Tenerife far away from mass tourism

Hiking around Masca

Masca is truly no longer an insider tip on Tenerife - word has got around that this small mountain village has something that many people are looking for: Originality. Only around 80 houses are scattered across the mountain slopes of the volcanic crater in this small, picturesque holiday resort. Masca is often a stopover on tourist routes. Nevertheless, we would like to recommend a hike around the village.

One of the most beautiful hikes in Tenerife starts from the centre of the village and leads to the Masca Gorge by the sea. Via steps and gravel paths - off the beaten track in the truest sense of the word - you finally reach a small beach with a view of La Gomera. Although the hike is not easy and takes around six hours in total, it leads through vegetation that is not always easy to walk through and past impressive rock formations.

Quieter beaches

Where there is little infrastructure, you can expect less activity. This is particularly true of the beaches on Tenerife. Prominent sandy beaches with infrastructure and promenades are naturally overcrowded during the season. If you want something quieter and more relaxed, Tenerife also has beaches and bays with a little more privacy. One of our favourites is Playa de Almaciga, which is quite secluded in the municipality of Taganana in the north-east and is completely covered in black volcanic sand.

If you want total nature, you should head to Playa de Benijo (also in Taganana) in the centre of the Anaga Landscape Park. This beach is one of Tenerife's photo spots, especially in the evening light.Playa de Antequera, which belongsto Igueste de San Andrés, can only be reached on foot or by boat . To the south-east, Playa Grande is on the list - a more local spot near El Porís with fine sand.

Canarian villages

The many small fishing villages along the coast are less crowded and well worth a visit. Poris de Abona, located off the municipality of Aricov, is a real insider tip among Tenerife's holiday resorts! There are no hotels, bars or discos in this tranquil fishing village, instead you will find peace and relaxation here with a view of the sun-drenched south-west coast of Tenerife.

Igueste de San Andres - a fishing village in the far north-east of the island, situated at the foot of the Anaga mountains and also the gateway to the Parque de Rural de Anaga - has also remained fairly unspoilt and quiet. You can enjoy similar advantages directly in Taganana.

Special places

One of the most curious and secluded spots on the island is the old lighthouse of Iqueste de San Andrés (El semáforo) - to get there, you have to make a fairly decent climb of around 400 metres. The effort is worth it, and not just because of the phenomenal view. The ruins are a testimony to the art of building and those who make the climb will have even more respect for the effort that must have gone into constructing this building at this altitude.

The small peninsula of Punta de Teno marks the westernmost point of Tenerife and is surrounded by a wild, dramatic coastline. Until the Canary Islands government restricted access to the peninsula, Punta de Teno was a popular excursion destination. Today, you can be one of the few to see the lighthouse and the magnificent scenery.

Casa Rural

The best way to experience Tenerife off the beaten track is to stay in holiday flats and houses or fincas. Although you will have to organise your own catering this way, you are much more likely to get to know typical local dishes when shopping or eating out - and perhaps even pick up some of the Canarian dialect.

They may also be reliant on a hire car, which in turn will take you from A to B on your own terms. Especially for a family holiday in Tenerife, a hire car gives you more freedom. The concept of historic country houses on Tenerife can be found on the internet under the keyword Casa Rural. The accommodation is generally located in the centre of the cultural landscape and is one of the truly original aspects of Tenerife.

Food & wine

And if you are already staying in a country house in Tenerife, you can also take the opportunity to sample the wine on offer in the Guachinchen - the village houses serve their own local wines at harvest time. Canarian food is cooked to go with it. Anyone travelling around El Sauzal will discover some of these very authentic restaurants and people along the country roads.