As the Winter starts to bite the majority of us Brits have our sights set on the warmer climes of the Canary Islands for some winter sun. UK favourite and sunshine practically guaranteed all year round Tenerife is our home from home. My Grandparents regularly decamp to Tenerife from January for 7 or 8 weeks to avoid the inclement Cumbrian weather. Hence more and more of us choosing to spend the winter months abroad we take a look at some of the best things to see and do in Tenerife.
Tenerife, first of all, is a wonderful multi-purpose volcanic island and suits almost any type of traveller. The Southside tends to have the best of the weather so do bear this in mind when booking your island getaway. There are currently some great holiday deals to be had so try to shop around; Holiday Gems is a great starter for their deals.
6 Reasons Tenerife Is The Top Destination For Winter Sun
See the Volcano
Climbing to the top of the volcano El Teide is a must see. You first get a glimpse of the summit as you fly in and view it from above the top of the clouds. It looks particularly spectacular when there is a smattering of snow on the tip. Be warned the road leading up to it is not for the faint-hearted as you wend your way up through sometimes extremely dense cloud and navigate the hundreds of pilgrimaging cyclists. While visibility through the cloud can sometimes be difficult but once there, it is definitely worth it.
El Teide is absolutely magnificent and you can get a cable car up the side towards the summit to take in the breathtaking views from the top. The lava fields are also pretty impressive and almost give you a sense of being on another planet.
Visit one of the parks.
Siam Park is an absolutely wonderful day out for anyone who enjoys a water park. This Thai themed park is full of fabulous family water rides. This is on par with the Orlando theme parks. There are plenty of water thrills and simulated waves to keep you busy and the Lazy River is sensational. Or you can just relax on the man-made beach. Most noteworthy, the food is reasonably priced.
The cheapest Siam Park tickets are available here
Loro Park is on the North side at Puerto De La Cruz and is a fabulously well-maintained animal park. Along with the abundance of parrots, there are whales, lions and a dolphin show. Queues can be quite long for food so pack a picnic and make a day out of it.
Coach trips are available to each of the parks.
Don’t forget a visit to Aqualand a little bit dated, this is an old-school water park with sea water but still good fun. Don’t miss the dolphin show.
Try out the Escape Rooms
Escape rooms are popping up more and more and Tenerife’s Escape Rooms are nestled in amongst the shopping mall along the front. It is a great couple of hours for all of the family. Last year we tried out the pirate rooms and had a great laugh doing it.
Sample the local cuisine
You don’t have to go far in Tenerife to find paella being served up. This is a great Spanish dish popular with natives and tourists alike. A fabulous filling rice dice that really must be tried Tenerife style. Tapas is also a popular Spanish choice so relax with some local wine and enjoy the flavoursome dishes. There are also some great fish restaurants. I find that in Tenerife some of the best fresh food is served in the beachfront cafes. They have a great way of transforming themselves from cafe to restaurant with the simple addition of tablecloths and lighting.
If that’s not for you don’t worry Tenerife caters for all British tastes too. There are so many bars and restaurants your food choice is limitless.
Barter hard
If you do get tempted by the beach sellers, especially those with the fabulous multicoloured beach wraps, make sure you drive a hard bargain. Buy your wrap early enough in your holiday to get maximum use. While, I love a bit of people watching, I have seen the same wraps being sold ranging from €10 to €50. So barter hard for the one that you want and therefore be prepared to walk away. If you don’t get your purchase that time don’t worry I guarantee within a few minutes there will be another seller rather desperate for the sale.
Walk the length of the beachfront
Ultimately, it’s a fabulous stroll along the beach front and you can walk quite a distance between the resorts of Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos.
So whatever you choose to do I am sure you will have a great trip. Tenerife has so much to offer all types of tourist it just keeps us coming back year after year for more.
More Winter Sun
Wanting to check out a little more about Tenerife? These posts will help you navigate like a local.
- Spotlight on Tenerife: What to do in Adeje when the weather isn’t great
- Spotlight on Tenerife: Aqualand and Siam Park, Waterparks
- Travel Essentials: A week in the sun
- Best 9 Alternative Things To Do In Tenerife
- Oliver’s Out of Town Tenerife Certainly Has You Asking for More, Please.
Make sure you let me know what your favourite thing to do in Tenerife is by leaving a comment below.
Finally, as always, pin me for later so others can discover my tips too!
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I’m off to Tenerife for the first time in march I can’t wait! Defo going to be doing Siam park that’s a must! Hoping to find some good shopping areas of course too! We are staying at the Columbus hotel which I believe isn’t that far from Siam park and pretty central! X
Oh you’ll have a great time. Beers are €1 along the front if you walk towards Adeje. There’s a huge shopping centre next to Siam – cheapest tickets are 100% from Attractiontix we searched everywhere. Make sure you check out the monkey bar too!!! Adeje also has great places to eat xxx