The Local Group as a
benchmark for Galaxy Evolution

Local information

The Winter School will be held in San Cristóbal de La Laguna (commonly known as La Laguna). La Laguna is a city in the northern part of the island of Tenerife. The city, with a population of 150,000 inhabitants, is the third-most populous city of the seven Canary Islands and the second-most populous city of the island of Tenerife. La Laguna historical centre was declared World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1999. Starting in 2003 the municipality started an ambitious Urban Plan to renew this area and, nowadays, La Laguna has a beautiful pedestrian historical centre with a lot of new shops, cafeterias, and restaurants that fill with life the streets of the city.

It is the home of the University of La Laguna with more than 30,000 students (not included in the population figures of the city). La Laguna is considered to be the cultural capital of the Canary Islands. It is called the "City of the Adelantados".  Adelantado was a title held by Spanish nobles in service of their respective kings during the Middle Ages. It was used as a military title held by some. The tern adelantado was granted to Alonso Fernández de Lugo in the conquest of the Canary Islands and was confirmed to members of his family.

Weather and climate

Weather in Tenerife in November is usually very pleasant. Although the climate is generally mild, please make sure to bring some warm clothing and an umbrella as cool evenings and heavy rains are quite possible at this time of the year.

The weather in San Cristobal de La Laguna is expected to be mild with temperatures in the range 17º to 20ºC during the day. The afternoons and evenings can be more humid and rainy.

Snow may come down in exceptional conditions to about the 1500 m level allowing spectacular photographs of the mountain side.

During the trips to Teide and Roque de los Muchachos Observatories, one should expect very cold temperatures, even close to zero degrees celsius. Mountain top's weather is very variable at this time of the year and rain, snow, fog and strong wind may all occur. The weather can change quickly, so a bright sunny day may turn cloudy, or vice versa.

Useful addresses and phone numbers

Airport Information

TFN - Los Rodeos Airport
Phone: +34-922-635998

TFS - Reina Sofía Airport
Phone: +34-922-759200 (24 hours)

Emergency Numbers

Emergencies (all): 112

Police: 091