LOS ALISIOS

At first, the area of "Los Alisios" was supposed to follow the design of the "Lido de San Telmo", becoming mere functional ocean water swimming pools. The construction had already started when César Manrique’s team joined the project, bringing a new artistic vision and modifying the original concept. From the beginning, Manrique designed a traditional Canarian environment, with a continuity of the architecture of the neighboring "San Telmo" chapel, where nature is always present.

Thus, in this space of almost 8,000 m2, swimming pools of rounded shapes were created, in contrast to the more rectangular shapes of the old “San Telmo” area. Also, a different kind of pavement was chosen, made of stones and pebbles,  unlike the aseptic design that the floor of the “Lido” had at the time.

Lush autochthonous, endemic and subtropical vegetation, wooden elements and monuments that catch the eye of the viewer complete a space that has almost all elements from Manrique's philosophy. Water gushes from fountains and waterfalls filling the swimming pools in the same way as it would in nature, replicating its sound, becoming not only an artistic but a functional element.

Here we will discover emblems of the resort such as the "Isla del Barco", an island bar located in the largest pool; “La Jibia”, sculpture in front of the children's pool that will delight the little ones; and the sculpture “Alisios”, part of the “Juguetes del Viento”, wind toys collection, that literally means Toys of the Wind, a series of mobile structures vital in Manrique's career, that we can find not only in various points of the Canary Islands, but also in other parts of Spain.

When its construction was completed in 1971, hundreds of famous figures attended the opening ceremonies, where international stars such as the vedette Josephine Baker, and successful folklore groups such as Los Sabandeños, performed. In successive years, visits by important figures such as the then Princes of Spain Juan Carlos de Borbón and Mrs. Sofía give an idea of ​​the relevance that César Manrique's work has had for the development of the city of Puerto de la Cruz.

Near the entrance of this area a bust of Manrique has been erected, as a tribute to the artist who with his groundbreaking vision of sustainable development transformed the city of Puerto de la Cruz, having the utmost respect for its cultural and natural heritage.