Tenerife, Spain
Tenerife
Amelieke and I stayed in hotels all over Tenerife, so we could explore every corner of the island. We stayed in four different places; Costa Adeje, Los Gigantes, Garachico and Punta del Hidalgo.
Los Gigantes is a coastal town located on the western coast of Tenerife. The town is named after the 600-meter cliffs that tower from the sea. From the town’s harbour, we enjoyed going on a sailboat to try and spot some whales and dolphins, as these are frequently spotted in the area between Tenerife and La Gomera. The gentle rocking of the sailboat and the sound of the waves created a very unique and peaceful atmosphere. However, Amelieke wasn’t very fond of the gentle rocking. After bravely starting with a white wine on the front of the boat, she got seasick within the first few minutes on open sea haha. Luckily, we did see some whales and dolphins, so the trip wasn’t for nothing!
During the evening, we enjoyed some Canarian cuisine in a local restaurant, we had an amazing bubble waffle ice-cream in the harbour and at night we slept at a “finca” in the area. The finca where we stayed is used for camping purposes as well as for agricultural purposes. The garden was very well taken care of and we were allowed to pick and eat all the fruits that were ripe and ready to go!
El Teide National Park
During our stay in Tenerife, our visit to the El Teide volcano was one of the highlights of our trip. The El Teide is the third largest volcano in the world and with a peak at 3,718 meters above sea level, it’s the highest point of Spain. The volcano is dormant, but on top of the volcano you can still smell the hydrogen sulfide gas coming from the crater (which smells like rotten eggs!)
There are several hiking trails that lead up to the peak. These take around 8 hours and Amelieke and I friendly opted out for these ones. For those who want the easy way out, you can also access the summit by driving up the mountain plateau as far as you can and take the cable car up to the crater. You can walk all around the top and you’ll see incredible views on every side. On a clear day, you can even see the neighbouring islands La Palma and La Gomera.
On your way back down to the hotel, you’ve got to make a stop by the Roques de García. These are stunning geological rock formations that were formed by volcanic activity, followed by erosion for a long period of time. With stunning views on the Teide, it’s also a good place to go for a hike. Amelieke and I did the “easy” trail of 2 hours which took us all around the enormous rocks. We fell hard for AllTrails grading system, because half way in we noticed this hike wasn’t that easy at all. But, with a healthy pair of legs you will manage. Make sure to take enough water and don’t go during the heat of the day, as it can get very hot without any trees that protect you from the scorching Tenerife sun.
Other highlights of the trip
Masca is a beautiful small village located in the middle of the Masca Valley, and features rugged terrain, steep cliffs and beautiful greenery. It’s located in the northwest part of Tenerife and it’s a popular destination for hikers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a break from the busy tourist area in the south. The trip down to Masca is interesting, to say the least. The sharp and winding road down to the village is a real nightmare for people with the same Dutch driving skills as we do, so we took a taxi down to the village. You can walk around the village, explore the area and have a drink at one of the restaurants there. You can also do a hike from the village through the Masca Gorge all the way down to the ocean. The hike can only be done together with a guide, which due to high demand, must be booked well in advance. Amelieke and I only came to Masca for a short visit, and we had to wait for 2 hours before the next bus could bring us to the top again. We then decided to hitch-hike back up. Some friendly German people took us in and brought us safe to the top again.
When driving a bit further north from Masca, you’ll get to a coastal town called Garachico, which is known for its natural pools. The natural pools were formed hundreds of years ago by lava streams from an eruption of the volcano. You can swim in these natural pools or enjoy the sunset from a terrace. After dinner, you can find the best ice-cream at Fragola Helederia Artesanal Italiana, which is located at the edge of the city centre.
Another highlight of Tenerife is the Anaga Rural Park. The laurel trees, other rare plants and the ethereal mist give the Anaga forest a magical vibe. A bit more to the coast you can find the wild and ragged Benijo Beach. This beach is not made for swimming, but it’s perfect for adventurous photographers. Keep in mind that the weather can be a bit dark & stormy on this side of the island!
Another hike!?
After our relaxing day on the sailboat, we drove in the direction of the mountains to go for a short hike of ±2 hours. We parked our car at Mirador de Sámara. While most people stop here for a quick picture, not many people do the actual hike. Five minutes into the hike, everything got quiet and we could really enjoy the nature and the beautiful scenery. During the first part of the hike you’ll walk through a foresty area with young pine trees and bushes which are growing through the black lava rocks. When you walk a bit further the whole scenery changes and it actually feels like you’re walking on Mars!
The trail loops you around Montaña de la Botija and then back to the parking lot. Due to the quietness and the breathtaking views, we really enjoyed this hike!
