10 MUST-SEE PLACES IN Tenerife
Tenerife is a tourist destination that offers hundreds of possibilities to enjoy. These are 10 must-see places you should not miss during your visit to the island:
Idyllic (and wonderful) nature.
Tenerife has 43 protected areas that occupy half of its territory (48 percent). Among them is the Teide National Park, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. At 3,718 metres, it is the highest peak in Spain. It is a volcanic area in which a cable car allows you to ascend very close to the peak, with spectacular views. In the Anaga Rural Park, and in Teno, with its Laurisilva forests – a relic of the Tertiary period – you will be amazed by its giant ferns and a magical fairytale atmosphere. The Los Gigantes Cliffs, with a height of up to 600 metres above the sea, is another of those places that will mesmerise you.
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Endless leisure options.
Fun is part of the island’s DNA: dream beach clubs and roof top bars, original and varied shows, and festivals with the brightest stars of the world music scene, as well as the Carnival, one of the most important in the world. Tenerife’s range of leisure activities also includes other options, such as lying on any of its incredible beaches to sunbathe, kayaking, windsurfing, surfing or scuba diving. Biking, cycling, hiking or paragliding to fly over its incredible landscapes are also within your reach.
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Refreshing beaches and swimming pools.
Tenerife’s beaches combine perfectly with its sun to serve up a cocktail that attracts millions of visitors every year. With blond or black sand (the colour given by the volcanic origin of the island, such as the spectacular Benijo), there are beaches in the north and south, and they offer you the chance to bathe and tan to your heart’s content. The natural pools created by solidifying lava are an equally authentic and rewarding alternative, for example in Bajamar, Punta del Hidalgo or Garachico.
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The incredible experience of whale watching.
In the southern waters of the island, about three miles off the coast, it is possible to sail among cetaceans 365 days a year. Tenerife is one of the best places in the world for whale watching, as it is home to a stable colony of bottlenose dolphins and around 400 pilot whales. It is as easy as booking an excursion in one of the ports in the south of the island, from where the boats authorised to provide this service leave.
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Towns and villages brimming with charm.
In Santa Cruz you can admire avant-garde buildings such as the Tenerife Auditorium, the International Trade Fair and Congress Centre, both by Santiago Calatrava, and the TEA, Tenerife Espacio de las Artes, by Herzog and De Meuron. In La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the traditional mansions and courtyards are just as beautiful as those of other historic centres that are also worth a visit, such as those of La Orotava, Garachico and Icod de los Vinos, to mention just three of the many that await the traveller on his or her tour of the island.
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Exquisite cuisine.
Tenerife’s gastronomy has evolved in recent years and has given rise to a creative and original cuisine, with quality products such as tuna, bananas and avocado, all accompanied by local wines, the history of which dates back to the 15th century. The grape varieties, the climate and the peculiarities of the volcanic soil of the island give our wines an unequalled originality and personality. In addition, four restaurants on the island have Michelin stars, a reflection of the quality of a cuisine that deserves to be tasted.
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A paradise for families.
Tenerife is a place where you can have a great time with the little ones at home. Not only because of all the attractions and possibilities to enjoy the island, such as its beaches and mountains, but also because of the different theme parks spread from north to south where the fun never ends. From Siam Park, a water park with rides and slides for children and adults, to Loro Parque, a zoo with all kinds of animal species (both considered the best in the world by TripAdvisor in their categories). Many establishments have also focused on families, with special attention for this segment of travellers.
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Pure, clear sky.
Tenerife’s sky is considered one of the best on the planet for stargazing due to its cleanliness and clarity. The island is home to the prestigious Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (Canary Islands Astrophysics Institute) and has telescopes where national and international scientific teams work. Travellers can also enjoy stargazing: there are companies that offer stargazing with telescopes, a specialised guide and a snack.
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A world of traditions.
Tenerife is an authentic island because of its traditional celebrations. The pilgrimages are one of the best examples of Canarian culture. From March until September, carts, oxen and typical food, with potatoes and mojos, local wine and meat as the main ingredients, take over the villages of the island. The days of the year on the island are also full of popular festivals, many of a clearly religious nature. Holy Week, especially in La Laguna, and Corpus Christi, with a stop in La Orotava to admire its tapestries of flowers and the sands of Mount Teide, are highly recommended. And in February, the carnival takes over the island, especially its capital, Santa Cruz, with one of the most eye-catching, colourful and crowded carnivals in the world.
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Everything to take care of yourself.
Tenerife has excellent conditions as a holiday destination, from its exceptional four and five-star hotels to its many spa and wellness centres for relaxation, as well as its exceptional climate. But the island also has a complete and modern health infrastructure and professionals with national and international experience, making it the perfect place to combine a stay with the possibility of undergoing medical or surgical treatment with the maximum guarantees and medical and health certifications required as a territory of the European Union. Not forgetting the important economic advantages it offers compared to other countries.
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