Province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife travel guide and discussion

The Canary Islands are a dream for anyone exploring by sea — short distances, stable weather, and landscapes that change every few hours. Here’s your curated list of must-visit ports, bays and islands — from wild volcanoes to calm barefoot towns. 🏝️ Santa Cruz de La Palma — the quiet, cinematic capital Colonial balconies, black beaches and mountains rising straight from the port. Don’t miss: Caldera de Taburiente, Mirador El Time, Bajamar beach. 🧱 Los Gigantes (Tenerife) — towering cliffs above the ocean Sailing in feels like entering a natural stone cathedral. Perfect for: kayaking, dolphin watching, sunset cruises. 🌆 Santa Cruz de Tenerife — culture, food & modern vibes Museums, food markets, oceanfront promenades. Gateway to: the green Anaga mountains. 🌿 La Gomera — mystical forests & deep valleys Fog, lush greenery and dramatic cliffs welcoming you from the sea. Don’t miss: Garajonay National Park, Valle Gran Rey. 🌌 El Hierro — remote, quiet, untouched The smallest island with the biggest sense of peace. Best for: diving in La Restinga, stargazing. 🔥 Lanzarote — the island of fire & surreal art Volcanic fields shaped by wind, lava and César Manrique. Highlights: Timanfaya, Jameos del Agua, La Geria vineyards. 🏄♂️ Fuerteventura — dunes, wind & endless beaches Golden coastlines and some of the world’s best wind conditions. Ports to aim for: Corralejo, Morro Jable. 🏔️ Gran Canaria — a mini-continent of microclimates Sand dunes in the south, pine forests in the center, cliffs in the north. Must-see: Maspalomas dunes, Roque Nublo. 🌊 La Graciosa — barefoot island life No paved roads, turquoise water, quiet anchor spots. Feels like time stopped decades ago. 🌺 Puerto de Mogán — the postcard marina “Little Venice” of Gran Canaria with flowers, canals and calm waters. Ideal for: a slow nautical day, snorkeling, long lunches. ⛵ Why sail the Canary Islands? Because every island feels like a different world — and they’re all just a short sail apart. Wake up on a lava desert and end the day in a rainforest valley. ⭐ Save this post Planning a Canary Islands trip? Save this guide so you don’t lose the best ports and islands to explore by sea.

🇪🇸 Tenerife, Canary Islands Tenerife is the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa. It’s famous for volcanic landscapes, dramatic cliffs, black-sand beaches, charming villages, and year-round mild weather. 🌊 For a less-touristy Tenerife If you want to avoid the typical Instagram spots, explore Anaga’s remote villages, Teno Rural Park, Benijo, Taganana, Garachico, El Médano and the northern coast around Los Realejos. These areas give you a more authentic side of the island. ☀️ Best time to visit Tenerife can be visited almost year-round. March–May and October–November are particularly pleasant for sightseeing and hiking, while December–February is popular for escaping colder European weather. 💰 Budget idea Tenerife can range from budget-friendly to quite expensive depending on where you stay. Staying outside the main resort areas and using buses can significantly reduce costs. Tenerife is much larger and more diverse than it first appears. If you have 5–7 days, combining the north + Teide + west coast + Anaga gives you a much better experience than staying only around Playa de las Américas.

#europeonbudget Tenerife is the Canary Island that blends sun, stunning landscapes, and charming villages, all while being surprisingly budget-friendly. You can enjoy beaches, mountains, and local culture without overspending. ⸻ 🎯 Highlights · 🏖️ Beautiful Beaches — Relax at Playa de las Teresitas, or find hidden gems like Playa de Bollullo for a quieter experience. · 🌋 Mount Teide & Trails — Explore the volcanic landscapes and hiking paths; the cable car is optional if you want a closer view. · 🏘️ Charming Villages — Discover Masca, Garachico, and La Orotava for traditional streets, local cafes, and authentic Canarian culture. · 🌅 Sunset Views — Catch stunning sunsets from Los Gigantes cliffs or along the Costa Adeje coast — completely free. · 🌊 Natural Pools & Snorkeling — Swim in volcanic pools at Garachico or snorkel at El Médano for cheap aquatic adventures. ⸻ 🗺️ Getting Around · 🚌 Local Buses — Affordable and convenient for connecting beaches, villages, and hiking trails. · 🚶 Walk & Explore — Many villages, trails, and viewpoints are best enjoyed on foot. · 🚗 Budget Car Rental — Split the cost with friends to access hidden spots off the main routes. ⸻ 🌟 Budget Tips · 🍲 Eat Local & Cheap — Enjoy bocadillos, tapas, or meals at guachinches (family-run eateries) for authentic flavor on a budget. · 🏨 Affordable Stays — Hostels, guesthouses, or small hotels in Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz, or La Laguna. · 🎟️ Free Attractions — Beaches, hiking trails, cliffs, and viewpoints provide hours of entertainment for zero cost. · 📸 Hidden Gems — Venture off the main tourist paths to find quiet beaches, natural pools, and charming alleyways. ⸻ 💬 Final Thought Tenerife is proof that sun, adventure, and culture can be enjoyed without overspending. From volcanic hikes and golden beaches to quaint villages and sunset views, there’s plenty to explore on a budget.

🌴 The Hidden Green Heart of Santa Cruz I honestly didn’t expect to find a place like this in the middle of Santa Cruz. García Sanabria Park feels like a little jungle hidden inside the city — full of giant trees, exotic plants, flowers and beautiful sculptures around every corner. I loved just walking around with no particular plan, discovering quiet paths and shady spots along the way. It’s peaceful, colorful and has that kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you’re actually in the middle of a city. One of those places I found by chance and ended up enjoying much more than expected. 🌺✨

Canary Islands Located in the eastern part of the North Atlantic Ocean, in the waters northwest of Africa, about 108 kilometers from the African continent, consisting of eastern and western island groups with a total area of 7,273 square kilometers. Administrative affiliation: An autonomous region of Spain, part of the European Union, divided into the provinces of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas, with government seats in cities of the same names. Population and language: Population of approximately 2.09 million, with Spanish as the official language. 2. Island composition Eastern island group: Includes Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and 6 smaller islands. Western island group: Includes Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro.

#worthitornot I rented a car in Santa Cruz de La Palma (€30/day) and drove 40 min to Los Tilos (Laurisilva forest, UNESCO). Parking at the visitor centre is free, entry to the forest is free, and the Zaída boardwalk loops 1.5 km through prehistoric laurel fog—dripping leaves, 15°C in July, no insects, no crowds. Then I drove 25 min north to Charco Azul, a series of lava-rock tide pools fed by the Atlantic, near San Andrés y Sauces. Parking €1/hr (machine takes card), no entry fee, no lifeguard. The biggest pool is chest-deep, sheltered from waves, 22°C. Mistake: I wore jeans to Los Tilos and the constant drip soaked the hem; rain shell + shorts is right. Another mistake: swimming at Charco Azul at high tide—waves crash over the lip and the backwash slams you into lava; go 2 hrs either side of low tide. Rule: La Palma bans single-use plastics on beaches, fine €100; bring refill bottle. Food: Charco Azul has a kiosk with €3 mojo papas; Los Tilos has nothing, pack a banana. Worth it? Los Tilos is a 90-min enchanted walk—unique to Macaronesia, zero cost. Charco Azul is a 1-hr swim stop. Together they show La Palma's double face: cloud forest and volcanic sea. Question: is a free laurel fog walk more memorable than a free lava pool swim, or do you need both to call La Palma done?

#JanuaryDestinations2025 Bocacangrejo is a small seaside town on Tenerife, in the Canary Islands. Built along the coast, its inhabitants are mostly fishermen and number less than 400. In Spanish, "Boca" means "mouth" and "cangrejo" means "crab," so Bocacangrejo means "crab mouth." During the La Palma volcano eruption in the Canary Islands in 2021, a Bocacangrejo resident named Rafael decided to use color and art to soothe the sadness and ash-covered landscape. He began decorating the exterior walls of his house with colorful heart patterns. Gradually, he covered the town's ground, steps, rock walls, and roadside walls with hearts of various sizes and colors. This town gained a unique charm because of these heart patterns and quickly became a "Instagrammable" town.

#kindnessontheroad La Gomera, one of the Canary Islands, is home to Garajonay National Park, a primeval laurel forest often shrouded in mist—a true "cloud forest." I set out on the "El Sendero de los Sentidos" (Trail of the Senses), designed to be experienced blindfolded to heighten other senses. However, the fog was so dense that visibility dropped to mere meters, and the trail markers became invisible. I began to feel disoriented. A park ranger, easily identified by his uniform and the distinctive whistle he used to signal his presence, appeared silently from the mist. He asked if I was okay in Spanish-accented English. Seeing my confusion, he didn't just point the way; he walked with me for fifteen minutes, explaining the unique ecology. He described how the leaves of the Laurus azoricatrees capture moisture from the fog, creating a "horizontal rain" that sustains the island. He also warned me about the "Canary Current" in the ocean below, advising that swimming here requires caution due to strong undertows. He stressed the importance of staying on marked trails in Garajonay, as the moist soil is fragile and rare ferns can be destroyed by a single misplaced step. He recommended carrying a physical map (available at the visitor center for €3) because GPS signals often fail under the dense canopy. His guidance transformed a moment of anxiety into a profound lesson on conservation. Have you ever gotten lost in a national park and had a ranger turn it into a teachable moment?

This little gem 💎 is close to santa cruz Tenerife, is a good morning trip, you can walk through the coastal houses and get to know the neighbor who was been painting all around with love, hearts and making this a special place. The beach near by is relaxed not to crowded. I just love it ❤️💛💚💜💙#islascanarias#tenerife#santacruz#wintergateway

The location in La Caleta is excellent, offering peace and quiet while still being close to the vibrant scenes of Tenerife. The hotel is always a pleasure to stay at, with all staff—regardless of their role—greeting you with positivity and enthusiasm. The villa rooms are spacious and fully equipped with all the essentials. The areas are beautifully laid out and comfortable. In my opinion, what we paid for five people in the villa was excellent value for money. We opted for a breakfast-included package and have no complaints at all. The establishment maintains a high level of cleanliness, with the staff working meticulously and efficiently. They were always friendly during our interactions. This was our second stay here, and it didn’t disappoint. Once again, my husband's birthday felt special thanks to the thoughtful gesture from the hotel—a complimentary bottle of bubbly and a handwritten message from the staff wishing him a happy birthday. Thank you to all the staff and Hotel Suite Villa Maria for making our stay a truly memorable experience.

My partner and I visited Siam Park on Tuesday, September 15th. I had previously been in 2013 with my family as a child, and knowing my neurodiverse needs, we got fast passes back then because we dislike queuing. This time, we planned ahead, but upon arrival, fast passes were already sold out, so prebooking is essential. Thankfully, my parents kindly gifted us all-inclusive tickets, which greatly enhanced our experience. We arrived at 9 AM, an hour before the rides opened at 10. Despite it being a weekday in September, the park was much busier than expected. The weather was fantastic, likely due to calima, and walking around wet all day never felt cold. With all-inclusive wristbands and complimentary towels, we got a free locker upon arrival. There was even a separate pathway for all-inclusive guests, allowing us to skip the crowds at the start. Fast passes or all-inclusive wristbands mainly allowed access to shorter queues, but we found that even those could take up to 20 minutes for some rides. While understandable, it was slightly frustrating when paying extra to bypass queues. It felt like the park might issue too many VIP passes daily. Still, we got on most rides and even enjoyed lesser-known ones multiple times, especially later in the day when lines were shorter. The staff were generally friendly and made me feel secure on all rides due to their attentiveness. Some were especially lively, playfully interacting with guests, which added to the fun, particularly on the lazy river where they'd spin or pretend to flip you. A major benefit of all-inclusive tickets was unlimited access to food and drinks throughout the park. It eased concerns about carrying money for refreshments. The vegetable soup was delicious, and the brand of canned water they provide was refreshingly cool. The wave pool was thrilling despite being very crowded, but it never felt overwhelming. While I wore socks initially, I recommend water shoes for comfort. My partner and I eventually bought some from the park after my feet started hurting. You can also bring your own. The water temperature on the rides was quite cold, which was refreshing and added a fun element to the day. Sun protection is crucial. We stopped by our lockers multiple times to reapply sunscreen but still got slightly sunburned, particularly on our shoulders, and saw others with worse burns. Don't forget to drink water and keep applying sunscreen! We didn't go on the Tower of Power, as it didn’t interest us, but tried most other rides. Unfortunately, the newer Saifa ride (introduced in 2023) had longer queues, even for fast pass holders, with waits exceeding 30 minutes. When we managed to get close once, people leaving the line mentioned that the water was off. Unsure about this, we simply chose other rides. My favorite was the Dragon—it was truly thrilling. Even the easier Mai Thai River had dynamics that excited us with fast portions. My partner particularly enjoyed the Volcano ride’s cool lighting and dark tunnels, which provided excitement. Some areas of the rides were pitch dark, adding to the sensation, although this may not appeal to everyone. Signage throughout the park was clear and easy to follow. Family-oriented facilities were plentiful, making this an enjoyable day out even for those who prefer to avoid the thrilling rides. Most rides, however, have height restrictions, so checking these beforehand is recommended. Our visit to Siam Park was a key reason for choosing Tenerife, and the park delivered even more than we had anticipated. It truly gave my partner and me one of the best days of our lives, creating memories we’ll cherish forever.

We stayed from May 16th to 26th, 2026. Having had good experiences with H10 hotels, we chose H10 again. In 2023, we stayed at H10 Costa Adeje Palace in Tenerife. This year, we opted for H10 Atlantic Sunset Horizons Collection, which is a 5-star hotel. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed with a glass of bubbly, and after check-in, our luggage was taken to our room. The room was spacious and stunning, with large beds. The bathroom tiles were familiar, a signature style of H10 hotels, which was a nice touch. The main building housed the restaurant, coffee bar, theater, lobby, and shop. Guest rooms were spread across three buildings: one for families with children, another for couples, and the third for Privilege guests seeking extra luxury. Rooms were accessed via a wristband tag, which could also be used to pay for extra drinks or meals not included in the booking. We typically choose half-board as the extra cost for all-inclusive seems unnecessary, especially since we like to explore by car for a few days. There’s also the option to swap dinner for lunch if you prefer to dine out in the evening. On the days we stayed at the hotel, we had lunch at the pool bar. While some menu items were not entirely worth the price, the service was excellent and the food was good. The area around the first building had a family-friendly pool with a water park, playground, playroom, and craft area for kids. Next to the second building, there was a spacious pool with ample sunbeds featuring comfortable mattresses. We were pleased to see there was always enough space, and guests didn’t reserve spots with towels, or at least we didn’t notice it. At the back of the third building, an infinity pool overlooks the sea and La Gomera. There’s another infinity pool on the roof of the same building, but it’s private and restricted. It likely offers an incredible experience. Beneath the third building, there are four restaurants: Stromboli (Italian), Sakura (teppanyaki), Route 66 (American steak and burgers), and The View (exclusive to Privilege guests). We dined at Stromboli, where half-board guests receive a 30% discount. While we appreciated this, it was disappointing that the discount didn’t apply to Sakura, unlike our experience at the other H10 hotel. Nevertheless, the food at Stromboli was fantastic. Below the infinity pool lies a well-equipped, 24/7 gym with plenty of machines and training equipment, with towels readily available—everything was well-organized. There’s also a hair salon and a full-service spa, which looked excellent though we didn’t use it. Beach towels were provided in the rooms and could be exchanged daily by the pool. In the evenings, there was live music and drinks in the lobby, creating a lively atmosphere. The staff were always friendly and up for a chat. We had a great time with Marcus Gomez and would like to send him our regards. A big shoutout to the housekeeping team as well—they worked incredibly hard to keep everything immaculate. A piece of advice for future guests: request a pool-view room. We had a room on the other side of the building and experienced significant noise from the nearby Hard Rock Hotel. For a quieter stay, go for the pool side. In conclusion: · Fantastic hotel. · Great food and drinks. · Beautiful, clean pools. In short, highly recommended!

Siam Park truly stands out as one of the best water parks I’ve experienced, earning an easy 5 stars. This marks my fourth visit, and it remains a key reason I keep returning to Tenerife. While there are queues for slides, that's expected for such a high-rated park. Most wait times were reasonable, with Singha requiring the longest at 30–40 minutes, which isn’t bad considering its popularity. Singha is hands down the park’s highlight! During the night-time session, we prioritized it and waited just 10 minutes, even going for a second round. If attending the night-time event, heading there first is a must. The nighttime experience itself is absolutely better—minimal queues let you enjoy slides repeatedly, and the lighting, music, and DJ create an amazing party vibe. It might be less suited for younger kids due to the darker areas and lively atmosphere, but it's perfect for older kids, teens, and adults. Families may face some annoyance with slide group requirements. Many slides need groups of 2 or 4, which can be tricky for families of three. Organizing your group on the spot, rather than waiting for staff to arrange it, helps speed things up. For example, Volcano and Dragon require four people, so my family had to pair up with others to avoid long delays. One hiccup was with the Giant Slide's queueing system, which changed location between days without clear staff communication. On one occasion, we were sent back down due to incorrect signage. It was eventually fixed, but clearer instructions would improve the experience. Despite these minor issues, we absolutely love Siam Park. The facilities are immaculate, the rides are phenomenal, and there’s truly no other water park like it. Four visits down, and I’m already planning my fifth! It remains a solid 5-star highlight of Tenerife and always worth the trip. 🌴

Loro Parque is Tenerife's animal embassy. A wonderful and amazing place to observe animals!

We had an absolutely wonderful stay, hard to imagine a better choice for our honeymoon! From the moment we arrived, we were touched by the little gestures: a sweet note congratulating us on our marriage and wishing us a lovely honeymoon, along with locally made soaps from the island. Such a simple act, but it immediately set the tone for our stay. 🥰 Our room was spacious and very pleasant, offering a stunning view of the ocean, La Gomera… and even a charming abandoned construction site to add some local character to the postcard scene 😂. Jokes aside, waking up to that view every morning was pure bliss. Throughout our stay, every single member of the staff went above and beyond to make us feel special. The team was lovely, attentive, and always available, with that extra warmth that truly makes a difference. The two pools were fantastic, with a special mention for the rooftop pool and its incredible views. And the breakfast… exceptional! Probably a good enough reason in itself to come back 😅. The restaurant was also excellent, both for the quality of the food and the service. A special shoutout to Diego, Aurelio, Lasaro, and Miguel. Thank you so much for your kindness, recommendations, cheerful spirit, and all the little touches. You truly made our honeymoon even more unforgettable. ❤️ We leave with a huge soft spot for the hotel, its team, and most of all, the island. One thing is certain: we will return! For Tenerife, for you… and, let’s be honest, very much for the breakfast too. 😄 Thank you for everything, and please, don’t change a thing!

Nature really pulled out all the stops when shaping these colossal sea cliffs. Rising dramatically up to 600 meters straight out of the Atlantic Ocean, Acantilados de Los Gigantes on the western coast of Tenerife are nothing short of breathtaking. Ancient Guanche natives used to call them the "Wall of Hell"—and standing before these towering dark basalt walls, you can see why. While taking a boat tour to see them from the water is incredible, watching them from above hits totally different. The Mirador Archipenque gives you the ultimate panoramic view: giant cliffs plunging into deep blue waters, black sand beaches below, and the island of La Gomera sitting on the horizon. 📍 Los Gigantes & Mirador Archipenque, Tenerife, Spain 🇪🇸 💡 Pro-tip: Head up to Mirador Archipenque right before golden hour. Grab a cold drink at the lookout cafe, sit back, and watch the sun dip into the ocean behind the cliffs! 🍹🌅 #myitinerary #travel2026 #travel #couplestrip #beachlife #naturalwonders #thingstodo #familytravel #spain #tenerife

We had a fantastic time and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. The queues were manageable, never exceeding 20 minutes, with shaded areas that helped us stay cool in the midday heat. The food was reasonably priced, though we were surprised to find there was an extra charge for ketchup! However, the signage was quite poor; even with the park maps and signs, it was difficult to locate anything quickly. Arriving early is a must. While we didn’t use a fast pass and managed to enjoy all the attractions we had planned, it would have been great to experience some rides multiple times. Unfortunately, fast passes were sold out by 9:30 am.

The Royal Hideaway Corales Villas provided a very pleasant stay. The hotel is beautiful with a lovely atmosphere, and the staff were attentive and extremely polite. The surroundings are stunning, offering a great sense of privacy. The staff showed remarkable respect and attentiveness to my needs. I definitely plan to return in the near future.

A great experience at this hotel where we spent 12 days in mid-August. The location is very convenient for Playa de Las Vistas and Playa del Camisón, and despite being central, it was pleasantly quiet. The place is tidy, clean, and features lovely rooms equipped with a functional kitchen that includes a microwave, fridge, and toaster. There's a nice balcony with a table and chairs. The bathrooms have bidets, and the mattresses are comfortable. The breakfast was good and offered a variety of options. The only minor flaw was that room cleaning could be improved. Nonetheless, it’s highly recommended, and we will definitely return!

The hotel's location and viewpoint were fantastic, making for a truly relaxing holiday. Opting for The Level access proved worthwhile for us, as it provided a separate pool and breakfast area (if desired), along with a lounge offering drinks and tapas at specific times. The rooms were spotless, and the hotel staff delivered exceptional service throughout. We ventured out only one evening, taking a short taxi to La Caleta where we enjoyed a wonderful meal paired with a sunset view. The hotel also features a great viewing tower for sunset-watching. The food in the main restaurant was excellent every night, offering plenty of choices, and outdoor dining came with a stunning view to enhance the experience. We definitely plan on returning to this hotel.

Just came back from a fantastic stay at this hotel. Check-in was smooth, quick, and we were even escorted to our room by a very kind staff member (sadly, I didn’t catch his name). The staff overall were friendly and helpful. Our room (superior pool view) was spotless, featuring an elegant bathroom, ample storage space, and huge beds in the bedroom. The sofa bed in the living room, though not ideal for tall adults, was perfectly fine for our petite teenage daughter. It's worth noting that it folds out into a double bed, not two singles—a consideration for families with kids who might argue over sleeping arrangements. The cleaning staff came five days a week and did an excellent job. The outdoor area was large, including a kids' club space that we didn't use. There was an indoor dining area we didn't try, plus two outdoor bars. While some staff members were delightful, others seemed less eager to assist. Sunbeds were unlocked by a staff member at 8 a.m., and availability varied—some days they were gone by 8:15, while others had a few left even at 10. While some guests rushed to grab the front beds, I opted for a relaxed approach and chose spots at the back. The pool was enjoyable, but some maintenance is needed as a few tiles were loose or missing at the bottom. This could be a concern for younger kids who might not pay close attention to where they step. However, this didn’t detract from our holiday at all. The location is excellent—perfect for La Vistas beach, with nearby bars and restaurants just moments away. It’s a pleasant walk to Los Cristianos, passing by several more eateries and bars. Situated on The Golden Mile, the hotel is also great for shopping enthusiasts. It’s best suited for families with young children, though there were a few teens as well. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

If you're nearby, I would wholeheartedly recommend taking a walk to watch the fountains one evening. Be sure to stay until the music plays over the speakers to fully enjoy the ambiance. It's free to visit and offers a fantastic spot for photos, with plenty of space and angles to snap from. It wasn't overly crowded as the area is quite spacious, and I frequently noticed security staff on-site. It's a great experience whether you're a couple, traveling with family, or exploring solo.

This was our sixth trip to Tenerife but the first time staying in a hotel and our first experience in the Los Cristianos area. Previously, we always opted for self-catering accommodation in other parts of the South and Southwest of the island. This time, it was a fantastic change. The adults-only aspect of the hotel was a real highlight for us. As a couple in our early 50s, we appreciated the peaceful atmosphere. The hotel was excellent, and the location couldn’t have been more perfect. Los Cristianos itself is stunning, with a picturesque harbor and ferries that truly made our mornings unforgettable. We chose a sea-view room and enjoyed sitting on the balcony, watching the ferries gracefully arrive and depart—an incredible experience. Our room, number 411, was clean, spacious, bright, and came with an amazing ocean view. We were particularly impressed with the hotel’s thoughtful touch of providing a complimentary water station near the bar. Guests could refill their bottles with unlimited still or sparkling water, which we highly appreciated, especially knowing how precious drinking water is on the island. The pool was great, offering ample sun loungers. Though, as is common everywhere, you occasionally encounter guests reserving sunbeds for hours without using them. However, as ocean lovers, we spent all ten days of our trip enjoying Las Vistas Beach, just a 15-minute walk away. Prior to this trip, Del Duque was my favorite beach, but Las Vistas easily won me over. It’s a large, beautiful beach with showers and enough room to accommodate everyone—even during the busy summer season, it didn’t feel crowded. Its lovely promenade, white houses, and delightful café-bars for an Aperol Spritz added to its charm. Breakfast at the hotel was the classic offering, featuring a wide variety of options. The dinners, though, were outstanding—easily 10 out of 10 in my book as a chef. There was a fantastic range of dishes every evening. Being seafood fans, we feared the selection might be limited, but were thrilled to find plenty of delicious choices. To the kitchen staff: I know firsthand how challenging this work can be, especially in the heat. You did a truly exceptional job. Every department had top-notch professionals. The cleaning team kept our room spotless, reception was always helpful with any query, and the restaurant and bar staff greeted us warmly and sent us off with a smile every time. On our last day, we had a late flight and were thankful for the option to use a courtesy room or the gym shower facilities to freshen up—such a practical and appreciated service. For the first time ever, I didn’t feel sad about leaving on departure day. Instead, it felt like saying goodbye to close friends. We’re certain we’ll return, and I’ve already recommended this hotel—which we now consider "ours"—to friends who have booked a stay for early December. Thank you to everyone for making this stay so memorable. I wish you continued success and hope every staff member sees a well-deserved increase in their salaries!

#photovsrealitytravel I arrived at Garajonay expecting a bright green forest because that's what most of the photographs showed. Instead, I experienced sections covered in mist, which completely changed the mood. At first, I wondered whether the cloudy conditions would make my photographs disappointing. But as I walked deeper into the forest, I realized the mist was actually part of what made the place special. Trees appeared and disappeared through the fog, while moss-covered branches created an almost magical atmosphere. The photos were beautiful, but being surrounded by that mist was something a camera couldn't truly reproduce. #photovsrealitytravel

My friend and I discovered the Santa Cruz, Anaga, and La Laguna tour on the Tenerife First Excursions website. The company promptly communicated with us, providing clear details about pickup points and confirmations. We appreciated that the tour included convenient pickup and drop-off near our hotel in south Tenerife. Our guide, Paolo, was phenomenal, and we highly recommend him. He was knowledgeable and took the time to connect with everyone in the group. Paolo ensured we had enough time to explore each area, whether guided or on our own. From the start, he clearly explained the itinerary and route for the day. The pacing of the tour was excellent, and he made sure nobody got lost. There were bathroom breaks at each stop, and lunch was scheduled around 1:30-2 PM in La Laguna. Paolo’s food recommendation for lunch was exceptional, and the meal turned out to be fantastic. Throughout the tour, he provided information in three different languages, offering the perfect overview of Tenerife's highlights. We regret not booking more tours with him or the company. This one was truly memorable!

#sunsetplaces Roque de los Muchachos is the 2,426m rim of Taburiente caldera, top of LP-4 from Santa Cruz de La Palma (1.5h drive, free parking at the observatory lot, no entry fee, road closes in snow only rarely). Rent a car at SPC airport (€25–40/day, card). I drove up at 5:30 p.m. in late March (sunset 7:45), walked the grass rim 400m north of the GRANT telescope. The caldera floor drops 1,000m below — laurisilva on the far wall, the rim underfoot is Festuca grass and retama scrub. At 7:10 the grass went ember, the observatory domes caught a last band of orange while the caldera interior fell to deep blue, and the Atlantic beyond the western rim turned a 100m strip of fired gold. A €2.80 tostada from a Santa Cruz café earlier. Mistake: coming in August at 6 p.m. — trade-wind cloud deck seals the caldera floor by 3 p.m., you get rim glow but no depth. Another: skipping the 400m rim walk — the parking lot has the domes, the grass rim has the caldera. Rule: no entering observatory grounds without a daytime tour; the rim has no rail on the caldera side, 1,000m drop; no drone (astronomical zone, fine). Opinion: Roque's grass-rim dusk is the only Canary sunset where the telescopes are the audience — the domes don't watch the sun, they wait for it to leave, and the grass does the watching for both. Discussion: when a mountain exists to study the dark, does the sunset feel like a curtain call or just interference?

We visited last November, loved it so much, and immediately booked to return this May. This little gem of a hotel may show a bit of wear, but it's spotless, and the staff are absolutely fantastic, tirelessly working around the clock. From the moment we checked in, Sergio at reception warmly welcomed us back with a beautiful room, and we were amazed at how many staff remembered us—hopefully for the right reasons! Fabio kept everyone entertained with his exercise and activity programs without any pressure to join. We unexpectedly got hooked on the after-dinner bingo, despite not quite fitting the usual age demographic of the guests, who are mostly Spanish pensioners. It was oddly comforting to avoid the usual "Brits abroad" crowd. While we struggled a bit with the language, everyone was so kind and accommodating. The pool area is small but surrounded by a well-maintained garden. They've added LED lights around the pool, though they seem more suited for a stadium—softer lighting might have worked better. The hotel is wonderfully located above the beach, away from busy crowds, with plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants nearby. For a change, you can walk down the charming Agatha Christie steps to the main strip, but the trek back up isn’t for the faint-hearted. We also visited the Lido in Puerto de la Cruz, which is a great option for more space and reasonably priced at only €7 entry. This time, we also explored Loro Parque, which was incredible. Though I’m not particularly fond of zoos, this one was out of this world. The Killer Whale show left us drenched, and the dolphin show was heartwarming—their bond with the trainers was evident, and the animals seemed to be wonderfully cared for. Lastly, a special shoutout to the hardworking and funny Zeb, the master of Canarian coffee, Julia and Luis Garcia from the restaurant, Lucas for his Spanish lessons and amazing Sangrias and Piña Coladas, and of course, Santiago for his infectious energy. The staff are truly diamonds in the rough, making this place so memorable. I sincerely hope we can afford to return soon, though part of me hesitates to share this hidden gem too widely!

A fantastic family day out and a must-visit spot if you're in Tenerife! Although I have mobility issues, which made part of the park less accessible for me, I still had a wonderful time. Most of my day was spent relaxing at Siam Beach, enjoying the waves at the Wave Palace, and drifting along the Mai Thai River while my husband and son tackled the rides. For my autistic son, the fast-pass wristbands were a game changer, reducing wait times to about 10 minutes. This allowed him to enjoy the rides without the stress of long queues. They went on plenty of attractions, with Kinnaree, The Giant, and Singha being their favorites. However, they found it tricky to locate The Dragon, which was a bit disappointing. Even though I couldn't join in on all the attractions, there was still enough to keep me entertained while they explored the water rides. It was the perfect balance for our family, and we all had an incredible day. Highly recommend Siam Park, especially for families with older kids who are into water rides!