Tenerife: Between Surprise and Adventure!
A few years after visiting Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, we set our sights on Tenerife. When we started planning our trip, we had this somewhat stereotypical image in mind: the ultra-touristy island with its crowded beaches and all-inclusive resorts. But we were so wrong! Tenerife is so much more than that. We discovered a wild island, full of breathtaking landscapes and absolutely incredible hikes. Come on, let me tell you all about it!
Arrival and discovery of the north
We landed at Tenerife's southern airport, the "Reina Sofía." We drove to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where we had booked our first three nights. This city is a pretty ideal starting point for exploring the entire north of the island. On the way, we visited Guimar and its pyramids, then Candelaria, a city steeped in history.
Our first favorite spot: Anaga Rural Park . Wow. Rugged mountains, hidden trails, and an almost enchanted forest. It's wild, it's green, it's magical. We felt like we were in another world. We took our time on our first hike, just to get lost in nature, but I thought I was going to lose my husband: 10 km, 900 meters of elevation gain, in 35-degree heat under the blazing sun. Luckily, on our way back, we found a nice little restaurant and, most importantly, a magnificent black sand beach, a surfer's haven.
Next, we explored the charming town of La Orotava with its colorful houses and typical wooden balconies. A little dip into the island's history is always a good thing!
A stopover in La Laguna
And then, we couldn't miss La Laguna . It's a city with a charming colonial feel that transports you back in time. The cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses, and historic churches—it's truly captivating. We loved strolling through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center and wandering its lively pedestrian streets. It's the perfect place to relax on a terrace, enjoy a coffee, and observe local life. And as a bonus: it's a wonderfully authentic city and much less touristy than Santa Cruz!
The charcos: a swim like no other
Our favorite moments in the north were swimming in the natural pools, the charcos. Especially the charco de la Laja. Seawater fills these volcanic pools, and we all had a blast, diving and splashing around.
Then a stop in Garachico , to admire this picturesque 17th-century village and especially to have lunch by the natural pools.
Heading to Los Gigantes
After our three nights in Santa Cruz, we hit the road towards Los Gigantes for the next leg of our adventure. We stayed there for three nights to explore the south and west of the island. Los Gigantes is very touristy but a bit removed from Playa de Americas, where all the all-inclusive resorts are concentrated. The cliffs of Los Gigantes are spectacular: giant rock faces plunging into the ocean. But more importantly, we were upgraded to a room with a magnificent terrace, a jacuzzi, and a view of the cliffs.
The majestic Teide and the end of the world
It's impossible to miss the iconic Mount Teide . Unfortunately, we couldn't take the cable car to the base of the crater because of the wind. But we were able to do many hikes around it, and the scenery was breathtaking.
On the way to Punta del Teno , we had to take the famous winding Masca road . Frankly, it was a bit stressful at first. A narrow road, with hairpin bends and dizzying views of the gorges… A real challenge! But what a reward once we arrived: Punta del Teno is a timeless place with an old lighthouse and incredible ocean views. We truly felt like we were at the end of the world, far from everything. Every time, we were amazed at how diverse Tenerife can be.
Explore the south and southeast
Finally, we took the time to explore the south and southeast of the island. Sunnier beaches, like Tejita or the Arico Arch. It's truly the other side of Tenerife, far from the tourist crowds we had so feared.
Summary of this family trip
Tenerife was a magnificent trip. We left with some apprehensions, but we came back with our heads full of memories, from hikes and incredible landscapes to unique swims. If you're still hesitating about visiting this island, go for it! Far from the clichés, Tenerife has plenty to surprise you!
So, ready to embark on a Canary Islands adventure? 😊
