Tenerife in europe: Tourism in Tenerife, Spain – Europe’s Best Destinations

Tenerife, the European Hawaii – 5 reasons to visit — re_barbara

I never forget that ugly November morning when I opened up my laptop and saw that my flight to Hawaii was cancelled.

But that’s when the real adventure started. In the middle of the European winter, I was desperately looking for a substitute destination that could bring me back the Hawaiian feeling. Warmth, sunshine, untouched nature and a one-of-a-kind hiking experience. After a few hours of online research, the sources directed me to the so-called “European Hawaii”. The Canary Islands.

Morning hike in Tenerife.

100 kilometers (62 miles) west of Morocco but officially belonging to Spain, this volcanic archipelago consists of seven major islands. Known for their black and red sand beaches and a year-round temperature of 20-25°C (68-75°F), I was hooked before I knew it.

A few days after, I was on a plane flying to Tenerife, the largest island of the Canaries. And what I found there is everything I wanted from Hawaii – just on a way smaller budget. Here are 5 reasons why you need to check it out.

 1. Volcanic Island

Tenerife is dominated by the sometimes-snowy active volcano Mt. Teide. With a mountain so high that it’s actually Spain’s highest peak (3,718 m), the weather in Tenerife is super dependant on whether you are going to the North or the South of the island.

On our way to the mountain top.

When it comes to beaches, South is the way to go. Tenerife has both red and black sand beaches which is the result of a volcanic basaltic coastline meeting the erosion of the sea. One of the largest natural beaches on the island, La Tejita is located half an hour’s walk from El Médano, that is a kitesurfers’ paradise on the South end of the island.

However, that does not mean that you can’t find jawdropping coastlines on the North side as well. 20 minutes by public transport from Santa Cruz (the largest town in the North), Las Teresitas has a beautiful beach and a viewpoint which is perfectly located for watching the sunset over the bay.

The view from the hilltop of Las Teresitas.

2. Hiking trails

When going to Tenerife, I suggest you have your hiking boots on you. When staying in the El Medano/Los Abrigos area (where the South Airport is located), you can do a great one-day hike to Masca and the surrounding mountains. You can either go on your own (if you are able to read signs in the forest), or you can also opt for a guided tour like I did.

Views of Masca village.

This little village called Masca existed even before the Spanish conquered the Canary Islands. Although the village has hundreds of years of history, it is only 40 years ago that the first road was built to connect it to civilization. Until then, it could only be accessed by foot or by donkey through the pathways of the Masca Gorge. But the 3 hours hike is so worth it.

When I was there, I went on a small group tour organized by Canarias World, and I can’t recommend them enough! (No paid advertisement here.) Their driver picked me up on time early in the morning. The hike was doable with a knowlegable guide, and included a lunch break on the top of a mountain with killer views of the ocean and the surrounding peaks. After having some rest in Masca, we concluded the day with a boat trip to the famous cliffs of Los Gigantes, with dolphins following us on our way back to the port.

3. Abandoned beaches

The perks of travelling to Tenerife during winter months (from November to February) is having entire beaches just for yourself. Even in December it is still warm enough to walk around in your swimsuits and run into the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Beach of Las Teresitas.

A great local tip that I got from my hostel receptionist in El Medano is that far away from tourist resorts, somewhere between the outskirts of Los Abrigos and the middle of nowhere, there is a natural rock pool in the ocean. The place is so chill that most hippies jump into the water naked. It feels like total freedom.

December in Los Abrigos.

4. Local culture and cuisine

Visiting the North of the island is something you will not regret, even when you’re flying in and out from the South’s airport (TFS). Half an hour from the Island’s capital, Santa Cruz, there is a little town called San Cristóbal de La Laguna, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site with colorful houses and a well-preserved city center. It is also the oldest town on the entire island.

Rooftop mornings in La Laguna.

There is no better place to try out local dishes than in the streets of La Laguna. With my zero to super limited Spanish, I managed to order the house’s specialities in most restaurants and without understanding a single word from the Menu, I was in for a treat all the time. ”Cazuela de Pescado” or ”Potaje de berros” are some divine stuff that I added to my dictionary afterwards.

5. Rainforest National park

Less than an hour’s drive from La Laguna, you’ll find the Anaga Rural Park which is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails of Europe. Also, before I went there I did not know that there is an actual rainforest in Europe. Well, it is not located on the main continent, but technically it is part of Europe so the statement still stands. Between the mountains of Anaga, you can explore the only rainforest of Europe. If you’re not with a car, be careful with the bus schedule though: public buses from and back to La Laguna only go a few times per day.

Anaga National Reserve.

 Have you ever been to Tenerife? Let me know how you liked it!

Explore, EnglishBarbara PeterfiDecember 12, 2019travel, tips, europe, inspiration1 Comment

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Crossroads: Europe, Africa & America in Tenerife, Spain

About this trip

Look at a map and find out this island is part of an archipelago off the coast of Morocco. Do some research and you will learn it is the capital of a Spanish autonomous community. Talk to their people and understand the special bond with Latin America and its cultural implications.

Black-sand beaches, jaw-dropping cliffs, 20 million-year-old forest, Spain’s highest point (it is on the African plate though), volcanic tunnels and eternal spring, are some of Tenerife’s best-known claims to fame; but what about the ones only locals know about? Let us take you to a “guachinche” (typical and delicious home-like restaurants), where you will enjoy local wine and specialities. Let us show you the hidden lighthouses, docks and beaches, where we grew up diving and enjoying sunsets. Let us walk you through the alleys of our favourite villages and learn how the local architecture inspired some of the most beautiful colonial towns in Latin America. Let us tell you about the “Guanches”, the mysterious aboriginal inhabitants of the Islands and their mummies. And most importantly, talk to some of the friendliest people you will ever meet and let them explain you, why the local carnival rivals Rio de Janeiro itself.

The Canary Islands is a one-off location in the world – Join us. Bienvenidos a Tenerife!

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What’s included

• Local host

  Friendly, Knowledgeable and Local Host. Your first point of contact with the local culture and your guide throughout your adventure.

• Accommodation

  7 nights of comfy, fully equipped and conveniently located accommodation. You will be able to cook and do your laundry in our selected flats and houses (shared and private rooming options available).

• Escapades & Wander About

  That’s what we call our included activities. More informatio available – Keep reading!

• Meals

  1 Welcome dinner & 1 Farewell dinner, 1 lunch + Coffee & tea, fruit, toasts and tea at your accommodation.

• Transport

  Public transport pass for you to move around like a local + private transportation for escapades that require it.

• Tailor-made digital maps

  Have all the info you need at your fingertips to make the most of your free time.

• Best events guide

  Get our digital guide with the best events in town Stay on top of what is going on so you can enjoy what you like!

• Advice

  Advice on your “pre and post-experience” arrangements Just hit us and we will help you as much as we can!

• Flights

  We can help you find out the best options but the tickets are not on us!

• Travel insurance

  We can also tell you what we think is best but you have to buy it.

• Activities

  Any activities which are not mentioned as included in the itinerary are not included. Easy.

• Meals

  Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary as included are not included. Even easier!

• Tips

  Tips are not included. If you believe your host and local guides did a great job show them your gratitude.

Available Packages

Private room

Available until 68 days before departure

Single person in a private bedroom

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€1,350

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Shared room

Available until 68 days before departure

Price per person – 2 people of the same gender sharing one bedroom in single beds

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Couples

Available until 68 days before departure

Price per couple – Sharing a double bed in a private room

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€1,900

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Itinerary

• Day 1

  Bienvenidos a Tenerife!

  On this day our adventure begins. This afternoon you will greet your local host and settle into your new home. As you will soon discover, we choose comfortable flats/houses in convenient locations (away from the crowds), just as we want you to enjoy the time you spend home, and we desire you to be able to move easily through the city whilst uncovering less known quarter. After freshening up, we will go for some drinks to one of our hidden spots, before heading for an included welcome dinner at one of our preferred local restaurants and indulge yourself with some Canarian delicacies! Tonight is all about breaking the ice, sharing, having fun and experiencing your initial encounter with the local cuisine. Our culinary journey will begin with traditional Canarian food (We hope you are hungry and thirsty). The Canary Islands are properly known for their goat’s cheese, as well as the famous “papas arrugadas” (wrinkled potatoes) which are always served with “mojo picon” sauce; spicy or not, yours is the choice. Relax and get a taste of some particular beers, sweet white wines or try the local red wine with its unique hints from grapes grown in volcanic soil. This will be an intro you will not soon forget, but it is only the beginning. 

  Bienvenidos a Tenerife! 

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• Day 2

  Exploring your new home – Santa Cruz de Tenerife

  Our initial full day in Tenerife will begin with a nice cup of coffee or tea if you prefer. Remember there will always be coffee and tea at our accommodation for you to begin the day with the right foot! It is up to you to have breakfast at home (as you will have a fully equipped kitchen and supermarkets nearby) or you can go to one of the numerous cafeterias the city offers. We have many suggestions and the digital map we have provided you with, too. After breakfast, we will head out and start exploring the city of Santa Cruz, where the first Conquistadors landed back in the 15th century. Today we will cover the historical centre, where we will follow the transformation of the capital throughout the centuries. We will start with the obvious and see the principal landmarks, so you know where they are (and understand how important they are when it comes to the history of the city. ) and you can subsequently decide what to explore during your free time. What we want to show you today is the little alleyways, the various corners of the city, from the oldest quarter, “Concepcion” to the most modern and futuristic building of the Island, the auditorium designed by Calatrava, also known as “the pearl of the Atlantic.” This will not be your typical walk where you get dates and names that you will forget after a couple of hours. This will be a more intimate walk where you will find out what is not on Wikipedia. We want you to comprehend how the history of the city has shaped its culture and reality. We would love you to join us for lunch at our chosen restaurant, where we will be able to taste and share (like we do in Spain) a fusion of traditional and modern. The afternoon is free for you to further explore — Relax at the beach or visit a museum, or just wander about! Santa Cruz is walkable, but you can always use the transport card we have given you and take the tram or a bus. What about tonight? Who knows! We love spontaneity. Remember, travel is an art, not a science! 

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• Day 3

  Stargazing from father Teide!

  Launch your day with a free morning. We gently suggest visiting MUNA (Museum of Nature and Man) if you want to keep learning about the mysterious Guanches (the aboriginal people from the island) and their mommies or go on a nice walk to the “Nuestra Señora de Africa” public market and enjoy a good breakfast or an early lunch in one of its stalls. In any case, don’t get too tired, our first Escapade kicks off after lunch! We will first get on a local bus that will take us to the lovely and green part of the Island, the north. After 40 min on the road, we will reach the Orotava Valley where you will enjoy your first glimpse of Mount Teide, the 3,718-meter volcano that dominates the island and the town we are heading to. The historic town of la Orotava is considered part of the European Culture Heritage. Join your local host for a delightful walk around this colonial village and visit some of its most representative buildings like the “Casa de Los Balcones” with its traditional wooden worked balconies, or the Conception Church, considered as the best expression of the Canarian baroque in the archipelago, dating back to the XVIII century. Sit down in one of its charming squares or parks and have a delicious coffee, organic beer or a glass of local wine from this fertile area. Once we are ready, we will get a ride that will take us to Vilaflor, the most elevated town in Spain -2,200 metres above sea level. We will first enjoy a traditional dinner before heading to our following destination, Teide National Park. With more than 4 million tourists visiting the grounds every year, we can ensure you that most of them miss one of the amazing features of this park, stargazing! By now you will have realized the people that picked us up a few hours ago are not just drivers but able astronomers, with them and their professional telescopes we will have an amazing introduction to our solar system and our galaxy, the Milky Way. The spot we are heading to is not a random choice, but the place where the Astrophysics Institute and its gigantic telescopes are strategically located. Be prepared for a big Wow! 

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• Day 4

  The ancient “laurisilva” forest

  This morning (after breakfast!) we will hop on a bus to get to a magical spot where one of our most amazing “wander about” takes place. This one will last most of our day, so get ready and grab water, put on good shoes, bring a raincoat and pack some snacks. Our destination today is the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Anaga, one of the few remaining “Laurisilva” forests in the world. This day we will witness how some parts of the earth looked like 20 million years ago during Cenozoic Era. Get your senses ready, today we will be exercising them a lot! We will enjoy an easy start, at the interpretation centre of the Anaga Natural Park, and we will then enjoy the views of the town of La Laguna from the “Cruz del Carmen” viewpoint. If the day is clear enough, we will indeed see the magnificent Mount Teide in the distance! After this, we will venture through our first trekking path “Sendero de Los Sentidos” (Path of Senses) that will take us along part of the medieval road that the conquerors built to connect the miniature villages of the mountain range of Anaga with the town of La Laguna. This trail is surrounded by this unique and ancient type of forest, and it is just mind-blowing! After around 45 min we will be back where we started, we will have to wait for about an hour to take the bus again to our following destination; in the meanwhile… Lunchtime! You can either eat at a modest restaurant in the area, or you can have some of the snacks you brought whilst getting lost in your thoughts in this surreal setting. Don’t get too full, though, we still have a long day in front of us! We will catch a local bus to our next destination, the “Sendero de las Vueltas” that will take us downhill near the small and hidden town of Taganana, nestled in the Anaga mountain range. This current path of 3.2 Km will take us through the enchanted forest of Anaga, a unique experience that you cannot miss. All those fantasy films you have watched throughout the years will suddenly seem real! Finally, once in the town of Taganana, we will enjoy a couple of hours to wander around the village, sit and enjoy the views with some drinks and wait for the departure of the bus back to the capital. 

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• Day 5

  The UNESCO heritage city of “La Laguna”

  Today we will have a late morning start, so you can recover from yesterday’s hike. Our 11 a.m kick-off will be soon followed by a tram ride that will take us 1000 metres above sea level to the historic town of San Cristobal de La Laguna. This World Heritage Site city (as declared by UNESCO in 1999) remains the first capital of the island. Built inland by a natural lagoon considered to be sacred by the aborigines, was chosen by the “Adelantados” (the aristocracy that conquered the island) as the location for their residences, and soon became the most significant city in the entire archipelago. Join your host and wander the colonial streets of this university town, get lost in its alleyways and discover convents, churches and squares. If you have ever been to any colonial towns in Latin America, you will soon realise how similar they are to La Laguna; well, the reason is simple, this city inspired their designs! Sit down with your fellow explorers at a traditional “bodega” and enjoy lunch or if you prefer, grab some snacks and seat in one of the lovely “plazas” — don’t get too full, though! La Laguna is equally famous for the finest pastry shops and cafés on the island. The evening will be free for you to enjoy at your own pace. It is up to you if you desire to keep strolling the streets of La Laguna, or if you want to go back down to our “base camp.” Ask your local host for suggestions and use the digital maps we have provided you with to choose your next move. 

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• Day 6

  have you ever been inside a volcano?

  The second Escapade is here! Today we will leave around 10 a. m. Our bus will take us once again to the north of the island, but this time, we are venturing further away. After 1.5 hours we will reach our destination: The village of Icod de Los Vinos, where we will wander around and visit the famous Millennial Drago. This tree is an endemic species from the islands and although experts are not sure how ancient this specimen is (800 to 3,000 years old), we do know it is the biggest and oldest tree of its kind! A visit to Icod would not be complete without enjoying some of its traditional food and wines. This part of the island is famous for its “guachinches”. Tenerife’s most local eateries are set up in houses garages, patios and lounges. Do not assume anything fancy but do expect tasty food, locally produced wine and a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. After lunch, we will catch taxis that will take us closer to Mount Teide to visit the “Cueva del Viento” (Cave of the Wind). This cave is one of the longest volcanic tubes in the world. Once inside, we will be provided with all the necessary equipment; helmets with lanterns are particularly important as this cave has no natural or artificial light inside. Do not panic! It is safe, and we will be with a professional speleologist who will also tell us all about this unique place. The evening will be free but, as usual, yours is the choice to go back to the city with your host or to keep wandering the area! 

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• Day 7

  Las Teresitas beach, the fishermen village of San Andres and farewell

  A new day, a new plan. Today will be our last full day together, and we want to make it a more relaxing one. Take advantage of Tenerife’s eternal spring and jump on a bus to get to Las Teresitas beach (15 min away from the city centre). Relax in this artificial beach with sand brought from the Sahara and surrounded by the Anaga Mountains. You have the option to join your host and enjoy lunch in the picturesque fishermen town of San Andres. After lunch, those that crave more history and views can climb up the mountain to visit the WWII bunkers that were built to protect the island from possible invasions. Late in the afternoon, we will head back to the city to get ready for our farewell night. Tonight we are going to one of our preferred restaurants (We have many.) for a superb dinner. There is only one goal: to enjoy the best possible time, and thank everyone for sharing this experience. Drinks and music will be waiting after our dinner to keep celebrating life and say goodbye to Tenerife the way it deserves! 

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• Day 8

  Until we meet again!

  Today we experience that sour-sweet feeling. It is certainly sad saying bye, but it is great knowing we have new friends from different corners of the world. This morning we leave our home for the last week and get ready for our next adventures. Please let us know if we can help you somehow! Our last Spanish lesson for now: 

  Our last Spanish lesson for now: ¡Hasta a próxima y gracias!

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Cruise 10 nights from Santa Cruz de Tenerife on Mein Schiff 3

All cruises on this itinerary are gone – look for other offers from Santa Cruz de Tenerife

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  Santa Cruz de Tenerife

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  Santa Cruz de la Palma

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  Lisbon

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  O. Palma de Mallorca

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Tenerife Island – an alternative to Turkey and Egypt

With the onset of spring, Ukrainians are faced with the most acute question of choosing a place to spend their summer holidays

First of all, each of them focuses on the cost of the trip, based on their available budget. Such caution in spending extra money is due to the devaluation of the hryvnia, which, in turn, made vacations abroad relatively expensive. However, despite all these difficulties, the summer of 2016 promises to be hot for a million Ukrainians – they are still waiting for the best resorts in Turkey, Egypt and Europe.

According to experts, tours for 350 euros are considered the most budgetary. Europe and Turkey are at the peak of this price threshold. The tragic events that followed the Boeing crash over the Sinai Peninsula in October 2015 had a significant impact on a significant decrease in tours to these countries. In addition, the ban on flights from Russia led to a decrease in the tourist flow, so the prices for accommodation there have fallen sharply, which means that the cost of tours has also decreased.

Ukrainians, who are already rather bored with holidays in the proposed countries, can visit the island of Tenerife – one of the largest among the Canary Islands.

Cheap tours to Tenerife from Kyiv

Holidays in the Canary Islands are considered the most privileged among many Europeans. Surprisingly cheap tours and special luxury are the two main criteria that determined the particular popularity of this destination.

Within the range of 450 – 600 euros, you can easily organize an independent tour here, including all transportation and accommodation. Moreover, with a surcharge of only 150 euros, bad food and drink in Sharm el-Sheikh is easily compensated, and you will have an unforgettable vacation against the backdrop of the ocean, where you can see with your own eyes the majestic Teide volcano, 3718 meters high.

Here you will find all the richness of the tourist infrastructure, which will certainly please lovers of beach, outdoor activities and eco-tourism. The Canary Islands include four medium-sized islands and three large ones, which are washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean on four sides.

Moreover, they all belong to Spanish territorial waters. Therefore, here is not only an exotic vacation, but also a traditionally European infrastructure, which is distinguished by high service.

Where can I find a budget tour in Tenerife?

There are two time-tested ways: go on your own or book a tour through an agency. Here you should be guided by common sense: buying a tour from a travel agency will save you from unnecessary problems when applying for a visa, and you won’t have to rack your brains about laying a more reliable route, and you won’t have to worry about housing during your vacation.

Here you should think about cheap tours to Tenerife from Kyiv from CleverTravel, which has the best prices for tours in Europe. This is a proven company that has been successfully organizing tours in Europe from Kyiv for a long time.

If you organize the tour yourself, there is a chance of saving 20 euros, but this will not be able to compensate for all the costs from possible problems:

• Poor choice of a hotel away from the beaches, may result in uncomfortable and tiring climbs to the place, given the rocky terrain of Tenerife;
• There is a great chance of buying an expensive ticket, given the likelihood of contacting skyscanner and kayak companies, which are not at all considered low-cost companies and their tickets are many times more expensive

With CleverTravel, this question will disappear by itself. Despite the relatively young age, she has already been able to establish herself as a reliable and loyal partner in the selection of the most relevant tours. And this is explained by the fact that all the tours have been personally tested by them, and the programs are developed in full accordance with the basic needs of most tourists. In addition to Tenerife, you can find many more cheap tours to Mallorca, Cyprus or Santorini for more details at the link.

Advantages of tours from the company CleverTravel:

• Everyone will be offered the most favorable flight in terms of cost and flight, because we work directly with airlines;
• Select the most ergonomic hotel, according to all your requests, and the booking takes place in parallel with the Booking.com program, as well as with Expedia;
• Full support of documentation for obtaining a visa;
• Sell tours at cost:

You can also contact another company, but you should remember that the cost of the cheapest tour they have starts from 800 euros.