Tenerife has long been the island of whispered rumours and subtle nods of approval from those who’ve ventured there before. This Canary Island, often misunderstood by holidaymakers who only associate it with its sandy shores, is a land that deserves your attention, albeit in a quiet, understated sort of way. From rugged volcanic terrain to unexpected culinary surprises, here are five reasons why it’s worth considering a trip to this Atlantic gem.
The Majesty of Mount Teide
Picture this: a landscape so starkly alien that it could easily double as the surface of Mars, with fewer astronauts and slightly more lizards. Mount Teide, the third-highest volcanic structure in the world when measured from its base, dominates the skyline like a quiet, watchful sentinel. There’s something almost primeval about the way it rises above the clouds, its peaks occasionally dusted with snow – a paradox in a place otherwise kissed by perpetual sunshine.
Exploring this national park is nothing short of stepping onto the set of a sci-fi epic. Trails snake through lava fields, black and ochre in hue, while cable cars whisk visitors towards the summit. The air thins up there, and so do your thoughts; perhaps it’s the altitude, perhaps it’s the sheer scale of it all. For the brave, there’s the option to hike the final stretch to the crater, though permits need to be pre-booked unless you’re oddly fond of disappointment.
Beaches, but Not as You Know Them
Forget the cliché of endless golden sands—Tenerife has beaches that feel raw, untouched by the heavy hand of commercialisation. Take Playa de Benijo, for example, where jagged rocks protrude from the Atlantic like ancient monuments defying time and tide. This isn’t the sort of beach where you’ll find parasols and cocktails; it’s more of a contemplative spot, where the rhythm of the waves might remind you of your own insignificance.
And then there’s the unexpected—beaches where the sand is black. Volcanic origins have bestowed Tenerife with shores that look as though they’ve been scorched by the gods themselves. It’s surreal, walking barefoot on a surface that’s both natural and otherworldly. Families often wonder about the practicality of such beaches, but rest assured, the island has thought of everything, including parking nearby and ample space for a picnic.
Gastronomy That Surprises
Let’s address the elephant in the room: island cuisine is often unfairly pigeonholed as simple and predictable. Tenerife, however, has been quietly challenging this notion. The local fare is a marriage of Spanish tradition and the island’s own agricultural peculiarities. Think fresh seafood that practically whispers of the ocean, accompanied by papas arrugadas, potatoes boiled in heavily salted water and served with a fiery mojo sauce. It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t need to be.
Then there’s the wine—oh, the wine. Vines here thrive on volcanic soil, lending the wines an earthy, complex flavour that defies easy categorisation. A visit to a family-run bodega might leave you pondering how grapes can taste this good, while the faint buzz from a generous tasting session makes you wonder if you should buy a bottle, or six, for the journey home.
Villages Frozen in Time
There’s something grounding about walking through a place that seems blissfully unaware of modernity’s relentless march. Garachico is one such village, its cobbled streets winding past whitewashed buildings that have withstood eruptions, invasions and the passage of centuries. The town feels like it’s paused somewhere in the past, a quiet rebellion against the hurry of the present.
In contrast, La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, feels more cosmopolitan, though it doesn’t flaunt it. This is where colonial architecture whispers its story through muted tones, and cafés serve up rich coffee that pairs perfectly with people-watching. The locals here move at a pace that could almost be called deliberate, a reminder that not every second needs to be filled with urgency.
Dolphin and Whale Watching
Not far from Tenerife’s shores, the waters teem with life. Pods of dolphins leap with a grace that seems almost rehearsed, while whales glide with an air of dignity that humans can only aspire to. The island’s location, nestled between oceanic currents, creates a haven for these creatures, making it one of the best places in Europe for such encounters.
Boarding a boat for this excursion feels less like a tourist activity and more like an unspoken agreement between you and nature. Some operators even offer small-group tours, which means fewer elbows in your personal space. For families, there are options to pre-book trips that include child seats, life jackets and snacks, ensuring everyone from toddlers to grandparents enjoys the day. And let’s face it, nothing quite beats the astonished expression of a child spotting a dolphin for the first time.
Whether it’s the imposing Mount Teide, beaches that refuse to conform, or villages that feel stolen from another era, Tenerife is an island of contrasts. Even something as mundane as organising a Tenerife airport transfer becomes part of the story; landing on this sun-soaked island and swiftly being whisked to your chosen destination sets the tone for what lies ahead—convenience meeting the extraordinary. And if that doesn’t leave you itching to pack your bags, well, perhaps the dolphins will.
