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Photo credit Michal Mrozek and Lukas Medvedevas

The Scoop: Tenerife

The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is also one of the last surviving European paradise isles. Its spectacular beaches and buzzing nightlife make it one of the most popular holiday destinations for British and German tourists. But Tenerife also offers tourists an array of landscapes including lush forests, exotic fauna and flora, deserts, mountains, volcanoes, beautiful coastlines and magnificent beaches - all of which make it the perfect destination for almost any kind of traveller.

You will never be bored in Tenerife: you can choose to spend your days lounging lazily at the beach, venturing off to the mountains or on the water, or even exploring local parks and zoos. Known as the “Island of Eternal Spring”, Tenerife offers a warm climate year-round which makes it ideal for visiting at just about any time of year.

When to go

One of the best things about Tenerife, and the Canary Islands in general, is that they are year-round destinations. Temperature averages range from lows of 19℃ in February to highs of 25℃ in August. The sea is warm year-round. 

What to do

Tenerife’s diversity attracts tens of thousands of holidaymakers from the UK, Germany and Spain every year. Chances are if you are considering Tenerife as your next holiday destination, you are looking for some sun and waves to help you unwind. And Tenerife is definitely the most ideal place for that kind of holiday! Among the many beaches along the spectacular coastline, the most popular ones are Playa Americas (a black volcanic sand beach) and Los Cristianos, which has yellow imported sand. Plus, as a prime destination for scuba diving, this beautiful island is also the perfect place to take up a new water sport such as surfing, windsurfing, speed boat parascending and jet-ski.

If you are looking for some more adventure on your island getaway, you’re in luck! Tenerife is a prime destination for hikers of all levels. Its wide variety of routes range from leisurely one-hour strolls to strenuous full-day hikes. The island’s mountain biking and road biking infrastructures also attract a vast number of cyclists every year.

Want to get to know the island’s culture and traditions a bit better before you leave? There are plenty of charming towns to explore during your stay! La Orotava is a popular picturesque old town for visitors every year and the small village of La Laguna has been garnished as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, you will also be able to find a number of museums, an art gallery and a weekly market ready for you to explore.

Where to stay

As a popular destination for holidaymakers from all over the world, you will be able to find an extensive amount of hotels, resorts, boutique hotels and hostels all over the island. Luckily, they each cater to different budgets and tastes, enabling you to enjoy the holiday you want! Generally, you will be able to find the priciest and newest hotels on the island’s south-west coast and it is in Tenerife’s capital that you will be able to find a greater variety of accommodation options.

Hotel Botanico y Oriental Spa Garden (£££)

At an average of approximately £160 per night, this exquisite five-star resort is situated among beautiful subtropical gardens just opposite the famous Botanical Gardens in Puerto de la Cruz. Its ideal location at the foot of the La Orotava Valley offers a fabulous view over the valley to Mount Teide and the Atlantic Ocean. On-site, its superb service and magnificent spa set this hotel apart from any of its kind on the island. The spacious rooms offer breath-taking views of the ocean, mountains or gardens.

Hotel Rural El Navío (££)

Set on a plantation, this medium-priced hotel offers spacious rooms with terraces and sea views starting at roughly £50 per night. Just 1km from Alcalš Beach and from the centre of Alcalš, you will be able to find a number of shops, restaurants and bars within the hotel’s vicinity. On-site, you will be able to enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, BBQ facilities, a tasty restaurant serving home-made dishes and a lounge.

Barcelo Santa Cruz Contemporšneo (£)

If you are looking for a more budget-friendly accommodation option, this charming hotel set in Santa Cruz’s city centre is your best bet. At approximately £30 per night, you will be able to enjoy a well-located cosy hotel that will leave you close to various local amenities. Close to local airports, you will also be able to find a beautiful park just opposite the hotel. On-site, you will be able to enjoy a modern room and a delicious restaurant serving local and international dishes.

Where to eat

As an island surrounded by fresh ocean waters, Tenerife’s main speciality is its fish and you will find it served a host of different ways accompanied with different ingredients. Black potatoes (called “Papas Arrugadas”) are also a big part of the local cuisine and are usually served unpeeled to be dipped in a local sauce.

There are plenty of restaurants where you can try these specialities and more of the local cuisine so we’ve put together a few recommendations below:

El Cine (Santa Cruz de Tenerife)

This restaurant only serves grilled fish and chicken wings, but the quality of the fish is so exquisite, you will have to queue in line to grab a seat for lunch!

El Rincón de Juan Carlos (Los Gigantes)

A family-run restaurant where the excellent chef Juan Carlos Padrón (one of Spain’s top gourmet chefs) serves delicious Michelin-standard dishes using fresh local produce. Stop by to enjoy an intimate atmosphere and the best food on the island.

Otelo (Adeje)

This traditional restaurant is immensely popular for its local speciality: Pollo al Ajillo (garlic chicken). You can enjoy that and much more on a beautiful open terrace overlooking the magnificent Barranco del Infierno.

El Limón (Puerto de la Cruz)

If you are a vegetarian or vegan but you still want to try some of the local flavours, this is the place to go. You won’t find any meats or fish here but the menu is just as tasty and just as authentic.


Picture of Andy

Posted by Andy
on 14th November 2014 and
updated on 28th June 2023

Filed under

The Scoop

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