Tenerife, the largest and most visited of the Canary Islands, is a captivating Spanish destination gifted with year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, and diverse landscapes.
Tenerife is the largest and most populous island of the seven main Canary Islands, an archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean. Belonging to Spain, the Canary Islands are situated approximately 100 kilometres west of the Moroccan coast in north-west Africa.
Temperatures rarely dip below 20℃, it’s on the same latitude as Florida and is home to the world’s third-highest volcano - it’s no surprise that Tenerife is hot property for travellers. Side-step the tourist hotspots and you’ll find an island that’s brimming with culture, gastronomy and striking scenery. The largest of the Canaries reels in seafood lovers, leaves stargazers well, starstruck, and as for wine buffs ... well, they are sure to be left satisfied.
Aside from the small matter of a volcano, take one small step into the lunar-like landscape of Mount Teide and you’ll feel light-years away from the rest of the island. The quickest way to reach the summit is by cable car. In just eight minutes you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world, and towering at 3,555 metres above sea level, you won’t be far off. Here you’ll find the petrified lava and kooky rock formations that provided the backdrop for Clash of the Titans,
One of the highlights of the island is the Auditorio de Tenerife, a far-from-unassuming cultural space that stands proudly in the port. With 23,000 square metres of architectural excellence to marvel at, it’s well worth a quick stop-off. There are guided tours if you really want to get under the skin of this modern masterpiece; but whatever you do, just don’t compare it to the Sydney Opera House.
No gastronomic adventure to Tenerife is complete without a trip to a guanchinche, a modest, low-key establishment serving local wine that’s usually concocted on the premises. You’ll find most guanchinches in the wine-growing regions in north Tenerife, making the likes of Tegueste, Los Realejos and Santa Ursula must-have additions to your itinerary. Each one can only open for a maximum of four months a year - think of them like pop-up taverns. Most will also serve a limited food menu to help you soak up the vino.
