Tenerife Unleashed: Carnival Colours, Volcanic Summits and Hidden Villages
When planning our trip to Tenerife, we deliberately timed it to coincide with the island’s world-famous carnival. This isn’t just any party – it’s the second largest carnival on the planet, after Rio! After a day marvelling at the creatures in Loro Park, we headed into the heart of Puerto de la Cruz, buzzing with anticipation to see the spectacle for ourselves.
The energy was absolutely electric. The city’s streets were a pulsating river of people in dazzling, elaborate costumes. The air thrummed with music, laughter, and an infectious joy that was impossible to resist. We were swept up in the celebration, dancing and soaking in the fantastic atmosphere until the clock struck midnight and it was time to reluctantly return to our hotel.
Cultural Respite in La Laguna
The next day, seeking a change of pace, we explored the island’s northwest. When a few planned attractions were unexpectedly closed, we seized the opportunity to visit San Cristóbal de La Laguna. This proved to be a fantastic alternative. A former capital of the Canary Islands, its impeccably preserved historic centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, and we soon discovered why.
La Laguna is an elegant, scholarly town, a world away from the bustling tourist resorts on the coast. Wandering its colourful, grid-patterned streets felt like stepping back in time. We spent a delightful morning admiring the beautiful, historic mansions with their ornate wooden balconies and grand courtyards, simply observing life in this peaceful city.
After this cultural immersion, we took a couple of well-earned “days off,” dedicating ourselves to the simple pleasures of sunbathing on the beach, swimming in the ocean waves, and enjoying the low-key evening entertainment in our local town.
Conquering the Mighty Mount Teide
A few days later, we made our second attempt to reach Mount Teide – and this time, via a clever detour, we were triumphant! The drive up was an adventure in itself, offering breathtaking viewpoints that unveiled the entire island below. On a particularly clear stretch, we could even make out the faint shapes of neighbouring islands in the archipelago.
As we climbed higher, the landscape underwent a dramatic transformation. Lush greenery gave way to a stark, alien world of volcanic rock. Vast, sprawling lava fields stretched as far as the eye could see, making us feel as though we had landed on the surface of the moon. We noted the many well-marked hiking trails criss-crossing the national park, vowing to return for a proper trek next time.
Teide, Spain’s highest peak, resides proudly in Teide National Park, the most visited in the country and a UNESCO site since 2007. To reach the summit, we boarded the cable car (it’s wise to book ahead online, though we had no issue buying tickets on arrival in February), which whisked us up an astonishing 3,550 metres above sea level in about ten thrilling minutes.
The summit platform was a different world – a windswept, snowy expanse with a force so strong it took our breath away. After a short while braving the elements and marvelling at the otherworldly panorama, we descended. It’s officially the second most visited volcanic landscape in the world after Mount Fuji, and one look at the view tells you exactly why.
A Sunset to Remember in the Teno Mountains
From the volcano, we continued our road trip along the dramatic western coast, winding our way into the rugged Teno Mountains. Our destination was the viewpoint near the legendary village of Masca, where we watched one of the most spectacular sunsets of our lives.
The village of Masca itself is a marvel. Nestled deep within a jagged ravine, it was historically so isolated by the impenetrable surrounding mountains that it was never attacked by Atlantic pirates. With a tiny population of around 150, it remained virtually cut off from the world until a narrow, winding road was carved into the landscape in 1991. The drive down is not for the faint-hearted, but it promises an unforgettable and thrilling experience.
A Final Hike and Culinary Delights
Before our departure, we craved one last adventure: a hike through Tenerife’s beautiful landscapes. Due to heavy storms in January, many official trails were closed, so we decided to forge our own path near Adeje. We parked the car where the cacti grew thick and hiked upwards, rewarded with glorious sunshine, the scent of pine forests, and stunning panoramic views.
We spent our final hours soaking up the sun and exploring local cuisine, with a particular highlight being our accidental discovery of Meson Las Tapas, a fantastic Spanish restaurant near our beach. With live music in the evenings, a menu full of delicious tapas, and even inventive non-alcoholic cocktails for children, it was the perfect, flavourful end to our incredible Canarian journey.
Our dining experiences across the island were consistently positive, making our farewell to Tenerife all the sweeter. It was a trip that truly had it all: rhythm, history, fire, and flavour.
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