When it comes to Tenerife, everyone thinks of the sun and the beach. However, this beautiful island has much more to offer. History, culture, famous festivals around the world, dream beaches, beautiful forests and spectacular fauna and flora are what make Tenerife the ideal destination for anyone. In addition, its warm temperatures make it pleasant to travel there at any time of the year.
What to see in Tenerife?
Essential natural corners
The Teide
The Teide National Park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007 and is part of the Natura 2000 Network sites. These recognitions are due to its complete vegetation and for being one of the most spectacular volcanic places in the world.
The park is located in the center of the island at an average of 2000 meters above sea level and the peak of Teide is 3718 meters, which makes it the highest in Spain and the third highest volcano in the world. world . The extension of the park is almost 19,000 hectares, but it has a peripheral protection zone and is surrounded by the Corona Forestal Natural Park, which is just over 64,500 hectares.
The landscape and the vegetation seem taken from another planet and the fauna is also very peculiar. A large part of the insects that live there have not been found anywhere else and the same is true of many reptiles , such as the smut lizard, the perennial or the mullet. It is also the ideal place to observe birds and meet the elusive mouflon of Corsica .
One of the most recommended experiences is to go up to the cable car. Once at the upper station, there is a path that leads to the highest part of Teide. This point can only be accessed on foot. To enjoy this experience it is necessary to obtain a special permit . It is free and is only valid for the selected date. Of course, it is totally forbidden to take a volcanic stone as a souvenir.
Drago Icod de los Vinos
The Millennial Dragon Tree of Icod de los Vinos, in the north of the island, has become a symbol of Tenerife. This tree species typical of the Macaronesia area owes its name to its red resin, which seems to flow like the blood of a dragon.
The most curious thing about the specimen found in Tenerife is that it is about 1000 years old , which makes it the oldest of its kind. Its size is also very impressive, neither more nor less than 18 meters high and 20 meters in perimeter at the base .
The Millennial Dragon Tree is next to a church, in a garden with other endemic Canarian species. Its flowering is quite a spectacle but it occurs very irregularly between every 10 and 20 years.
Anaga Mountains
The Anaga Rural Park is the best place to walk and contemplate laurel forests. This type of forest can be perfectly reminiscent of those in fairy tales. In fact, the most famous is known as “The Enchanted Forest” and is inside El Pijaral. To access it, it is necessary to request a permit well in advance.
But Anaga is much more than forest and mountains because it is full of cliffs, steep slopes, ravines and black sand beaches. All this mountainous and wooded area was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO .
The most beautiful cities
Santa Cruz of Tenerife
Santa Cruz de Tenerife has been the capital of the island since 1883. Although many consider it uninteresting, it actually has many beautiful places.
The Nuestra Señora de África market , for example, is ideal for getting the best Canarian products and the building is also beautiful. The Plaza España , the nerve center of the city, is also a must. the castle of San Cristóbal , which is located under the Plaza España; the church of La Concepción , which was the first Catholic temple on the island; the Plaza de la Candelaria , where the first death of the Civil War occurred; and the Palmetun , a botanical garden in which palm trees are the protagonists.
La Orotava
La Orotava is the best place to soak up history, taste typical Canarian dishes, enjoy nature and take a break to rest. One of the most beautiful places is its historic center , which has managed to keep all the essence.
Also very interesting is the Museum of Ibero-American Crafts of Tenerife, the church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, the Lercaro house, the Gofio mill and its many gardens.
San Cristobal de La Laguna
It was the old capital of Tenerife until 1883, at which point Santa Cruz de Tenerife took away that position. This city is full of stately homes, churches and cobbled streets that seem to take its walkers back to the 16th, 17th or 18th century.
No city on the island is preserved as well as San Cristóbal de La Laguna , for this reason it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999 . Obviously, visiting this city is synonymous with visiting its historic center and getting to know some places such as the Plaza del Adelantado, the house of Nava and Grimón, the convent church of Santa Catalina de Siena, La Carrera street and the cathedral of San Cristóbal de la Lagoon.
What to do in Tenerife?
Gastronomy
To enjoy the trip you have to try the local dishes. The most typical of Tenerife are:
- The gofio : coarse, toasted flour made from corn, wheat or barley to which sugar is occasionally added.
- The mojo picón : sauce that is used to accompany some meals. It is usually spicy.
- The banana : it is the quintessential fruit of the Canary Islands.
- The frangollo : typical dessert made with milk, corn flour, lemon, eggs and sugar.
- The wrinkled potatoes : it is a type of potato that is cooked whole, with skin and a lot of sea salt.
Activities
It is already more than known that Tenerife is ideal to enjoy the beach and hiking routes, but there are other very interesting activities that can also be practiced on this beautiful island. One of them is whale watching in Adeje . It is best to book a catamaran excursion to see dolphins and whales . There are also areas where you can snorkel or dive . With a little luck you can see sea turtles, as well as a wide variety of fish and starfish .
In Tenerife it is also possible to bathe in natural pools or puddles. Those of Garachico are the most famous and from them you have beautiful views.
Carnival
The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the second best-known carnival in the world after Rio de Janeiro and the third to hold the title of Festival of International Tourist Interest .
The streets are filled with color and music with the comparsas, murgas, rondallas, parades and other activities. Although, without a doubt, the most emblematic is the act in which the Carnival Queen is chosen.
In short, Tenerife is an island that offers a lot: natural areas for hiking routes, beautiful cities with a lot of history, good food, an amazing carnival and lots of aquatic activity. In addition to beaches open all year round and an unbeatable temperature.
