Tenerife Island - the most comprehensive guide to an underrated paradise (Part 1)
When we set out to explore the Canary Islands one year ago, there were a lot of people who warned us in advance. They claimed that it wasn't the right choice for us as individualistic and adventurous travelers. For one reason or another the Canary Islands have the bad reputation to be a tourist stronghold where hotels line up endlessly and where 90% of the population are german pensioners. With a healthy amount of skepticism but also the awareness that in life a lot of things turn out totally different, we planned to stay 3 weeks in total on Tenerife, La Palma and La Gomera.
Eventually, we spent our entire trip on Tenerife alone and were absolutely captivated. Today I'd even go so far as to say that no other place on earth has such unique diversity of landscapes within such a small geographical area. Black-sanded beaches, rugged mountains, a volcanic desert and ever-moist cloud forests all within an hours drive. Sounds too good to be true? Let the journey begin.
This series covers 24 unique places on Tenerife Island in random order. Here are the first six.
Full information about any place listed can be found on my open source travel guide backtotheroutes.com.
1. Roques de García (Teide National Park)
Located at the heart of the unique volcanic landscape of Teide NP, this short hike is something everybody can do. Marvel at the spectacular rock colors and formations below the majestic peak of El Teide (3700m).
2. Playa Bollullo (North)
This beach is close to Puerto de la Cruz, yet mostly unknown to tourists. This wide and deep black beach is the perfect place to relax and hang out with locals.
3. Reserva Natural Güimar (East)
This young volcanic landscape offers an easy and entertaining hike. Slag fields conquered by salt-tolerant plants contrast with the blue ocean.
4. Los Gigantes (West)
Take a boat tour along the steep cliffs of Teno mountain range and encounter dolphins (safe bet) and whales (if you're lucky) up close. Bring snorkel equipment to see teeming marine life in the crystal clear waters of Masca Bay.
5. Plaza de España (Santa Cruz de Tenerife)
Take a break from the breathtaking natural beauty and hang out on the main plaza of the capital while enjoying fantastic views of the Anaga mountain range. Take a city stroll and plan the next adventure.
6. Los Organos Ridgeway (La Orotava)
On the gentle northern slope of the Teide volcanic crater sits another natural gem. The hike takes about 5 hours as you wander along a mountain ridge on mostly forested trails. Walking in and above the clouds gives a fairy-tale atmosphere. You can also observe a cloud-junction phenomenon where clouds suddenly disappear when flowing over a ridge. Small canyons and pines covered with giant lichens make sure you never get bored. The hike lends its name to a cliff formation called 'Los Organos' which can be seen from the lower trails.
Phew. And this is just the beginning. 18 more amazing places are waiting for you in the next parts of this series. Follow me, so you don't miss it.
If you're planning to go to Tenerife and have any questions feel free to ask me in the comment section.
Some awe-inspiring shots. That beach looks like a perfect haven, the mountains are majestic, what a beautiful country. Great post.
Thanks - More beaches and mountains to come in the next parts :-)
I certainly agree with you about Tenerife. As soon as you go beyond the tourist strips, it's the most amazing island.
It has incredible scenery, with a wide range of climatic zones due to having a 3708 meter mountain within walking distance of the coast. It has great outdoor activities, including hiking, parasailing, surfing, rock climbing, canyoning, and many more. It has amazing culture, with any number of interesting and unusual traditions and festivals. And the locals still retain a warmth and friendliness which is not often found in the world these days.
I have made a dozen trips to the island, and loved every one of them. I have linked together some of the hiking paths, donkey trails and old royal roads into a ten-day walk from one tip of the island to the other tip, which I am writing up as a book.
Tenerife is not an expensive place to visit. It's not super-cheap like, say, Bolivia, but it is cheaper to visit than the UK, Germany, Canada or Australia.
Good to see I'm not the only one who fell in love with this island. Looking forward to traveling to La Palma later this year :-)
My parents ranted and raved about Los Gigantes - another worldly kinda place they said. Stunning images. Another place to add to the wish-list!