Tenerife

An island of contrasting landscapes and sub tropical climate

Formed when three volcanoes fused together Tenerife is an island of two halves: the arid desert-like south and the verdant north. The island is perfect for an active holiday hiking, windsurfing, paddle boarding and cycling in lunar Teide National Park. There is great hiking in the Anaga cloud forest in the north as well as in Teide National Park where strong walkers can summit Mount Teide itself. Those of you wanting a more genteel holiday will enjoy the world heritage town of San Cristobel de Laguna, (perhaps for churros and hot chocolate) and visits to vineyards. It is also possible to take a cable car to near the top of Mount Teide and there is fabulous star gazing to be had. For winter sun, Tenerife offers genuine warmth staying  hot enough for a day on the beach most days. Highlights include:

  • Tenerife’s dark night skies make it one of the best places to study the solar system.  You can also book a daytime visit to Teide observatory.
  • Cycling around the lunar landscape of Tenerife.  Electric bikes also available.
  • Take the cable car to the summit of Mount Teide to enjoy stunning views.  It is possible to book sunset and stars ascents where the cable car whizzes you up for an evening’s stargazing.
  • Wander around Tenerife’s capital Santa Cruz with many beautiful historic buildings and a good food market.
  • Take the family to the magical water kingdom of Siam water park.
  • Take a boat out to sea (or paddle a kayak) to view the spectacular sheer cliffs of Los Gigantes.
  • Take a picnic to one of the many coves surrounding Garachico and swim in one of the lava rock pools surrounding the town.
  • Visit the historic centre of world heritage town of San Cristobal de la Laguna.

Walking in Tenerife

The Anaga Rural park (or Cloud Forest as it is also called) provides a network of trails and paths which are excellent for walkers of all abilities.  It is also possible to summit Mount Teide but this is a strenuous hike for strong walkers only.  It takes about 10 hours on a series of tracks and pathways through the volcanic landscape. Easy to intermediate trekking can also be found in walking to the Chinyero volcano and climbing Samara volcano for a stunning view over the volcanic cones.  Shearwater Travel can organise guides for all these walks in combination with flights and accommodation so please get in touch.  

Key Facts about Tenerife

  • Flying time: 4 hours
  • Time difference: +1 hour
  • Currency: Euro
  • Best time of year to travel: Year round

Tenerife Photo Gallery

Click on an image to launch the slideshow.

Mount Teide
Pyramids of Guitar
Los Gigantes
Garachico
Anaga Cloud Forest
Teide National Park
Santa Cruz

Ideas for a trip to Tenerife

Here are some ideas for trips to Tenerife all of which can be adapted for you and we are always happy to create a bespoke trip from scratch.

From £1215

per person incl flights and car hire

Tenerife and La Gomera

After three nights on a boutique hotel in Garachico Tenerife, take the ferry crossing to the island of La Gomera for four nights staying at the parador and making the most of the beautiful walking available on this peaceful island.

From £780

per person incl flights and car hire

Long weekend in Tenerife

Spend four nights in a boutique hotel in peaceful Garachico. The original town was destroyed in 1706 when the nearby volcano sent lava flowing down its streets and the town was rebuilt on solidified lava. From here you can visit Teide National Park and take a picnic to one of the many coves surrounding Garachico and swim in one of the lava rock pools surrounding the town.

From £899

Per person excl flights

Walking on Tenerife

Stay on a half board basis in Puerto la Cruz, an ideal central location which gives you options for hiking in all regions in Tenerife including Anaga, Teno, Orotava Valley and Mount Teide National Park. Detailed route maps and notes supplied and you have the option of extending your stay to spend a few days at the parador on Mount Teide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions that haven't been answered here? Send your questions to enquiries@shearwatertravel.co.uk and we'll try our best to help.

From 1 January 2021 you can visit the Canary Islands for up to 90 days in any 180 day period without a visa as a tourist.  For further information see the FCO website.

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