Tenerife is a destination that offers endless possibilities and unforgettable experiences. Visitors to Tenerife, in fact, will find it difficult to choose amongst all the idyllic spots the island has to offer. The below are just 10 unmissable experiences for travellers, but there are many more…
Delve into its spectacular nature. Tenerife has 43 protected areas that occupy half of its territory. Among them is the Teide National Park, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, is perched in the middle, at 3,718 metres. The Teide National Park is a stunning and unspoilt volcanic area. A cable car allows visitors to ascend very close to the summit, with spectacular views of the island itself and the sea. Both Anaga and Teno Rural Parks, with their green Laurisilva forests, giant ferns and magical fairy-tale atmosphere, will captivate each and every one of the senses of those who visit them. Los Gigantes Cliffs, in the north-west of the island, will also impress visitors with its heights of 600 metres high.
Enjoy its endless leisure options. Having a great time is guaranteed in Tenerife thanks to its wide range of leisure activities, including lively beach clubs and roof top bars, original shows and festivals with the best of the world music scene. However, there are many other options available, such as lying on any of the island’s beaches, sunbathing or doing sports such as kayaking, windsurfing, surfing or scuba diving. Cycling, hiking or paragliding, to fly over its incredible landscapes, are also within reach. This is an ideal destination for sport lovers.
Cool off in its idyllic beaches and natural pools. Tenerife’s beaches perfectly combine sunshine and enviable year-round temperatures, attracting many travellers throughout the year. They feature both white and black sand – as Tenerife is a volcanic island, there are many black sand beaches. Beyond beaches, natural pools created by the solidifying lava are an equally authentic and rewarding alternative.
Whale and dolphin watching. In the southern waters of the island, about three miles off the coast, it is possible to sail among cetaceans 365 days a year. Actually, Tenerife is one of the best places in the world for whale watching, as it is home to a permanent colony of bottlenose dolphins and around 400 pilot whales. Joining a “blue boat” tour with an authorised company is an enriching and unequalled experience during a trip to the island.
Discover cities and towns brimming with charm. The avant-garde architecture is one of the main attractions of Tenerife’s capital city, Santa Cruz. The Tenerife Auditorium, the International Trade Fair and Congress Centre, both designed by architect, Santiago Calatrava, and the TEA (Tenerife Space of Arts), designed by Herzog and De Meuron, are excellent examples. The traditional mansions and courtyards of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of La Laguna truly stand out – they are just as beautiful as those of other historic town centres that are also worth discovering, such as those of La Orotava, Garachico or Icod de los Vinos.
Taste exquisite cuisine. Tenerife’s gastronomy has evolved in recent years and has given rise to a creative and original cuisine, with quality products such as tuna, black pig and avocado. All of this can be accompanied by local wines, whose history dates back to the 15th century. The climate and the peculiarities of the island’s volcanic soil mean that the wines have an unequalled originality and personality. In addition, five restaurants on the island have Michelin stars, a reflection of the quality of Tenerife’s cuisine.
Have fun at the theme parks. Fun in Tenerife is suitable for young and old alike – and at the island’s theme parks, located both in the north and south, the fun never ends. These include Siam Park, a water park with rides and slides for children and adults; Loro Parque, a ‘natural embassy’ with all kinds of animal species; and Pirámides de Güímar, a botanical and ethnographic park for avid explorers. Many hotel resorts are also purely focused on families – and some of them are real theme parks!
Observing its pure, clear sky. The quality of Tenerife’s sky, considered one of the best on the planet for stargazing due to its cleanliness and clarity, has led it to be designated a Starlight Reserve and Starlight Destination. The island is home to the prestigious Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands and has telescopes where national and international scientific teams work. There are companies that offer stargazing tours with expert guides and telescopes.
Immerse yourself in traditions. Tenerife is an island full of traditions and local events. Pilgrimages are one of the best examples of the island’s culture. From March to September, carts and typical food – including potatoes and mojo sauces, local wine and meat – take over the island’s towns. Tenerife is also home to a wide variety of festivals, many of them are religious in nature, such as the Holy Week (Easter) in La Laguna and the Corpus Christi in La Orotava, where the town builds beautiful tapestries made of sand from Mount Teide. And, every February, Carnival takes over the island, especially in its capital city, Santa Cruz, which hosts one of the most striking, colourful and crowded carnivals in the world.
Taking care of yourself and relaxing. Tenerife is an ideal holiday destination, featuring exceptional four and five-star hotels and a variety of spa and wellness centres for those looking to unwind. Furthermore, the island also has a modern and reliable health system with national and international professionals for those who would like to combine a sunny holiday with a medical or surgical treatment – everything under the medical and health certifications required by the European Union but at a more affordable price.
Tenerife is, in short, the perfect destination for outdoor experiences at any time of the year. Its luxury accommodation, heritage, cultural events and leisure facilities will awaken the most diverse emotions to its visitors.
For further information about Tenerife, please visit: www.webtenerife.co.uk
