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The Irish Sun
10-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
The Spanish island that feels more like Mars and flights are just £35
GRIPPING my surfboard tightly, I got ready to battle the wave heading my way. But as the ocean swallowed me up and spat me out for the umpteenth time, I wondered why I didn't just stay in the hotel's adults-only pool. 5 Tenerife is a haven for surfers — with its year-round waves Credit: Getty 5 The Los Roques de Garcia night sky With its year-round waves, Tenerife is a haven for surfers — and I could see that my sister and brother-in-law were doing a lot better than me. They'd even managed to stand up. It was all worth it, though. When I eventually caught my first wave, a feeling of euphoria rushed over me as the sea whisked me at speed towards the shore. I was so shocked at my success that I didn't even try to stand up, much to the dismay of my instructor from Ika Ika Surf School. A two-hour session costs 35 euros and takes place at Read More on Travel Given the variety of sport on offer on the Spanish island, my partner and I couldn't resist trying our hand at riding with Horse Riding Adventure Tenerife. We trotted around the countryside taking in the views down to the sea. A one-and-a-half-hour ride costs 35 euros. We were staying at The Ramada Residences by Wyndham Tenerife Costa Adeje, which was the perfect place to relax. Most read in Beach holidays The resort boasts a huge family pool with hot tub, as well as a peaceful adults-only pool, plus a restaurant and lovely rooftop bar. Our two-bed apartment featured a huge terrace overlooking the seafront as well as a well-equipped kitchen, which meant we could keep catering costs to a minimum. Martin Lewis gives travel advice about checking your passport When we weren't sipping cocktails at the bar, evenings were spent watching the sun set over the sea, while tucking into plates of home-cooked pasta. For an exceptional sunset, head to Teide National Park, perched on the third- highest volcano in the world. Travelling by night bus, we set off on a nine-hour excursion which would finish with a stargazing experience that truly dazzled us. Our coach trundled up and up until we were 3,715 metres above sea level. We made a couple of stops for people to acclimatise to the altitude, and then, eventually, we broke cloud cover to reveal a deep, blue sky. Throughout the journey, our guide Jesper recalled tales of the Guanche people who inhabited the island before Europeans arrived. They lived in caves while rearing animals and farming the volcanic land. They thought the Teide volcano held up the sky — and when it erupted, they believed it was Guayota, a demon, trying to escape from his hell-like pit. Guayota needed to be put back into the mouth of the volcano for the blackened sky to return to blue. The volcano has lain dormant since its last eruption, in 1909, which I was grateful to learn as we reached its peak. Big Dipper It was hard to believe this volcanic island used to be even higher than it is, as I stared out across the sea of clouds below me. But Jesper told us that an older and much taller volcano, Las Canadas, once stood here, but it crumbled in on itself following an eruption. Before we got to watch the glorious sunset, we passed Roques de Garcia, where you can observe remains of volcanic activity over the years in the form of oddly shaped rock formations. Walking up the trail surrounded by mighty rocks, I was reminded of just how small I really am. The views across the plains and lava fields gave the impression that we had left this island in We made our way to the northern side of the volcano for the sunset after a three-course meal at Papillon, the highest restaurant in the national park. Standing at the edge, clutching a mint tea, I watched as the sun began its descent below the clouds. It seemed to take a while to move down the horizon, but then in what seemed like seconds it dropped out of sight and the temperatures plummeted. 5 Thea Jacobs saddles up during her trip Credit: Supplied 5 The adults-only poolside at the Ramada Credit: The Ramada Residences by Wyndham 5 Thea on dry land Credit: Supplied That meant it was time for stargazing. We all know the nursery rhyme Guide Jesper asked us where Not a single one of us gave the right answer, so he pointed it out using a green laser. He also showed us how to locate the star, also called Polaris, by using the We then moved on to the zodiac constellations of Despite the chill in the air, the evening felt magical. Once we finished craning our necks at the sparkling sky, we were led to four If the rocks had made me feel small before, the stars and planets made me feel even more minuscule. GO: TENERIFE GETTING THERE: Ryanair flies from Stansted, Manchester, Liverpool and other UK airports to Tenerife from £35 each way, STAYING THERE: A two-bedroom apartment with a terrace, sleeping four, at The Ramada Residences by Wyndham Tenerife Costa Adeje costs from €130 per night on a self-catering basis. For more details see OUT & ABOUT: A Teide By Night excursion costs €89 per adult and €55 per child, and can be booked through the hotel.
Scottish Sun
10-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
The Spanish island that feels more like Mars and flights are just £35
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GRIPPING my surfboard tightly, I got ready to battle the wave heading my way. But as the ocean swallowed me up and spat me out for the umpteenth time, I wondered why I didn't just stay in the hotel's adults-only pool. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Tenerife is a haven for surfers — with its year-round waves Credit: Getty 5 The Los Roques de Garcia night sky With its year-round waves, Tenerife is a haven for surfers — and I could see that my sister and brother-in-law were doing a lot better than me. They'd even managed to stand up. It was all worth it, though. When I eventually caught my first wave, a feeling of euphoria rushed over me as the sea whisked me at speed towards the shore. I was so shocked at my success that I didn't even try to stand up, much to the dismay of my instructor from Ika Ika Surf School. A two-hour session costs 35 euros and takes place at Playa de las Americas. Given the variety of sport on offer on the Spanish island, my partner and I couldn't resist trying our hand at riding with Horse Riding Adventure Tenerife. We trotted around the countryside taking in the views down to the sea. A one-and-a-half-hour ride costs 35 euros. We were staying at The Ramada Residences by Wyndham Tenerife Costa Adeje, which was the perfect place to relax. The resort boasts a huge family pool with hot tub, as well as a peaceful adults-only pool, plus a restaurant and lovely rooftop bar. Our two-bed apartment featured a huge terrace overlooking the seafront as well as a well-equipped kitchen, which meant we could keep catering costs to a minimum. Martin Lewis gives travel advice about checking your passport When we weren't sipping cocktails at the bar, evenings were spent watching the sun set over the sea, while tucking into plates of home-cooked pasta. For an exceptional sunset, head to Teide National Park, perched on the third- highest volcano in the world. Travelling by night bus, we set off on a nine-hour excursion which would finish with a stargazing experience that truly dazzled us. Our coach trundled up and up until we were 3,715 metres above sea level. We made a couple of stops for people to acclimatise to the altitude, and then, eventually, we broke cloud cover to reveal a deep, blue sky. Throughout the journey, our guide Jesper recalled tales of the Guanche people who inhabited the island before Europeans arrived. They lived in caves while rearing animals and farming the volcanic land. They thought the Teide volcano held up the sky — and when it erupted, they believed it was Guayota, a demon, trying to escape from his hell-like pit. Guayota needed to be put back into the mouth of the volcano for the blackened sky to return to blue. The volcano has lain dormant since its last eruption, in 1909, which I was grateful to learn as we reached its peak. Big Dipper It was hard to believe this volcanic island used to be even higher than it is, as I stared out across the sea of clouds below me. But Jesper told us that an older and much taller volcano, Las Canadas, once stood here, but it crumbled in on itself following an eruption. Before we got to watch the glorious sunset, we passed Roques de Garcia, where you can observe remains of volcanic activity over the years in the form of oddly shaped rock formations. Walking up the trail surrounded by mighty rocks, I was reminded of just how small I really am. The views across the plains and lava fields gave the impression that we had left this island in the Canaries and stumbled on to Mars. We made our way to the northern side of the volcano for the sunset after a three-course meal at Papillon, the highest restaurant in the national park. Standing at the edge, clutching a mint tea, I watched as the sun began its descent below the clouds. It seemed to take a while to move down the horizon, but then in what seemed like seconds it dropped out of sight and the temperatures plummeted. 5 Thea Jacobs saddles up during her trip Credit: Supplied 5 The adults-only poolside at the Ramada Credit: The Ramada Residences by Wyndham 5 Thea on dry land Credit: Supplied That meant it was time for stargazing. We all know the nursery rhyme Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, but I had never actually seen the stars properly twinkle until that night. Guide Jesper asked us where the North Star is. Not a single one of us gave the right answer, so he pointed it out using a green laser. He also showed us how to locate the star, also called Polaris, by using the Big Dipper constellation. We then moved on to the zodiac constellations of Gemini and Taurus, plus Orion. Despite the chill in the air, the evening felt magical. Once we finished craning our necks at the sparkling sky, we were led to four telescopes so we could peer at Jupiter and nebulae invisible to the naked eye. If the rocks had made me feel small before, the stars and planets made me feel even more minuscule.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Mummified Austrian priest's rectum played important role in preservation
An exceptionally well-preserved corpse entombed in a small Austrian village's church crypt has not only provided researchers with a previously unknown method of mummification. An analysis published May 2 in the journal Frontiers in Medicine, also solved the centuries' old mystery about the mummy's identity. But the unique preparation techniques involved here aren't necessarily for the faint of heart. Mummification is most frequently associated with ancient Egypt, but the practice of intentionally preserving the dead can be traced to multiple cultures throughout history. The Guanche people of the Canary Islands typically mummified all deceased members of their community until the arrival of Spanish settlers in the 14th century, while Aztecs conducted similar rituals for certain rulers and warriors. Catholic and Orthodox Christians also preserved saints and venerated clergy as recently as the 18th century—including the mysterious 'Air-Dried Chaplain' of Perg, Austria. Interred in the church crypt of St. Thomas am Blasenstein roughly 26 miles from Linz, Austria, this particular mummy has long perplexed experts due to its excellent state and mystery identity. Researchers at Germany's Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich were recently granted access to perform a detailed analysis of the body that included a focal autopsy, radiocarbon dating, and CT scans. After opening the torso, the team catalogued a variety of locally sourced materials in both the abdominal and pelvic cavities. These included fir and spruce wood chips, branch fragments, as well as fabrics like hemp, flax, and linen. A toxicology report also indicated trace amounts of zinc chloride, a strong drying agent. 'Clearly, the wood chips, twigs, and dry fabric absorbed much of the fluid inside the abdominal cavity,' explained pathologist and study first author, Andreas Nerlich. How the materials were placed inside the body also differed greatly from more well understood methods (and the squeamish may want to skip ahead). Instead of opening the body, preparers inserted the embalming ingredients through the rectum. Nerlich's team theorizes this mummification approach may have been more widespread during that time, but similar bodies simply haven't held up as well as the example from St. Thomas am Blasenstein. That said, it wasn't a perfect job—During the examination, researchers discovered a small glass bead in the mummy with holes at either end. Given it's the only one they found, the team believes it was part of a monastic fabric that was accidentally left in the body. Misplaced accessories aside, the team is also now confident about the mummy's identity: Franz Xaver Sidler von Rosenegg, a local parish vicar who died in 1746. Although long suspected to be Rosenegg, there wasn't clear evidence linking him to the body. The postmortem analysis indicates the man was between 35 and 45 years old when he died, which aligns with Sidler's biography. The body's condition also indicated a high-quality diet that would have matched the vicar's, based largely on meat, inland fish, and central European grains. A lack of physical activity aligns with his church roles, while there was also evidence of lung tuberculosis near the end of his life indicative of long-term smoking. 'We have some written evidence that cadavers were 'prepared' for transport or elongated laying-out of the dead – although no report provides any precise description,' said Nerlich. 'Possibly, the vicar was planned for transportation to his home abbey, which might have failed for unknown reasons.'
Telegraph
28-03-2025
- Telegraph
How to connect with Tenerife's culture
Tenerife has been shaped and influenced over generations by many cultures. You'll still find remnants of the original Guanche people (thought to be Berber tribes from North Africa), plenty of sights of interest remaining from the Spanish colonisation of the island in the early 15th century, plus hints and highlights from people who have passed through this strategic point, from northern European tourists to South American travellers. What remains in Tenerife – and is still evolving – is an intriguing mosaic of cultural legacies, innovative arts and heritage projects, and an events and festivals calendar to rival any of the world's major cities. As you stroll up to the mighty Basilica de Candelaria on Tenerife's north-west coast, you'll be under the watchful eye of nine large bronze statues, created in 1993 by the renowned Tenerife sculptor José Abad. These are the menceyes, the aboriginal 'kings' of Tenerife before the Spanish came. Before the conquest, the island was split into nine kingdoms, the names of which are still present today in places such as Adeje, Anaga and Güímar. The city of Candelaria is famous for the Cueva de Achbinico, a cave believed to have been a place of worship for more than 3,000 years. To learn more about the Guanches, head to the Museum of Nature and Archaeology (MUNA) in Santa Cruz where you'll discover more about these cave-dwelling people, their ways of life and their beliefs – such as in the figure of Guayota, the devil-like spirit believed to reside in El Teide volcano, unleashing flames and devastation when angered. El Teide – Spain's highest mountain – has huge historical significance for the people who have called the island home. Nowhere more so than in the pretty, quiet town of Garachico. It was once the busiest place on the island and the most important port, where produce – particularly wine – was exported all over the world. That all came to an abrupt and devastating stop in 1706 when a volcanic eruption demolished the port and part of the town. In La Orotava, a handsome town with impressive mansion houses that were once the homes of the island's wealthy nobility, you'll find the Casa de Los Balcones, an extraordinary house with many intricately carved Canarian pinewood balconies, a traditional architectural flourish that can be seen around the island. It's a similar tale in San Cristóbal de La Laguna (La Laguna for short), which was the island's capital before Santa Cruz, and is one of Tenerife's two Unesco World Heritage Sites. Its cobblestone streets are lined with grand mansions and radiant, brightly coloured houses, and its grid format was used as the blueprint for towns and cities across Latin America, including Havana in Cuba. There are many guided walks around the historic centre, and you can also find many traditional restaurants. In the (new) capital of Santa Cruz, the area of La Noria is also both historic and gastronomic. It's where the city was founded back in 1494 by Alonso Fernández de Lugo. The streets leading out from Iglesia Matriz de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción have an Old-World-meets-New-World vibe and come alive when the sun goes down. Nearby, you'll find a host of cultural hotspots that make up part of Tenerife's exciting arts scene, encompassing music, painting, sculpture and architecture. Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (TEA) is a sleek and modern gallery and library with contemporary art exhibitions, in stark contrast to the classic MUNA museum next door. Down along the seafront the shimmering, gravity-defying white arc of Santiago Calatrava's Auditorio de Tenerife is hard to miss. This opera house and music venue has a popular programme of events year-round. In the city centre, the Museo de Bellas Artes offers a cooling respite from the sun and a fascinating collection of art and artifacts dating from between the 16th and 19th centuries. Don't miss the intricate façade of the Círculo de Amistad XII de Enero at the end of the street. Visiting the island in February? You'll be forgiven for thinking that bright costumes, music and dancing are everyday life in Tenerife – and to some extent, you'd be right. But when carnaval comes to town, everyone takes part. From street parades and parties to fancy dress competitions and comparsas (groups of traditional singers, musicians and dancers), Santa Cruz de Tenerife carnival is the largest outside of Rio de Janeiro. Be sure to book accommodation early, because it's hugely popular. If you're not lucky enough to join the party in February, a trip to La Casa del Carnaval, will give you the chance to get a flavour of the spectacle by seeing the many carnaval extravagant costumes on display. For something a little less raucous, make a beeline for the Baile de Magos in May. This is a traditional Canarian affair with typical food, music and dancing and revellers in classic Canarian dress – you can attend for free if you dress like the locals. Alternatively, head to La Orotava for Corpus Cristi in May and June to witness the incredible flower carpets that cover the town hall square in spectacular detail. Tenerife beyond the beach With multiple airlines flying direct to Tenerife from the UK every day, it's time to find out more, plan your travel and book your trip with the Tenerife Tourism Corporation
Euronews
26-02-2025
- General
- Euronews
Spanish government removes mummy remains from museum view
The Guanche mummy went on display at Madrid's National Archaeological Museum (MAN) in 2015. It is the preserved remains of a 35-40-year-old person who it is believed lived between the 12th and 13th centuries and was laid to rest in a cave in the Herques ravine in Tenerife. A member of the Guanches, the mummy belonged to the indigenous people who inhabited the Canary Islands from the first millennium BC alone until Spanish colonialism conquered the archipelago in the 15th century, killing many and assimilating the rest into Spanish culture. Until this week, the Guanche mummy was on display in the MAN's area dedicated to the Canary Islands and protohistory. It has now been removed as part of the Ministry of Culture's new letter that requires human remains 'must be treated with respect and dignity, and in accordance with the interests and beliefs of the communities and ethnic or religious groups of origin.' It's part of a move by Minister of Culture Ernest Urtasun to 'decolonise' the state's museums. Last year, his department commissioned a report on the treatment of human remains, a document which stated the Guanche mummy had been put on display 'with a brief label that does not justify its presence'. Urtasun told El Pais that 'it would be possible' for MAN to put the mummy back on display as long as it is accompanied by labels 'that add value'. As it stands, the mummy is set to be moved to the museum's extensive warehouses. However, since 1976, the Canary Islands have campaigned for the return of the mummy. Rosa Dávila, president of the government of Tenerife, says the mummy should be housed in Tenerife's Museum of Nature and Archaeology, saying it is a 'a symbol of our ancestral culture … with an incalculable historical and cultural value for our people, which we have been claiming for more than 50 years.' In 2010, Spain approved the request to return the mummy. The government later rejected the request twice on the grounds that it was too fragile to be moved. The report on the Guanche mummy details its provenance. Discovered in 1763-1764, it was one of at least a thousand mummies in the cave wrapped in 'exquisitely sewn skins'. Of the discovered bodies, the best preserved one was sent to Madrid and has passed through multiple institutions before coming to MAN. It concludes that the mummy should remain in MAN for preservation reasons: 'It is the responsibility of the Museum to try to maintain it in the best possible conditions so that future generations can continue to admire this legacy of the Guanches, always taking into account the respect that the mortal remains of someone who in distant times was a person integrated into that society deserve.' As a result, the mummy's lack of visible presence in the museum continues to aggravate Canary Island politicians. Lope Afonso, the Canary Islands tourism minister, said: 'The return of the mummy would not only correct a historical debt, but would also strengthen culture, pride in the Guanche heritage and respect for ancestral traditions.'
