TENERIFE Introduction: The Hotel Troya works on a daily basis to develop its business in a more responsible way with the environment and the community. The sustainable tourism requires an improved protection of the natural environments, and ensure that the local communities benefit from this visiting. Therefore, we would like to introduce you this guide, with some destination suggestions. Environmental information: The Teide, the Teno and Anaga massifs, the beaches of rocks and black sand, the underwater bottoms... The unique landscape of Tenerife is the result of the volcanism that, over millions of years, has shaped its territory. Its numerous peculiarities, or the currently still unknown details about the origin and the geological evolution of Tenerife, explain the enormous scientific interest that the volcanic activity of the Island arouses. But Tenerife is much more, an amazing island, due to its diversity, climate and authenticity... We can find exuberant laurisilva forests of the Tertiary era, or cozy coves of hidden beaches where you can cool off with a good swim in the sea. Tenerife is also a transit zone for migratory birds, for whale watching, and a place for the growth and development of endemic fauna and flora. Discover their colors, flavors, sun and volcanic nature. A place with an exclusive charm. GreenBook 1 THE NATURAL SPACES Teide National Park: It was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2007 with the category of Natural Asset. It is also a European Diploma by the Council of Europe and forms part of the Natura 2000 Network Places. And reasons for receiving such recognitions are not lacking. On one hand, it is the most complete vegetation sample of supramediterranean stage that exists. On the other, it is one of the most spectacular manifestations of volcanism in the world, and of course, the most outstanding in the Canary Islands. P.N. del Teide is located in the center of the island, at an average altitude of 2,000 meters, and its top represents the highest peak in Spain, with 3,718 meters. Its record figures also include that it is the most visited national park in Spain and Europe, receiving around three million tourists a year. When talking about the geomorphological point of view, we are facing a wonder of nature. The structure of the boiler and the Teide Pico Viejo stratovolcano are unique on the planet. Although its value does not remain there. There are hundreds of cones, coladas or caves, which enrich their scientific and scenic interest. To this they can be added their wealth of fauna and flora, with a large amount of Canarian endemism and exclusive species of this park. The park was created in 1954 in recognition of its volcanic and biological singularity. Its extension is almost 19,000 hectares, which makes it the largest and the oldest of all the national parks of the Canary Islands. It has a Peripheric Protection Zone, and it is surrounded by the Corona Forestal Natural Park, with 46,612.9 hectares. It is then the largest protected natural area in the Autonomic Community of the Canary Islands. GreenBook 2 THE NATURAL SPACES Forest Belt: The most extensive protected area of , refuge of the best samples of pine forest and high mountain vegetation of Tenerife. And it is from this altitude that many of the impressive ravines that dig the Island here and there. You must not miss this area, come and enjoy its endless possibilities. Because with an area close to 50,000 hectares it is the ideal place to explore and enjoy the numerous endemic species of flora and fauna. From its immense valleys such as La Orotava or Güímar, its ravines and mountains, everything that makes it a unique space on the island and in the world. Anaga Rural Park: It occupies a large part of the mountainous massif located at the northeast end of the Island of Tenerife. With an extension close to 14,500 hectares, it covers an important part of the Island of Tenerife and extends through the municipalities of La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Tegueste. Beautiful and abrupt mountain range of cut-off summits, and it lodges a fauna and flora rich in endemic species. It constitutes one of the main spreading areas of the municipality and it is also a great tourist attraction. GreenBook 3 Hondura Cliff: THE NATURAL SPACES This curious environment is formed by the accumulation of lava flows and pyroclastics. It measures 30 meters high and 2,500 meters long and is dotted with small coves and barranquillos. At the flora level, it houses the sea pineapple, the endemism of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, and which is in serious danger of extinction. Other species coexist with it, such as sweet tabaiba, balos or sea lettuces. Within its fauna you will find the Cinderella Shearwater and the Unicolor Swift. You can also find some reptiles in this environment. Teno Rural Park: Isorana Cliffs: It is a space of volcanic character that acquires a considerable height Located in the extreme northwest of the island of Tenerife and includes above sea level. To its natural value another fact can be added, such as part of the municipalities of Buenavista del Norte, Los Silos, El Tanque the amount of birds which have made this place their shelter. Among and Santiago del Tei-de. With its 8,063.3 hectares it is one of the most them the rare petrel of Bulwer can be found, which uses its inaccessible beautiful natural areas of Te-nerife and has conserved its great crags to create its nests. ecological, landscape and cultural values, in a great part, thanks to its isolation. It defines a complicated orography, the lush vegetation of the highest areas, (laurisilva), in contrast to the southern view of the Park. Teno is not only beautiful landscapes and steep cliffs, but also a treasu- re for its great biological diversity. There are also threatened species which have found their shelter in this environment. GreenBook 4 THE NATURAL SPACES La Caleta: This environment, which includes the cliff and a sandy beach, makes up Ruiz Cliff: a set of enormous scenic importance. Inside you will find threatened You will find this space in the and protected bird species. final section of the protected landscape of Los Campeches, Tigaiga and Ruiz. Among its values you can enjoy the great diversity of species that it presents, such as, for example, the transition forest between tabaibal-cardonal and laurisilva. Tabaibal del Porís: Interián: It stands out for its large sample of tabaibal. You will immerse yourself in a It is a section of steep cliff where you can find a high population of habitat typical of the Canary Islands where protected species live, including strange plant species that need high temperatures to develop the gorse and the little hearts. The landscape is abrupt due to the presence (thermophiles). The populations of seedbeds and sticks of blood are also of the malpais, that volcanic twisting of the earth that will catch you with its striking. Chahorra and cabezón are two common flowering species. This singular beauty. You'll find it next to the coast, dotted with cliffs cut out over point enjoys fantastic views of the entire area. the sea and small gravel beaches. GreenBook 5 An open and mestizo History, the development of the islands In the ancient times, the Canaries and the Atlantic Ocean were the boundary of the known world A History full of changes: The Aborigines came to the Islands in various waves from North Africa in the quest for new farmlands and pastures for livestock. The Tagoror was a kind of wise council where the leaders met to discuss and make decisions about all those issues that affected the daily life of the community. Also, and according to the island history, the person who was designated as the monarch who led, leading the nobles and the fate of all the people, was named Mencey or Guanarteme. In the Canary Islands you can visit many archaeological sites from the aboriginal era, which have been a key to get to know countless details about the daily life of these ancient settlers. You can also visit museums which preserve a good part of these vestiges, among which the famous mummies stand out. Berber villages of North Africa were forming the first stable settlements. GreenBook 6 THE HISTORY OF THE CANARY ISLANDS The History carries on: The history of Tenerife is marked by a great many key dates that mark crucial moments for the Island's development. Specially relevant dates include the conquest by the Castilian Crown in 1496, the failed attempt by the British Rear-Admiral Horatio Nelson to invade Santa Cruz in 1797, the emigration of Canarian people to America in the 18th century and the many volcanic eruptions on record that shook the Island. Its pleasant climate and the mild temperature of the sea made Tenerife into a tourist destination in the last few decades of the 19th century. At that time, thousands of people suffering from health problems were flocking to the Island from Europe to recover from their rheumatism, skin problems and breathing difficulties, taking advantage of the Canary Islands' pure Atlantic air and clear waters. Although it was already popular among explorers, botanists and geolo- gists, Tenerife began its rise to becoming the major holiday destination it is today. As from the 1960s, Tenerife started to receive tourists who came in search of rest, sunshine and sea. It is important to highlight the natural beauty of the Island's peaks and the rich historical heritage of its towns and cities as an added bonus to its profile as a sun and sea destination, leading Tenerife's popularity to grow year after year.