Spain
Tenerife – The Striking Grand Dame of the Canary Islands
Article and photography by Nicholas Kontis
Tenerife, the staggering grand dame and largest of Spain’s seven Atlantic archipelago Canary Islands, located west of the mainland of Africa, might be considered a tale of two islands. While the volcanic Island attracts over six million annual visitors, most arrive from the UK searching for an all-inclusive sun-drenched beach vacation with pulsing karaoke, happy hour, and brimming nightlife on its sandy beaches with otherwise barren landscapes.
In deep contrast beyond the revelry of its tourist spots is a lush green island that showcases one of the most concentrated biodiversity on an island of extraordinary beauty filled with rugged cliffs, lofty peaks, perfectly manicured hiking trails, and remote picturesque towns. The north tends to be cooler, making going on walks and longer hikes easier.
Teide National Park
In the center of the Island, the 2007-anointed Unesco World Heritage site El Teide National Park is the Island’s centerpiece with impressive volcanic landscapes and the most dramatic backdrop with pine forests and lofty red rock peaks. Spain’s highest mountain (12,188 ft 3,715 meters) is like entering another planet. The Island’s volcanic beginnings came about when an eruption created the Island 30 million years ago. The Island of Eternal Springs is ripe for hiking. Tenerife has countless trails in El Teide and throughout the Island’s northern section. For spectacular sunrise and sunset photos, hike the Montana Blanca trail 5-6 hours to the summit, then take the cable down.
Garachico
No place better showcases the Island’s rich history, culture, and tradition than the laid-back, picturesque northwestern settlement of Garachico. In its inception in the 16th century, the coastal village was the most influential port on the Island. Its strategic location provided for a thriving maritime trade. In 1706, a volcanic eruption changed the town’s fate. Many historical buildings surround the epicenter of Libertad Square, including the Santa Ana Church and the contemporary art museum in the Convent of San Francisco—the perfect scenario for a glimpse into Canarian life. The local gastronomy is based on the fresh catch of the day. Shop for local souvenirs, or head to the sea for a snorkeling experience in natural saltwater pools.
San Cristobal de la Laguna
Once the capital of Tenerife, San Cristóbal de La Laguna is another inviting hamlet and a must-visit on any visit. Offering fine examples of Canarias architecture, art galleries, excellent shopping in designer boutiques, and some of the Island’s oldest shops, the vibrant university town also hosts a wonderfully preserved historical quarter, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Of special interest is the Teatro Leal, a refurbished theatre built in 1915. It has been decorated with murals and oil paintings of beautiful landscapes, nymphs, and ancient Greek scenes. The town comes to life in the evening. Try Canarian coffee at one of the many coffee shops and soak up local life.
Anaga Rural Park
Just a few minutes’ drive from La Laguna lies the second most important natural heritage of Tenerife Anaga Rural Park, the gateway for hiking on countless well-kept trails of the Anaga mountains. The untamed coastal mountains have been declared a Biosphere Reserve and have preserved their natural assets. Here, you will find Tenerife’s most incredible areas of lush laurel forests. The area has trails of varying difficulty, as well as many fauna and flora with plenty of native species. The deep valleys and ravines sever across and eventually reach the sea, where a series of beaches lie below. in the tiny town of Toborno is preeminent Roque de Taborno hike passing quaint hamlets with sweeping picturesque views of the Atlantic.
Acantilados De Los Gigantes (whale watching, water sports)
The highlight of Tenerife’s southern section is whale watching. Every day is a great day for whale watching in Tenerife. Unlike Mexico’s Pacific, where whale watching season falls in the winter months, in Tenerife, it lasts year-round. The southwest Costa Adeje in the Island’s south is the perfect backdrop for watching pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and many more cetaceans. The area between Las Galletas and Los Gigantes has been designated as a Whale Heritage Site. Sustainable and respectful operators set sail from Puerto Colon, Los Cristianos, and Los Gigantes ports. Of 28 different species in the region’s warm Atlantic waters, Pilot Whales are the most spotted—Kayak at Los Acantilados de Los Gigantes with a backdrop hugging lofty cliffs.
