Imagine an island getaway so profound it feels like you have entered paradise. Welcome to Tenerife, Spain.
See its impressive history, culinary delights, and colorful towns everywhere you go. Gorgeous beaches and towering mountains surround you at every turn.
Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, just off the coast of Africa. Nicknamed the “Island of the Eternal Spring” for its year-round subtropical climate, it’s the perfect destination for outdoor activities, fine dining, cultural immersion, and boutique hotels.
U.S. News & World Report ranks the Canary Islands as the No. 2 destination for the best beaches in Spain, specifically listing two in Tenerife: Playa de las Teresitas for its family-friendliness and Playa Jardín for its black volcanic sand surrounded by beautiful greenery.
Both Tripadvisor and Conde Nast ranked Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island’s capital, as one of the top destinations in the world to celebrate Carnival, known for its “extravagant” parades and celebrations.
Travel+Leisure has also named Tenerife one of the top destinations in Spain for remote workers and digital nomads for its affordability and quality of life. Each small town of Tenerife is unique and welcoming to visitors.
My five-day journey through Tenerife included visiting the northern and southern sides of the island. I experienced boutique hotels, scenic hikes, kayaking excursions, cultural performances, and mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine.
Luxury and Boutique Accommodations
The island destination of Tenerife is brimming with luxury beach resorts and boutique accommodations.
Many island towns converted their historic buildings into boutique hotels. One in particular, Hotel San Roque, originally an 18th-century mansion, retains its traditional Canarian architecture. The modernized interior offers rooms with contemporary comforts.
Hotel Botánico & Oriental Spa Garden, my first five-star experience, was a game-changer. The elevated buffet was excellent for breakfast and dinner, and my accommodations were spacious. There was even a secret cave directing guests to a secluded hot tub inside.
In Costa Adeje, where I stayed for the next three days, there’s an entire street filled with luxury accommodations. I spent my time at the Tivoli La Caleta Tenerife Resort, which offers various spa treatments, fine dining options, wellness centers, and exceptional hospitality. Whatever you need, they’ve got it.
Embrace the Rich Cultural Tapestry
A blend of influences from Europe, Latin America, and Africa comprise the unique culture of Tenerife and the Canary Islands. Add in the indigenous roots of the Guanche people, and you have a mixed tapestry of cultures.
Start by embracing the island’s traditional music and dances. Spanish and Guanche traditions heavily influence the sound, performed primarily with string instruments.
While performed mostly at religious celebrations and festivals, you’ll occasionally find small performances around the city. I was lucky enough to witness a performance at the Hotel Botánico & Oriental Spa Garden during my stay.
Another way to enjoy the culture is to stop at the museums and galleries. Local artists show their talents, history, and inspirations through contemporary artwork.
Local Ingredients and Michelin-Star Dining
Canarian cuisine reflects its mixture of cultures. There is a heavy emphasis on seafood, with fresh catches comprising mostly cod, tuna, and occasionally octopus and parrotfish. Local vegetables like potatoes, onions, leeks, cucumbers, and cabbages are perfect for Canarian stew in winter.
Cheeses are extremely popular here, primarily goat varieties. Banana plantations on the island’s north side are exported to the mainland.
First thing in the morning, go to your local coffee shop for a barraquito coffee, a sweet Canarian way to start the day. I could not get enough!
Breakfast and brunch lovers can enjoy a French menu at Café de Paris. Fans of the arts can catch a Parisian cabaret show and enjoy singing and dancing with dinner.
For lunch, the Masia del Mar in Costa Adeje offers paella and other Spanish cuisine with gorgeous seaside views.
Muxacho, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is a dinner and date night favorite known for local wines and excellent tapas. Be sure to ask your server for a pour of Ron Miel, a honey-infused rum perfect for dessert.
Head to the Michelin guide recommended El Rebojo in Garachico for its delicious farm-to-table Mediterranean menu and local seafood.
Unique Outdoor Experiences
Tenerife is well known for its hiking opportunities, which offer a mix of volcanic, dense forest, and coastal landscapes.
The island has the third-largest volcano in the world, Mount Teide, which has the highest peak — 12,188 feet — in all of Spain.
One of the magical experiences I had here was catching the sunset on my last night. On a good day, you’ll see vivid orange and red skies as the sun goes down.
Anaga Rural Park has deep green forests and scenic trails of varying difficulty levels. These trails lead to coastal cliffs with amazing panoramic views. Opt for a guided tour to learn more about the area’s plant and animal life.
Xplore Tenerife will take you kayaking along the coast to the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, where you can spot playful bottlenose dolphins. From there, you’ll go to a lesser-known bay to snorkel with sea turtles.
Your Tenerife Island Adventure Awaits
Tenerife perfectly combines island luxury, relaxation, outdoor activities, and mouthwatering cuisine. My five days exploring the island were filled with unique and extraordinary experiences.
Befriend the locals, navigate the colorful streets, and appreciate the gorgeous scenery. A visit to Tenerife will capture your heart and quickly become your home away from home.
