We all love going on holiday; whether you’ve chosen a beach holiday, a skiing holiday or an adventure holiday, travelling abroad is the perfect way to have a break from your day-to-day life, as well as the being the best way to relax and unwind, and soak up the culture in somewhere new.
But, if you’re anything like me, going on holiday always leaves you feeling the same way – you may have spent the whole time exploring your surroundings, visiting the local tourist attractions and buying lots of souvenirs for your family and friends, but what about all of those things you didn’t get to see? Because chances are, your chosen destination will have a plethora of amazing yet understated places of interest – many of which won’t be covered by many of the guides you buy.
So, where do you know where to go that’s different from where everyone else visits? Well, that’s exactly what I’m here for. Because, on my travel blog I give you hints and tips on how to explore a country off the beaten in track – starting first with the beautiful island of Tenerife.
Tenerife is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Spain, attracting millions of holidaymakers every year. Most people visit just for the resorts and beaches, but there is far more to the island.
Here’s how to visit Tenerife and do more than just your average holidaymaker and get away from the tourists:
1. Take In The Towns
First, point yourself towards Garachico, the sleepy Tenerife of fifty or so years ago. It’s a small fishing town straight out of southern Spain with some fabulous fish restaurants. Garachico was almost totally destroyed by lava flowing down to the sea in 1706 and you can still bathe in some of the black pools.
Right next door to Garachico is Icod de los Vinos, where the 1000 year-old Dragon Tree (Dracaena draco) stands in a preserved garden. The town is also home to the Convent of San Augustin and the Church of San Marcos with its solid silver Filigree Cross, one of the finest works of silver filigree in the world.
La Orotava is a beautiful old town full of magnificent architecture, shady squares and mellow houses. The old historic centre should certainly be visited. The town also has a botanical garden – “La Hijuela del Botánico” with more than 3,000 different tropical and subtropical plants.
2. Wine Tasting
Find your way to Tegueste, producer of some of some finest Tenerife wine from the Lomo bodega and home to one of the best farmers’ markets on the island.
3. Buff Up On Your History
Built in the 18th century, Arico Nuevo is frozen in time as a maze of narrow, traffic-free streets lined with crisp white buildings with crooked green doors and window frames. Park yourself at the El Pimentón restaurant, order a coffee and watch the world.
Drive past the outskirts of Villa de Arico to the plaza and you’ll discover the 18th century Iglesia de San Juan Bautista. A Baroque masterpiece guarded by two Drago tree sentries, the church stands in a square surrounded by traditional Canarian style houses with wooden balconies.
4. Mount Teide
Climb Mount Teide and watch the sun setting 7000 ft above the clouds with a professional astronomer to map out the night sky for you.
5. Go Natural
If you want to explore Tenerife’s natural sights, then head to The Cliffs of the Giants – you’re guaranteed to be amazed. The Cliffs of the Giants (Los Gigantes) are massive cliffs that plunge over 800m straight into the sea. Across the bay lie the towns of Los Gigantes and Puerto de Santiago. The only way for you to get closer to these amazing cliffs is by boat.
However, other natural places to visit include the Barranco del Infierno or ‘Hells Gorge’. The Hells Gorge is a walker’s paradise and takes only two and a half hours. Parts of the walk are in the deep ravine that can be quite dark and cool. They only allow 200 visitors into the gorge per day so book in advance or get there early.
6. Whale & Dolphin Watching
In Tenerife lots of travel companies offer whale watching in places like Puerto Colon, Los Gigantes and Los Cristianos, where you can experience whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
7. Scuba Diving
Tenerife is one of the best diving destinations and this is the perfect opportunities if you would like to do something different and see the bottom of the sea. Dive trips and courses can be booked online or locally. You could also enjoy the unique tranquility of a Breathing Observation Bubble where you’ll be in the company of maybe some tuna, barracuda or marlin.
The possibilities are endless when you visit Tenerife and it is really easy to escape the tourist resorts and do something more than sunbathing and drinking. Hopefully my article has given you some suggestions! For more tips view my Tenerife travel guide.
