Why visit Tenerife and Spain? The view from Punta de Teno is amazing, as you get to see the cliffs of Los Gigantes from the other side. You can’t visit the lighthouse unfortunately, but the view is enough to worth the drive there.There is also a small and pebbly beach there and when the ocean is calm you can swim here while enjoying the sight of the Acantilados Los Gigantes. If you have a car hire, you must know that only on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays you can go all the way to the lighthouse with your own car. During the rest of the week you must park the car and take a public bus, as the access on the road to Teno is closed, because it would get too crowded and there aren’t enough places where to park. Read additional info at Tenerife forum community.
Garachico is a good option for a day trip in Tenerife. Once the island’s most important port, the town was marked by the eruption of Montaña Negra in 1706 and lost a lot of its status. The volcano did leave Garachico with one gift though: the lava that ravaged the place also carved unique rock pools into its harbour, which now attract swimmers. The peaceful Plaza de la Libertad is also worth a visit while you’re in Garachico. You can’t go to Tenerife on holiday without ordering this sweet hot drink! A Barraquito is a typical Canary Islands liqueur coffee made with condensed milk, espresso, frothed milk, lemon, cinnamon and a good splash of Licor 43 or Tia Maria. I had one after a meal in Puerto de la Cruz and it had quite a kick!
If the pretty streets of Paris or tiled floors of Lisbon usually catch your eye, make your way up to San Cristóbal. This town was built in the 16th and 18th centuries, meaning that many of the public and private buildings have a charming colonial style to them. Stay in a hotel here for a few nights to explore Laguna Cathedral, the Iglesia de la Concepción and feast in local tavernas. Less than an hour’s drive from capital Santa Cruz, in north Tenerife, lies the historic town of Garachico. Garachico’s main attractions include the natural pools carved in the rugged volcanic landscape, the elegant Plaza de la Libertad, the 16th-century Castillo de San Miguel and the ex-convent of San Francisco. But a quiet stroll through its cobbled streets will also reveal a selection of colonial gems, old churches, restaurants and cafés full of local charm.
Many of Santa Cruz’ top attractions sit within its historical triangle, which takes up the area between Calle la Noria, Plaza de Espana and Plaza de Candelaria and Plaza de Weyler. Visit the state-of-the-art Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín, which may remind you of Sydney’s iconic Opera House. Another thing you shouldn’t miss is Tenerife Espacio de las Artes. This building’s architecture is truly something! The window designs are based on blown-up pixelated images of the sun reflecting off the Tenerife sea, and the lights inside the 24/7 library, ‘Biblioteca Municipal Central de Santa Cruz de Tenerife‘, are made to resemble droplets of water. Much more elegant than my old uni library! British tourists in particular might be interested in paying a visit to the Military Museum to see ‘El Tigre’, the cannon that claimed Admiral Horatio Nelson’s arm while he was trying to take the Canaries from Spain in the name of the British Empire. Nelson’s statue sits in London’s Trafalgar Square today, minus an arm.
Tenerife is a great place if extreme and active sports are your thing. A sea kayaking or a canoeing trip is a great alternative to discover the island and its coastal parts. Don’t be scared of embarking on such extreme activities, since all trips are done with the help of a professional canyoning guide, who will guide you through this unique and majestic experience.