It goes without saying that the island of Tenerife is a popular destination for sun, sea and sand. Home to fantastic resorts, buzzing nightlife, beachfront restaurants and sunset views to die for, Tenerife makes a pretty special holiday. Although we know that is what Tenerife is best for, we are here to tell you all about undiscovered Tenerife with its beautiful scenery, friendly culture, fine dining gastronomy scene and high levels of sustainability. Tenerife really has a lot to boast about and certainly shouldn’t go unmissed. For those who fancy doing something a little different on your next holiday, Tenerife could possibly be your answer…. 

EXPLORE AND ADVENTURE

When it comes to exploring Tenerife, you are spoilt for choice. If you can get off-the-beaten-track, you’re in for a real treat with a whole array of hikes and treks on offer. As there is so much to choose from, we have selected just a couple of our favourite routes that will offer magnificent views. 

For starters, there are lots of easy walking trails that will show you forests, canyons, volcanic landscapes and the gorgeous coastline. One of our top favourites is the Santiago del Teide to Masca hike in the Teno Mountains, ideal for those looking to spent time appreciating the lush and rugged landscapes of the island. This point-to-point trail showcases the phenomenal Teno Mountains, a walking route that some revisit over and over again as it is also classed as an “easy” hike. Some of the hike's highlights include the unbeatable views through the mountains to the small town of Masca and the lookout point at Mirador de Cruz de Hilda with panoramic views of the surrounding areas as well as gorgeous palm trees and shrubbery. You will also find a café here too where you can take some much-needed time to sit back and relax whilst surrounding yourself with impressive views.  

Or perhaps you’re a keen hiker and looking for more of a real challenge? If so, Route 040 could be the one for you. Route 040 is a landmark hike beginning and ending on ground level at the sandy shores of Socorro beach and taking you to the highest point in Spain, peaking at a staggering 3,718 metres high! Once you reach the top, you will be amazed as you look down onto the clouds. Whilst this trek isn’t for the faint hearted, you will be rewarded for those hard-earned steps by the sheer beauty of the trail. It's actually the beauty of this challenging trails that attracts so many every year. As you go, make sure you don’t miss the protected landscape of Los Campeches, Tigaiga, Ruiz in Los Realejos and the Natural Park of Corona Forestal. The ideal places for a pit stop! 

By the way, when we say it's not for the faint hearted, we truly mean it! The entire trek covers a total of 27.7 kilometres with an average completion time of around 12 hours. If you are feeling super brave and up to the challenge, you could even run the route, taking around 4 to 6 hours.  

SUSTAINABLE TENERIFE

Tenerife is a place where sustainability comes high on the list of priorities. From a dedicated walking festival to demonstrate the variety and richness of the nature and landscapes, initiatives to release turtles back into the sea and to “Respect the Mountains”, a conservation for natural spaces such as path cleaning and removing debris from the surface of the sea. Did you know Tenerife is also one of the very few destinations in the world to certify the boats who offer whale watching and carry the “Blue Boat” flag? The “Blue Boat” symbol certified their professional authorisation to carry out the activity and to ensure the staff on board know all about these fascinating mammals to help visitors in understanding their behaviour. A lot of effort goes in to making sure Tenerife is a destination that does its bit for the planet. So much so, that Tenerife has also been recognised as a Biosphere Sustainable Destination for its contribution and efforts to sustainability, joining 32 other destinations in achieving a Biosphere Certification as well as a Whale Heritage destination for its sustainable whale watching operations and protection of its oceans and marine life. Whilst on holiday here, there are plenty of sustainable activities on offer, including these mentioned above and many more so you can add your own contribution to this great cause.  

TENERIFE’S FOOD SCENE

For most of us, we all enjoy dining out on holiday, right? Well, if that’s a yes, you will be in for a real treat in Tenerife as its not short of a restaurant or two. Whether you choose to head to well-known hotspots or prefer to discover somewhere new, there are a couple of things that you simply must try!  

A popular dish with locals is Papas Arrugadas (otherwise known as wrinkled potatoes). Potatoes boiled in lots of sea salt water for around 30 minutes before being roasted so the skin wrinkles and creates a crusting of salt. This dish may be simple, but potatoes grown in Tenerife are packed full of flavour thanks to its rich volcanic soil. These tasty appetisers can be found in many restaurants in Tenerife so make sure you give them a try. Fish is a staple dish on many small islands and Tenerife is no exception. With fisherman delivering all manners of fresh fish to restaurants on a daily basis, you will have the latest catch that very same evening. From sardines, pollock and grouper. If you are looking for something super authentic and traditional, try Atún en adobo, marinated tuna with herbs and spices overnight before frying – simply divine! You certainly won’t struggle to find wonderful fish dishes in Tenerife from seafront spots with a relaxing atmosphere to those right in the hustle and bustle of it all. Now let’s not forget the wine! Some say that Tenerife’s best kept secret is its wine. You will find a few incredible wineries to choose from including Bodegas Monje and Bodega Reveron where you will be able to sample some of the island’s gorgeous dry whites and smoothy reds.  

ALL YEAR-ROUND SUN

And finally, another thing we love about Tenerife is its climate. With mild winters and hot summers, whether you are looking to escape the dark winter months or prefer a summer holiday, Tenerife is the ideal destination for all year round.  

CONTACT US TO FIND OUT MORE

We are on hand to help package together the perfect Tenerife holiday for you– so whether you would like to find out more, seek some expert advice, or you’re ready to book your next holiday, get in touch with us and we’ll do all of the hard work for you