Why visit Tenerife and Spain and Tenerife forums? In case you don’t want to hike or you just don’t have the proper hiking equipment with you… you can also walk and discover the beauty of Tenerife by choosing an easy path. We’ve walked from Los Gigantes to Playa San Juan (not in one go, but it is possible) and we’ve walked almost the entire southern coast, another town or resort every day, usually walking by the ocean on the promenade (when possible). The carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is considered the second largest in the world after the one in Rio and it is truly an amazing experience, especially if you want to mingle with the locals and party all night long. We’ve participated in the 2019 edition of the carnival and we loved the parades (especially the one on Friday, when the carnival is inaugurated) and then of course we loved the parties in the various squares in the city, the costumes and the music. Read even more information at Tenerife forum.
One of the best things to do in Puerto de la Cruz is spending a day at the manmade seawater lagoon, Lago Martiánez. The creative complex has six swimming pools pools surrounded by sun loungers and amenities. For a small fee, you can spend a relaxing day there, then enjoy a sundowner at one of the nearby bars. If your hotel doesn’t have a decent pool or you fancy a change of scene, add this place to your Tenerife itinerary. I would have loved an extra day in Puerto de la Cruz just to unwind here. Where to see street art in Tenerife: Puerto de la Cruz muralsWhere to see street art in Tenerife: Puerto de la Cruz murals.
If the pretty streets of Paris or tiled floors of Lisbon usually catch your eye, make your way up to San Cristóbal. This town was built in the 16th and 18th centuries, meaning that many of the public and private buildings have a charming colonial style to them. Stay in a hotel here for a few nights to explore Laguna Cathedral, the Iglesia de la Concepción and feast in local tavernas. Less than an hour’s drive from capital Santa Cruz, in north Tenerife, lies the historic town of Garachico. Garachico’s main attractions include the natural pools carved in the rugged volcanic landscape, the elegant Plaza de la Libertad, the 16th-century Castillo de San Miguel and the ex-convent of San Francisco. But a quiet stroll through its cobbled streets will also reveal a selection of colonial gems, old churches, restaurants and cafés full of local charm.
The island’s volcanic landscape provides ample hiking opportunities for active travellers, and Anaga Rural Park has some of the best hiking trails in Tenerife. The park sprawls over the mountains of La Laguna and Santa Cruz and is easily accessible by car. Bring hiking boots though, because my guide was not impressed by my Converse. Start at Cruz del Carmen Visitors Centre and hike through the enchanted bay leaf scented forest of Laurisilva. Easy short hikes include the Route of the Traditions or the Path of the Senses, while there are also longer multiple day hikes. Keen riders can explore the rural park on horseback, and there’s also a wheelchair accessible route in the park.
Located right above Los Cristianos, Siam Park is a relatively new attraction that has gained enormous popularity with tourists. It is best visited during hot summer weather with family and children, as it provides water rides, an enormously huge wave pool complete with gold sand beach and a mile-long lazy river for you to chill and have fun showcasing your favorite bathing suit. If you want to experience thrills and spills, go on the Tower of Power, a 100 foot high near-vertical slide, which will bring you through an amazing aquarium full of ocean residents. Siam Park is dedicated to Thai theme and is Tenerife’s latest and biggest theme park.