Four unexpected things to do in Tenerife
For the last three years as November rolled around, I’ve had some winter sun to look forward to – once on my Caribbean cruise, twice in Lanzarote. and the Canary Islands are easily one of my favourite places to visit with my daughter, especially when I need some December warmth.
Only four hours away by plane, they’re incredibly family-friendly, plus sun is usually on the cards year-round.
After repeated visits, I’ve discovered there’s far more than just gorgeous sand and sea too. Here are my four unexpected reasons to visit Tenerife – and you can also see my top things to do in Tenerife with kids here.
1. You might spot a film star
Matt Damon is just one of the Hollywood A-listers to have spent time filming on Tenerife, for the fifth instalment of the Bourne films.
But everything from Fast & Furious 6 to Doctor Who have also been shot here so there are film locations galore for young film fans to check out.
2. Or a real star
Even more exciting than the silver screen is the blanket of stars visible in the clear skies over this Canary Island.
Tenerife has been named a ‘Starlight Tourist Destination’ and is one of the best places on the planet for stargazing, thanks to new telescopes at the Teide Observatory combined with clear skies and low light pollution.
3. And thousands of sequins
Tenerife’s Carnival, held in Santa Cruz, is considered the second largest of its kind after Rio de Janeiro. That’s a lot of feathers, sequins and glitz.
But it’s a much shorter flight away, and without the sky-high prices (or overwhelming crowds) of Rio.
4. Or hike prehistoric forest
The ‘laurisilva’ or ancient laurel woods in the Anaga mountains are considered to be some of the rare remains of the woodland which covered parts of Europe and Africa 20 million years ago.
Mostly destroyed in the Ice Age, only a small amount is left to explore – a far cry from the usual image of beach and more beach, Tenerife’s lush north is also a great place for walking.
Images courtesy of Depositphotos
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oooh interesting facts Cathy, my two would love to visit a prehistoric forest and all those sequins and a carnival I would just love all the bling x
Thanks! I love how much there is to discover on the islands.
Some really interesting tips. I’ve never been to Tenerife. Whenever it’s mentioned the OH always reminisces about his and his friends’ debauched trip as 19 year olds!
Haha – I think that’s a lot of people’s first experiences. With all the islands, it seems to be a fairly small bit is late nights and bright lights, and outside that there’s loads to discover.
Oh, beautiful! I’ve never been to Tenerife but it looks stunning. Also I’m a big Doctor Who fan so that would definitely be an incentive 🙂
There is some gorgeous scenery – it’s incredibly green and lush in parts of the north and Mount Teide is fantastic (even without Doctor Who!)
I have never been, but I have read so much about it being a wonderful place to visit. We would love to go sometime x
It is a lovely island, I’d definitely say go if you can.
Funnily enough Hubby and I were discussing heading off for some Winter sun potentially in Jan/Feb and Teneriffe would be our preference! I’m not sure when the carnival is on but it sounds like quite spectacular xx
Ooh Carnival would probably be Feb – depending when Easter is. But lots to see whenever you go. And I’d definitely recommend the Canary Islands, love them.
Ooh I’ve never been to Tenerife! I’ve heard so many good things about it recently, maybe it’s time to add it to my list!
C x | Lux Life
I’ve been to Lanzarote more often and Gran Canaria more recently but I did like Tenerife and there’s so much to discover on them all.
Never mind the films stars, I bet the real stars are a real sight to see 🙂
I would love to see the sights in Tenerife as walk up into the mountains x
That would definitely top my list – I’ve been up Teide in the daytime and can imagine how incredible it would be at night.
I might be going this winter and will bear all these great tips in mind. I love the star gazing idea and a couple of people have recommended it to me. Someone said you could get dinner on the mountain as well as stargazing.
That sounds really fun – definitely something to try if you go.