Located off the west coast of Africa these Spanish Canary Islands are a beautiful place to visit. On the island of Tenerife, the most populated one there are many coastal city to visit. Between the black sand beaches, yummy food and architecture this is a place you must visit.

Route.

When going over we first did a day trip to Lisbon. Flying through Lisbon we used TAP Portugal to reach the island. There are also routes through Madrid on Iberia.

If you are an airline employee with ZED benefits both these companies are available. If not there are additional for purchase airline tickets such as air Europa or Vueling.

Access to Tenerife can be made through two different airports and ferried. There is a north and south airport on Tenerife. Other option is to fly to grand canarian and catch a ferry to Tenerife.

The hotel we stayed in was through a time share exchange. I would recommend staying in a hotel on the east coast or upper north coast. That’s going to give you direct access to all the top cities. Also renting a car is a must, in order to visit all the towns.

Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz, on the north east end of the island, is the capital city of Tenerife. In this city you will come across plazas, shopping streets and parks.

It is a great way to spend your morning of afternoon and will make a relaxing day. Stop in Plaza de Espana and get a first look at the city and the waterfront. After shopping on the main street Calle del Castillo you can spot and have a coffee in Fuente Plaza Weyler or walk a little farther to Garcia Sanabria City Park. There is also a Botanical Garden in Santa Cruz, which was closed the day we went so be sure to plan ahead.

Sights to see in Santa Cruz:

Plaza de Espana
Calle del Castillo
Fuente Plaza Weyler
Garcia Sanabria City Park
Auditorio de Tenerife
Plaza el principe de asturias
Plaza los platos palmetto

Candelaria.

Candelaria is a small town on the east side of the island located about halfway down. This is a great half day trip. The main shopping street will lead you right to the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Candelaria. Walk all the way past to Punta de San Blas. There is a chapel in the rock wall.

There is also a beachfront here. It was crazy windy on the day we went, but people where still out on the beach. The waves were so big and it had beautiful black sand.

Sights to see in Candelaria:

Punta de San Blas
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Candelari
Estatuas De Los Menceyes

La Laguna.

A great second stop that will take up the next half of your day is La Laguna. The former capital of Tenerife has cute buildings and shopping streets. There are a few main buildings and sights. Start but visiting Catedral de La Laguna. Then make your way to Plaza de La Concepcion and Iglesia de Concepcion.

At this church I recommend paying the 2€ to climb up the tower. It offered gorgeous 360° view of the city, mountains and ocean.

Sight to see in La Laguna:

Catedral de La Laguna
Plaza de La Concepcion
Iglesia de Concepcion.

Icod de los Vinos & Los Gigantes.

Taking you over to the west coast of the island I am going to recommend a round about way to get there (depending on where you’re staying) and there are a few reasons why.

First of all los gigantes, large cliffs that stick out into the ocean are on the southern side. There is a popular viewpoint overlooking the cliffs.

Then you will also get a view of el Tiede the islands volcano and tallest point in Spain. Visiting that volcano is another great day trip. There is plenty of hiking around the volcano as well as a cable car that brings you close.

TIP: PURCHASE TICKETS IN ADVANCE! They run out as space and times are limited.

Your route will also bring you through winding roads and views of banana plantations. A major product of Tenerife! If you want to see these up close check out the food sections of this post for a tip.

The main attraction in the part of the island is a tree called drago milenario. Believed to be over 1,000 this tree is super unique. You can pay extra and get up closer to it or enjoy the view from a far.

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If you’re looking for a beach/ tourist/ restore environment visit playa de los America’s. We spent a morning here going in the water sitting at a pool sipping tinto de verano, a summer wine drink. There were some really cute resorts here and it was very busy. There were also shopping plazas and restaurants.

Scuba Diving.

My boyfriend is really into diving so we had to go while in Tenerife. It was cool and we got to swim with turtles. Find footage of our dive in my Canary Islands vlog on TheDailyDeparture YouTube!

Food.

I really enjoyed the food in Tenerife but that’s probably because I was obsessed with their canarian potatoes. Small potatoes served with two different “mojos” or dipping sauces.

Visit a guachinche, traditional canarian restaurant with local food. These are attached to banana plantations! This if your way to see one up close. And make sure to grab a banana on the way out as there is always a basket of bananas available at the exit/entrance.