Tenerife: 9 must-see attractions

To the north of Tenerife is Garachio, a small village of 5,000 inhabitants. This former fishing village has kept its authentic charm. Amble along its small cobblestoned backstreets, taking in the pretty coloured houses, stopping here or there for an ice cream. Providing additional charm are the small natural pools called “charcos” which surround the village. They arose from volcanic eruptions which formed the pools, which are now separated from the sea by volcanic rocks. Away from the choppy sea, this is a pleasant place to swim in peaceful surroundings.

Having marched through Teno Rural Park, take the winding road to Masca. Electricity has only recently reached this remote hamlet, far from civilisation. Inexperienced drivers should avoid this single track road where you are obliged to reverse if you come across oncoming vehicles. It is therefore difficult to get there in the high season. However, Masca is a little architectural gem of traditional houses. Its high position among the cliffs makes the hamlet unique. An unmissable experience.

This natural park is located in north-west Tenerife is less visited and less developed than the rest of the island. Its beauty and varied flora have been preserved thanks to its isolation. Here, the vegetation contrasts with other parts of the island’s dessert-like terrain. Teno Rural Park is one of Tenerife’s most impressive natural spaces. You can take several trails along its 60 miles of maintained paths, including a coastal trail to the Teno lighthouse. You can also walk to the Monte del Agua or to Monteverde for its breathtaking views. Teno is the most westerly point of the island and is a beautiful spot to admire the ocean cleaving the volcanic cliffs.

El Tiede is the island’s famous volcano whose summit reaches 3,718 metres. Visiting the national park which surrounds it is an essential stop on your discovery of the island. After several winding bends in the road, you come across a totally surreal lunar landscape. This is an incredible wide open expanse of rocks and sand without any vegetation at all. Drive to El Tiede, stopping for photos along the way. At the foot of the volcano, take the cable car to the summit. You can also take in the scenery along the walking trails around El Tiede.

After a winding journey criss-crossing the island, the cliffs of Los Gigantes appear before you as you round a bend. They reach 600 metres in height and their vertical face gives an immense feeling of vertigo. To really appreciate them, I suggest walking at their feet along the small beach of Los Gigantes. With a visit to the neighbouring village on top of the cliffs, this really is a must. This natural space is impressive and beautiful and strolling around the white houses of the village is very agreeable.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the island’s capital. However, it has the feel of a village rather than a European capital city. And that’s what gives it charm. In fact, Santa Cruz de Tenerife resembles all the villages of the Canary Islands with its steep streets and low buildings in yellow, blue and even bright red. Don’t miss the local craft boutiques and traditional restaurants. All the authentic charm of the Canary Islands can be found in the capital which is pleasing to discover on foot. Along your way you won’t fail to miss the very modern concert hall that contrast with the rest of the town.

El Drago is a centuries old tree that may be approaching 1,000 years old. Twenty metres tall with an imposing sinuous trunk, this impressive tree is an icon of the island. It was declared a national monument in 1917. El Drago can be found in the north of Tenerife at Icod de los Vinos in the middle of the El Drago National Park. This majestic tree grows in a conservation area close to “the guardians of Drago”, other varieties of Dracaenas endemic to the island, which allow the study and comparison of these trees’ growth.

East of the island’s capital is Anaga Rural Park at close to 1,000 metres altitude. Anaga’s exceptional vista extends across 14,500 hectares and was declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2015. This mountain chain with its steep peaks can be explored via various routes to and from the sea. Most of the trails lead to hidden bays covered in volcanic black sand. If you are not a fan of hiking, the drive is incredible. You have to cross forests and take hair-raising bends to reach the summit of Anaga.

Most tourist activity in Tenerife is concentrated in the south of the island. Here you will find the most beautiful beaches, but also numerous hotel complexes and most of the attractions. Don’t restrict yourself to the south if you want to explore Tenerife. However, there’s no reason to neglect the south completely. Playa de las Americas is a pleasant place to visit after a long day sightseeing, for example. This huge beach is located next to the seaside resort of Los Christianos. You will come across a mass of surfers ready to ride the waves at any time of day. There are shops and restaurants too. You could take your first surfing lesson or just sunbathe on the less activity filled days of your stay. Las Americas is also the place to come for the nightlife on the seafront terraces of the bars and restaurants. The atmosphere is easy-going and convivial and music plays until dawn. Although it is very busy, it is nevertheless one of the best places to take in the Canary Island's unique atmosphere.