Depending on the sort of travel destinations you normally pick, Tenerife might not be your first choice. If you like going out drinking until the early hours then it’s great. But if you’re more into hiking and natural scenery or if you’re travelling with a family then you might not have considered Tenerife as a destination. In fact, you might be pleasantly surprised by the range of things there are to do in Tenerife, so here are a few reasons why you should visit.
1. The nightlife
Some people think that travelling is all about being cultured and ‘finding yourself’ etc but sometimes you just want to go out and meet people while enjoying a few drinks. If that’s the case then the best areas to head are Los Christianos or Playa de las Americas. This is where you’ll find the majority of clubs and bars. While you might not find many quirky, alternative bars you’re probably likely to find a sweaty club, some cheap drinks and maybe a McDonalds. Not the best sales pitch but you’re sure to have a fun night nonetheless.
2. The volcano
If nightlife isn’t your priority and you enjoy being active in your holiday then going up Mount Teide is a good option. It’s a volcano which remains active (although it last erupted over 100 years ago) and it’s the highest point in Spain. It might be a bit of a challenge to try and hike to the top, but there is a public road so you can take the bus up. There’s also a cable car which goes from the roadside at 2,300 metres and almost to the summit.
If you visit in the summer you’ll be surprised by how cold it is up there, so it’s a good idea to take a jacket. When you get to the top you’ll find a view which almost looks like a Martian landscape with strange rock formations and a green hue. It’s definitely worth a look.
3. Take a catamaran trip
…and see dolphins! Taking a boat trip is the best way to see these beautiful creatures and there are lots of companies who offer catamaran trips around the coast. Sit and have a drink while dolphins jump and play around you. Some of the boats even have diving boards and stop in quiet sections of water so you can have a swim.
4. Paella
While this is not exclusive to Tenerife but it doesn’t make it any less delicious. If you’re in Tenerife you’d be hard-pushed not to find a restaurant serving this traditional dish. You’re spoilt for choice with sea front restaurants and it’s good to know that all the seafood is fresh.
5. Have a fish pedicure
Walking around all day can really put a strain on your poor feet. Although your feet might look disgusting to you these little fish love it. For only €6, you simply put your feet in a tank of water while the fish nibble away at all your dead skin. While it sounds a little off-putting and will probably feel really weird at first, at the end of your session you’ll find your feet are lovely and soft.
Even if Tenerife is not your first choice of European travel destinations you shouldn’t dismiss it. There’s so much more to the island than meets the eye so if you’re looking for travel inspiration then it’s definitely worth considering. One of the great things about Tenerife is that it has something for everyone – whether you’re travelling as a family or with a group of friends.
