Once considered the edge of the world, the Canary Islands lie where the map of the Ancient World ended before European explorers 'discovered' civilisations on the other side of the Atlantic. Its unique culture, coupled with a diverse landscape ranging from spectacular beaches to snow-capped peaks, has made the Canary Islands, especially Tenerife, a popular tourist destination.
The theme of diversity and inclusion is one of the central topics of Best in Travel 2021, in which we have engaged and enjoyed profiling what will be the trends in tourism in the year to come, such as what is being done by working on the multigenerational approach in El Hierro, undiscovered jewel of the Canary Islands.
Venture beyond the crowded beach resorts or the island's famous water park to find a hidden Tenerife full of less frequented places where you can enjoy a more relaxed part of Canarian life.
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Although a popular tourist destination, the island of Tenerife is full of less explored areas © Erik R Trinidad / Lonely Planet
The archipelago off the coast of Morocco is like Hawaii for the United States; while it is one of 17 autonomous communities that is part of the Kingdom of Spain, its distance from the motherland has generated a unique island atmosphere, with influences rooted in the Spanish and North African Berbers.
Isolated beaches in Tenerife
Beaches on the south coast, such as Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos, may be where the tourists flock on a beach holiday but locals who go to the beach know to head north, away from hotels like the Hard Rock. Some of the best beaches in the north are isolated - so much so that there are no roads leading there.
Getting to the Playa de Antequera in the north-east, which some locals consider the best beach on the island, is not easy; it requires a 2-3 hour walk - or a short stretch by hiring a boat - from the town of Igueste de San Andrés. However, this paradise is worth the effort for its pristine landscape of black sands, caves and rock formations.
If you are less inclined to walk, head for Playa de Benijo or Playa de las Gaviotas, both of which may have a few more people as they are both accessible by car and have shorter paths. Both boast views of impressive volcanic rock formations - and clothes are optional if you want them.
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Walk to the top of Mount Teide for unparalleled views over Tenerife © Erik R Trinidad / Lonely Planet
Climb to the top of Mount Teide
Mount Teide is not exactly hidden; it is the highest peak in Spain and the third highest volcano in the world at an altitude of 3,718 metres. Its eruption millions of years ago contributed to the creation of Tenerife and is now an attraction for tourists. Most people ascend by the easiest route - by cable car - but you can also opt to get away from the crowds and climb to the top on foot.
It is a five-hour walk from the cable car base station to 'La Rambleta' (3,555 m). The area surrounding the top station is only 150 metres lower than the actual Pico (summit) of Teide and is equipped with toilets and wifi. Plan ahead and get a permit to go beyond this point of people posting photos of the incredible views and walk to the top of the crater (another strenuous hour walk there and back). You will be rewarded with being in a very special place, the roof of Spain.
If you don't feel like walking up Mount Teide, there are easier hikes through the moonscape of the surrounding Parque Nacional del Teide. You will find parking areas at its incredible trails along TF-21, the only road at the base of the peak, including those around Los Roques de Garcia and Las Minas de San Jose.
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Punta de Teno
To the north-east is Punta de Teno, a small peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic. It is the westernmost tip of Tenerife, overlooking the spectacular rocky coastline. This scenic point was once frequented by many, but in 2017, the Canarian government began limiting access to curb the masses of visitors in order to preserve the fragile environment.
But this does not mean it is completely inaccessible. Although you cannot bring your private car here, you can still visit via bicycle and public buses (which is not exactly everyone's style of travel). With fewer tourists, you can enjoy a less crowded visit to the Teno Lighthouse, built in 1893, with views of Tenerife's famous western cliffs known as Los Gigantes.
Those who are keen on immersing themselves in the local landscape will find some caves to explore along Ballenita Beach, which also has accessible swimming areas.
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Enjoy the unique landscape of the Los Gigantes cliffs on a kayak © Erik R Trinidad / Lonely Planet
Masca Bay and the Los Gigantes coastline
The mountain village of Masca is a popular bus tour stop, known for its resemblance to Machu Picchu in Peru, the town is flanked by a high mound reminiscent of Huayna Picchu, just like the Inca citadel.
Many tourists pop in to stroll up and down Masca's main street between bars and souvenir shops, unaware that beyond the town and its eponymous cliff is Masca Bay, just off the spectacular coast where the Atlantic waves collide with the towering cliffs of Los Gigantes on the northwest coast. The only way to explore this isolated and scenic coastline up close is by boat. Fortunately, kayak tours up and down the coast of Los Gigantes can be organised in the nearby port city of Santiago del Teide, at Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes.
If you are less inclined to exert yourself, join one of the boat tours, which also depart from the port of Santiago del Teide and stop at a calm swimming bay in Masca Bay for a quick dip. Along the way, you will probably be joined by schools of short-finned pilot whales; one of the largest colonies in the world lives in these waters between Tenerife and neighbouring La Gomera.
Anaga Rural Park
There are not only sandy beaches and volcanic mountains in Tenerife. Inland there are large expanses of green forests, from the tall pine forest on Monte de Esperanza to the more accessible Parque Rural de Anaga, which encompasses much of the north-eastern part of the island.
Emerging from the seabed some 10-15 million years ago, this vast, mountainous area of around 89 square kilometres has evolved into a nature reserve teeming with so much life that it was declared a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 2016. Among the twisted trunks of the laurel forest, 1900 species have been recorded, including reptiles, birds, fish and invertebrates.
A frequent hike through Anaga Park begins at the visitor centre in Cruz del Carmen, accessible via the TF-1 road, and goes down the trail to the coastal resort of Taganana for a dip in the ocean. However, there are many trails, so you have options for length and difficulty. For those who want something very accessible, there is the Sendero de Los Sentidos (Path of the Senses), a network of three easy nature walks from the visitor centre.
