The all-year-round sunny island for cyclists, walkers, scuba divers, and beach dwellers has a lot more to it than you might know about. Here are a few recommendations for Tenerife in the Canaries.
Where to go in Tenerife
Cueva del Viento – Translated as “Windy Caves,” this natural underground attraction was formed by lava flows more than 27,000 years ago from Pico Viejo next to Mount Teide. With three different passage levels measuring over 18km long, Cueva del Viento is the fourth largest lava tube in the world.
Macizo de Anaga – This coastal area made up of ravines and forests is a sight to behold. But in spite of the remarkable rock formations and steep terrain, there are several small villages to explore where the locals truly do live alongside nature.
Pico Viejo – Although overshadowed by its taller sibling of Mount Teide, the volcanic Pico Viejo is still well worth exploring. Its amazing crater measures 800 metres across and is over 60 metres deep, while the summit is some 3135 metres high.
Roque de Garachico – Just an hour’s drive from the popular resorts of Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos you will find the quaint town of Garachico. Head to Castillo San Miguel and look out to sea at the proud yet solitary islet of Roque de Garachico.
Roques de Anaga – These two enormous rocks comprise an ecosystem representative of the Canary Islands and are therefore areas of significant scientific, geological and geomorphological interest. You can walk the passage from the island to the first rock in low tide, but beware of sudden strong waves.
What to you eat in Tenerife
Seafood – As you would expect from an island, the seafood is first class. Specialities include Cherne (wreckfish), Sama (red sea bream), Choco (cuttlefish) and Pulpo (Octopus).
Ropa Vieja – This is a dish containing shredded chicken or beef with chickpeas, potato and garlic served alongside rice or tortillas.
Rancho Canario – A stew consisting of salted ribs, chorizo, chickpeas, potato, and noodles.
Papas arrugadas con mojo – Salted and wrinkly potatoes served with coriander and a sweet red pepper sauce.
Arroz con leche – Rice pudding but done the Tenerife way. Expect to find this delicious dish flavoured with cinnamon and raisins.
There’s a lot to see, do and eat in the popular canary island of Tenerife.
Written in collaboration with Lance Sprewell.