Hidden Gems Travel Tips

Tenerife has so many sights on offer. From beautiful beaches to volcanic landscapes, there is just too much to see and for sure something for everyone. Let’s take a tour on the natural sights of Tenerife, while cultural sights will be discussed in part 2 soon.

• Teide: The dormant volcano Mt. Teide with 3715m is Spain’s highest peak, is an attraction that can’t be missed. Literally, as it can be seen when arriving to the islands by airplane already. It’s located in the Teide national park. A cable car takes you to the top and you can wander a few 100 meters to the peak, where you can enjoy the view over the whole island (on clear days also to neighbouring islands, for example La Gomera and La Palma). Crossing the sulfur fields, where gases from inside the volcano blow up and smell accordingly, reminds you that you are walking on a volcano.
• Cañadas del Teide: The enormous crater area of the ancient volcano is also part of the national park and offers amazing volcanic formations. For example, the thumb and the Roques de Garcia are huge formations standing out from the rather flat backdrop. Several other experiences are offered in this region, which is one of the best for stargazing due to low light pollution. A huge telescope that can be visited, is installed here, too.

• Anaga mountains: This mountain range in the North of the island is home to a huge laurel forest, that offers different hiking opportunities (the most famous one being the short ‘Sendero de sentidos’- Walk of the senses) and amazing viewpoints (Mirador de Cruz del Carmen).
• Playa de Benijo: This is a picturesque black sand beach located on the northern, known for its dramatic cliffs and rock formations in the water. It offers an experience away from the more touristy areas of the island.
• Masca: Masca gorge in the Teno mountains is one of the most famous and iconic hikes on the island: descending down the gorge towards the sea offers amazing views. Lately if was often closed due to construction, so check before you go. Other view points in the Teno mountains are great too and can be reached by a pretty narrow and binding road, which is an experience itself.

• Barranco del Infierno: Loosely translated to ‘gorge of hell’ this is another great hike through a natural gorge in rugged mountain terrain along a pretty challenging trail.
• Las Teresitas: The whitest beach of all of Tenerife (filled with Sahara sand, transported there by ship), this is the most beautiful beach for a relaxing holiday.
• Whale watching: An activity not to be missed in Tenerife. Several tours the possibility to witness diverse marine life, including dolphins and different species of whales like pilot whales, in their natural habitat.
• Montaña Roja: This volcanic hill living up to its name with the incredibly red volcanic rock it is formed of, offers amazing views from the top as it is located right next to the ocean.

• Almond blossom (Only in Jan/Feb): Pretty unexpected considering the island’s environment, the area near Santiago del Teide is a great place to see almond trees in full blossom in late winter. A circuit hike allows to see the beautiful coloured trees in front of the back lava background- a very contrasting sight.
• Snorkeling/scuba diving: Both are easy to practice along the coast of Tenerife. The aquatic ecosystem around the island offers a large variety of different fish. Various places offer rental or classes.
• Chinyero: Another amazing hike in volcanic landscape. This volcano is located in the native pine tree zone of the island and it is amazing to see grown out of the inhospitable landscape. This hike is amazing for bird watching and to enjoy the absolute calm, as it is a lesser known hike of the island.

• Charcos: Charco typically refers to the natural rock pools formed along the coastline, offering spots to enjoy swimming in sea water in sheltered places. These can be found all around the island, one of the most famous ones being the Charco De La Laja.
• Cueva del Viento: The ‘cave of the wind’ is one of the largest volcanic caves in the world (after volcanic caves on Hawaii). The subterranean system was formed by lava flows from Pico Viejo, the volcano next to Mt. Teide and can now be visited.
• Coastal hikes: There are several coastal hikes around the island that let you enjoy the rugged volcanic cliffs, some of them are for example the coastal walks in Los Silos, Los Abrigos and between Las Galletas and Palm-Mar.

I hope this list gives you some ideas about what to do on a trip to Tenerife island. For more tips also read my blog about Tenerife’s best landscapes with more pictures about some of the mentioned places. Stay tuned for part 2 (the cultural sights of Tenerife) coming up!

Let me know in the comments, what you think about those places and if you have anything to add 🙂

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