With heatwave after heatwave hitting the island this summer, there’s nothing quite like the sight and sound of a fresh, bubbling fountain to give you the illusion of cool, and Tenerife just happens to have a penchant for the elaborate wet stuff. From traffic roundabouts to shopping centres and city parks to pavements, here’s Tenerife Magazine’s pick of some of the island’s most eye-catching fountains.
The Bathers ““ Costa del Silencio
You’ve got to love something as quirky and surreal as these bathers in their swimming pool in a location as mundane as a Costa del Silencio shopping centre. Sporting their eclectic head and eye wear while twirling and scanning the sky for, who knows what ““ UFOs I suspect, they’re quite possibly the coolest fountain on Tenerife.
Fecundidad ““ Santa Cruz
Idly bathing her feet while rainbows dance around her plump knees, the voluptuous Fecundidad in Parque Garcia Sanabria seems oblivious to the public gaze of her private ritual. Unassuming and serene, she’s an enduring icon of the city.
Plaza España ““ Santa Cruz
From the centre of a placid lake of deepest blue, a single perpendicular needle of water shoots heavenwards; it’s a geometric work of water art. We just wish they’d keep the damn thing filled because when it’s empty, it’s nothing more than a concrete bowl.
Lago Martiánez ““ Puerto de la Cruz
Turning illusion of cool into reality, this fountain in its César Manrique-designed home of Lago Martiánez provides a stylish and invigorating exfoliant to bathers by day and morphs into a burning island in a pirate lagoon by night.
Los Cristianos
The Cristiano Ronaldo in our decorative outpourings is the elaborately, show-off centrepiece of the busy roundabout that heralds your arrival in Los Cristianos. Unfortunately, due to the current water shortage, it was hiding its watery light under a dry bushel when we captured this image so if anyone has a photo of it in action that they’d like to share…
Safari Centre ““ Playa de Las Américas
The Vegas-style performance of the coloured dancing fountain which graces the designer labels and bistro bars of the Safari Centre has become something of a tourist attraction. I don’t think Siam Park really needs to worry but, hey, it’s nice.
Parque Santiago IV ““ Costa Adeje
The Johnny-come-lately of our gushing collection is this rather elegant and understated piece of fountain art outside the Parque Santiago IV. Having it at ground zero makes it all the more accessible for everyone, although signs make it very clear you’re not allowed to play in it. Spoilsports.
Plaza Adelantado ““ La Laguna
Time to introduce a bit of class to this motley spouting selection, with the marble fountain from Plaza Adelantado in La Laguna. Dating from 1870, the marble reflects the sunlight off the water in mesmerizing patterns and the detail in the carving is superb, but best of all, it tinkles just like a fountain should.
Princesa DacÃl ““ La Orotava
Say hello to the ethnic addition to our eclectic ten. Sited at the entrance to Tenerife’s most aristocratic town, this is the Guanche Princess DacÃl and at her feet is the Guanche symbol of fertility, Tara.
Fuente La Alhóndiga ““ Tacoronte
A bit like Plaza España, this beauty is unfortunately often left dry but when the hoses have been in action and the water rises, it brings a whole new aspect to the 17th century, former grain store of Casa La Alhóndiga. Loving its contemporary simplicity.
