For the Walking Tenerife pick of the week we’ve headed to the south west of the island. We don’t make any secret of the fact we believe the best walking routes are in the north, north east and north west and the west of the island. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some crackers in other parts.
The hills above the south east coast holds some secrets like this hidden valley of Las Fuentes which was once a thriving centre of agricultural activity.
The thriving tourism industry at the coast drew people, and water, away from little hamlets like this one and, as a result, some were abandoned. Neighbouring La Gomera has quite a few abandoned villages and there are empty rural houses all over Tenerife.
Even when you know it exists, it’s quite a surprise to emerge from a jungle of long grasses into a small flattish valley filled with agricultural terraces and crumbling cottages.
The good news is that in recent years some people have returned… to work the land at least. The terraces are neat and green again, brimming with potatoes and vines.
It’s soothing for the soul to simply sit awhile to absorb the magic of this lovely little valley and to savour a taste of what this part of the island used to be like not that very long ago.
The photograph was taken on our Lost Worlds and Lava walking routes.
Jack is co-owner, writer and photographer for Walking Tenerife and the Real Tenerife series of travel websites as well as a contributor to lots of other places. Follow Jack on Google+
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