See Tenerife by Bus

Why not explore Tenerife using the local bus network. It’s easy, fun, and cheap, or so I’m told!

Having been asked numerous times about the buses I thought, despite the fact that I have never been on a local bus, that I should add what information I know about using public transport.

Tenerife buses called guaguas and pronounced ‘wah-wahs’ by Tinerfeños are run by the company TITSA and cover every corner of the island.

They operate a modern fleet of 550 bright green buses that are clean and run on time. With an average age of 7 years, they are one of the most modern fleets in Europe. All vehicles are fitted with the latest safety technology, state-of-the-art braking systems, protection systems in the event of rollover, etc. as well as air conditioning and are more comfortable than UK public buses. In addition, 99% of urban and around 30% of the inter-urban fleet are fully accessible with electric ramps making it easy for wheelchair access.

Each bus route (called Lineas in Spanish) has a number and route displayed on the front of the bus. The starting point is at the top and the destination in larger letters is below. As the same number is used in both directions and buses may use the same bus stops, it is wise to double check the destination carefully, however if you get on the wrong bus the driver will tell you.

Tip: write down the destination name to show to the driver, as Spanish pronunciation of place names can be very different from how they look in English.

Using the bus is very economical; you can pay for a single ticket, price dependent on route. A same-day return that gives 10% discount for distances of 21km or more. When asking for this say ida y vuelta, meaning “round trip”. Alternatively, a way of saving even more money is to purchase a Bonovia (Bono) card for €15 or €25.

This can be used on every route, except the trip to Mount Teide. You can change buses, can share between several people, have free admission to the museums in Santa Cruz and if used within a specific timeframe, free transfers to La Laguna using the tram.

You can buy a Bono ticket from any of TITSA’s 13 bus stations (not on the bus), or from outlets displaying the logo.

The pre-paid credit card size ticket is valid for one year from the date it is first used and allows discounted fares of:-

Long journeys over 20km 50% Discount
Short journeys under 20km 30% Discount

To use – place the card into a machine near the driver. Specify your destination and how many people are travelling. The card is printed with the discounted fare for each and the balance that is still available. If the balance on the card is less than the fare the difference must be paid in cash and a ticket is issued for the amount paid.

Fares for typical journeys:

• Puerto de la Cruz – Santa Cruz de Tenerife: €5 (€3,30 with bus pass)
• Puerto de la Cruz – Aeropuerto Tenerife Sur: €13 (€9,20 with bus pass)
• Puerto de la Cruz- Playa de las Américas: €13,90 (€9,15 with bus pass)
• Playa de las Américas – Santa Cruz de Tenerife: €9 (€5,95 with bus pass)

The following route maps are available at bus stations and some Tourist Information Offices or can be downloaded from the TITSA website together with timetables

Tourist Routes in Tenerife

Visit Santa Cruz

 

For weather & news updates  check Queenies Daily Snippets everyone’s favourite Tenerife Blog  

 

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Yellow Submarine

Other half has said for years that he wanted to go on the Submarine Safari, but as I hate water, I have always managed to have other things to do to avoid this ‘adventure’. That is until recently….

Although Submarine Safari offer a free coach transfer, we drove down to San Miguel harbour and parked up. Needless to say, I was nervous but also excited as our yellow submarine arrived and things were about to get interesting. I was praying the trip wouldn’t be too rough, particularly as I would be below the sea, but that was unfounded as we had a great experience.

The trip lasts about one hour and the submarine, which looks just like a plane once you are inside, dives to around 27 metres. You get your own seat and window (porthole) so views are unhindered which is good because you get to see a variety of marine life from different viewing angles. Divers who work for the excursion company swim alongside the sub and guide beautiful fish including graceful Stingray past the submarine for everyone to see. You will also get to see a few shipwrecks. The hour seemed to go by in a flash and before we knew it we were back at the marina.

All in a great excursion for everyone and I wish I had done it earlier.

For weather & news updates  check Queenies Daily Snippets everyone’s favourite Tenerife Blog  

 

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Carry on Camping!

“According to data from the Canary Islands Ministry of Tourism… more than 1.5 million Canary Islanders chose to spend their holidays on the Islands in 2015, 100,327 more than the previous year, representing a 7% increase. Domestic tourism is an important source of business that generates around €400 million, a figure comparable to the turnover for the Irish market, the Italian market, or the Swiss market.” (Source: The Canary News )

A large percentage of tourists come to Tenerife by plane, others on cruise liners and in the south of the island, it would appear that a vast number bring their mobile homes.

Having had a motorhome in the UK I was interested to see how many campsites there were on such a small island. I’m not talking about camping in a tent, that is far too basic for my needs, but luxuriating in a mobile home with all mod cons including TV, shower, and loo. It would seem, despite the number of vehicles, there are relatively few. On checking various websites, I can only find 3 campsites suitable for motorhomes.

So, where can you go if you want to use a motorhome in Tenerife?

1        At a great location in Los Cristianos, there is a relatively new area steps from the beach and a short walk to the town centre. It has everything needed including chemical dump and grey water.

2        Close to La Laguna in the pretty fishing village of Punta del Hidalgo is a municipal campsite. Ideal for enjoying lovely coastal walks, mountain scenery and marvellous sunsets. It is divided into zones, the upper for tents and the lower for caravans and motorhomes.

3        Red Mountain Camping close to El Medano is located within Montaña Roja Special Nature Reserve and is next to the stunning Playa de La Tejita. It offers visitors a wide range of services and 25 pitches for caravans/motorhomes.

Although not designated as official campsites, I am assured the following areas are places you can spend the night without being woken in the small hours and moved on.

There is a large dirt car park close to the sea and only 5 minutes from El Medano. There are of course, no service so you will need to be prepared with your own water etc.

Palm Mar has a small RV parking area near the beach where you can enjoy a quiet night and La Caleta has an overnight stop, located near the sea no more than a parking area during the day.

By the famous cliffs of Los Gigantes is the parking area for the marina and providing you arrive in the evening you should be able to find a place to park. If you arrive during the day, it will be almost impossible. Once again, you do not have any services. Finally, in Puerto de la Cruz, there is a public car park where I am assured you can spend the night without any problem. Located by the fishing harbour and close to the town centre.

Although nothing like the 5-star sites we used in the UK I am almost tempted to give it a go and experience the fun of camping once more.

For weather & news updates  check Queenies Daily Snippets everyone’s favourite Tenerife Blog  

International Boreal Festival

Born in the Canaries the Boreal Festival is a pioneering event in environmental sustainability, a unique cultural and sustainable project that transcends artistic expressions.

From 14th to 17th September, the historic centre of Los Silos, in the northwest of the island, will host the International Festival Boreal, an unmissable annual event. Under the slogan, “An Ocean of Cultures” the festival invites you to take a journey through the different music and cultures of the planet with this year’s guest country being Mozambique.

At this unique eco-event, the audience can also discover not only sustainable tourism but enjoy parallel activities and concerts. Boreal 2016 will combine live music, culture and art, as well as a craft fair, street parades, recreational and educational activities an Eco-market, workshops, tours, a Gastro-market, a children’s area, Boreal Kids, and Biblio-Boreal a space for documentary films, exhibitions, recycling.

Access to the festival is free and the programme is intended for a wide range of audiences of all ages.

Boreal is now, more music, more art, more environment.

Confirmed artists are ……..

Matthew Logan Vasquez (EE.UU.)

La Dame Blanche (Cuba)

Mû Mbana (Guinea-Bissau)

The Conqueror Project feat. Don Virgilio (Canarias)

Fajardo (Canarias)

Kim X Kim (South Korea)

VOX SAMBOU (Haiti)

Maarja Nuut (Estonia)

BATIDA (Angola / Portugal)

For weather & news updates  check Queenies Daily Snippets everyone’s favourite Tenerife Blog  

 

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Forest Fires – Protection Measures

With all the hot weather we have had of late and the horrendous fires we have heard about the following information has been issued by the Dirección General de Protección Civil y Emergencias

A Shared Responsibility

Forest fires are one of the natural phenomena that can cause hazardous situations for people. They also constitute a very serious environmental problem. Responsible behaviour, like not lighting fires in the countryside where there is a fire risk, is the best measure to prevent forest fires

Preventive Measures

Among the preventive measures that can be taken, we should remember that some of them, even if they seem familiar, often tend to be forgotten, like –

If you are travelling, hiking or camping:

• Put out matches and cigarettes and do not throw them out car windows.
• Do not leave bottles, glass or litter in the countryside that could cause or contribute to fire.
• Do not light bonfires for any use (cooking, heating, etc.). Note, in general, the use of fire is prohibited in any forest area. Its use is authorised only in very specific areas and seasons (recreation areas equipped specifically for this purpose and outside times of drought or hazard). Even in approved areas, be especially careful to put fires out, making sure there are no remaining embers that could reignite and start a fire.
• Do not leave bonfires or lamps burning when you leave the camp.
• If you see a forest fire or smoke plume in the forest, it is important to report it as quickly as possible to one of the nearest emergency services: 112 telephone number, Forest Services, Fire Fighters, Police, Civil Guard or Civil Protection.

If you are going to burn cuttings or dry vegetation:

• Request the necessary authorisation and follow exactly the conditions outlined in the permit. Contact the Forestry Service or Natural Environment agency for your Autonomous Region, which will tell you how to obtain this authorisation.
• Do not do so on days with strong winds or during periods of zero rainfall.
• Monitor the burn and do not leave until you are sure that it is completely out.

If you live in a country house or in a residential development

• Chimneys of houses must have spark arrestors.
• Do not burn leaves or other vegetation without permission, and always avoid windy days and periods of fire hazard.
• Do not throw away the ashes until you are sure they are out and cold.
• Remember that power lines must be run through firebreaks that are 3m wide, clear of vegetation. Request their clean up from the utility company or report any hazardous situations that you see.
• Prevent temporary, uncontrolled garbage dumps.

In the event of weather conditions conducive to the spread of fire, refrain from lighting fires in the area for any purpose.

Measures of SELF-PROTECTION

Knowing the environment and the risks that may be encountered helps you to take measures to prevent them from occurring. Because in periods of fire hazard, when venturing into the forest, it is necessary to know the terrain, roads and alternate routes and to try to always walk in high-visibility areas.

If you are in the vicinity of a fire

• Try to stay away from the lateral areas of the fire that are bare of vegetation.
• Remember that a change in wind direction can cause a fire to surround you. Therefore, always move in the opposite direction to the wind.
• Try not to head towards canyons or hollows and not attempt to escape up a hill that the fire is climbing.

If you intend to collaborate in fire fighting

• Do not work in isolation or on your own.
• Contact the professionals responsible for the extinction (fire-fighters, forest rangers, etc.) who will assign you the most appropriate tasks for you, and always follow their instructions.
• Do not throw water on power lines.
• When a plane is going to dump water, you must leave the targeted area, thus avoiding the falling water.
• Take extreme caution. Your life is worth a great deal.

If you live in a house in the country or in a residential development

• Keep access roads to the house, including   ditches, clear of grass and weeds.
• Prevent the accumulation of dry vegetation or cuttings that help fire to spread in gardens or plots, and carry out the corresponding clean-up tasks.
• Keep the roof clear of combustible materials (leaves, branches, etc.) and prevent branches from overhanging buildings or coming within 3 metres of a chimney. Ideally, around each building there should be a 10-metre-wide margin containing no flammable vegetation.
• Roofs and façades of houses should be of fire-resistant material. Wooden façades must have fire-retardant treatment.
• Construction of a safety perimeter around the residential development: the separation of residential developments from the forest is advisable by means of a 25-meter-wide zone that is clear of vegetation and without buildings. This zone can house a perimeter road or path. It is also advisable to take actions in the wooded area adjacent to the safety zone, clearing land and pruning trees up to 3 m in height, as a minimum, and with working widths of 25 m.
• Request a “Forest Fire Defence Plan” for your Residential Development from your “Residents or Owners Association”.

REMEMBER

• Prevention measures help reduce the damage that can result from disasters.
• Learn some self-protection guidelines for emergencies; they will help you make decisions that can benefit both your safety and that of others.

 

For weather & news updates  check Queenies Daily Snippets everyone’s favourite Tenerife Blog  

 

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