What is the first thing you think when you hear Canary Islands? Do you think of a bright, yellow, lively creature that is full of life, happy, and quite talkative? If you are referring to the bird, then you couldn’t be any more accurate. The same could even be said about the islands, too. A huge hot spot just off the coast of Africa, the Canary Islands are quite the popular location year-round, and the most visited and populated, Tenerife, is right up at the top of the list. The reasons why are easy to see, too – it is a volcanic paradise wrapped in sandy coasts, palm trees and other vegetation dominating the landscape and welcoming you with warm days and cool, vibrant nights.
Tenerife is the most populous island in the island chain. Picturesque sand beaches stretch along the coasts surrounding cloud-covered mountains, and small villages once lost to volcanic explosions have been born anew. A flourishing culture with art, delectable food, and tasty wine. The Tenerife life is rest and relaxation immersed in naturally stunning views with a healthy helping of adventurous views and perfect beaches. If you are looking to relax and escape with some European travelers, look no further. Tenerife is an ecological paradise, too, providing a gorgeous tropical atmosphere that is only miles away from the mainland.
The capital of Tenerife is Santa Cruz de Tenerife, commonly shortened to Santa Cruz. Located on the eastern tip of the island, Santa Cruz is the center of culture and population on the island. A stop by Plaza de España, the Canaries’ largest public square, is a great way to observe the local lifestyle and day-to-day activities. Fish and other seafood are a mainstay in the cuisine, as well as mangos, bananas, and avocados. And, like mainland Spain, small tapas are the way to snack on delicious foods throughout the day—after a day of relaxing or adventuring around the island.
If you’re looking for relaxation, Tenerife has 16 beautiful golden and dark sand beaches spread across its volcanic terrain, covering almost 50 miles of its nearly 250-mile coastline. Costa Adeje, along Tenerife’s south coast, is the popular spot for the best golden sand beaches as well as home to some of the best water activities on the island. If you want to try your hand at sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, or just plain snorkeling, this is the place for you.
For the adventurous traveler, Tenerife offers amazing hiking scenery. In Tacorante, the subtropical Canarian laurisilva forests are lush blankets along the rising mountains and dipping valleys. Las Cañadas National Park is an entirely different view. Here, the sparseness of desert terrain is dotted with unique plant life. One can also find the site of the most recent volcanic eruption, Chinyero in 1909. And the star of the show is Mt. Teide, rising to 12,188 ft, which has a cable car to the top (on days where the weather allows).
Outside of the capital, secluded and off-the-track villages sit in exotic locations. The town of Masca is one of these. In the mountains and surrounded by panoramic views of valleys and other mountain tops, it sits 2460 ft above sea level and features small villas layered on the elevation.
The town of Garachio was once the main port of Tenerife, but was met with destruction when Montaña Negra erupted and destroyed the harbor and large parts of the city. Today it has risen from the ashes as a colorful, quaint village built around natural saltwater pools created by that old lava flow, and uses the motto ‘Glorious in Adversity.’
As expected with any island, the beach life is the main life to live. Such phenomenal beaches as Jardin or Martianez offer a wondrous combination of sculptures, black sand, and sky-high waves – all of which embrace the surfing culture but at the same time, embrace those who enjoy basking in the rays.
- If there is one thing the Spanish are proud of, it is their sports. From lucha canaria, a wrestling competition in which the winner forces the opponent to touch the ground with any other part of their body besides their feet to golf or diving, the outdoors are a passion that thrives within everyone.
- If you are in the mood to learn, courses that will teach you the official language, Spanish, can be taken at the Don Quijote Tenerife Spanish Language School. This may be the most beneficial part of your trip, as it is a skill you’ll never lose and can help you communicate with over 500 million people in the world.
- The nightlife of Tenerife is endless, and arguably the best spot to experience it all is the Casino Taoro. Built in 1892, this classy joint is well known for its dancing, gambling, and remarkably delicious food that lets visitors sample the local dishes.
- With two main airports and several options to get around, transportation will be the least of your concerns as you embrace the volcanoes and sandy beaches that surround you. Taxis, buses and even renting a car are options, so if the desire to tear up the streets and find a beach of your own overwhelms you, just find your local car rental shop and enjoy the day away.