plums
Passion Fruit
Cherimoya
Mango
Physalis
Vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplant, broccoli, and chili are also grown.
Lemons, figs, plums, and loquats are made into organic jams.
Excursion Tips - What to Do in Tenerife? (Order not important)
1. North Tour (Day Tour, possibly split into 2 days)
Viewpoint on the Cliffs in El Sauzal (Mirador de Gananona)
Bajamar (Natural Pool, Coast)
Punta del Hidalgo (Natural Pool, Coast; Cape at the Far North!)
Drive through the Anaga Mountains (including the viewpoints Mirador de Jardina, Mirador Cruz del Carmen, and Mirador Pico del Ingles). Possibly a detour to Chinamada (cave houses).
Teresitas Beach (very beautiful beach near San Andres)
2. Teide National Park (day trip; possibly split into 2 days)
Drive up from Santiago del Teide, taking in all the viewpoints. Short hikes here and there, especially at Los Roqures (a 1.5-hour circular hike around the amazing rock formations). Drive down towards Puerto de la Cruz. Possibly climb again from Santa Cruz on a second day; beautiful forests, beautiful viewpoints.
3. Beaches/Coast between El Tanque and Puerto de la Cruz
Playa de los Roques 1 near San Juan de la Rambla
Charco de la Laja (rock pool in the volcanic rock, near San Juan de la Rambla)
Playa del Socorro
Playa de los Roques 2 (just before Puerto de la Cruz; Los Realejos exit)
Playa Jardin (Puerto de la Cruz; near Loro Park)
4. Beaches in the South
Playa de la Arena (very beautiful beach with fine black sand; near Puerto de Santiago)
Playa de Duque (very beautiful beach near Adeje)
Playa de Fanabe (near Adeje; more popular with mass tourism)
Playa de las Vistas (Los Christianos)
5. Garachico
Historic town below El Tanque. Very beautiful historic old town, natural swimming pool
6. Punta de Teno
Cape in the far northwest of Tenerife with a lighthouse and stunning cliffs (access by car from July 1st to September 30th only possible before 9:00 AM and after 8:00 PM, from October 1st to June 30th before 10:00 AM and after 7:00 PM. Closed on Fridays from 9:00 AM to Mondays at 8:00 PM). Access is possible at any time by bus from Buenvista del Norte.
7. Teno Mountains, Masca (Half-Day Tour)
Drive from Santiago del Teide into the Teno Mountains to Macsa (a rock village). Great road, fantastic viewpoints. Down to Buenavista del Norte. Return via Los Silos (beautiful village center).
8. Los Gigantes (450m high cliffs)
Impressive, gigantic cliffs on the coast near Puerto de Santiago. Best viewed from the black sand beach of Playa de los Guios.
9. Beautiful larger towns
La Orotava (with the Casa de los Balcones)
Puerto de La Cruz (beautiful old town)
La Laguna (San Cristobal de la Laguna), a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Hiking
We'll be sharing tips for great hikes in Tenerife soon!
