Tenerife Travel Guide

Do you still remember your first ever holiday?

The first trip you took as a kid with your parents? Where did you go?

I can still recall my first trip. I was 4 years old when my parents decided to go on a family vacation to Tenerife. From Frankfurt we took a flight to Tenerife with the same airline, that I joined 15 years later working as a flight attendant. Of course everything was so exciting for me. Waking up in the middle of the night, getting ready for the trip, boarding a plane, my first dip in the ocean, playing in the sand and my personal highlight back then: riding a camel.

Even now that traveling is kind of my job I try to see the world with the same curiosity and excitement from back then when I got the chance to explore beautiful Tenerife.

 

Tenerife, the largest of the seven Canary island, which are part of Spain, has sunshine all year round and astonishes with its incredible beaches and wild landscape. A flight from Germany will take you there in 4 hours and from Ireland around 4.50 as you are still traveling within Europe you don’t even need a passport or change your currency.

Getting around the island

The island covers an area of over 2000 square kilometers and is 83.3 kilometers long and 53.9 kilometers long. To get around the island you can use the local bus system, if you use the public transport a lot then it’s worth buying a BonVia or Bono Nus card that is valid on all Titsa buses on the island as well as for the Santa Cruz tram network. 12 trips with this card will cost you 7.50 € or 45 € for a monthly ticket. Alternatively take a taxi, go on an organized tour or even better rent your own car.

Where to stay

Tenerife is quite large so making a choice where to stay on the island can be tricky. It really comes down to your personal taste as there is a broad range of accommodation available.

 

On the South side of the island beaches are known to be the most beautiful. Therefore most main holiday resorts are located there. If you are planning on booking a package holiday, the best places to stay are the resort towns of Los Cristianos, Playa de las Americas and Costa Adeje. To avoid the crowds head to either Los Gigantes or El Medano on the south-east cost, this also a popular spot for wind and kite surfers.

 

The North side of the island also has some highlights like Santa Cruz de Tenerife- the capital or El Teide, the island’s dramatic volcanic heart.

Check here for a list of the best hotels on Tenerife.

Things to Do

• A visit to Teide National Park: This really is a MUST when visiting Tenerife. Teide National Park, dominated by the 3.781 m Teode stratovolcano, represents a rich and diverse assemblage of volcanic features and landscapes in a spectacular setting. The park is easy to access and I promise you, it will take your breath away.

 

• Hike up to the Krater of the Volcan El Teide: As you are already planning a visit to Teide National Park, don’t miss out on the opportunity to hike to Teide Peak with a guide or if you are feeling lazy there is also a cable car taking you up there. The view over the island is breathtaking.

 

• Lago Martianez: close to the Atlantic Coast you can find this natural swimming pool with sea water

 

• Spending time on the beautiful beaches: Of course you travelled to Tenerife to enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches that Europe has to offer. Beaches are very diverse from white and sandy to wild and rocky. Among my favorites are Playa de Benijo, Playa Del Duque and Playa Bollullu.

 

• Renting a car and exploring the island at your own pace: Car hire in Tenerife is cheap and easy and there are many good rental places available. Drive around the island and explore its natural beauty and discover secluded beaches and bays at your on pace. A highlight is the drive to Punta de Teno, the most western point of the island.

 

• Visiting the vineyards: Tenerife is a paradise for wine lovers. While not very known for it’s wine in first place, Tenerife is gaining an increasing reputation among gourmet circles. If you are planning on visiting a vineyard I can recommend you the estate Bodegas Monje in the North of Tenerife. They are offering tours, great wine made only with regional grapes can be enjoyed by the glass or from a wine tasting menu along with food. The view from there is also very beautiful

 

• Trying out some water sports: If you like water sports, you will have the time of your life here on Tenerife. Scuba Diving, wind surfing or kiting or riding a jet ski are just a few examples. There are so many options.

 

• Pushing the paddles along the mountain trails: mountain biking in Tenerife is very popular as you can do this sport 365 days of the year due to the good weather, trails are great and easy accessible. If you haven’t tried mountain biking before, there are some organized tours as well.

 

• A day trip to Santa Cruz de Tenerife: The capital makes a great day trip as you can enjoy some good shopping, wander through botanical garden, get lost in the many art galleries, good restaurants or relax on Las Terersitas beach.

 

• Visit La Laguna: This is the former capital and a Unesco Heritage Center to get a real taste of the culture of Tenerife

An Event not to miss

 

Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife:  On Tenerife you get the chance to experience one of the largest carnivals held each February in the capital. It is considered the second-most popular carnival after the one in Rio de Janeiro. Visitors can expect a real spectacle with a parade where thousands of people dress in fancy costumes and dance to the music.

 

 

I hope you enjoyed this guide. Please leave a comment if you want to add more.