Tenerife is the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, off West Africa. It’s dominated by Mt. Teide, a dormant volcano that is Spain’s tallest peak. Tenerife may be best known for its Carnaval de Santa Cruz, a huge pre-Lent festival with parades, music, dancing, and colorful costumes.
The island has many beaches (with sands from yellow to black) and resort areas, including Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas.
Apart from the alluring beaches, there is so much to the island of Tenerife. Here are some of the reasons you should visit the island at least once in your life according to
Spectacular stargazing
Tenerife’s position between the Sahara and the Atlantic – as well as its lack of light pollution, high altitudes, clean air, and exceptionally clear night skies – makes it an ideal place to stargaze.
Officially declared a Starlight Tourist Destination, the island offers many opportunities to stare at the night skies, whether through official tours or on your own.
For the ultimate stargazing experience, the luxury Ritz-Carlton in Abama hosts private summer star parties, which include an exclusive tour of the observatory, a chance to look through the world’s largest telescope, and a gourmet stargazing picnic.
The Dramatic Los Gigantes cliffs
One of the most spectacular natural attractions on the island, Los Gigantes cliffs form part of this west region, home to numerous secluded resorts. The impossibly steekp formations rise to a giddy 800 metres (2,625 feet), resorts have black volcanic sand beaches and plenty of secluded rocky coves boast of beautiful, clear water.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
The temperate seas surrounding Tenerife are home to almost 30 different species of whales and dolphins, which can be viewed from aboard boats departing from either Los Cristianos or Los Gigantes on most days. Trips take approximately three hours, and some boats are decorated like pirate ships (a treat for little ones).
Tenerife’s Flamboyant Carnival
In the week leading up to Lent, Carnival celebrations take place throughout the island. Twinned with Rio de Janeiro, Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s Carnival is considered by some the most famous in the world after the Brazilian city’s.
Each year, the Grand Opening Parade kicks off celebrations with a colourful themed procession of floats and costumes making its way through the streets.
The end of Carnival is marked by the somewhat bizarre Burial of the Sardine ritual on Ash Wednesday: a giant effigy of a sardine sits on a throne, which is carried through the streets of the capital, followed by a procession of wailing ‘widows’; the sardine is then set on fire when it reaches Plaza de España.
Mount Teide exploration
Dominating a huge area in central Tenerife, Teide National Park is all about Mount Teide – at over 3,700 metres it’s the highest point in Spain.
It offers a diverse volcanic landscape, pine forests, and green valleys with stunning views across numerous hiking routes. Less adventurous travellers can still drive through the protected national park to admire the beauty of this part of the island.
Michelin-starred dining
While certainly not known as a dining destination, it might surprise many to discover that the island is home to no fewer than five Michelin stars across four restaurants.
M.B. (Martín Berasategui) is a two-Michelin-starred establishment, housed in the Ritz-Carlton, Abama, and arguably Tenerife’s finest. Foodies should also try the family-run El Rincón de Juan Carlos for some spectacular interpretations of classic Spanish cooking.
