Linking over 300 years of classic Canarian architecture with modern tourism needs has given a new purpose to the three storey basalt stonework and large courtyard of Palacio de Carta in Santa Cruz. The newly re-opened building is now a tourism hub complete with interactive screens, a video wall, and personal advice and help for those intending to explore the Tenerife capital and all points beyond.

The location is very appropriate, Plaza de La Candelaria throbs with Carnaval and other celebrations throughout the year, and is at the port end of the busiest shopping street in the city. The classic grey building has seen it all down the years since the Carta family of the first mayor of Santa Cruz drew up the plans in 1721.

The recent reserection to glory was lovingly chronicled step by step and is displayed in Spanish and English, and illustrated with samples of original stone work, and even ancient keys with sturdy and ornate covers. All the space was gets a chance to tell its historic tale, a vertical garden feature draws attention to the wooden balconies that framed them.

It´s a living space with three exhibition halls, and staff to steer visitors to history around Tenerife. It was an inspired choice to move the capitals tourism centre to this spacious and iconic setting. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 2 pm.

Long serving CD Tenerife fans have always expected the unexpected from their heroes but this 4-1 home blitz of UD Las Palmas from Gran Canaria was as surprising as the high octane style of play that earned the bragging rights. Goals have been as fleeting as Haileys Comet in the Heliodoro but Enric Gallego took the game by the scruff of the neck within 25 seconds of kick off. A pacey raid down the right and the big striker picked out the top corner of the goal with precision and power.

There was hardly time to celebrate before Tenerife were two goals to the good, the big man latched onto a nifty build up and subtle pass from Romero, and cracked the ball past the bewildered keeper. Life has been getting better by the day for Gallego, he celebrated his goal haul and upcoming status as a first time father, as the near 18,000 crowd roared their approval. With Las Palmas praying for the halft time whistle, Romero put a weak shot wide, but he was back again with a deep midfield pass for the hard working Waldo to make it 3-0 from a tight angle at the break.

Las Palmas looked shell shocked and their travelling fans were stunned into silence. Tenerife kept up the pressure as the game resumed. Even changes to the starting line up failed to derail Tenerife, David Rodriguez, another youth product got a rare run out. After 81 minutes Las Palmas finally did something when Alvaro Jimenez threaded through the home defence to score a consolation goal. The final word had to belong to CD Tenerife, in injury time Cardona made a clumsy foul and Nacho stepped up to top a wonderful evening for the home fans.

Even at 1,300 metres long and 80 metres wide, Las Teresitas beach gets packed out in the long summer school break. The 30 minute drive from Santa Cruz merely heightens the anticipation of enjoying the imported orange sand and gently shelving ocean behond a series of protective rocky dykes that calm the waves. Las Teresitas was first suggested in 1967 but not completed and opened until 1973.

Planning and building irregularities of adjoining commercial buildings dogged the project for years, finally it was able to add more modern infrastructure and has blossomed into a magnificent leisure area. It was nice to see shelter shaped structures being set up along the border of the beach and back road. These solar power stations will produce the electricity to supply the 8 kiosks and cafes that offer shade and comfort for beach users. Canary Solar of La Laguna were quick to reply to my email with more details. “Photovoltaic isolated systems producing 12 kilowats of power, and victron investors with lithium batteries” The latest in eco friendly tech.

Now there are new choices for the beach crowd, nearer the Tenerife capital. The Valleseco stretch of coast between the old industrial port and the modern cruise liner docks has just unveiled El Bloque bathing zone with dark sand, play areas, and young trees to add future shade. It´s an impressive transformation and work is pressing ahead nearer to the heart of Santa Cruz for a slightly bigger bathing spot. Dredging, terraforming, and wave calming concrete blocks are slotting into the jigsaw. Between the two new additions is an old concrete and metal pier where coal used to arrive from Corey brothers of Cardiff in 1908. It´s nice to see that link to the industrial history of the island preserved. Along with the oil tanks they give an insight into vital link that Santa Cruz played in the opening up of Atlantic trade routes.

Gentle bird song and an explosion of flowers and ferns was a backdrop to the circular road up the 360 metre high recreation zone of Parque Las Mesas (park of the tables). Spread over panoramic views of Tenerifes capital city and port of Santa Cruz, the distant shimmering runways of Tenerife North airport were quite a contrast to natures elevated outpost.

Topped with power pylons and transmitter aerials, it´s an important technical hub as well as a comforing guardian looking down on the land and sea below. It´s revival time for the park, conceived in 1960, closed briefly, and just about to start a major makeover when COVID put plans on hold. With a budget of just under a million euros, the latest completion date is April 2023, but it still showed plenty of style on my visit.

Valleys below boasted clutches of modern housing as I stepped off the 912 TITSA bus (half hourly from outside the glass fronted bus terminus at one end of the tram line.Chugging up the steep twisting modern road, the final stop at Los Campitos revealed a small community clinging to a craggy peak.

A cracked and aged tarmac road threaded away towards the main part of the park as stunning views unlocked a living map of large parts of Tenerife. I was thrilled to get a birds eye view of CD Tenerife´s Heliodoro stadium, just a short glance inland from the iconic Auditorium. Jagged rocks peeked through the surrounding grass and trees as the road carried on for about 30 minutes before the signs for the main park appeared.

Limited parking spaces were available outside one of the admin hubs, and large wheely bins for eco recycling of rubbish were on hand to encourage good manners from visitors. The recreation area unfurled before me with views of the poer at a lower level, as well as the emergence of terracing equipped with sturdy concrete tables for picnics and barbecues – some smoke was already twirling in the gentle breeze.

It´s a work in progress, an abandoned cafe offered further potential once the full upgrade is complete. An old open hard court hinted at athletic activities and all the layouts were well planned to allow personal space for all the gathering families and groups that can wallow in this chunk of nature on high. It was mostly fine touches and cosmetic tweaks that were being awaited for the park, nature supplies the rest.

Parque Las Mesas is a wonderful asset for Santa Cruz and will appeal again to all ages. The fact that it is all so close to the main travel arteries and commercial attractions of the city below, just add to the adventure. The return trip from Los Campitos drop off point is a nice downward walk of about 40 minutes, but it´s good to know the bus is so frequent and picks up at various points on the way back to the big city.

All the action happened before the CD Tenerife v SD Eibar game had even officially started. January loan signing Kike Salas was set to make his debut but pulled up with an injury in the warm up and had to be replaced with Jose Leon. Then the recently elected Santa Cruz Carnaval Queen made the ceremonial kick off ahead of the World Day Of The Woman. Alas, the honoured guests flick of her high heels was about the best foot home work to be seen all evening as Tenerife´s lack of cutting edge played a big part in their 0-1 defeat.

Eibar were strong and well organised but Tenerife showed hopeful signs with Mellot and Nacho pushing up from the full back slots. On the half hour Tenerife had their first decent goal chance but a soft shot gave the visiting keeper few worries. Eibar then gave a lesson in decisive finishing, Corpas sliced through two defenders and from an acute angle fired the ball just beyond the despairing fingers of Soriano to take the lead.

Regular Tenerife fans know better than to expect assistance from the referee, and it proved true again just into the second half when Garces beat the goalie but the ref ruled a handball against Alexandre in the build up. VAR wasn´t even offered as a check, and later replays showed it was the slightest of contact at worst, and in no way intentional. Eibar boosted by a 100 or so travelling fans, kept their game tight to restrict Tenerife. The home changes came late, after 72 minutes with Jose Angel Jurado and Elady for Aitor Sanz and Garces, but the lack of fire power looked just as glaringly obvious. The 13,220 crowd were not to get any last minute elation, the weekend ended with Tenerife in 13th place and hopeful eyes looking to the home derby with island rivals Las Palmas in two weeks. Mid table mediocrity seems the best the faithful can hope for this season.

Even the city that never sleeps might have stifled a yawn as CD Tenerife were the slightly better of two poor sides. Grinding out the 1-o win over Mirandes was encouragement enough for the colourful costumed, all singing, all dancing  12,419 crowd to celebrate the New York themed Carnaval that packed out the Tenerife capital city.

Tenerife started brightest with a shot across the goal face, but home goalie Soriano was soon earning his pay at the other end with a superb tip over that was bound for the top corner of the net. It wasn´t quite coming together for Tenerife, coach Ramis made two good changes at half time, adding the close control and vision of Alexandre for local youngster Teto. The first season forward has bags of enthusiasm and skill but still lacks strength and power and needs to beef up.Big front man Elady also arrived for Jose Angel Jurado.

Mirandes showed little ambition but produced a low shot from the edge of the box, Soriano showed he is the master of saves on the ground as well as in the air. A draw looked to be looming after 79 minutes until Vicente fouled Nacho in the box. The ref blew for a home penalty and waved a red card for the newly arrived Vicente. Hearts sank among the crowd as it was referred to VAR, but after several raw verdicts in recent games, the card was reduced to yellow and the spot kick was kept and duly converted by Borja Garces.

Not a classic win for such a special day, but very welcome. Tenerife are reportedly considering a contact extension for coach Ramis, although he has idicated that he will not make any decision before the dust settles on the campaign. Mo Dauda got his usal meagre 20 minute run out, and the two late January window signings Kike Salas and Riza Durmisi sat out a third game hoping for their debuts. There´s always a bit of head scratching after a Tenerife game, and there´s plenty of twists and turns left to see if Tenerife can edge into the promotion play offs from their 10th place at the end of this game.

Buffeted by icy showers, swirling mist and fog, the almond blossom still shone through. After dropping 10 degrees between Los Cristianos and the Tenerife west town of Santiago del Teide, it was good to see petals as perky as ever for the annual 10 km walk.

Between strong gusts and bright sunshine, it was clear to see that even two weeks into the month long pilgrimage, there were none of the carpets of dislodged leaves blooms around the tree trunks. A good harvest clung on as new buds slowly unfolded.

The splashes of rain dripped slowly off the hearts of the tree fastened blooms. Nature was showing patience and resilience, hundreds of walkers throng the sturdy, well managed paths during the festival, but numbers were only in dozens on this mid week mixed bag of weather.

It´s not all window dressing, large amounts of almonds are harvested across Tenerife, and from 28 January to 26 February, 18 bars in the municipality of Santiago del Teide, add almond influenced drinks and snacks to their menus.There are three walking routes of differing distances, the Tourist Information office in the church plaza of Santiago del Teide has full details of the Almendro en Flor paths, or you can check online. The longest route passes through the Chinyero shrine to the 1909 volcanic eruption of Mount Teide, that was stopped in its tracks when the statue of the Virgen was placed in its path – and hailed as a miracle.

I had hoped to repeat previous sights of the snow covered peak of Teide, but the wispy clouds ganged up on me as I entered the solidified lava field section of the walk. I was well layered up and lagged for warmth and had good gripping footwear for climbs and plunges along the paths. The finish of the long version takes a steep dive down into and then back up out of Arguayo, a small village with a very limited bus service back down to the main town.

A taxi from one of the few village bars is a good idea. I had done the walk many times including the tyarmac road up and out of Arguayo before it spirals down to Santiago del Teide but a cold rain lashed me this time as I descended. The 460 Titsa bus from Icod was an hour overdue (again) when myself and several other walkers, fresh from exploring the area, caught a Titsa bus down to Los Gigantes. I used this to link me to a bus on to Los Cristianos. Almond blossom walks still send my senses into overdrive. I guess I am just nuts about this versatile and tasty natural treat.

Whisper it quietly, but after 8 undefeated games and 7 points in the last three matches, CD Tenerife lay 9th in the Segunda Division.

Fifth placed Albacete Balompie were a good bench mark, comfortable on the ball and quick to pounce on any stray passes, they brought the best out of home keeper Soriano in the opening 10 minutes. Borja Garces continued his upturn in form, his skills made room for Gallego, and a clumsy foul allowed the big forward to stroke home his penalty after 13 minutes.

As expected, Tenerife sat back as Albacete woke up and looked threatening. Alvaro Rodriguez just cleared the home cross bar with a timely reminder that it wasn´t going to be a stroll. Maybe wearing the pink shirts in honour of World Cancer Day, or the monsoon rain that swept across the ground helped to focus the attention of the Santa Cruz side.

Tenerife had a solid look in midfield with Jurado in a holding role, and Jose Leon  was solid in the heart of the home defence, covering for the suspended Sipcic. A rushed wide shot was the pick of the Albacete second half offerings, as CD Tenerife held their nerve and their advantage to the finish.

Tenerife only added two new recruits in the January transfer window, neither defence based arrival played a part in this game. Samuel Shasoua was missing again with injury, and Teto only made a fleeting appearance from the bench before the final whistle. Another suspension after an Aitor Sanz booking will also deplete the squad next game but Ramis often runs with a tight nucleus of players. Another ticket promotion produced a 15,000 plus crowd. Full marks to those in the uncovered upper stands who hung on as they took a soaking from the lashing rain.

Like so many times before, CD Tenerife wilted on the big stage as 16,660 fans, responded to promotional tickets and upbeat plans by the new club management. The 0-0 draw wasn´t impressing anyone, another opportunity missed and another nudge towards a relegation battle.

Dreary football, like wading through treacle has alienated coach Ramis to the fans, even against lowly rivals, Ponferradina, the same lack of attacking ideas made the score almost a foregone conclusion. The mainland visitors had the best chances in the first half, Yuri, a thorn in Tenerife´s side on many past clashes, latched onto a good block by home goalie Soriano, but blasted his strike wide.

Sam Shashoua got a rare start as talks over a contract extension hung in the air for the English born play maker. As a link player he can open up opposition but Elady and Gallego were too slow to pick up on his hard work. Home grown striker Teto was missing with an injury and it left a creaking attack.

The disco show from the stadium lights brought the  best entertainment of the evening before the on field labours continued. Alex Corredera, on for Aitor Sainz after 63 minutes raised hopes but they came to nothing. Waldo Rubio on the left, another welcome sub also showed a glimmer of intent. Ramis remembered right winger Mo Dauda after 74 minutes and brought him on, although it was too late to make a difference. Mo must also be wondering if he has much future under Ramis.

With two away games coming up, the relegation trap door is looking menacing. The January transfer window offers the most obvious remedies to salvage a season of gloom, or maybe a bold change to the coach could inject new purpose. Hurry, hurry, hurry.

Grapes and a glass of cava as 2022 became 2023 whet the whistles in Santa Cruz, The Tenerife capital. Dorada Especial had already got the nod for Reyes Eve when the Three Kings (Reyes Magos) will hold court at the Heliodoro stadium home of CD Tenerife, after a parade around the city.

Just a short way down Avenida San Sebastian, live music and a bounty of food will accompany the beer at La Recova market, also known as Mercado Nuestra Señora de Africa. The stylish market looked delightful when I called in a few days before the big event. The clock tower looked down on the 1943 built trading hub, in recent years it has regained its hustle and bustle with the smells of fresh produce mixing with the aroma of coffee and snacks.

Outside, a liquid delivery is being made in the old manual style, a fitting addition to the iconic centre which now holds its own against the backdrop of the TEA arts building and other modern changes to the vibrant city.It´s just as well the kings have their hands full on the night before Reyes, the big day of presents and celebration, Especial slips down nicely and could lead to a few wobbly sleigh rides.