La Victoria de Acentejo – Culture, Nature and Holiday Apartments

History, landscapes and craftsmanship offer three distinct ways to explore La Victoria de Acentejo. When choosing a holiday apartment in La Victoria de Acentejo, you can consider these themes as different areas of focus alongside one another.

Culture

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación was built in 1537. On 20 December 1985, the Government of the Canary Islands protected it as an Asset of Cultural Interest in the Monuments category. Behind the church stands the Pino Centenario, a centuries-old pine tree: it witnessed the defeat of the Guanches and served as a bell tower for the first Mass after the battle.

The Barranco de Acentejo is protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest in the Historic Site category. In 1494, the ravine was the scene of the Castilians’ defeat by the Guanches. The historic architectural heritage also includes the Ermita y ex convento de Santo Domingo, a 17th-century hermitage that preserves a traditional Canarian wine press. The former Santo Domingo monastery served as a resting place for Dominican friars travelling between Santa Cruz and Isla Baja.

The ethnographic museum presents local culture and traditions through exhibitions on pottery, embroidery and openwork, palm crafts and traditional clothing. It is housed in two small buildings of traditional Canarian architecture and is located near the El Palmeral recreation area. The current building of the Calvario de La Victoria houses a small group of sculptures of considerable historical value.

The “Pueblo y paisaje de creación” cultural route leads to twelve sculptures by the artist Julio Nieto at various locations in La Victoria de Acentejo. The route includes, among others, “Evolution”, “Hoja de Parra” and “Cruz de San Juan” by Julio Nieto.

A strong craft tradition is maintained through the production of pottery and openwork, as well as the manufacture of the popular Victoria chairs. These items are almost always made by women. The guachinches of La Victoria de Acentejo serve wine from their own harvest, handcrafted by the respective farmer, together with traditional dishes.

Nature

The Las Lagunetas protected landscape covers 3,800 hectares. In addition to La Victoria de Acentejo, it includes Santa Úrsula, El Sauzal, Tacoronte, El Rosario and Candelaria. The Las Palomas Special Nature Reserve covers 584 hectares, divided between La Victoria de Acentejo and Santa Úrsula.

The Mirador de la Sabina is located on the municipality’s cliff within the Costa de Acentejo protected landscape and offers panoramic views of Tenerife’s rugged northern coast. The Barranco de Acentejo is home to a wide variety of endemic animal and plant species. A hiking trail through the ravine leads to a beach that is also located within the Costa de Acentejo protected landscape.

Getting Around

The Rutas de las medianías comprise four routes with panoramic views of chestnut landscapes, vineyards and other cultivated areas in the mid-altitude zones. Their vistas also extend towards Mount Teide, the coast and the island’s northern sea. The routes are designed for travelling by car and are estimated to take 15 minutes from the motorway access.

The BC-1: Ruta Norte mountain-bike route is 84.852 kilometres long on its main section and includes an additional 53.255 kilometres of detours and variants. It passes through the higher areas of La Victoria de Acentejo and Santa Úrsula. The different route formats make it possible to explore the landscape by car, on foot or by mountain bike.

More destinations: El Bailadero, El Tanque, Candelaria, Chamorga, Arico, Ifonche y Benitez, Las Cañadas del Teide, Teno

To the main travel overview: Tenerife.