After hours of searching for our next winter holiday destination, we came across Tenerife. It’s the biggest island out of the Canary Islands. And since we’ve been to Gran Canaria before, we knew the weather was going to be fantastic! With an average temperature of 23 degrees Celsius I’m in no position to complain (why complain anyway, it’s vacation baby! ;)). And even better is that there are plenty of interesting things to do on Tenerife, from relaxing the day away on a volcanic beach with a cocktail in your hand to hiking through a fairytale-like forest. There’s a 100% guarantee you’ll find something for your liking! And in order to fully enjoy everything what the island has to offer, I highly recommend renting a car.

EXPLORE THE EL TEIDE

Mount Teide or Pico del Teide is with its 3718 metres the highest volcano in spain. It’s considered to be sleeping, although new eruptions can occur somewhere in the near future. But that shouldn’t hold you back from visiting this majestic volcano and its by Unesco protected surrounding national park! From our hotel in Adeje it was about an hour drive over spiraling mountain roads. And once you enter the parc, it’s like landing on Mars, with its bizarre alien-esque rock formations and landscapes that seem to change wherever you look. The top of the vulcano can be visited by cable car, but make sure to book your ticket beforehand because the rows can be pretty long!

STROLL AROUND IN SAN CRISTÓBAL DE LA LAGUNA

Even though San Cristóbal de La Laguna’s population of over 150.000 people makes it the second largest city of the entire island , the in 1496 founded town is also known for its rich history and cultural heritage. With its collection of colourful colonial houses, cobblestone streets and fascinating folklore it’s without a doubt one of the most interesting cities of the Canary archipelago. And there are tons of must-sees in this sacred world heritage site, especially the neoclassical Cathedral of La Laguna, the Iglesia de la Concepción (if you climb the tower you can see the entire city, a recommendation!) and if you’re hungry you can eat at the many charming eat joints the city has to offer.

FIGHT THE WAVES AT THE MANY VOLCANIC BEACHES

There are plenty of  reasons why the beaches of Tenerife are considered one of the most unique ones of all of Europe! One of those reasons is that all the natural beaches here are an otherwordly looking black decorated with palm tree’s, hordes of cacti and surrounded by rows and piles of volcanic rock. although the water might be a little chilly in the winter, it’s still pleasant enough to swim in! And if you don’t feel like swimming you can bathe in the many puddles or have a picnic on the rocks (there’s nothing as romantic as that!).

ENJOY BREAKFAST WITH A VIEW OF LOS GIGANTES

Just a stone’s throw away from the city of Santiago del Teide on the western shore of the island lays Los gigantes, a rock formation that can rise up to 800 meters above sea level! The surrounding area comes complete with everything from a large marina , a small lava beach to a boulevard full of restaurants. But if you really want to experience Los Gigantes at it’s most beautiful I really suggest you to go there in the morning. And while you’re at it grab some breakfast or a hot cappuccino at Caffé Juliano, it has the best view in town! 🙂

FORGET TIME IN THE FORESTS OF ANAGA

If you made the effort to go all the way to the northeastern point of the island, then you should go explore the forests of Anaga. This sea of trees offers a fairytale-like vibe, picturesque postcard moments and no human being for km’s on end. If a unicorn pops up behind the trees, I wouldn’t be surprised, it’s that magical! And I highly advice you to bring plenty of water and good hiking boots, because once you enter the forest it goes way up and the steps can be pretty steep.

VISIT A BANANA PLANTATION

Visiting a banana plantation may not be the first activity that comes to your mind when visiting Tenerife, but you can’t get around them, they are literally everywhere! One beautiful example is the Finca Punta del Lomo, a working plantation that’s open for the public. Here, you can lean anything from how banana’s are grown, cared for to the production process. And with its exceptional location and tropical appearance it’s no wonder that this location is often used for wedding and events. I wouldn’t mind getting married here! 😉

TRY OUT ONE OF THE LOCAL DISHES

A trip to Tenerife isn’t complete without trying out at least one of the local dishes. We all know that the best thing about a holiday is generally the food, and I can say for sure that Tenerife’s cuisine does not disappoint! One of the most popular dishes is Croquetas Caseras. This delicious tapas dish is made from crispy breadcrumb coated balls filled with just about anything, but the most popular are ham and white fish mixed with potatoes. Another favoured dish is Pimientos de Padrón. This spicy food consists of a very special type of peppers fried in olive oil and sprinkled with rock salt. So there are plenty of fingerlicking meals to enjoy after a long day of exploring. Buen provecho! 😉

HIKE HIKE HIKE

I should probably start by saying that I’m a huge fan of hiking! And for all those who can’t get rid off their inner hiker, Tenerife is made for you! You are guaranteed to find some unique locations where you can enjoy Tenerife’s flora and fauna. Hiking through the clouds, finding interesting plants and dreaming at the many view points are just a few of the many highlights. And while you’re at it you can take plenty of sensational pictures.

DRINK EVERY TYPE OF COCKTAIL THE HOTEL BAR HAS TO OFFER

Generally , drinking is more about the environment and the company than the drink alone. But as a cocktail enthusiast, every time I’m heading out for a drink I’m always tempted to try something new. And since we were staying in an all-inclusive resort, it was the perfect occasion for that! The cocktail I want to talk about wasn’t on any menu (that’s what you get when you befriend the bartender :)). The cocktail in question is called Purple Rain, which is a mix of Vodka, grenadine, Blue Curacao and berry juice. So next time you go on vacation, try it out! And don’t forget: Bars and drinking experiences are a way for us all to come together!

Have a beautiful trip, XOXO, Gianni