Old Photos of Los Cristianos in Tenerife – the way it once was

A friend of mine got together a collection of old photos of Los Cristianos and he has scanned them so we are putting them up on this blog post for everyone to see, many thanks Tony for gathering together such a comprehensive photographic record of Los Cristianos, the way it once was. One of these photos is circa 1909 but most of them are between 30 to 50 years old, there are 55 in total.

As you will see, Los Cristianos was once a small fishing village with a harbour surrounded by banana plantations. From those humble beginnings Los Cristianos grew into a world famous resort, these photos serve as a record of the early resort development. If you walk around the resort today you can recognise many of the spots where these old photos were taken, some of the original buildings still remain today.

Liz Taylor and Richard Burton were early visitors to Los Cristianos, see the photo of them whilst staying at the Oasis Moreque Hotel.

Just click on any image to see it full size, then click on your back space key to go back and select another. If you want to see an enlarged image just click on the full size image.

Banana plantation at edge of Los Cristianos 1960

Banana workers Los Cristianos 1960

Bananas on camels Los Cristianos 1960

Beach area 1960

Beach scene 1960s

Building construction Los Cristianos 1968

Caves in the hill from beach

Church and NE of town, from Hill – 1950

Costamar area – aerial view

Deserted beach and jetty – 1960

Farm reservoir – empty

Fiesta float and crowd delivery

Fishermen and workers on the road on edge of town

Football ground Camison

Football ground Las Americas – with Agostine

From Reveron hotel roof

Kids in the street at edge of town

Las Vistas 1966

Los Cristianos straw house – 1909

Los Cristianos 1950 from hill to Moreque

Los Cristianos Avenida de Suecia 1965

Los Cristianos old view from Montaña Chayofita 1960

New apartments and road – 1968

New apartments Los Cristianos 1968

New buildings near the church – 1968

New houses by banana plantation 1964

Old Chalet de Pena wall and gate Los Cristianos 1964

Old house on the beach 1960

Old house on the beach 1960 – taken 2009

Old houses where port road is now

Old school

Pebble beach near Las Americas

Playing in the main road Los Cristianos 1960

Promenade, beach and Jetty

Religious float – with hill

Reveron Pension – 1960

Reveron Pension and old bus – 1950s

Richard Burton and Liz Taylor at Oasis Moreque hotel

Salt area near Las Americas

Street to church square

Streets of Los Cristianos near Cultural Centre 1960

The road out of Los Cristianos

Torres del Sol construction part finished

View from Guaza mountain to Las Americas 1974

View from hill over town – 1950s

View from hill with chalet and warships

Vintersol site and Las Vistas beach 1965

Vintersol site area

Vintersol site blessing

Vista Sur area 1960

Washing in barranco Achacay

Wheelchair in old hilly streets – 1965

Wheelchair man looking towards Vintersol site

See more Old Photos of Tenerife

Blog posted by Expedia Property SL – Tenerife Estate Agents for Tenerife Property

Latest Euro Pound Exchange Rate Report

8th February 2010

Last week was a relatively stable week for GBP/EUR exchange rates showing little more than a 1% movement between the high and low point of the week for the currency pairing. The slight movement seen in the market came after the Bank of England’s decision to hold interest rates and pause their much-publicised Quantitative Easing program. This may have been seen as a positive in many investor’s eyes however the market did not reflect this. This linked to the rolling debt problems in Greece and Spain; makes it even more surprising that Sterling has failed to make significant gains against the single currency. With a potentially difficult week ahead for Sterling exchange rates, the importance of staying in close contact with your exchange rate broker is imperative as any bad data could damage the inherently fragile Pound and greatly magnify the cost of overseas purchases.

Opinions released yesterday evening by the Ex-IMF chief economist, Simon Johnson, said that the UK should be viewed as lying in the same category as the Spanish and Greek Economies. The debt problems in these two economies have been heavily highlighted in the last week, and any similar trend seen in the UK could have catastrophic consequences for the Pound. Any clients looking to purchase Euros, may wish to investigate a forward contract with their exchange rate broker. This allows the client to protect their interests by purchasing ahead with a deposit at the prevailing rate for anything up to two years in advance.

Looking to the week ahead we have figures due for; Germany’s consumer price index, the UK’s trade balance and most importantly on Friday the GDP estimate for the fourth quarter in the Eurozone. As demonstrated earlier; data releases do not always have an obvious and immediate impact within the currency markets and further underlines the relevance of speaking with your currency broker.

If you have yet to open a trading facility to gain access to commercial rates of exchange click here to open an account today.

Blog posted by Expedia Property SL – Estate Agents Tenerife for Tenerife Properties

ITER Tenerife possible new renewable energy source

Research is underway to see whether heat from Tenerife’s active volcano can be harnessed as a new renwable energy source. A reasearch study is being carried out by Petratherm on behalf of ITER, the Institute for Renewable Energy in  Tenerife.

We all know that deep beneath the earths’ surface there is an immense amount of energy in the form of heat. The study will determine whether this Geothermal Energy can be capured and utilised to increase the prospects of Tenerife becoming a self sufficient island in terms of renewable energy. Due to the topography of Tenerife and because it has an active volcano the prospects of finding heat sources are thought to be high.

Subject to a sufficient heat source being found there are plans to build two geothermal plants with a capacity of 50 to 100 MW each to meet a high proportion of the Islands Energy needs.

The proposed heat recovery systems for the geothermal plant will consist of hot aquifiers (hydrothermal systems), or injecting cold water into hot dry rocks. Hot water can then be extracted and used for thermal applications, or to produce electricity if the water temeperature is high enough.

Reducing the use of fossil fuels is highly commendable and Tenerife is already exploiting renewable energy sources like wind power and Photovoltaic cells (PV).

As a Chartered Engineer I am very sceptical about whether the Petratherm study will produce positive results for a number of reasons;

Firstly, the earth’s crust is 20KM thick on average and the chances of finding Tenerife to be any different are quite remote, unless they strike a hot core. Secondly with heat also comes pressure which could make it difficult to safely tap into a geothermal heat source.

Thirdly if you look around Tenerife you will see a huge variety of geological matter which came originally from beneath the Earths crust. Most of this matter is very friable and would create problems with water based heat recovery, especially at great depth. Heat recovery could be an expensive option.

Obviously the study will determine the answers to some of these points and it is right that all avenues to harness new renewable energy sources are explored.

Personally I would rather see the money spent on research into bio-diesel fuel harvesting using algae farming. Tenerife would be an ideal place to farm algae due to the amount of sunshine we have here. Algae can grow prolifically and double it’s volume in 24 hours under the right conditions. Algae also absorbs greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide so there would be a trade-off here with carbon emissions from the continued use of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels will always be necessary, the problem is that they are becoming depleted and Algae farming could be a great solution for Tenerife. Algae farming can produce bio-diesel fuels and ethanol very cheaply with some very positive ecological benefits.

This sort of technology is already being used in Mexico with some great results, a lot of the research has already been done so it would not be costly to investigate this option.

A blog can be a voice for all sorts of views, come on ITER, why not investigate this alternative renewable energy technology.

Blog posted by Expedia Property SL – Estate Agents Tenerife for Tenerife Properties

Good news for British Property Buyers in Tenerife

Last week has at last provided some good news for Euro purchasers after Sterling made gains against the Euro. A raft of broadly Sterling positive and Euro negative data was the dominant reason behind the shift in trading levels which saw them move from a low of 1.132 (interbank level) on Monday to a high of 1.162 (interbank level) on Thursday. In real terms on a purchase of €200,000 this represents a saving of over £4500 in market movement alone between Monday and Thursday. This is good news for property buyers in the Euro zone, including Tenerife.

Tuesday saw the start of Sterling’s run with the release of UK Q4 GDP figures which confirmed that the UK was no longer technically in a recession. The figures were however somewhat disappointing to the market, showing a growth of just 0.1% but falling some way short of the expected 0.4% growth. This perhaps prevented Sterling from gaining against the Euro even further and drew out the sceptics speculating that results are archetypal of an economy approaching a ‘W’ shaped recession.

Despite this the Pound continued to rally towards the end of the week as concerns over Greece’s huge debt problems continued to weigh heavily on the Euro and indeed the rest of the Eurozone.   Rainer Bruederle, Germany’s economic minister, said soaring deficits could have ‘fatal effects’ on the region sharing the European single currency. Fears are mounting that if Greece is not rescued by richer countries such as Germany and France, investors may start to lose confidence in other European member states.

For those buying Euros, a forward purchase has become a much more attractive proposition, whereby one can secure a rate of exchange at today’s rates for a fixed point in the future. However, for those selling Euros and converting funds back into Sterling that last week has highlighted just how quickly the market can move against you.

If you have yet to open a trading facility to gain access to commercial rates of exchange click here to open an account today.

Blog posted by Expedia Property SL – Estate Agents Tenerife for Tenerife Properties

Tenerife Luxury Motor Yacht Charter

This is wonderful opportunity to charter a Tenerife motor yacht and it need not be as expensive as you might think. Various packages are available and  the shortest hire period is only one hour. You can even hire it to host a party in the harbour, with everything layed on for you.

Whether you are looking to arrange some corporate hospitality, a great day out in Tenerife or some extended cruising around the Canary Islands you need look no further. This Sunseeker Manhattan motor yacht is the last word in luxury, and she is now available for private or assisted charter. She is the largest luxury motor yacht in Tenerife

Boasting 4 luxury cabins, dining area, gallery, wetbar and so much more, this five star luxury motor yacht will certainly make an impact with all on board. Full water sports facilities can be arranged or simply lounge around and enjoy this five star experience. She is 74 feet long and has capacity to host a party for 30 persons

Ideal for corporate hospitality, a party celebration, a day out with friends or for some serious luxury cruising in holiday mode, this is an opportunity not to be missed.

For more information email us with your suggested option and we will check availability and get back to you with a price, or phone us on 0034 922138791 or 0034 691239403.

Blog posted by Expedia Property SL – Estate Agents Tenerife for Tenerife Properties

Tenerife TF1 Fonsalia Slip Road

Did anyone notice works to the slip road from the TF1 motorway extension down to Fonsalia stopped about 8 weeks ago. Apparently that was because funding was diverted to a another project on one of the other Canary Islands.

A huge amount of money has already been invested in the TF1 motorway extension from the roundabout just past Adeje and that is evident with the works progressing at various locations along the current road to Guia de Isora.

There would have been a big loss of investment if works on the partially built slip road to Fonsalia stopped permanently but there is evidence that works have restarted this week so hopefully the slip road to Fonsalia can now be completed opening up faster travel to and from the Los Gigantes end of the Island.

What we do not see currently is any works progressing on the new port at Fonsalia. Maybe that will start after the slip road has been opened to avoid heavy construction traffic on the current coastal road.

Read the original article about the TF1 motorway extension.

Blog posted by Expedia Property SL – Estate Agents Tenerife for Tenerife Properties

Bargain Tenerife Property – Apartment El Mirador Los Cristianos Tenerife

These two wonderful new ground floor one bedroom apartments on the El Mirador complex in Los Cristianos Tenerife have just been heavily reduced by more than €23k which puts them in our bargain Tenerife property category.

They are both garden apartments and they have never been lived in before. Well planned apartment with lounge and American kitchen, separate bedroom and spacious bathroom. The lounge and the bedroom both lead out onto a covered terrace and then onto a large garden. There is also a utility cupboard in the fully kitchen which has all appliances. Garage space also included.

El Mirador has become one of the most popular complexes in Los Cristianos Tenerife and has very good rental prospects so these properties would suit an investor or anyone who wanted a place in the sun. It is acknowledged that Tenerife has the best climate in the world.

Visit our main website property page to see the photos and more information on this El Mirador Apartment

Blog posted by Expedia Property SL – Estate Agents Tenerife for Tenerife Properties

Tenerife old photos from a byegone age

We have put together a collection of old photos of Tenerife, there must be many more lurking out there and we will add to this gallery as we find them. If anyone has any digital images please let us know and we will add them to our blog for everyone to see.

The first camera which produced a dry plate negative for producing multiple copies of photos was invented in 1871 by Richard Leach Maddox. By 1884, Eastman (Kodak) had invented paper based film and by 1898 cellulose film was patented which led to the first mass produced camera. The Kodak Brownie camera was on sale during 1900 but cameras for 35mm film were not available until 1915.

Tenerife is 10 million or more years old which means the history of Tenerife has only been recorded on film for a virtual snapshot in time. There are not many old photos of Tenerife published on the internet although we suspect there are many more preserved in museums, published in history books or gathering dust in an attic somewhere.

We hope you enjoy our collection of old photos of Tenerife that we have pulled together and that we are able to add more in the future.

Just click on any image to see it full size, then click on your back space key to go back and select another. If you want to see an enlarged image just click on the full size image.

CD Tenerife 1961

Cruise ship arriving in Tenerife circa 1950

Early mountain top observatory Tenerife

Granadilla de Abona circa 1920

Guimar Town circa 1910

Icod de Los Vinos 1893

La Laguna 1893

Los Cristianos 1920

Los Gigantes Plaza unbuilt 1960

Main Street in Guimar circa 1920

Panoramic Photo of Santa Cruz taken in 1893

Partial View of Adeje in 1918

Partial View of Guimar date circa 1910

Plaza Alfonso XII La Orotava 1920

Plaza Candelaria 1940

Puente Galceran 1940

Puerto de la Cruz 1924

Santa Cruz 1883

Santa Cruz 1924

Santa Cruz 1937

Santa Cruz Avenida de Anaga 1940

Santa Cruz Casino and Alameda 1940

Santa Cruz Harbour 1950

Santa Cruz Harbour and Hamilton Dry Dock circa 1910

Santa Cruz harbour scene circa 1930

Santa Cruz Plaza de Espana 1940

Santa Cruz Plaza de Espana 1947

Santa Cruz Plaza de Espana 2 1940

Santa Cruz Port 1932

Santa Cruz Port 1937

Santa Cruz street scene circa 1920

Tenerife Banana Market 1910

Tenerife Campesinos 1920

Tenerife Volcano eruption Chinyero 1909

See Specifically old photos of Los Cristianos

Blog posted by Expedia Property SL – Estate Agents Tenerife for Tenerife Properties

Euro Pound Exchange Rate Report 25th January 2010

25th January 2010

Last week saw the most volatile GBP/EUR trading for some months, with the pound benefiting throughout the week from the continuing financial crisis in Greece as well as early estimates of UK quarterly GDP figures suggesting that the UK economy has reached the end of recession. This proved a massive boost for the pound which reached a 5 month high at around 1.1550, an improvement which would mean a saving of roughly £3000 on a £100,000 transfer to Euros compared with the exchange rate a week earlier.

Sterling did lose some ground on Friday following worse than expected UK Retail Sales Data, closing the week at around 1.14, highlighting the importance of capitalising on exchange rates quickly when the chance presents itself.

Looking forward to this week more volatility can be expected with Tuesday morning’s announcement of the official UK GDP figure for last quarter likely to be extremely significant. Any deviation from the predicted 0.3% rise would almost certainly move the market dramatically one way or the other. If the figure were to show that the economy is still in recession then the all the recent Sterling gains could be completely wiped out which would obviously have a seriously detrimental effect on anybody with a substantial Euro purchase to make in the near future.

If you have yet to open a trading facility to gain access to commercial rates of exchange click here to open an account today.

Blog posted by Expedia Property SL – Estate Agents Tenerife for Tenerife Properties

Bar for sale in Central Los Cristianos Tenerife

Bar for sale in Central Los Cristianos Tenerife

Established Bar in a Central Los Cristianos Tourist Area

This bar has been operating for 10 years with the same owner so it is well established

It has all the facilities for entertainment like Sky TV, a pool table as well as a large bar area for 47 persons with an outside terrace for 30 more people. Bar food is currently served but there is potential to do more with this bar. Genuine reason for sale.

The bar was re-licensed by Arona Council during December 2008 and all the paperwork is up to date. The rent is €1566 per month and there is currently a two year renewable lease which may be extendable if required.

Read more about this Bar for sale in Central Los Cristianos and see more photos, and the price of course. It is well priced in the current market for a quick sale.

Blog posted by Expedia Property SL – Estate Agents Tenerife for Tenerife Properties

Sea View Apartment Parque Tropical Los Cristianos Tenerife

Sea View Apartment Parque Tropical Los Cristianos Tenerife
This attractive one bedroom apartment has wonderful sea views from the terraces. The apartment has a lounge dining room with a separate kitchen, spacious bedroom with a large terrace. There is also a full bathroom.

Parque Tropical is probably the best residential complex in Los Cristianos with a large communal pool, a childrens pool, large sun deck and some very exotic tropical gardens. Parque Tropical is very popular because of the quality of the apartments and communal areas which are exceptionally well planted. It is also well positioned in a quiet area close to all the amenities of Los Cristianos.

Visit the Parque Tropical web page for this Tenerife property to see more photos and the price.

The apartment is well priced for an early sale in the current market.

Blog posted by Expedia Property SL – Estate Agents Tenerife for Tenerife Properties