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Time never stands still on Tenerife – unless you want it to. The capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife boasts a jam-packed events calendar, along with other towns and municipalities on the island, including La Orotava, Los Realejos, Puerto de la Cruz, and La Laguna.
The imposing Mount Teide is the highest point in Spain (3718m), the third largest volcano in the world and a prominent natural icon of the Canary Islands. Travel to the top via cable car or obtain a permit and take a breathtaking hike to the summit. The unique moonscape of lava formations and sulphurous steam is a sight to behold, with extraordinary views across the sea of clouds.
Centered around the dormant volcano, the Mount Teide National Park is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. The remarkable ecological diversity is a result of various microclimates, creating habitats for many indigenous species. Don’t forget your hiking boots - the countless walking tracks will take you through unique terrain including arid deserts, lush pine forests and unspoilt natural wilderness.
The clear, temperate waters along Tenerife’s coast thrive with rich marine life and are a haven for scuba divers all year round, with many centres and sites to accommodate novices to professionals. Tenerife’s glorious weather and offshore winds also make it ideal for watersports, including surfing, windsurfing and sailing. More adventurous travellers can also try paragliding, kite surfing and rock climbing.
The flamboyant carnival is the highlight of Tenerife’s cultural calendar. This annual street party with its lavish spectacle of costumes and music is one of the largest in the world. Traditionally, carnival was considered a last chance for feasting and excess before the commencement of Lent, but has since evolved into a spirited community event.
Festivities commence in the capital Santa Cruz, but many towns and villages come alive with their own ‘fiesta’. After months of preparation, celebrations begin with an exuberant opening parade of spectacular floats, infectious samba music and vivacious dancing troupes. Thousands of people join in the merriment, flaunting scanty, glittering costumes, elaborate headdresses and colourful dress-ups. The revelry and performances continue over the next few days, with non-stop music and entertainment. Celebrations conclude with the quirky procession of Entierro de la Sardina (literally ‘Burial of the Sardine’) and a magnificent fireworks display on the last weekend. The Santa Cruz Carnival is a boisterous, bacchanalian event that should not be missed.
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