Tenerife Island - the most comprehensive guide to an underrated paradise (Part 3)

This is the third part of a series trying to give Tenerife the appreciation it deserves. If you missed the first two parts you may want to check them out first: Part 1    Part 2

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.

This series covers 24 unique places on Tenerife Island in random order. Here are the third six.

Full information about any place listed can be found on my open source travel guide backtotheroutes.com. 

13. Paisaje Lunar (Vilaflor)

The highlight of this hike is an unique area of white pumice stone resembling what people usually imagine to be a lunar landscape. It's advisable to just watch it from the distance, but hey can you resist?

14. Playa las Teresitas (North East)

The beach is artificially erected with original black sand being substituted by yellow Sahara sand. The beach is protected from rough sea by a stone wall. Although heavily molded by man it's worth a visit. Bring a snorkel and even spot rainbow fish. The Anaga mountains provide a magic background.

15. From Afur to Taganana (Anaga, North East)

You first descend towards Playa Tamandite and then hike up to Taganana along a scenic coastal path. Now you can either go back by bus/ hitchhiking or continue your way up to the 'Casa Forestal' through endemic laurisilva cloud forest and from there return to Afur. Note the difference in vegetation and humidity as you rise in elevation.

16. Drago Milenario (North)

The 'Drago Milenario' is the oldest dragon tree on the island and supposedly 1000 years old. You can actually just walk by on the heightened platform of San Marcos church in Icod de los Vinos and take some photos. 

17. Barranco de Masca (Teno, North West)

This famous hike takes about 3-4 hours and winds down the canyon along a river. It leads through patches of bamboo and a rocky river bed with the cliffs towering 600m high on both sides. Once on the beach, make sure to take a swim in crystal clear water. It's even better to bring a snorkel as visibility is fantastic and aquatic life thrives.

18. Water Channels Trail (Anaga, North East)

This hike takes about 7 hours and requires absolute surefootedness and endurance. The special thing about this trail is that it partially follows an old water channel leading through pitch-black tunnels (longest is 100m). Take a break in 'Los Batanes' (or take the bus back if you're done) before heading back. If you're seeking adventure this is the hike for you. 

And 6 more amazing places are waiting for you in the last part 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.

Who I am?

I'm Marcus from Munich - a voluntarist and travel enthusiast always trying to find the hidden gems on the lowest possible budget. I love to collect as much information about the places I've been to and share it with the world on my open source travel guide backtotheroutes.com - so anybody can get the most out of travel even on a tight budget. Follow me to get the latest @mcsvi.

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