Bob Travel

When I walked around Tenerife, I found that there are many examples of volcanic forces forming the island. I wanted, though, an inside view of the Cave of the Wind, Cueva del Viento. I’ve heard it’s an underground landscape where volcanic lave flows bored all the way through rock to form one of the longest recorded series of volcanic tubes in the world.

The tunnels have three main levels that are linked by fissures, odd chasms and off-shoots. Apparently, the lave came from Pico Viejo located on the eastern slope of Mount Teide. Approximately 27,000 years ago there was an eruption which added to later activities inside these tubes. I could clearly see the different layers of lava as well as some smaller tunnels in which water meandered throughout the caves.

My tour guide, which I arranged for through one of the 5 Star Hotels in Tenerife, explained that the drive to Cueva del Viento would be a steep 10 minute drive above Icod de los Vinos north of Tenerife. When we arrived, there was a visitors center in the center of the small village which was added after a 15 year closure to the public due to a re-vamping project was necessary for public safety. Right now, the tour into the tunnels is free, but that might change. I went well prepared with good hiking boots and an extra coat. I heard it can get quite cooler inside the tunnels.

Once inside, we were handed a helmet with a light attached. This light was powered by a waist belt that had a power-pack attached. I could see about 20 feet all around me with the helmet light. I wasn’t allowed, for some reason, to use my high powered flashlight. I wish my hired guide would’ve told me that before, I felt silly carrying it around. As we proceeded onwards and downwards, the chamber narrows to a tunnel. If you are even the least bit claustrophobic, I recommend not taking this tour. The roof is only maybe a half-an-inch above my head. I was surprised to see insects and small creatures, in the tunnels and watch out for spiders. All in all, I was glad to take the tour. Tunnels forms from volcano’s really are a world onto themselves.

In terms of sheer beauty, lovely beaches, and luxury hotels, Tenerife is at the center of a world-class vacation.  An island paradise like none other, no one could forget the moments spent here, taking in the gorgeous and stunning beauty of the place.  It truly offers something for everyone.  Gold beaches, black sand, land shaped by volcanic activity from ages past, cliffs, banana groves, and a thousand other natural delights are all within reach.

This is no secret to the machinations of Hollywood, and the world is starting to recognize that the unusual geography of Tenerife, with scenery that can resemble forests and deserts, with no shortage of drop-dead gorgeous beaches with constantly shifting landscapes, is paradise for filmmakers.  And the immaculately lovely setting will pamper any movie star accustomed to a lifestyle that fairy tales are based on.  This kind of thinking is what drove the movie crews to Tenerife to work on a remake of “Clash of the Titans”.  This version will star Gemma Arterton, Alexa Davalos, and feature film greats Liam Neeson and Raiph Fiennes, and is directed by “The Incredible Hulk”’s Louis Leterrier.  Warner Brothers has decided to film somewhere around 20 percent of the location shots in Tenerife, which will be a very nice boon to the local economy.  Plus, it will also give the celebrity hounds something to watch out for, and the star-studded cast spends their time here working and relaxing.

The original 1981 film is a cult classic, with its strange and often hilarious clash (pun intended) between classical and kitsch, with classically trained actors playing in scenes with supermodels, to be upstaged by stop-motion beasts from Greek mythology.  The present version seeks to provide the same entertainment with a little more class.  “Clash of the Titans” is causing a stir among locals in Tenerife and the movie-loving world at large, although, according to one on-line poll, there is a sharp division between those who are excited about the film and those who would rather eat their own feet.