Discover the real Tenerife

Tenerife is renowned for its year-round sunshine, warm hospitality, and broad appeal to visitors. Yet, if you venture beyond the main tourist hotspots, you’ll discover beautifully preserved towns and villages where life moves at a more tranquil pace. Charming village squares, historic architecture, and an authentic local character await those who explore Tenerife’s winding mountain roads. These scenic drives reveal picturesque vineyards, secluded beaches, and vast banana plantations. With its dramatic volcanic landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and Mount Teide rising majestically at the island’s centre, Tenerife offers far more than just the allure of a hotel pool. Annabel from Worldspan Travel, our Ferndown shop, was lucky enough to be hosted by the wonderful team at Kirker Holidays on a recent trip to experience the ‘real’ Tenerife firsthand and discover the kind of tailormade authentic travel experiences that Kirker Holidays can create:

“After landing at Tenerife South Airport, we embarked on a short 30-minute journey to the charming town of Vilaflor, celebrated for its rich cultural heritage. Following a lovely lunch at a local restaurant, we had the chance to try our hand at the traditional craft of Rosetta making - an intricate form of textile art. We also watched a fascinating re-creation of the washerwomen’s work, before taking a leisurely stroll through the town to admire its beautiful buildings and quaint church. To top it off, we sampled some delightful local pastries, which were delicious!

In the afternoon, we embarked on a steep mountain drive that rewarded us with breathtaking views on route to Bodega Ferrera, a stunning vineyard renowned for its organic local wines. Upon arrival, we received a warm welcome and an insightful tour of the vineyards before enjoying a superb wine tasting experience followed by dinner. Set in a truly unique location, Bodega Ferrera perfectly showcases Kirker Holidays’ expertise and the exceptional local experiences available through their concierge service.

Our first night in Tenerife was spent at the Parador de las Cañadas del Teide, the only hotel located within Teide National Park, perched 2,000 metres above sea level and close to the mountain’s summit. Traditionally furnished, the Parador offers comfortable rooms, a cosy lounge with an open fire, and an unbeatable location for stargazing. I felt incredibly lucky to experience this for myself - standing beneath a dark sky illuminated by thousands of twinkling stars was truly magical and a moment I will always cherish.

Waking up to amazing views of our surroundings, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast before heading out under clear blue skies to try our hand at sungazing - a unique experience that allowed us to observe solar flares through a telescope. The Parador also serves as an ideal base for hiking enthusiasts (a guide is recommended), with the nearby cable car offering a route to the mountain’s summit, though a special permit is required to ascend to the very top! With our bags packed, we set off for Anaga Country Park, located in the island’s northwest - a stunning biosphere reserve where dramatic valleys and ravines carve their way down to the sea, forming a series of beautiful, unspoiled beaches.

A short drive from Anaga National Park brought us to the lovely town of La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its colonial architecture and its influence on cities such as Old Havana and Cartagena in Colombia. I absolutely loved wandering through La Laguna’s cobbled streets, sipping a delicious Canarian barraquito coffee in one of its charming courtyards, and visiting the Cathedral of San Cristóbal de La Laguna. It’s a place I would happily return to again.

That afternoon, we made our way to Puerto de la Cruz for a two-night stay at the Hotel Botánico & Oriental Spa Garden, a proud member of the ‘Leading Hotels of the World.’ From the moment you step through the doors, the hotel exudes calm and sophistication, offering exceptional service, elegant accommodations, and stunning botanical gardens. Renowned for its outstanding spa facilities, the hotel ensures every guest can relax and indulge during their stay. That evening, the hotel hosted us for an al fresco dinner. The food was exceptional, and watching the sunset over Puerto de la Cruz provided a perfect and memorable end to the day.

After a delicious breakfast the following morning, we left the hotel and headed towards the historic town of Garachico. Along the way, we stopped at a working banana plantation, where we learned all about the fascinating world of bananas - from how they grow in “banana families,” to the effort involved in harvesting them. It was both an eye-opening and thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Garachico, often regarded as one of the island’s most beautiful towns, was historically its busiest port until a volcanic eruption in 1706 dramatically reshaped the coastline. Today, natural saltwater lava pools line the waterfront, and the town’s rich architectural heritage makes it a delightful place to wander the cobblestone streets and explore boutique shops.

A short distance from Garachico is the historic centre of Icod de los Vinos, famed for its ancient Drago Milenario Tree and the Museum of Malvasia - a true hidden gem. We were lucky to spend time here, enjoying a delightful mojo sauce workshop paired with wine tasting and lunch. This proved to be a real highlight of our trip, and I would highly recommend it to anyone. The serene atmosphere, beautiful garden setting, and warm hospitality made it even more special.

Our next destination was the historic town of La Orotava, renowned for its beautifully preserved Canarian architecture, historic streets, and botanical gardens.  

Our final stop of the afternoon was a site visit to the Gran Hotel Touro, Spain’s first luxury hotel. Although it has been closed for several years, a meticulous restoration programme is set to reopen it in late 2025. Even amid ongoing construction, it was easy to see the incredible potential of the hotel, with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. That evening, we dined at El Calderito de la Abuela, perched high above Puerto de la Cruz and another of Kirker’s local recommendations. The food was outstanding, the views spectacular, and the restaurant brimming with character and atmosphere - a perfect finale to our time in Tenerife

On our final morning, following a relaxed breakfast, we gathered our belongings and bid farewell to the Hotel Botánico, where our stay had been nothing short of delightful. We then embarked on the hour-long drive back to Tenerife South Airport, reminiscing about the remarkable three days we had spent exploring Northern Tenerife - an adventure that truly surpassed all my expectations.”

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