Exploring Tenerife
Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, is a place I visited for the second time last summer. Here are my top 5 things to see and do on the island.
Rent a Van
As this was my second time in Tenerife, I wanted to have some more freedom this time and not be limited by sleeping at just one location. What better way to do this than by renting a van? So before my trip, I contacted the people over at Waves and Sunset campervans and I was delighted to hear that they still had a van available for a few days. Upon arrival, I received a nice Volkswagen Campervan, which would be the perfect car to explore the islands. We ended up sleeping at a lot of cool places: from under the stars in the Teide national park to close to a beach with the sound of the waves in the background. I couldn’t recommend the vanlife more and Tenerife is the perfect place for it. Thanks a lot Waves and Sunset campervans for the good service!
(Stargazing in) El Teide National park
By Far my favorite place on the Island is the Teide national park. Driving through the endless lava fields really feels like being on a different planet (Mars, anyone?). The coolest area to visit here has to be the Roques de Garcia, with all the weird shaped rocks peaking over the dry landscape. Pro tip: If you rent a camper, spend the night here and you’ll find one the most starry skies you’ll ever see.
Playa de Benijo/Taganana
The drive to Taganana is by itself already really beautiful, as you make your way through a narrow, winding and steep road. I advise to go there in the morning, so you can spend the whole day sunbathing on the black sands of Playa de Benijo and bodysurfing in the high waves,. Afterwards you can catch the sunset hitting the mountains behind Taganana. If it’s not clouded, this is my favorite place to watch the sun go down in all Tenerife.
Mirador de Chipeque
But if it IS clouded, this is my favorite place to watch the sun go down: Mirador de Chipeque. Chances are huge that you’ll be high enough so that you can see over the clouds. And what else is better than watching the sunset over an ocean of clouds? This place is super easy to reach as well, which makes it even more inviting. A must do!
Find the best Charco to swim in
Last but not least: Tenerife is known for its charcos, which are natural swimming pools which form at low tide. There are literally dozens of cool Charcos spread all over the island, some of them well known and easy to find. I was lucky enough to find one those hidden gems that make for a perfect photo opportunity.
I also made an aftermovie from my time in Tenerife and put it on Youtube - just click play below and enjoy