For some people, Tenerife is the perfect island to spend a couple of weeks in an all-inclusive luxury
hotel, or even to relocate for the winter, to soak up some sun. But if you’re on the sporty side of the
spectrum like me, a holiday in one of those all-in resorts would lack a bit of adventure. However, no
need to worry! Quite the contrary, the Canary island of Tenerife is one of the most beautiful
destinations for activity holidays. Here’s my top 3. Your next adventure starts in Tenerife!
Kayaking near Los Gigantes
The blue waters around Tenerife provide perfect conditions for watersports. While the stunning
Canary island is a major surfing hot spot, and stand-up paddling would be a fun activity as well, I
chose kayaking. I met up with the guys from Teno Activo for an unforgettable afternoon around the
towering cliffs of Los Gigantes. Believe me, when you’re kayaking right next to those enormous cliffs
– Los Gigantes literally means the giants – you feel so tiny. Along the way there are some secluded
beaches which are great for snorkeling. And who knows you’ll have an encounter with a group of
friendly dolphins! Don’t forget to bring your sun block!
Mountain biking to Chinyero
Another challenging activity to do in Tenerife is mountain biking. I opted for electric mountain bikes,
or E-MTB’s from Bike Point Tenerife. These guys have the most professional equipment you can
imagine. So whether you’re an enthusiastic amateur or a professional athlete, these guys got you
covered! Choosing an electric bike like this doesn’t mean you’re lazy. No, in fact an e-mtb gave me
the opportunity to cover a greater distance and see more of the rugged volcano landscapes. The
route I took was located in the Corona Forestal, a name I found rather fitting for the time we live in.
The route lead us to the Chinyero volcano, with the omnipresent Teide Volcano providing a stunning
backdrop along the road.
Hiking in Anaga or in Teide national park
My favorite activity in Tenerife is the most straight-forward activity imaginable: hiking! You can never
go wrong with a good old solid hike. There are two regions I recommend: Anaga Rural Park and Teide
National Park. Anaga Rural Park is a paradise for hikers. This park in the north of Tenerife is the oldest
part of the island, even older than the Teide! Me and a guide from Anaga Experience walked from a
remote village called Chamorga to Roque Bermejo on a route dotted with dragon trees and you’ll
stumble upon tiny coastal hamlets where time appears to stand still.
Another dream location for hikers is the Teide National Park. Since it was my first time in the area
and I stayed in the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide, I chose the loop walk around Roques de Garcia which takes
about 3 hours. This hike is beautiful during sunrise or sunset and features an area rich in geology.
Shade is scarce and you’re above the clouds, so remember to bring a hat and pack sufficient water!
It’s an impressive place for photography lovers like me.
