Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, offers a memorable escape for anyone longing for leisurely, sun-kissed days on the beach. With daytime temperatures ranging from the 60s to 80s year-round and striking natural landscape, the island provides just the right blend of tranquility and revelry.
Beach Time
Whether you prefer to spend your time sipping cocktails until sunset or exploring bucolic cliffside shores, Tenerife has a beach calling your name. Sun worshippers will delight in the gentle golden sands of Playa de las Teresitas, while the volcanic black beaches around Puerto de la Cruz or the light-tan beaches of La Tejita make for an even more colorful backdrop. Crowds flock to Playa del Duque for its wide beach and calm waters, so get there early for a yoga class and to claim a prime lounger and umbrella. If you enjoy more active pursuits, travel via boat to the protected waters of Los Gigantes, named for its giant cliffs, to spot dolphins and whales and, if you’re so inclined, to snorkel or scuba.
Views for Days
Teide National Park is a must-see for its rugged, geological formations. It’s also home to Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide — soaring more than 12,000 feet. The park offers the perfect combo of easy walking paths and panoramic coastline views for those who enjoy nature walks without having to overexert themselves. For even more dramatic views of the sea, drive a series of switchbacks through the Macizo de Teno mountains to the storybook village of Masca, where you will be charmed by its white stucco and red-tile roofed buildings set amid lush vegetation.
Local Eats
For a taste of the coast, Tenerife offers a wide range of restaurants and chiringuitos (beach bars) serving fresh, local seafood and traditional Canarian dishes. Try papas arrugadas, small potatoes served with chili pepper garlic sauce at Arcón Tapas, or enjoy the freshest seafood and harbor views at Tasquita del Puerto. The island is also known for its Indigenous wine varietals, such as Malvasía Aromática (white) and Listán Negro (red), that you can sample at spots like Bodegas El Sitio while savoring Atlantic Ocean views.
