When we set out to explore the Canary Islands one year ago, there were a lot of people who warned us in advance. They claimed that it wasn't the right choice for us as individualistic and adventurous travelers. For one reason or another the Canary Islands have the bad reputation to be a tourist stronghold where hotels line up endlessly and where 90% of the population are german pensioners. With a healthy amount of skepticism but also the awareness that in life a lot of things turn out totally different, we planned to stay 3 weeks in total on Tenerife, La Palma and La Gomera.
Eventually, we spent our entire trip on Tenerife alone and were absolutely captivated. Today I'd even go so far as to say that no other place on earth has such unique diversity of landscapes within such a small geographical area. Black-sanded beaches, rugged mountains, a volcanic desert and ever-moist cloud forests all within an hours drive. Sounds too good to be true? Let the journey begin.
This series covers 24 unique places on Tenerife Island in random order. Here are the first six.
Full information about any place listed can be found on my open source travel guide backtotheroutes.com.
1. Roques de García (Teide National Park)
Located at the heart of the unique volcanic landscape of Teide NP, this short hike is something everybody can do. Marvel at the spectacular rock colors and formations below the majestic peak of El Teide (3700m).
2. Playa Bollullo (North)
This beach is close to Puerto de la Cruz, yet mostly unknown to tourists. This wide and deep black beach is the perfect place to relax and hang out with locals.
3. Reserva Natural Güimar (East)
This young volcanic landscape offers an easy and entertaining hike. Slag fields conquered by salt-tolerant plants contrast with the blue ocean.
4. Los Gigantes (West)
Take a boat tour along the steep cliffs of Teno mountain range and encounter dolphins (safe bet) and whales (if you're lucky) up close. Bring snorkel equipment to see teeming marine life in the crystal clear waters of Masca Bay.
5. Plaza de España (Santa Cruz de Tenerife)
Take a break from the breathtaking natural beauty and hang out on the main plaza of the capital while enjoying fantastic views of the Anaga mountain range. Take a city stroll and plan the next adventure.
6. Los Organos Ridgeway (La Orotava)
On the gentle northern slope of the Teide volcanic crater sits another natural gem. The hike takes about 5 hours as you wander along a mountain ridge on mostly forested trails. Walking in and above the clouds gives a fairy-tale atmosphere. You can also observe a cloud-junction phenomenon where clouds suddenly disappear when flowing over a ridge. Small canyons and pines covered with giant lichens make sure you never get bored. The hike lends its name to a cliff formation called 'Los Organos' which can be seen from the lower trails.
Phew. And this is just the beginning. 18 more amazing places are waiting for you in the next parts of this series. Follow me, so you don't miss it.
If you're planning to go to Tenerife and have any questions feel free to ask me in the comment section.