Yesterday we had a walk around Puerto del Rosario before landing back in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. We would be disembarking Azura and flying out of Tenerife back to Gatwick.
Day 15: 17th November 2023: The Canaries: Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Our cases had gone overnight and it was only when went cleared the cabin did I discover that I’d left my cruise card in my trousers after the dinner in the Glass House. Reception very kindly re-issued one for me. Rather than risk the buffet we went for a more formal breakfast in the restaurant on Deck 6.
Pulling our cabin luggage we joined other passengers on the dock waiting to board our excursion coach. Rather than sit around on Azura we had signed up for an excursion that would fill the day until we had to be at the airport.
As the coach left the road to the airport, I could see a trunk on fire below us.
Candelaria
The first stop on this excursion was Candelaria. The coach parked on a street next to the ocean and we walked towards the basilica.
On the seaward side of the square were nine statues. These represented the kings who ruled the nine aboriginal Guanche Menceyatos, the pre-Castillian kingdoms of Tenerife.
Inside the Basilica of Candelaria is the sculpture of the Virgin Mary.
Opposite the coach we explored the shops until we sat and watched the beach below us.
Behind the shops the streets and houses covered the hillside.
Pyramids of Güímar
The second stop of the excursion was at the Pyramids of Güímar. We learnt that the area had been saved from development by Thor Heyerdahl supported by Fred Olsen. There are six remaining stepped pyramids of unknown origin. The edges of the remining pyramids are aligned with the sun on the two solstices.
After walking around the gardens we went into the building to watch a video and learn more about these pyramids and others around the world. Plus see more of Thor’s famous adventures proving how humans could have migrated across the oceans.
Tenerife airport
The terminal was rammed with passengers. We did manage to find some seats close to the gates for a German Condor flight. I went off to get some food and queued for 30 minutes at the Burger King nad had to pay close to £30 for two simple meals – what a rip-off.
After a long wait we were called to immigration and went through to sit by our boarding gate. Boarding was chaotic and it was with relief that we finally were on our plane.
This airport terminal convinced us that a cruise would have to be very special for us to board a ship in Tenerife again. We were pleased however, that we had taken the excursion rather than be at the airport for an even longer time.
Gatwick
As much as I like flying being on chartered holiday jets is no picnic. I was relieved when we landed at Gatwick and made our way through the throngs at immigration to wait for our baggage.
Then outside for our taxi pickup and home – Southampton based ships are a lot easier on the nerves!