Tenerife insider tips: The top 5 of an islander

SECRET TIP 1

Watch the sunrise on the Pico del Teide

One of the highlights of a Tenerife holiday is the ascent to Pico del Teide. However, you usually need a permit to continue the ascent to the crater of Pico del Teide, which you need to obtain a few months in advance. However, if you spend the night in the Refugio de Altavista mountain hut, you can climb to the summit of the mountain at dawn and enjoy the sunrise with an incredible panoramic view of the volcanic landscape! However, you should be back at the mountain hut before 9 a.m., when the hiking trail is open again.

Spontaneous travellers can book the hike online here:

SECRET TIP 2

Embrace the oldest dragon tree in the world

"El Drago Milenario" - that's what locals call the oldest dragon tree in the world, which is said to be more than 1,000 years old and is located in Icod de los Vinos. However, the dragon tree, which is actually an agave plant, is probably "only" 600 to 700 years old. However, with a circumference of six metres and a height of 17 metres, it is the largest of its kind. The Drago Milenario has been a protected species since 1917, not least because it has a special significance for the indigenous people of Tenerife. The Guanches revered it as a sacred tree and used the "blood of the dragon tree", i.e. the blood-red sap of the trunk, to embalm the dead or cure leprosy. Even today, islanders and tourists on holiday in Tenerife visit the dragon tree at least once a year, as legend has it that a visit promises a long and happy life!

Here is the special tree:

Map

SECRET TIP 3

Taste country wine in a guachinche

During the grape harvest, the winegrowers open their garages, set up simple seating areas and sell their homemade country wines. To be honest, this is no longer a real insider tip: between 1 and 4 pm, the guaninches are often so crowded that you have to queue for a glass of wine.

Nevertheless, a visit to a guaninche is something special, as it is a unique insight into the everyday life of the indigenous people of Tenerife. There is often not only wine, but also traditional dishes from the barbecue. Far away from restaurants and cafés in the big city, you might find the Canarian home cooking you've been longing for at low prices during your holiday on Tenerife.

Guachinche Casa Chiqui

C/ Tamaide, 70

38399 Santa Úrsula, Canarias, Spain

Phone: +34648664620

SECRET TIP 4

Track down witches in enchanted laurel forests

The Anaga Mountains run through the east of Tenerife and are known for their dense laurel forest - the Mercedes Forest. Due to the high humidity, a fog characteristic of the east of the island hangs over the area. The wafts of mist immerse the laurel forest in particular, with its green mossy trees and giant ferns, in a ghostly atmosphere. However, the pleasantly fresh air and the easily accessible paths make the laurel forests a wonderful area for hiking. With a mysterious side effect, as numerous myths and legends surround the area. Even today, witches and entire covens are said to live here and come together for rituals. If a cold shiver runs down your spine as you hike through the Anaga mountains, you now know why!

How to find the Mercedes forest:

From San Cristóbal de La Laguna, take the Camino de las Mercedes (TF-12). At the third roundabout, the Spanish name of the Mercedes Forest "Bosque de la Mercedes" is signposted. After about a quarter of an hour you reach Cruz del Carmen. Now follow the Camino Hondo and head north to the mountain villages of Batan de Abajo and Pedro Alvarez.

SECRET TIP 5

Snorkelling on the Punta de Teno with distant views

Punta de Teno is a peninsula in the far west of Tenerife. The journey alone is an experience, as only the somewhat bumpy TF-445 country road leads from Buenavista del Norta to Punta de Teno. In stormy and rainy weather, it is best not to drive on the narrow road at all! A red and white lighthouse marks the westernmost point of the island and is one of Tenerife's favourite photo motifs. But if you make the journey to Punta de Teno, you will be rewarded with a far-reaching view to the south over the cliffs of Los Gigantes. The place is also ideal for snorkelling, as its rocky bay is home to a special variety of fish. These include the trumpet fish, small scorpion fish, lizard fish, puffer fish and various bream.

Address:

8480 Buenavista del Norte, Santa Cruz de Tenerife