Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is a captivating destination nestled off the Southwestern coast of Spain in the Atlantic Ocean. Dominating its landscape is the majestic Mt. Teide, the world’s third-largest volcano, proudly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This geological marvel is encircled by quaint villages and picturesque pebbled beaches. The island’s mild climate, rich gastronomy, and exquisite wines make it a perfect year-round travel haven. Tenerife boasts a unique blend of cultural and natural allure, offering a diverse range of activities – from exhilarating whale watching and awe-inspiring stargazing to adventurous explorations inside Europe’s largest lava tubes. The island is also home to an array of exquisite accommodations, delectable cuisine, and tourist-friendly events, catering to a wide range of preferences and ensuring a memorable experience for every visitor.
NATURE’S PARADISE
In 2021, Tenerife was certified as a Biosphere Sustainable Tourism Destination for its commitment to sustainable development and combatting climate change. A large portion of the island’s surface, 48.6%, is a protected natural area. Visitors can enjoy trekking in Teno Rural Park or a biosphere reserve such as Anaga Rural Park. A must-see is the Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring the highest peak in Spain with 12,198 feet and hiking trails covering more than 621 miles.
Whether you’re interested in hiking, wildlife, marine life, or simply enjoying the diverse landscapes, Tenerife provides many opportunities to connect with nature. Each region of the island offers a unique natural experience, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.
SUSTAINABLE GASTRONOMY
Tenerife’s high-quality gastronomy and flavors are another big attraction to travelers. Its sustainable program emphasizes the value of zero-km products. The island benefits from its small size as the local products travel below 62,13 miles. As part of the zero-km program, bananas, potatoes, honey, tropical fruit, tuna, and amazing wines are served and distributed throughout the network of local farmers markets, restaurants, and shops.
Tenerife’s traditional gastronomy has evolved into contemporary and innovative cuisine based on quality ingredients, wines with their own designations of origin, internationally prestigious chefs and Michelin-star restaurants.
MARINE LIFE
Tenerife is one of the best destinations in the world to see whales and dolphins year-round. Twenty-three of the world’s 80 cetacean species can be found in Tenerife, including blue whales, sperm whales, short-finned pilot whales, and common bottlenose dolphins, who reside throughout the year in the waters of Tenerife. Whale and dolphin watching is a sustainable activity backed by the largest marine conservation association in the world and one of the few destinations in the world with the Sustainability of Whale Watching program.
Tenerife is situated in the Atlantic Ocean, and its southern coast, especially around the waters of Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and Los Gigantes, is considered an excellent location for whale watching. It’s advisable to book whale-watching tours in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure a spot on the preferred date and time.
CARNIVAL
The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, often simply referred to as the Tenerife Carnival, is one of the largest and most vibrant carnivals in the world. The streets of Santa Cruz come alive with music, dancing, and spontaneous street parties during the carnival. Open-air concerts and performances take place in different locations throughout the city.
The carnival features a series of events, including parades, music festivals, dance performances, and competitions. The main event is the Grand Carnival Parade (Cabalgata), which is a spectacular procession featuring colorful floats, dancers, musicians, and participants in stunning costumes.
A highlight of the Tenerife Carnival is the election of the Carnival Queen. This is a beauty pageant where contestants compete for the title by showcasing their elaborate and extravagant costumes.
The upcoming carnival for 2024 will take place from mid-January to mid-February- the festivities span several weeks, with the most intense and grand events occurring in the days leading up to Lent.
ENERGIZING ACTIVITIES
The sandy, rocky bottoms and volcanic reefs of Tenerife promise sports enthusiasts a unique experience. Tenerife offers many activities with sublime landscapes as a backdrop in the heart of a unique environment. Whether on foot or by bike, the challenge is as difficult as it is exciting. Some of the most popular activities in Tenerife for sports enthusiasts are windsurfing, kite surfing, kayaking, and sailing. Also, the variety of underwater life attracts divers looking for unique and exciting underwater experiences, like diving and snorkeling.
