To escape the November weather in London, we decided to go to Tenerife for a week together with another couple that came all the way from Romania to join us in this adventure. It’s quite amazing the fact that you board a plane on a cold November day and four hours later you need sunglasses and shorts.
We rented a car with Budget for the whole week we were there. Upon landing at Tenerife South, we spent a bit of time searching for the rental company only to discover that it is not in the airport and you need to get a bus to their rental office – information which was not provided beforehand.
Things to visit:
Garachico
After getting the car and filling it with our luggage we set onwards to our first accommodation booked through Airbnb in Garachico, which is located in the south-western part of the island, more specifically above the town. Although without a car it might be slightly harder to get there since it’s not in the town, the view is extraordinary. Even if you don’t stay in the surroundings, it is worth visiting the place at sunset for some nice panoramas. Every morning we took our breakfast on the terrace admiring this gorgeous view.
One of the main attractions in Garachico is the rock formation which creates natural pools. The pools are actually used by both locals and tourists during the summer. Wander around the cobbled streets aimlessly or have a look at the banana plantation east on the town.
Icod de los Vinos
Our host was really great, taking us through the things that we should visit on the island, adding some local recommendations such as Tablas de San Andrés in Icod de los Vinos. Every year in November people from the surrounding towns gather here for this event where they close some incredibly steep roads and on a waxed wooden boards similar to a sled they slide down, all the way to the bottom and stop just before or sometimes crash into a big pile of tires. The speed they reach is incredible and it’s quite scary to watch. But we did nevertheless because we were curious.
El Drago
A must see in Icod de los vinos is El Drago, the giant tree that is now considered the symbol of the island. The famous thousand-year old Dragon which is more than 16 meters tall and measures around 20 at the base it is known as the oldest specimen on Tenerife. You can buy a ticket for the Dragon Park or you can admire its greatness from the central plazza.
Siam Park
We didn’t prepared an exact itinerary beforehand but since the weather was quite good we decided to go to Siam Park which is known as Europes’ most spectacular aqua park. If you are into these kind of things the aqua park is definitely worth a visit and make sure to allow an entire day. Being November it wasn’t as crowded, the weather was nice and the rides were great. We also tried the most popular ride, the tower of power which drops you from a considerable height, reaching a speed up to 80km/h while passing at the bottom through a shark aquarium. The idea itself sounds great, but we found the slide to be quite overrated as you don’t get to see anything while zipping through it since all the splash forces you to close your eyes. The tube ones were considerably better. Have a look – would you do it?
Masca
A trip to Tenerife is not complete without a visit to Masca, the small village from the mountains which has a population of less than 100 inhabitants. Here, the houses are perched on the edge of the rocks, surrounded by green scenery which is offering a spectacular view that can be a dream for every photographer. For me, this was by far the most picturesque part of the island.
Teno
Because the sun was still shining bright on the sky, we decided to visit a tiny lighthouse nearby. We ate lunch at a small tavern in the village Teno and started our hike towards the lighthouse on narrow and steep paths near giant cactuses, olive trees and a pack of unfriendly dogs for more than two hours. Although we would have preferred El Teide, the massive volcano in the middle of the island, hiking it is only allowed with a prebooked ticket since they only allow a certain number of people per day. We found out about the booking process way too late, and there weren’t any places left. If you decide to go and hike El Teide, make sure you book it advance.
Playa de San Marcos
Our first black sand beach was in Iceland but the weather was suitable for making a snowmen. In Tenerife, sunbathing on a black sand beach sounded like a great opportunity for spending a relaxing afternoon. Playa de San Marcos is located near Icod de los Vinos and the beach itself is not big but is a nice place surrounded by cliffs, away from the touristy areas. However there are toilets, changing rooms, sunbed rentals and plenty of restaurants around.
Tips for November:
- Bring you swimwear, sunglasses and flip flops.
- Don’t miss Tablas de San Andres.
- Allocate one day to Siam Park and have fun on their amazing slides.
- A trip to Masca is a must and it will not take more than a few hours.
- Book tickets in advance if you want to visit Teide.
If you like it, pin it!
Looks and sounds like fun! Althought I can’t imagine landing in a pile of tires is very soft! #feetdotravel
Author
Hi Lolo, for sure it’s softer than a wall but I wouldn’t do it. The speed they reach is incredible ans sometimes accidents happen.
There is so much more to Tenerife than people think and I feel you have shown this! Great list of things to do, pinned for future reference and thanks for sharing. #feetdotravel
Author
Hi Angie, I agree with you – there are plenty of places to visit and things to do in Tenerife. I have to admit that I discovered most of them when I was already on the island.
What an incredible island! I am amazed at the places you experience. I like it because it is a mix of cultural and natural attractions. The Tablas de San Andres sound crazy. I love those pictures of Masca.
Author
Hi Ruth, we always try to add some nature in our travels no matter the place we visit. Tablas de San Andres was super crazy and scary to watch but for the locals it was something normal. Masca was my favourite place from the island.
Really informative post on where to visit in Tenerife, it is a beautiful island. We visited the north, Santa Cruz in October and had spectacular weather just like you. Perfect destination for some winter sun!
Author
Hi Paul and Carole, we’ve been to the north part as well during our trip. I agree with you, a perfect destination for winter sun.
Tenerife is one of the Canary Islands I havent been to (I been to most of the others) and it looks like its the same scenery etc as its neighbour Gran Canaria, which I totally recommend for driving or hiking or even cycling in the centre of the island or in the south. Reading this post and checking out the photos is wetting my lips for another trip to the beautiful islands.
Author
Hi Danik, funny you mentioned it – for us it’s the first one we visited from the Canary Islands. I heard so many good things about Gran Canaria, I will definitely have a look for this winter.
The concept of the Tower of Power was indeed great. Too bad you can’t enjoy the views of the shark aquarium as you slide along. I’m pretty sure the feeling of that drop was incredible, though! 🙂
Author
Hi Marvi, I didn’t mentioned in the post but they tell you to take a deep breath before they push you – I took it exactly when the girl pushed me and the water entered all over my nose so I couldn’t breath until I reached the end. Although my experience wasn’t the best, the concept is cool and perfect for adrenaline lovers.
I love Spanish islands! Tenerife seems like a great getaway especially when you live in November in London 🙂 I haven’t been there yet but I would love to visit! You’re photos looks amazing! Kind of looks like a big jungle! I had no idea there is so much to do there! Thanks for sharing !
Author
Hi Ada, for us it was the perfect getaway in November especially because of the cold weather from London. Yes, Tenerife looks like a big jungle, it was natural parks where you can hike for hours and plenty of other activities for everyone.
Wow, what a difference a few hours on a plane can make, huh? From dreary London in November to a tropical island (outside of peak travel time to boot!). Looks like a wonderful place to visit, and from the Canary Islands, I’ve really only read about Gran Canaria, not Tenerife. BUT – you’ve made it look exquisite! That view is Masca of the houses along the mountainside looks like a Mediterranean Hawaii. Thanks a bunch for the heads up about the need to book a hike on the volcano – I would definitely want to do that if I visited! I bet you were pretty bummed when you realized it :/, but at least you learned and especially, passed on the information :).
Author
Hi Tom, yes it was a huge difference for 4 hours flight. Glad you enjoyed the post, Masca was by far my favourite place on the island. We were not happy about the volcano but now we learned our lesson and we look in advance when we plan to visit the main attractions.
Wow! This place seems like a piece of paradise, Oana and Cristian! Is it possible to go for a swim at the Garachico natural pools?
Author
Hi Agness, yes it’s possible to swim in the natural pools in Garachico. I suppose people do it especially during summer as in winter the waves are too high.
I wasn’t familiar with Tenerife South before this post, but now I’m intrigued! El Drago is such and amazing tree, I would visit just for this alone!
Author
Hi Carmen, glad you enjoyed the post. Drago was simply massive – I knew it’s big but I haven’t fully realise it until I was in front of it.
Stunning views and landscape, great beaches and water park, Tenerife South looks great. I’ll pin for later use.
Author
Hi Shona, Tenerife has it’s own beauty from black and white sand beaches, natural parks, villages perked on cliffs, natural pools to water parks.
Tenerife South looks absolutely stunning and some of these spots look a far cry from what I imagine the island to be like! Love Masca and Teno and would love to explore that part of the island! Thanks for sharing
Author
Hi Lexx, the island is amazing, isn’t it? I didn’t imagined to be like this either until I went there. Masca was in my opinion the most picturesque place from the island but you will enjoy for sure hiking in the natural parks
Wow, everything is so picturesque that I don’t even know what to comment on. I have to say though that sliding down boards in Icod de los Vinos sounds like SO much fun!! I would love to try that! And the El Drago tree looks like something out of a fairy tale… it’s gorgeous! The black sand beach looks so moody and mysterious too. How cool to sunbathe there!
Author
Hi Anna, I agree with you – everything is so picturesque in Tenerife. I wouldn’t try the boards, the speed they reach is incredible and I will freak out on the way down. Drago is massive and has an unusual form for a tree but the black sand beach is just perfect for sunbathing.
Tenerife, what a lovely place. So much to see and do, never a dull moment. I am sure.
Author
Hi Sandy, there are many places that are worth a visit in Tenerife.
Wow, you have found wonderful places to visit on the south side of Tenerife. Love the Aribnb on the cliffs you stayed at along with the small hillside town. Looks like a great place to vacation. Thanks for sharing! #feetdotravel
Author
Hi Stephanie, the South was full of nice surprises and the accommodation was definitely one of them. I would recommend Tenerife for a vacation.
Only four hours to get into the sun from London is a good plan. I’ve never been in Tenerife, but isn’t it also called the island where it’s always spring time?
Author
Hi George, yes you can find sunny weather all year round in Tenerife.
The pools in Garachico look interesting, they look rough but I guess they are not if tourists and locals use them? The tower of power at Siam Park looks scary, 80 m p h is fast!
Author
Hi James, we haven’t tried the pools as the water was cold but people do use them. It is scary, still cannot believe I tried it!
I first heard about Tenerife when I worked as a writer for an SEO company that handled Travel Republic. What an awesome place! We would love to trek, camp, and climb there. We would also love to stay and immerse in the culture of Masca. 🙂
Author
The island is gorgeous, we would go back without any hesitation. Next time we will allocate more time for hiking for sure. Masca is so picturesque, we would love to stay there for a few weeks disconnected from the real world.
I never imagined Tenerife would be like this! The only thing I know about Tenerife is that it is a very popular family all inclusive destination! Aftr reading thing, maybe I should drop my judgements and check it out! Looks beautiful!
Author
Hi Chiera, before going there I thought the island is a popular destination for people who wants to lay down on the beach all day but I was so wrong. There are plenty of things to do and visit, especially if you are into hiking.
Tenerife South looks pretty amazing. Knowing that the El Drago tree is 1,000 years old boggles my mind! Icod de Los Vinos also looks like a lot of fun but I feel like people will get hurt…The landscapes are stunning and it’s amazing that there’s a little bit of everything to see there.
Author
Hi Ling Ge, I agree with you – las tablas de saint andres are dangerous as they reach high speeds. There is indeed a bit of everything for everyone to try on the island.
Your pictures are just stunning and article very detailed with useful information. It’s great news that you can swim in Tenerife in November. Thanks for sharing.
Author
Hi Anita, I am glad you find our article useful. Yes, you can swim in November as it’s spring/summer all year round.
Wow. Incredible pics. Didn’t realize that Tenerife was so beautiful. Yet another one to add to my long list of must visits.
Author
Hi Turner, I hope you will get there one day as the island is beautiful.