About Tenerife

Sightseeing

Mount Teide

Hire a car or book a coach or jeep trip – but whatever you do, don’t leave Tenerife without seeing Mount Teide!

At 3,700 metres this spectacular volcano is the highest mountain in Spain.  You can reach approximately 2,300 metres by road. To do this you will pass from a sub tropical landscape through a ‘forest crown’, with several dramatic viewing points along the way culminating in a lunar-like desert.

At 2000+ metres you will find many different landscapes and rock formations, and will find it hard to believe you are still on Tenerife.  If you wish to go further, a 10 minute cable car ride takes you from 2,300 metres to 3,500 metres.  From there several paths wind around the mountain allowing views in all directions.  Access to the final 200 metres to the peak is restricted to a maximum number of people per day in order to protect the landscape. Free permits can be requested in advance on-line: www.reservasparquesnacionales.es.  Coach excursions may take a route via the village of Masca on the North West coast, claimed to be the prettiest village in Tenerife.

There are sign-posted hiking routes or you can participate in guided walks in the National Park.

There is an interesting evening tour of Teide. After dining in the highest village in Spain (Vilaflor), and watching the sunset with a glass of champagne, this trip culminates in some star gazing in the company of one of Tenerife’s informative and entertaining astronomers.  NB It can be extremely cold at the top, even in summer!

La Gomera

After a 35 minute ferry crossing you can explore Tenerife’s nearest and more rugged neighbour, by coach or jeep.  The island is only 25km across at its widest but has enough microclimates to fill an entire continent ranging from dry valleys in the South to a verdant forest in the West.

You will be taken on a full day round-the-island tour, stopping at various points to hear about the geography, history, culture and folk-lore.  Lunch is included and you will be treated to a demonstration of the ancient whistling language of La Gomera. This is an extremely memorable day out and is one of our most popular excursions.

The East of Tenerife

Santa Cruz

This is the capital not only of the island but of the Western province of the Canary Islands, i.e. La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro. The capital of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, is responsible for the other islands.  We think it is well worth a visit with its friendly and relaxed atmosphere, great shopping and many historical attractions (it is here that Lord Admiral Nelson lost his arm and the battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in 1797).

From the recently re-landscaped Plaza de España you can admire the imposing government buildings of the city and explore the ancient cobbled streets with their shops, bars and restaurants.  Visit the colourful walled fruit and flower market, El Mercado de Nuestra Señora de Africa, the auditorium with its gravity defying architecture or take a relaxing stroll through the beautiful Garcia Sanabria Park.

Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz was founded in the 17th century as the major port of the North.  However its lack of natural harbour, the rocky coastline and Atlantic swells meant that it soon lost out to its neighbour, Santa Cruz, on the Northeast coast.

It later became a fashionable seaside resort for wealthy Victorian travellers as well as locals.  It remains the resort of choice for those who prefer a more laid back pace than is offered in the South, despite (or perhaps because of) its cooler, wetter climate.

We recommend a visit to the tranquil haven of the ancient botanic gardens and the extensive and recently refurbished lido of Lago Martianez as well as a wander through the old town and stroll along the seafront.

La Anaga

The mountain range of La Anaga is in the North Western tip of Tenerife. Located just North of Santa Cruz a visit can therefore be easily combined with a visit to the city.  If you can handle the twisty roads, the tiny fishing village of Taganana at the Northern end of the mountain range is a treat for nature lovers and walkers.

The North Coast

There are several lovely places to visit on or near the North coast which can be combined with a visit to Puerto de la Cruz.  For example, just South of Puerto de la Cruz lies La Orotava.  This historic and picturesque town was founded in the 16th century, its wealth deriving from the fertile agricultural lands of the Orotava Valley.

You should make a point of seeing some of the 17th century houses with carved wooden hanging balconies.  Also not to be missed are the spectacular ‘hanging’ gardens (really gardens on a steep slope). Just wander around the old centre and you’ll find it all there.

If you happen to be around at the time of the Corpus Christi festival (usually late May) the flower decorations at the Town Hall square are spectacular.  Should you decide to continue from here to Mount Teide this takes you on a very scenic route across the mountain to return to the South.

Alternatively, further West along the North coast you will come to the famous Drago (dragon) tree of Icod and the beautiful town of Garachico, once the most important trading city of Tenerife which had to be rebuilt after the eruption of Mount Teide in 1706.

The West Coast

Adeje

A drive up the West Coast should start with a detour away from the coast road into the market town of Adeje.  If you just keep going up you will come to the ancient old centre with its lovely architecture, church and plaza. Here, several cafes on a tree-lined street serve everything from coffee to excellent garlic chicken.  Higher even than the church and plaza is the entrance to the famous hike: Barranco del Infierno.

Playa de San Juan / Los Gigantes

We really like the pretty seaside town of Playa de San Juan and recommend a stop here for a stroll along the boardwalk.  Next stop: check out Los Gigantes, named after the black basalt rock cliffs that tower over this attractive, hilly resort.  The cliffs reach over 600m high and stretch for more than 11km – easily visible as you are flying into Tenerife, just a few minutes before landing

Masca

North of Los Gigantes, after negotiating a series of hairpin bends, you come finally to the lovely valley and village of Masca, reputed to be the prettiest place on the island.  Despite being included in the itinerary of some of the coach trips to Mount Teide, it is still a charming place to stop for lunch and a little exploration.  From here you can hike down to the coast and catch a boat taxi to Los Gigantes – giving you the opportunity to see this dramatic landscape from all angles!

Evening Entertainment

Rock Story

A medley of Abba, Queen and Pink Floyd form the basis of this popular show but this is much more than a tribute show. We have never had any disappointing feedback, even from skeptical teens!

Medieval Night

This is fun for all the family, cheering for your particular Knight on horseback whilst enjoying your medieval banquet all in the setting of Castle (Castillo) San Miguel.

Aire

When in Spain, a quality flamenco show is really a must! The famous dance company of Carmen Mota has produced this spectacular show, which includes many styles of dance from traditional Spanish through to modern styles resulting in ‘flamenco fusion’. The show takes place in the Piramides theatre within the Mare Nostrum resort, very near to the dive centre.

Active

Trekking

There are a number of half or full day trekking options on Tenerife.  You can go solo or guided, and in the latter case boots, backpack, picnic and transport are provided.  This is an opportunity to see Tenerife at its most tranquil, up close and personal.  One very popular option is to trek down from the picturesque village of Masca to the beach and from there catch a boat taxi to Los Gigantes.  There is also the possibility to trek in the National Park of our neighboring island of La Gomera.

Cycling

There are mountain bikes, town bikes and kids bikes available to hire.  Whether you wish to ride along the promenade or tackle an uphill route, this is a very pleasant way to get the wind in your hair.

Paragliding

See Tenerife from the air in an exhilarating tandem flight with a qualified and experienced instructor – no experience necessary.

Horse Riding

Enjoy the countryside of Tenerife on horseback – suitable for beginners or experienced riders.

Karting

With an adult track and a children’s track, this can be enjoyed by all the family.  The main circuit is an impressive 1200m long and 8 metres wide.  Competitions can be arranged. Great fun if you are here with a group.

Quads

For those with a driving license, choose between the Forest Explorer or the Mount Teide Tour.  Without a driver’s license, you can still enjoy this fun activity on the off-road rocky trail.

Water Sports

Water skiing, parascending, banana boat and jet skis are all available from our local beach.  Jet skis can be anything from a 20 minutes dash-about to a 3 hour safari along the beautiful coastline of the South East of Tenerife.