–Tenerife, the dame of the archipelago, is a popular tourist destination in Spain. In this article, we propose ten reasons why you should include the colorful island on your bucket list.
Most importantly, Tenerife hosts four hotels: Bahia Principe Sunlight Costa Adeje, Bahia Principe Sunlight Tenerife and the recently inaugurated Fantasia Bahia Principe Tenerife in San Miguel de Abona, and Bahia Principe Sunlight San Felipe in Puerto de la Cruz. Although each one has a unique charisma, each will certainly enrich your vacation experience. From a romantic getaway, a trip amongst friends to a family vacation.
Marvel at what’s left of the dragons, in the shape of the Canarian dragon tree. An endemic species of red sap that can live up to 100 years. The Icod de los Vinos is its best representation, being one of the most popular attractions on the island, especially for photographers. You can find them in main squares like the Plaza de la Catedral and Plaza del Adelantado.
Reach the highest peak in Spain! The Teide volcano is 3,718 meters above sea level. This gives you two incredible views of this great titan. From the bottom, where you can see it in its most imposing form and, from the top, where you literally walk among the clouds. You can climb the cable car that will take you to 3,555 meters but remember that to get to the crater you need an authorization and training because the last section has to be done on foot. It would be a sin to leave Tenerife without visiting El Teide!
The best night sky! According to the ufologists, the Teide National Park would be the ideal scenario for UFO sightings. This due to the clear night skies by which the island is known, next to Chile and Hawaii. Of course you can also climb the highest place available and enjoy splendid views of the stars.
Experience eternal spring all year long. In Tenerife you can experience the best of the sub-tropical climate, with minimums that do not reach the icy and maximums that are not so high. You can enjoy the local beaches, which are embraced by the warmth of the sun and enveloped by the trade winds, product of its proximity to the African coasts and geographical location. How would it feel to be able to see the snow-capped peak of El Teide, and enjoy a dip on the beach in the same day?
Discover its cities. Travel to Puerto de La Cruz, one of the first tourist destinations in Spain and popular for the Martianez Lake, the Loro Parque zoo and the volcanic beaches. Of course, a visit to the capital city, Santa Cruz, is also recommended. Stroll around the old town, of well-preserved infrastructures and the popular Plaza España. Among its most innovative attractions is the Tenerife Adán Martin Auditorium and Tenerife Espacio de las Artes.
If you visit Tenerife before Lent you can enjoy the Carnival of Santa Cruz, the most famous and celebrated festival on the island.
If you like hiking, the north of the island is one of the places to visit in Tenerife. Enjoy the abrupt beauty of the landscape while you enter the Anaga Massif. A mountainous area declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. Its trails will take you to unique landscapes in Spain, splendid forests, and sightings of a varied flora and fauna, reaching coves of fine black sand.
If you like exploring the marine fauna, we recommend you a quick visit to the Puertito de Adeje in Armeñime. It has a micro marine reserve in which green turtles, sea horses, harlequin crabs and other species swim in freedom. Immerse yourself up to 10 meters or practice snorkeling. Turtles are not shy or fearful, and you will surely see them. The volcanic typography of Tenerife has given rise to marine rock formations that bring peace to the aquatic fauna. Any sea lover will enjoy the diving experience in the waters that surround Tenerife.
Travel to eat! Wines with Denomination of Origin, wrinkled potatoes with mojo, pay a visit to the guachinches or dine at a high-end restaurant. There is no harm in indulging in the tastiest Spanish tapas. Enjoy the popular rabbit in salmorejo, chickpeas with ribs or fish churros. The puff pastries, the roasted milk and the bienmesabe are some of the desserts of the traditional family kitchen.
Travel to the past. San Cristóbal de La Laguna was the capital of Tenerife and de facto capital of the Canary Islands until 1833. The glorious past of this town, cradle of the Canarian aristocracy for centuries, is still easily recognizable in its streets and buildings, which are preserved as they were in the fifteenth century. In fact, its historic center was declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1999 as a unique example of a colonial city, inspiring large Latin American cities such as Lima or Cartagena de Indias.
We hope all these interesting facts add-up to your next vacation at Tenerife, Spain.
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