LA CORONA VIEWPOINT

13. LA CORONA VIEWPOINT Located in the slope of Tigaiga , in the area of Icod el Alto, the viewpoint of La Corona constitutes a unique setting from where an overall view of the Orotava Valley and the north-western side of the island can be observed. Because of its position, height and flight conditions it is one of the best places of the Canaries for the practice of paragliding and hand-gliding The Village of Los Realejos is an excellent paradise to practice alternative sports, dealing with adventure and in contact with nature. Because of the amount of naties, arranged to guide all those persons interested in the practice of this type of sports, we find out an ideal destination which comprises in a short space, all the necessary elements to make lovers of nature and adventure live unforgettable experiences.

Among them, we have to stand out the important consideration paragliding has got. This alternative sport, associated to lovers of nature and free hand gliding, make Los Realejos a special place for its practice in the best circumstances all over the year. The softness of the weather conditions of the region, the characteristics of the setting and the orientation of the strong blowing winds play an important role for the activity of paragliding. In La Corona viewpoint, where a big slope situated 750 metres over the sea level has been built, the paragliders can fly during hours and play with the soft clouds of the alisio winds, enjoying a majestic view which goes from the Teno Hillside, in the municipality of Buenavista, to Anaga, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Another type of sport, which has a large number of enthusiastic people is surfing, and thanks to those people, El Socorro beach has got fame and prestige among the experts of Europe. Together with the formation of waves all over the year and the nice temperatures, surfing and other activities make El Socorro beach an ideal place to enjoy.

In that beach, several surfing, longboard and buggies championships take place very year. July, August and September are the habitual months chosen for these competitions, standing out among them the regional and national trials like the O’Neill award.

The Canarian Archipelago, near by the tropic of Cancer, allows the practice of diving all over the year, another type of sport which has been growing in importance in that region. The clearness of water, with a very good visibility throughout the year (from 15 to 20 metres in winter and over 40 or 50 metres in summer) and the variety of fish species, make the coastline of the Village, and the Guindaste area, a paradise to observe and take photos of the submarine lives.

With an average water temperature of 19â—Ś in February and the 23â—Ś in August, the activity of diving will always turn into a nice one. The most outstanding and famous spot is the Baja of Los Realejos, a big basaltic rock under water, placed 10 metres under the syrface and which falls down 70 metres deep.

It is a suitable place for all divers and it is remarkable because of the large amount of the large amount of caves, stone arches and tunnels, rock made steps and abysses which take the form of big sunken stone organs, which together with the flora and fauna varieties turn into original and indelible shapes, which amaze those who look at them. Besides the previous ones, there are other sport practices, which are advisable to do in Los Realejos, such as tracking and horse riding, activities that allow going through the town enjoying the splendid surroundings, across the fit equipped roads, or on food through the wide network of footpaths which goes from the coastline to the mountains. Apnoea, mountain bike, underwater fishing and other disciplines complete the large sport offer in the village of Los Realejos.