TENERIFE

Tenerife is the largest and most populous of the Canary Islands and one of Spain's most popular tourist destinations. Located approximately 300 kilometres off the African coast, Tenerife is known for its pleasant subtropical climate, which makes it possible to visit the island all year round. The capital is Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where one of the largest carnivals in the world takes place.

The island's most important natural landmark is the Teide National Park, with the imposing Pico del Teide volcano, which reaches a height of 3,718 metres and is the highest peak in Spain. The island's landscape is very diverse - the north is greener and wetter, while the south is drier and sunnier, which attracts most tourists.

Teide National Park is the eighth most visited national park in the world

Tenerife offers many attractions - from historic towns like the UNESCO-listed La Laguna, to the dramatic cliffs of Los Gigantes, to beautiful beaches, both sandy and volcanic with black sand. The island is also a great place for hiking, water sports and dolphin and whale watching.

The local culture combines Spanish traditions with influences from the indigenous Guanche people. The island is known for its hospitality, excellent cuisine and traditional festivals. Tenerife is an ideal destination for both relaxing holidays and active exploration of nature and culture.

WHAT TO SEE AND VISIT AT TENERIFE?

1. PICO DEL TEIDE

Teide National Park is located in the centre of Tenerife and is the largest and most visited national park in Spain. It was founded in 1954 and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. The park covers an area of approximately 190 km² and consists of a vast volcanic landscape with unique geology and vegetation.

The park is dominated by the Pico del Teide volcano, which rises to 3 718 metres above sea level. It is not only the highest mountain in Spain, but also the third largest volcano in the world (measured from the ocean floor). Teide is still active, although the last eruption took place in 1909. Its crater can be reached by cable car (Teleférico del Teide), which takes you up to 3,555 metres. The rest of the way to the crater can only be done with a permit, as it is a protected area.

The top of Teide can only be reached with the permission of the National Park Authority

The landscape of the park resembles a lunar or Martian surface - you will find here lava fields, rock formations, craters and colourful layers from various volcanic eruptions. Due to this unique scenery, the park has often been used as a backdrop for films (e.g. Planet of the Apes or Clash of the Titans).

Despite the harsh environment, many endemic plants grow here - for example, the tajinaste rojo, a striking red flower that blooms in spring. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles, insects and birds.

Teide National Park is popular not only for hiking (there are dozens of marked trails of varying difficulty) but also for stargazing - the minimal light pollution and high altitude make it one of the best places in Europe for astronomy.

HOW TO GET TO THE TOP OF PICO DEL TEIDE?

The hike to the top of Pico del Teide is an unforgettable experience, and there are several trails you can take to reach the top. Here are the most important and most used trails.

The most famous one goes over the top of Montaña Blanca (trail 7 + 10). The trail starts from the parking lot of the same name, located on the main road TF-21.

Due to the considerable elevation gain (1368 m), the trail is very challenging. It starts from 2350 m above sea level and continues on to the summit (3718 m above sea level). As the altitude increases, the barometric pressure decreases and so does the partial pressure of oxygen in the inhaled air, so breathing becomes harder and harder with each step. The trail is less than 10 km long and takes a person in good physical condition about 4 hours. Good equipment and sufficient fluid intake is essential for this hike. It is also not a bad idea to pack headache pills in your backpack.

Another trail leads through the famous rock formations of Los Roques de García (trail 23). The trail starts from the main car park at 2133 m above sea level and continues to the summit (3718 m above sea level). The total length of the trail is about 10 km and with good physical condition you can reach the summit in 4 hours.

An alternative is a 12 km long trail (trail 28) leading from the TF-38 road to the summit. This trail is very challenging and will take you at least 7 hours to hike.

The easiest, most comfortable and fastest way to get to the top is the Teleférico del Teide cable car. A one-way ticket costs €23.5, and a return ticket costs €42. Tickets can be bought on site and online. However, long queues can form on site, so it's best to buy tickets in advance. For more information, please visit the website https://www.volcanoteide.com/en/teide_cable_car

There are a total of 5 smaller free car parks nearby. If they are full, it is possible to park along the road leading to the lower cable car station.

TO THE VERY TOP ONLY WITH PERMISSION

Before ascending the peak, you must obtain a permit from the National Park Authority. Daily capacity is very limited, so make sure you get your permit as soon as possible. Sometimes it is necessary to apply several months in advance (especially during the summer season). Remember that a cable car ticket does not entitle you to climb to the top. The top station of the cable car is just below, at a place known as La Rambleta (3 555 m).

The permit is free and can be booked on the website https://www.reservasparquesnacionales.es 

2. LOS ROQUES DE GARCÍA

Los Roques de García is a group of strikingly shaped volcanic rock formations that were formed by erosion and volcanic activity millions of years ago. They can be found in the central part of the Las Cañadas caldera, directly opposite the massif of the Teide volcano. Due to their peculiar shape, the rocks resemble figures or faces and are often compared to statues.

The most famous of the formations is the Roque Cinchado, an iconic, vertically layered rock with a 'narrow waist', nicknamed the 'Finger of God', which was once featured on Spanish banknotes. It looks like it's about to fall at any moment, but it has withstood the winds and time. It is often photographed with the Teide volcano in the background - it is one of the most photogenic places in Tenerife.

CIRCUIT AROUND LOS ROQUES

This 3.5 km long circular trail starts at the Mirador de la Ruleta car park, where you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the rock towers and Teide. The route goes down along the cliffs, passing between the different formations (including Roque Cinchado) and then curving back around. You'll not only see bizarre volcanic shapes, but also interesting layers of lava and colourful sediments.

3. BARRANCO DEL INFIERNO

Barranco del Infierno is a natural canyon located near the town of Adeje in southwest Tenerife. Its climate and geology have created a unique microclimate that allows the growth of rich vegetation - ferns, shrubs, palm trees, but also pine trees and endemic plants. In addition, the only perennial stream on the island flows through the area, which is very rare for arid Tenerife.

The gorge is 3 km long and is part of the 18 km2 nature reserve of the same name. At the end of the gorge we find the Cascada Barranco del Infierno waterfall.

Visitors must wear a helmet during the trip, as small landslides often occur

Entrance to the gorge is limited to 300 visitors per day. Children under 5 years of age are not allowed and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Visitors must wear a helmet during the trip as small landslides and rockslides often occur, especially in marked areas.

Tickets cost €13 and can be booked on the website https://www.barrancodelinfierno.es/en/

4. CHINYERO VOLCANO

Chinyero volcano is a fascinating destination for nature lovers, volcanoes and easy hiking. Although not as well known as Teide, it is of great geological and historical importance - and is set in a beautiful landscape.

Chinyero is a shield volcano (low and wide) located on the western slope of the Teide massif. It is best known for being the site of Tenerife's last volcanic eruption in 1909. It spewed lava into its surroundings for ten days. Since then it has been volcanically inactive, but the surrounding landscape has retained the raw, black character of fresh lava.

CIRCUIT AROUND THE CHINYERO VOLCANO

This 5.7 km long circular trail leads through black lava fields, volcanic sands, pine forests and light sandstone paths. During the trip you will have beautiful views of Teide, La Gomera and, in clear weather, the ocean. The landscape alternates between dark, dramatic stretches of lava with tranquil pine groves - an unusually diverse environment in such a small area.

5. LOS GIGANTES

Los Gigantes are impressive sea cliffs on the south-west coast of Tenerife, rising steeply from the Atlantic Ocean to a height of 500-600 metres. The name means "Giants" - and indeed, when viewed from a boat or the beach, they look monumental and impregnable.

In the past, the original inhabitants - the Guanches - considered them a sacred place and called them "Muralla del Infierno" ("Wall of Hell").

The cliffs are located near the town of Puerto de Santiago and are directly adjacent to the resort of Acantilados de Los Gigantes, about a 30-minute drive from Playa de las Américas. The town is built on a cliffside and offers beautiful views of the cliffs and the ocean.

There is a 2 km hiking trail above the cliffs that leads to an old mine tunnel.

WHALE WATCHING

Several local agencies offer whale watching, dolphin watching and other marine animal watching. From my own experience, I can recommend the Whale Wise Eco Tour, which starts its cruises at the port of Los Gigantes. They have a modern hybrid eco boat that is environmentally friendly and does not disturb the marine life in any way.

It sails the area off the west coast of Tenerife, which is a listed whale heritage site and one of the best places in the world for whale and dolphin watching all year round. More than 20 different species of cetaceans have been recorded in these waters, some of which live here permanently and others temporarily. The resident species most often seen on our trips are the round-headed and bottlenose dolphin.

There is a high probability of whale and dolphin sightings on all trips. They guarantee a 99.9% success rate. Book online at https://whalewise-ecotours.com/. For a 2.5 hour tour, you will pay €95. If you buy your ticket online or over the phone, you will receive a €10 discount.

6. SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of Tenerife (together with Las Palmas in Gran Canaria, it is one of the two main cities of the entire Canary archipelago) and although it is sometimes overlooked by tourists, it certainly has a lot to offer.

AUDITORIO DE TENERIFE

This architectural symbol of the city was built in 2003 and is considered the most beautiful building in the Canary Islands. It is the home of the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra and one of the city's tourist attractions. For more information, please visit the website https://www.auditoriodetenerife.com/es/

PLAZA DE ESPANA

The largest square in Santa Cruz and the Canary Islands. It was built in 1929 on the site of the former Castillo de San Cristóbal. In the square are the ruins of this castle and an artificial fountain built by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron.

PALMETUM

The Palmetum is a botanical garden specialising mainly in palm trees. The project is unique in the world - it has transformed a city rubbish dump into a space for plant lovers. The gardens house what is believed to be the largest collection of palm trees in Europe and the largest botanical collection of tropical island palms in the world. Tickets cost €6 and do not need to be booked online. For more information, visit the website https://palmetumtenerife.es/

PLAYA DE LAS TERESITAS 

This beach is located 7 km from Santa Cruz. It is very popular among tourists, especially because of the golden sand that was brought here from the Sahara desert in 1973. It is the only beach on the island with white-golden sand, all the others have black sand. There are several restaurants and bars by the beach, as well as showers and changing rooms. The price of two sunbeds and an umbrella will cost you €16 per day.

CARNIVAL OF SANTA CRUZ

Santa Cruz is famous for its carnival - one of the biggest in the world, after the one in Rio! It takes place every February and includes colourful parades, the election of a carnival queen, music, dancing, costumes and celebrations that last for weeks.

7. LORO PARK

Loro Parque is one of Tenerife's most famous and popular tourist destinations - and even one of the top-rated zoological parks in the world. Located in the north of the island in the town of Puerto de la Cruz, it's the perfect choice for families and adult animal and nature lovers alike.

The name of this park comes from the Spanish word "loro", which translates to parrot. It is therefore literally a parrot park. However, you won't just find parrots here. Loro Parque is known for its well-organized and friendly shows where you can see dolphins, killer whales and sea lions.

The park was founded by Wolfgang Kiessling in 1972. At that time, there were only 150 parrots. Today, the number is around 4,000. This number makes the park the place with the largest collection of these colourful birds.

A day ticket costs €42 and can be purchased on site or online at https://www.loroparque.com/en/

8. PAISAJE LUNAR

Paisaje Lunar (translated as "moonscape") is one of the most interesting natural places in Tenerife. These are unique rock formations that were created by the erosion of volcanic rocks - and resemble a lunar or sci-fi landscape. They were formed by wind and rain erosion over thousands of years. They resemble stone towers, cones and chimneys, often compared to "rock sponges" or America's Bryce Canyon (but on a smaller scale).

HOW TO GET TO PAISAJE LUNAR?

The most famous trail is Ruta 9 "Paisaje Lunar". The trail leads through a pine forest, then along volcanic trails to the viewpoint at Paisaje Lunar. This 13 km long circular trail starts in the village of Vilaflor, where you can conveniently park in the free parking lot. This is a longer but technically easy hike.

9. MASCA

Masca is one of the most picturesque and iconic villages on Tenerife - considered by many to be the most beautiful place on the island. It lies high in the mountains, surrounded by dramatic landscapes, deep gorges and steep rock ridges. It is an ideal destination for lovers of nature, hiking and traditional architecture.

The village can be reached by the narrow winding road TF-436 from the town of Santiago del Teide. There is very limited parking on site. There are few parking spaces along the road, which are quite inadequate during the high season.

Most tourists only visit Masca. However, there is an interesting route from the village to the level of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a challenging 8 km hike (round trip). Difficult mainly because of the considerable elevation. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.caminobarrancodemasca.com/en

10. PARQUE RURAL DE ANAGA

Parque Rural de Anaga is a natural gem in the northeast of Tenerife and one of the oldest geological areas on the island. It is ideal for lovers of hiking, wildlife, mist forests and dramatic views. The place has a very different feel to the southern part of Tenerife - green, wet, peaceful and mysterious.

The Parque Rural de Anaga is known for its rich flora and fauna, especially the Laurel Forests - misty forests from the Tertiary period, reminiscent of prehistoric rainforests, thousands of species of plants, many of which are endemic (e.g. dracaena, Canary Island pine, ferns) and several rare birds and reptiles - such as falcons, owls, pigeons and lizards.