Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, basks in solar all year spherical. It’s historically famous for holidaymakers who need a fly-and-flop way to its seashores and placing volcanic surroundings.
However, Tenerife gives many distractions for the life. It is a great island to attempt a brand new thrill-searching for activity – whether or not withinside the air, withinside the water, or on the ground.
Cycling
Cycling in mountainous Tenerife is all approximately hiking and also you want to be in shape to deal with the altitude and grueling slopes of the towering Mt Teide. The surroundings at the island vary from the lush, subtropical north with mountains and steep gorges, to the extra arid south with extensive roads and nice sea views. The relentless ascent from sea degree up Mt Teide, in which you could experience from 0 to 2100m (6889ft) in only 35km (simply below 22 miles) is for the fittest cyclists – which include expert countrywide and global groups who teach right here in iciness.
Tandem Paragliding
Floating over Tenerife’s dramatic surroundings, strapped to an expert paragliding pilot, offers you a notable attitude on the encircling surroundings – in addition to an actual thrill. Flights are commonly the ultimate 20- half-hour and you could take off at approximately forty-one-of-a-kind factors across the island.
No enjoyment is needed and there may be no age limit, even though you do want that to allow you to run for a short distance for release and landing, relying on the location. Flights rely upon the proper climate situations and protection is constantly positioned first.
Scuba Diving
Wrecks, reefs, deep waters, and a variety of ocean existence have made Tenerife a famous island for scuba diving. Green turtles, rays, parrot fish, moray eels, sea horses, and angel sharks are some of the marine species in Tenerife’s waters. Diving centers across the island cater to all abilities, which include absolute beginners. Ocean Friends (oceanfriendsdiving.com) provides a diving baptism constantly in a small organization with the most consistent teacher. After getting to know some essential abilities and hand signals, beginners are taken via way of means of the dinghy to inshore waters for an introductory dive – at the most intensity of 12 meters (39ft). The teacher is in the rate of dealing with all of the systems so all you want to do is breathe gradually via the regulator and do not forget to swim together along with your flippers – and now no longer your arms!
Whale Watching
Tenerife is one of the world’s excellent spots for all-yr whale-watching. The clear, heated waters among Tenerife and La Gomera are feeding grounds for each resident and migratory species.
Half-day catamaran trips, with snacks and liquids on board, go away all yr spherical from Puerta Colón, Puerta de Los Cristianos, or Puerto de Los Gigantes. Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins may be visible all yr spherical and there may be not anything to overcome the pleasure of encountering those sociable creatures, regularly proper up near your boat.
Teide National Park
Rising above the clouds is majestic Mount Teide, which at 3715m (12,188ft) is the world’s 1/3 biggest volcanic shape and the best mountain in Spain. All around it are weird and captivating volcanic landscapes with bizarre rock formations and hardened lava flows. Reaching the summit of El Teide via way of means of the foot isn’t for the faint-hearted (see Hiking under) however a cable vehicle can whisk you up in seven mins to inside 200m (656ft) of the peak. An experience of El Teide is justifiably the maximum famous enchantment on the island and there are day and nighttime excursions to be had from maximum lodges on Tenerife.
Alternatively, you could pass independently via way of means vehicle. Take heat apparel regardless of the time of yr. In iciness, temperatures can drop under freezing, or even in the summertime season, it could be very cold.
Hiking
Hiking in the Anaga Mountains
Hikers are spoilt for choice with trails through majestic mountains, deep valleys, and spectacular volcanic landscapes. The steep ascent to the peak of Mount Teide is a serious challenge, taking 6-7 hours and requiring plenty of stamina – as well as a permit (www.reservasparquesnacionales.es).
Less challenging is the lunar-landscape walks around the volcano. There are over 20 waymarked trails in the Teide National Park. The favorite mountain region for hiking is the beautiful Anaga Massif, with its steep-wooded slopes, ravines, and fine sea views along the cliffs. Popular too is the Teno Massif with its dramatic green mountains and rocky landscapes.
windsurfing and kitesurfing
The shallow offshore waters of El Medano to the southeast are a favorite destination for avid windsurfers and kitesurfers. The bay is swept away by vicious and strong prevailing trade winds, windy more than 300 days a year, and regularly hosts international windsurfing championships. It’s a vast stretch of beach where windsurfers and kitesurfers flock to the western end for the biggest waves. Rent gear, take lessons, and hang out with surfers at beachside cafes.
Spa and wellness center
After a day of adrenaline-pumping activities for him, there’s nothing like a soothing massage or a soak in the hot tub. Many of Tenerife’s luxury hotels have elegant spas and fitness facilities, usually open to the public for a fee. One of the most attractive hotels is the Oriental Spa Garden at Hotel Botanico (see hotel reviews). Surrounded by Asian-themed gardens, it offers the latest techniques and treatments.
Siam Park
Siam Park – Popular with families
A family favorite, this Thai water kingdom (www.siampark.net) spans 34 acres (14 hectares) and features state-of-the-art water attractions set in exotic gardens. Expect temples, dragons, and crocodiles along the way. For a real adrenaline rush, head to the Tower of Power for a 90-foot (28 m) drop that culminates in an aquarium with sharks and rays.
Surfers can enjoy the Wave Palace with its 3-meter man-made waves, and sunbathers can relax on sun loungers on Portugal’s white-sand man-made beach.
Looking at the stars
Tenerife’s low light pollution, clear night skies, and high altitude make it a great place for stargazing. The company offers special guided night visitors to watch the spectacular El Teide sunset and taste Canarian cuisine and Tenerife wines.
