You may have noticed a dedicated section of my blog has appeared to capture Tenerife and all it has to offer. I’ve been visiting the island since I was 5 years old and it holds a lot of special memories for me. My parents have now taken the plunge and decided to move here permanently, meaning year round sunshine for them and super cheap holidays for me!
I am almost as passionate about Tenerife as I am about Manchester and I can’t wait to share the incredible island with you. It really does have a lot more to offer than you may think and I thought I would start by introducing you to some of the lesser known coastal villages along the South coast.
Los Cristianos
Somewhere you have probably heard of but only for the hotels and beaches is Los Cristianos. A quieter option to popular Playa De Las Americas, the fishing village has a great array of independent shops and the prettiest church you will see on the island. Spend some time in the square watching the locals mill about doing their daily chores, take a seat on the steps pictured above and hunt for the pretty street art that has starting popping up around the village. Pop in Jamon y Mojo for a glass of local wine (yes it is a thing) and then take a stroll along the beach to see the fishermen coming in with their catch.
Las Galletas
A true Canarian welcome awaits you in Las Galletas. Another fishing village but much more active, the small streets are easy to get lost in and you cannot miss the fish market where you’ll find the daily catch for sale along the promenade. Grab mussels and chips at any one of the fabulous fish restaurants around the pier and wander through the streets to glimpse yet more street art that fits the setting of the fishing village perfectly.
Costa Del Silencio
Better known for being a residential area of Tenerife, Costa Del Silencio has two features that are worth the trip. Montana Amarilla is what I imagine the surface of the moon to look like, formed from past eruptions of Mount Teide the lava has settled into different coloured layers and also a volcanic cone, which you can hike to the top of the spectacular views across the area. After a hard afternoon of walking, grab a mojito at Mana Nui Chiringuito and watch the sunset over the hills before they light the sky on fire. If you are peckish, head along the coastal path to resort Westhaven Bay for a Canarian Barraquito. It is a coffee layered with Licor 43, condensed milk and milk foam which, is served here with chocolate mousse and a madeleine. Just bliss.
El Medano
El Medano is a surfer’s paradise and one of the most laid back resorts on the island of Tenerife. Overlooked by Montana Roja, the sleepy village has a brilliant weekly market where you can buy traditional Tenerife goods including local honey and bathing products. The sand here is whiter than anywhere else on the island, naturally (did you know the white beaches elsewhere on the island are made from sand imported from the Sahara?) and further along the coast you will find the South’s best nudist beach, should you be that way inclined. It is a beautiful place to stop for a bit of tapas at lunch (I highly recommend El Timon, with its terrace over the sea to spot the fish in the clear water below) and relax away from the lively hotels that the South of Tenerife is known for.
I can’t wait to share my favourite spots, food and drink Tenerife has to offer over the coming months.
