Catalanes

Catalanes is a rural settlement in the Anaga region that spreads across the slopes of Valle Grande with buildings scattered throughout the hillside. The settlement centers around a chapel dedicated to San José Obrero, which serves as the focal point of the community.

The settlement emerged after the Spanish conquest of Tenerife when Catalan settlers established themselves in the region. The name preserves the memory of these early Catalan immigrants who shaped the community.

The community maintains traditional Canarian customs through local gatherings and religious observances that shape daily life. These practices reflect how people here connect with their surroundings and with one another across generations.

The settlement is best explored on foot, with multiple hiking trails threading through the surrounding landscape at various difficulty levels. The driest months offer the easiest conditions for walking through the area and enjoying the slopes.

The settlement connects to a historic water gallery system that has channeled water to distant Santa Cruz for generations. This underground network demonstrates the resourcefulness of earlier inhabitants in managing water across the mountainous landscape.