Tenerife has lengthy been the island of whispered rumours and delicate nods of approval from those that’ve ventured there earlier than. This Canary Island, usually misunderstood by holidaymakers who solely affiliate it with its sandy shores, is a land that deserves your consideration, albeit in a quiet, understated form of method. From rugged volcanic terrain to surprising culinary surprises, listed below are 5 the reason why it’s price contemplating a visit to this Atlantic gem.
The Majesty of Mount Teide
Image this: a panorama so starkly alien that it may simply double because the floor of Mars, with fewer astronauts and barely extra lizards. Mount Teide, the third-highest volcanic construction on the planet when measured from its base, dominates the skyline like a quiet, watchful sentinel. There’s one thing virtually primeval about the way in which it rises above the clouds, its peaks sometimes dusted with snow – a paradox in a spot in any other case kissed by perpetual sunshine.
Exploring this nationwide park is nothing in need of stepping onto the set of a sci-fi epic. Trails snake by means of lava fields, black and ochre in hue, whereas cable automobiles whisk guests in the direction of the summit. The air thins up there, and so do your ideas; maybe it’s the altitude, maybe it’s the sheer scale of all of it. For the courageous, there’s the choice to hike the ultimate stretch to the crater, although permits must be pre-booked except you’re oddly keen on disappointment.
Seashores, however Not as You Know Them

Neglect the cliché of infinite golden sands—Tenerife has seashores that really feel uncooked, untouched by the heavy hand of commercialisation. Take Playa de Benijo, for instance, the place jagged rocks protrude from the Atlantic like historical monuments defying time and tide. This isn’t the form of seashore the place you’ll discover parasols and cocktails; it’s extra of a contemplative spot, the place the rhythm of the waves would possibly remind you of your personal insignificance.
After which there’s the surprising—seashores the place the sand is black. Volcanic origins have bestowed Tenerife with shores that look as if they’ve been scorched by the gods themselves. It’s surreal, strolling barefoot on a floor that’s each pure and otherworldly. Households usually surprise in regards to the practicality of such seashores, however relaxation assured, the island has considered every thing, together with parking close by and ample area for a picnic.
Gastronomy That Surprises
Let’s tackle the elephant within the room: island delicacies is commonly unfairly pigeonholed as easy and predictable. Tenerife, nevertheless, has been quietly difficult this notion. The native fare is a wedding of Spanish custom and the island’s personal agricultural peculiarities. Assume contemporary seafood that virtually whispers of the ocean, accompanied by papas arrugadas, potatoes boiled in closely salted water and served with a fiery mojo sauce. It’s not flashy, but it surely doesn’t must be.
Then there’s the wine—oh, the wine. Vines right here thrive on volcanic soil, lending the wines an earthy, complicated flavour that defies straightforward categorisation. A go to to a family-run bodega would possibly depart you pondering how grapes can style this good, whereas the faint buzz from a beneficiant tasting session makes you surprise if you should purchase a bottle, or six, for the journey house.
Villages Frozen in Time
There’s one thing grounding about strolling by means of a spot that appears blissfully unaware of modernity’s relentless march. Garachico is one such village, its cobbled streets winding previous whitewashed buildings which have withstood eruptions, invasions and the passage of centuries. The city feels prefer it’s paused someplace up to now, a quiet revolt towards the hurry of the current.
In distinction, La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, feels extra cosmopolitan, although it doesn’t flaunt it. That is the place colonial structure whispers its story by means of muted tones, and cafés serve up wealthy espresso that pairs completely with people-watching. The locals right here transfer at a tempo that might virtually be referred to as deliberate, a reminder that not each second must be full of urgency.
Dolphin and Whale Watching

Not removed from Tenerife’s shores, the waters teem with life. Pods of dolphins leap with a grace that appears virtually rehearsed, whereas whales glide with an air of dignity that people can solely aspire to. The island’s location, nestled between oceanic currents, creates a haven for these creatures, making it the most effective locations in Europe for such encounters.
Boarding a ship for this tour feels much less like a vacationer exercise and extra like an unstated settlement between you and nature. Some operators even provide small-group excursions, which suggests fewer elbows in your private area. For households, there are alternatives to pre-book journeys that embrace baby seats, life jackets and snacks, guaranteeing everybody from toddlers to grandparents enjoys the day. And let’s face it, nothing fairly beats the astonished expression of a kid recognizing a dolphin for the primary time.
Whether or not it’s the imposing Mount Teide, seashores that refuse to adapt, or villages that really feel stolen from one other period, Tenerife is an island of contrasts. Even one thing as mundane as organising a Tenerife airport transfer turns into a part of the story; touchdown on this sun-soaked island and swiftly being whisked to your chosen vacation spot units the tone for what lies forward—comfort assembly the extraordinary. And if that doesn’t depart you itching to pack your baggage, nicely, maybe the dolphins will.