This post is part of a paid campaign to promote the Balearic and Canary Islands, as part of their #SpanishIslands Campaign. All views are my own and I have not been instructed what to include in this post.
It’s been a few years since I last visited the Canaries, a few years since I was blown away by the absolute abundance of things to do on the small island of Tenerife. I was there for just 48 hours, on a campaign with The Travel Hack, and I came away with my mind completely changed about a destination I’d once had (admittedly, not all too generous) preconceptions about.
Every year now, when the weather turns cold, I dream of going back for a dose of winter sun, some of that amazing food, and scenery that’s really just out of this world. For now though, I’ll have to make do with looking back at old photos and reminiscing about that sunny mini-break.
Although there are more than just ten reasons to visit Tenerife, for the sake of a snappy title (and a post shorter than a novel), I’m sharing my top ten with you today in the hope that it’ll inspire you to give this fabulous destination a chance, too!
10 reasons to visit Tenerife
Papas arrugadas con mojo
I know what you’re thinking: potatoes is one of your reasons to visit Tenerife? Really?
The answer is a resounding YES, when they’re heavily salted, steamed potatoes with the most delicious dipping sauce you’ve ever tasted. I’m obsessed with this side dish, which I’ve only ever found in the Canary Islands.
When I visited Tenerife with Monica, I ordered these the first chance I got, and she found my enthusiasm for a plate of plain-looking spuds hilarious. But you’ll just have to trust me – they’re so much better than they look, and they need to be ordered at every possible opportunity when you visit Tenerife!
You might also like: Food you Need to Try in the Canary Islands
Sunsets at Los Gigantes
Tenerife is windy. Sometimes frustratingly so. But in Los Gigantes, a little harbour town on the west coast of Tenerife, there’s some shelter to be found. Looming over the town are ‘Los Gigantes’, i.e. the giants: rock formations that rise from the sea to an impressive height of 500-800 metres, offering a buffer from the wind.
It’s a spectacular place at any time of day, but it’s particularly picturesque at sunset, when the giants seem to glow with golden light, sailboats bob in the harbour, and a glass of crisp white wine can be enjoyed with a delicious, leisurely meal.
Otelo
Although it’s a little difficult to find (and might involve a very steep walk if you can’t find parking close enough), if you’re visiting Tenerife you absolutely cannot leave without having lunch at Otelo.
It’s not a fancy affair – you sit at plastic tables, with plastic chairs, and there’s basically just one thing on the menu: fried chicken. But it’s incredibly tasty fried chicken, and it’s served with the most incredible view of the surrounding mountains. Grab a seat on the balcony, as close to the edge as you can, and you’ll be immersed in natural beauty, with dusty green and earthy brown peaks stretching as far as the eye can see.
Enjoy an ice cold beer, and drink in the view in this unforgettable restaurant.
Visit Otelo at: Calle de los Molinos, 44, 38670 Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
The choice of beaches
Being an island, you’d expect Tenerife to have a lot of beaches.
What you might not expect – I certainly didn’t – is the incredible variety of beaches on offer on this small island.
There are white sand beaches, black sand beaches (which were my favourite), beaches with stunning views, small coves surrounded by mountains, wide beaches packed with bars and water sports, beaches with rock pools, beaches packed with swimmers, beaches with not a soul in sight … and probably plenty more besides!
Whatever kind of beach you like, you’re bound to find it in Tenerife!
The panoramic views
Beaches are incredible and everything, but if you’re anything like me, after a few days (OK, a few hours) of sitting on a beach, I’m itching to get up and do something.
Luckily, Tenerife has something for everyone, from adventure-seekers to sun-lovers (and plenty in between). One of the most popular things to do on Tenerife is venturing to the top of Mount Teide, located in the stunning Teide National Park. As you drive up, up, beyond the clouds, and further up, you reach a desert landscape that looks a little like you’ve landed on Mars.
There’s plenty to see and do here (lots of great hikes), but on a clear (and not too windy) day, you can take the cable car to the top of Mount Teide for views that stretch far and wide.
The endless sunshine
Of all the reasons to visit Tenerife, this is probably the one that most people think of when they hear ‘Canary Islands’.
The sun shines basically all year, with high temperatures in winter dipping to around 21 degrees Celsius, and lows of around 14. Compared with the UK, that’s pretty balmy, so it’s the perfect winter sun destination. But it’s also pretty fantastic in summer, too, when temperatures hover around the high 20s.
Not too hot, never properly cold … it’s basically paradise.
The deliciously fresh seafood
Unless I’m right by the seaside, I’m kind of suspicious of ordering seafood (which is why I hardly ever order it in London).
Luckily, everywhere in Tenerife is right by the water (or within a short drive of it) so the seafood is all incredibly fresh and tasty. It’s a dream for someone like me, who could give up all other meat and just eat seafood forever.
When you visit Tenerife, head to Los Cristianos, a popular seaside resort, and find El Cine, a tucked-away restaurant that’s simple, but which serves the most incredible, fresh seafood. My favourite dish (served, of course, with a side of papas arrugadas con mojo) was the charred octopus, served whole, and bursting with flavour.
Visit El Cine at: Calle Juan Bariajo, 8, 38660 Los Cristianos, Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Siam Park
Is there anything more fun than a day at a water park in a hot and sunny destination? I think not!
Siam Park is a sprawling water park in Costa Adeje, and it’s won the title of ‘World’s Best Waterpark’ in the Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice awards multiple times.
There are rides, slides, beaches, lazy rivers, a wave pool, kids’ activities, and even a Thai floating market. You could easily spend a whole day here, enjoying all of the thrills and fun on offer.
It’s the perfect place to unwind and relax
Tenerife isn’t a huge island, which means it doesn’t take long to get where you want to go.
You can fit a lot into a small space of time (like I did when I visited for 48 hours). But that’s not one of the reasons to visit Tenerife. It’s exactly the opposite – you don’t have to rush anything. The pace of life is laid back, with no one in a hurry to get anywhere. Traffic is basically non-existent. And there’s always a beach or restaurant or bar to stop at and relax.
Even if you are going from attraction to attraction, everything is so stunning, and with blue skies and sun overhead almost constantly, it’s difficult to feel anything other than chilled out.
It’s so easy to reach
The flight time from London to Tenerife is just over 4 hours (so a little longer if you’re flying from further north), which might sound long when you compare it with flying to, say, France. But it’s such a quick flight to end up in such an incredibly unusual (and, importantly, eternally sunny) destination.
It’s not so far that you end up with jet lag, so you can hit the ground running. Although I think a week is the perfect length of time to stay in Tenerife, it’s totally possible to go for a long weekend.
When the winters in London start to get me down, it’s comforting to know that a hot, sunny, beautiful place with epic food and so much to see and do is just a short flight away.
And next time, I’ll be going for just a bit more than 48 hours. Because that’s just not enough time to eat all of the papas arrugadas con mojo my heart desires!
Pin this for later:
