Tenerife insider tips: Top 5 of an island resident

Insider tip 1

Watching sunrise on the Pico del Teide

A highlight of a Tenerife holiday is the ascent to Pico del Teide. But for the further ascent to the crater of Pico del Teide you usually need a permit, which has to be obtained a few months in advance. However, if you stay overnight in the Refugio de Altavista mountain hut, you can climb to the top of the mountain at dawn and enjoy the sunrise before the incredible panoramic view of the volcanic landscape! However, you should be back at the Refugio before 9 am when the trail reopens.

Spontaneous enthusiasts can book the hike online here:

Insider tip 2

Hugging the oldest dragon tree in the world 

„El Drago Milenario“ – this is 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. The dragon tree, which is actually an agave plant, is probably "only" 600 to 700 years old. However, with its circumference of six metres and height of 17 metres, it is the largest of its kind. Since 1917 the Drago Milenario has been under nature protection, not least because of its 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 to cure leprosy. Even today, islanders and tourists still visit the Dragon Tree at least once a year on their holidays in Tenerife, because according to legend, a visit promises a long and happy life!

This is where the special tree is placed:

Map

Insider tip 3

Tasting country wine in a Guachinche 

For the grape harvest, the winegrowers open their garages, put up simple seats 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. Often there is not only wine but also traditional grilled dishes. Far away from restaurants and cafés in the big city, you might find the long awaited Canarian home cooking at low prices during your holiday on Tenerife. 

Guachinche Casa Chiqui

C/ Tamaide, 70

38399 Santa Úrsula, Canarias, Spain

Telefon: +34 648 664 620

Insider tip 4

Getting on the trail of witches in enchanted laurel forests

Along the eastern part of Tenerife is the Anaga mountain range, known for its dense laurel forest - the Mercedes forest. Due to the high humidity, a mist characteristic of the east of the island hangs over the area. The wafts of mist especially dip the laurel forest with its green mossy trees and huge ferns into a spooky atmosphere. However, the pleasant fresh air and the easily accessible paths make the laurel forests a wonderful hiking area. With a mysterious side effect, because the area is surrounded by numerous myths and legends. Even today, witches and entire covens are said to live here and to gather for rites. If a cold shiver runs down your spine during your hike through the Anaga mountains, you now know why!

This is how you find the Mercedes Forest:

From San Cristóbal de La Laguna you 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.

Insider tip 5

Snorkeling at Punta de Teno with long-distance views 

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

Adress:

8480 Buenavista del Norte, Santa Cruz de Tenerife