What to See & Do
As hinted above, there’s pretty much something for everyone on this beautiful island. The capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife oozes history, with its museums and well-preserved buildings such as the Church of the Immaculate Conception and the Palacio de Carta. Former capital La Laguna is also worth visiting – it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and features the Canary Island’s oldest university. On the subject of UNESCO recognition, Teide National Park, in the centre of the island is hard to miss.
Mount Teide itself is the world’s third largest volcano and has the highest elevation in Spain: you may be pleased to hear that it also has a cable car. The mountains of the Macizo de Anaga also offer spectacular views, and has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2015, featuring the largest number of endemic species in Europe. If all of that sounds too much like hard work of course, we’d refer you back to the 70+ beaches mentioned above and throw in Siam Park, a spectacular and enormous water park.
For the party lovers, The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival is an absolute must starting on the 19th February… Famous around the world for its colour and vibrant celebrations, each year more than 250,000 people head to the Capital of Tenerife, Santa Cruz to dance, sing and celebrate in beautiful costumes, masquerade balls, concerts, parties and much more.
What to Eat
While the Spanish connection means that tapas and wine are always worth exploring across Tenerife, the island’s soil and climate make it a great source of home grown produce. You’ll no doubt have had the island’s bananas before, but the Canary Islands are also home to some 40 varieties of potato, papaya, all sorts of citrus fruit, almonds, etc.
You can also find banana wine and vinegar, should those appeal… In terms of places to eat, Restaurant La Cueva is a particular favourite with tourists set, as it is, in a cave in the capital Santa Cruz. It’s a good location to try one of the island’s signature dishes, papas arrugadas – which is basically boiled potatoes dish served in mojo, a traditional sauce made with peppers, olive oil and garlic.
Tenerife deals
4* Blue Sea Costa Jardin & Spa, 7 nights + flights, departing 15th February, breakfast included , from £1019pp (23kg of luggage included in price)
4* Hotel Spa La Quinta Park Suites, 7 nights + flights, departing 22nd February, room only, from £799pp (23kg of luggage included in price)
3* Muthu Royal Park Albatros, 7 nights + flights, departing 29th February, room only, from £409pp (23kg of luggage included in price)
3* Sol Puerto de la Cruz Tenerife, 7 nights + flights, departing 29th February, breakfast included, from £449pp (23kg of luggage included in price)
READ MORE: Rocking Tenerife: The other wild side of Canary island
