Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by JUAN RAMON RODRIGUEZ SOSA

Hiking in Tenerife

The point is that there is so much more to the landscape of this magical island. For one it is home of Pico Del Teide, which is Spain’s tallest peak, at a towering 3718m. It has incredible forestry and rock formations, volcanic colours as you go inland, so definitely pack your walking boots. The basic rule if you are looking for a more unique and cultured experience is to head away from the south-western resorts. The capital of Tenerife is a prime example and is actually largely untainted by tourism, being right up on the north east of the island. It has the most incredible carnivals second only to perhaps Rio De Janerio, with amazing traditional fiesta spirit.

The English Tenerife

If however you are looking for white sand, neon lights, night clubs, foam parties and banging tunes, get yourself down south to Los Cristianos, Playa de Las Américas or Costa Adeje. You will be able to buy pie and chips, and even a full English breakfast! Also down in the southern region, you can go to one of two of Tenerife’s incredible waterparks. Siam Park is a Thai themed park with a multitude of thrilling slides, or Aqualand where you can even get to see a dolphin show. Other more animal orientated water activities are the submarine safari, where you can go dolphin and whale spotting in a transparent submarine. Spectacular underwater scenes where bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales are known to migrate, also white and sperm whales are known to have been sighed.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Javier Sanchez Portero

Culture in Tenerife

For a more ‘intellectual’ attraction you could go to the region of Chacona and visit The Gumar Pyramids. The pyramids are not, as you at first may think, ancient like the Giza Pyramid in Egypt. They are in fact the subject of serious controversy, implying that they may be as recent as the 19th century. It is said that there were many such constructions throughout Tenerife, but they have been systematically taken apart for cheap building materials. The site of the Gumar Pyramids used to contain 9 structures, but today only has 6. Excavations have as yet only been inconclusive.

On the south coast, you can go to Icod De los Vinos and visit Cueva Del Viento (Cave of Winds) which is the largest volcanic cavity in the world. Also this is where you can find the ancient and mystical Dragon Tree, which is said to be over 800 years old. It is called a ‘Dragon Tree’ as when the leaves are cut they secrete a red resin which is said to be the dried blood of dragons. This apparently has healing properties, and in the past it was extracted on an industrial scale to make varnishes and lacquers, and as a result, the Dragon Tree is a protected species.

Daryl loves to discover places off the beaten track and stays in tenerife villas all the time, but you could also find him in a ibiza villa from time to time.

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Whales

One of the most dramatic and moving daytrips anyone can do in Tenerife is a whale and dolphin spotting cruise, which is a truly memorable experience for all the family. Numerous companies offer whale tours on the island and the south-west of Tenerife is considered to be the best place to see them. There are up to twenty-one different species in the stretch of sea between La Gomera and Tenerife, they range from the iconic blue whale to the notorious killer whale, with the most prevalent species being pilot whales which reside in the sea off the south coast.

Tenerife is enormously fortunate to have the leading whale migration route on its doorstep, which allows the mammals to travel towards the nearby island of La Gomera. This is why the majority of the boating trips will leave from the south-west of the island and visitors staying at places like the Costa Adeje Gran are well placed to organise a trip. Although most large boat companies will provide coach trips from spots all over the island, so there will always be access to this most absorbing of nature trips.

Volcanic Scenery

Those who prefer to stay on foot when on holiday will have some wonderful opportunities to enjoy the island’s volcanic landscapes. One of the most rewarding methods of exploring the island is by car and travelling past the island’s volcanic peak is a unique experience. Mount Teide is the highest peak in Spain and rises to 3718 metres and provides Tenerife with perhaps its most iconic landmark. Teide National Park is a must visit with the landscape dominated by the old lava eruptions of the past two millenniums; the area was officially declared a World Heritage site in 2007. Some of the birds spotted at the national park include kestrels, chaffinches and canary birds, and there are up to 168 species of plant in this outstanding area of natural beauty.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by unukorno

While driving along the island’s scenic roads, a detour pass the Anaga Rural Park comes highly recommended. Visitors to the park will enjoy a magical forested paradise, which literally hasn’t changed for thousands of years and captures the raw primitive beauty of the island.

A world of Parrots

Another colourful place to visit is the Katandra Treetops nature reserve that resides inside Loro Parque. Situated on the pretty outskirts of Puerto de la Cruz, the parrot park is an oasis of colour and is home to some of Spain’s most beautiful birdlife.

Visitors arriving at the bird reserve can expect to see loris, cockatoos and parrots when walking along the tree top trails and jungle pathways of the bird reserve. Loro Parque isn’t just about birds, however, there are Flipper style dolphin shows and adorably cute penguins on display too. Offering a wonderful excursion for all the family.

A beautiful island home to some magnificent bird life, sea mammals and volcanic landscapes, Tenerife is a perfect destination for nature lovers. It’s almost like stepping back in time with the old lava flowing beneath the world’s surface. An otherworldly destination surrounded by a cocktail sea blooming with wildlife, if there is ever a time to invest in a digital camera then it’s a week before a holiday in Tenerife.

Written by D.Agnew, part of the travel writers team on the easyJet holidays website.

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