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Tenerife's Must Do's...
If you are fortunate enough to spend a little time in Tenerife there are a few essential things that you must do to get a complete picture of the Island.
Leave your resort
Whatever you do, don’t waste your holiday! Make the effort to go for a walk, hire a bicycle for the afternoon or hire a car for a day. There is so much to see and do in Tenerife. Spend at least one day off the beaten track. See the Island as it deserves to be seen, natural - you never know, you may enjoy it.
:: Be a part of the entertainment in Tenerife ::
Visit El Pico del Teide
The Pico del Teide is a snow capped dormant volcano, which is not only the highest point in Tenerife, but also the highest in Spain. The Islands original inhabitants, the Gaunches, worshipped this volcano. Fantastic views of the whole island can be seen from many vantage points.
Eat Canarian Stew
Local speciality cuisine at its best. Canarian stew is a meal within itself. A classic Canarian stew can contain various sorts of meat, including chicken, pork, beef and spicy sausage, along with assorted seasonal vegetables, such as potatoes or tomatoes. These are simmered to perfection with a selection of herbs and spices to obtain a rich tasty dish. Originally the dish contained Goats meat, and it still does in the more rural restaurants. Potaje, rancho Canario or puchero are the best stews to try.
Visit La Gomera
Catch a ferry from Los Cristianos, in southern Tenerife to San Sebastian, on the Island of La Gomera. La Gomera is a tiny island and as yet is unspoilt by tourists.
Find your Mojo
Try the local spicy Mojo sauce. It is thought to have been brought to Tenerife by seafaring pirates; and apparently no 2 Mojo sauces taste the same! It’s a Salsa type sauce made from a base of olive oil, limejuice and garlic. It is often found on local menus and is normally served with fish, or the local wrinkly potatoes called Papas.
Experience Playa de las Americas
The Playa de las Americas is a purpose built town to cater for mass tourism. It has artificial beaches, artificial lighting, 24hr discos and bars, English pubs and restaurants. You can find row upon row of hotels, apartments, shops and restaurants. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but well worth a visit.
:: Flamenco dancers perform in hotels in Tenerife ::
Drink local wine
Colonial inhabitants conquered the art of wine making when they settled in Tenerife. The wine they produced often rivalled those made back on the Spanish mainland. Unique local grapes seem to thrive in the rich volcanic soil, and they love the moisture-laden trade winds blowing in from the Atlantic.
Go Bananas
Whilst in Tenerife you have to sample their bananas. Canarian bannasa are fantastic and taste wonderful. Have them flambéed for dessert; drink them in a banana liqueur. Gifts and souvenirs are often made from dried banana leaves. Bananas are an important crop to Tenerife and Canarians love them. Visit Bananera El Guanche, la Orotava in the North, it is an authentic banana plantation that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Go Whale Watching
Approximately 220 pilot whales live in the waters surrounding the Canary Islands. A good place to watch them is in the South near to Los Cristianos or Playa de las Americas. Organised boat trips are available through local tour operators, but make sure you only travel with boat firms licensed to run excursions.
Follow a Fiesta
No holiday in Tenerife is complete without attending a fiesta. There is bound to be one somewhere if you are staying for a couple of weeks. Ask your local tourist office for a list of fiestas.
Bizarres and markets
Lose yourself in the perfumes, cameras, arts and crafts, leather goods and everything else you can think of!
Excursions
Go whale watching on a boat excursion or for a cultural experience visit La Laguna.
Play Golf
Many visitors go to Tenerife just to play Golf, just remember, there is other things to see, so don’t miss out.
Walkers, Climbers and Cyclists
An excellent place for the outdoor types. Graded footpaths criss-cross the island. Maps are available in the tourist offices and visitor centres.
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