Tacoronte

Tacoronte is a place where wine culture runs through the veins of its people and art weaves naturally into the urban landscape. This northern municipality holds the prestigious Denominación de Origen Tacoronte-Acentejo, the largest appellation in the Canary Islands, with over forty bodegas.

The heart of the town is the historic Plaza del Cristo, overlooked by the Santuario del Santísimo Cristo de los Dolores and the former Augustinian monastery. The sculpture of Christ is the second most venerated image in the Canary Islands. Just beside the square stands La Alhóndiga, a stone granary building from the 17th century, now a cultural centre and venue for one of the island's most important wine competitions.

Tacoronte is also a living tribute to art and surrealism. Unique sculptures inspired by the work of Óscar Domínguez, the outstanding surrealist painter born in neighbouring La Laguna who spent his childhood here on Calle del Calvario, stand in public spaces. On Plaza Óscar Domínguez, surrealist sculptures create a striking contrast with traditional Canarian architecture.

Nature lovers will find two parks: Jardines Hamilton with Canarian flora and traditional vineyards, and the revitalised Parque Hoya Machado, a lively urban-sports park and arena for local events.

Don't leave without visiting a real guachinche. Look for hand-written cardboard signs hanging on fences and posts - that's the sign that the wine comes from the latest own harvest. A guachinche may only be open for a few months a year; when the wine runs out, it closes until the next harvest.