Tenerife: African exotics, European comforts, and Spanish culture
One of the Gran Canary islands, Tenerife is often associated with unending summer heat. For the whole year, the temperature here does not drop lower than 20 degrees. This is the reason why travellers will choose the island as their holiday destination point, whether it’s officially summer or winter. Grand views, warm climates, and delicious dishes will not only pleasantly surprise you, but also make you want to come back to this corner of Spanish paradise again.
How to travel?
Although Tenerife is a small island, two separate flights are being carried out through two airports here. One of them is located in the south, and the other is in the north; therefore, after purchasing a ticket, you can choose a hotel location that’s fitting you the most. Inner-island travels are fun if you take a rental car, as the prices are low, and you can go see the entire island in a few days this way. Half of Tenerife has motorway roads, so every evening, it is easy to return to your hotel from wherever you where before, and start a new trip in the morning.
What to taste?
Both traditional food lovers and true gourmets will find something to do in a colourful Tenerife kitchen. Locals offer everyone to try some homemade cheese, milk from young goats, and unique wrinkly potatoes, called ,,papas arrugadas“, which were brought to Spain by Christopher Columbus. Many also like traditional thick vegetable and meat (pork, chicken, or beef) soup.
For those who are looking for something more rare and unusual, we recommend trying some conejo estofado. This dish is based on rabbit stew, prepared in its own juice or tomato sauce; served without a garnish, in a thick clay bowl. You will also just not get enough of spicy marinated rabbit pieces, baked in oil with lemon juice and herbs.
What to see?
Get an economical car and start your adventures. Do not miss out on Teide volcano, which is the third largest volcano in the world, visit seashores with dark sand, and go see dangerous serpentines and Guimar pyramids that are somewhat similar to Mexico or Peru pyramids, constructed together from dried lava stones.
What to do?
All travellers admire the Loro park that is unfortunately full of poor and unhappy animals: penguins, dolphins, sharks, sea lions, and many parrots. No one is left unimpressed by the Jungle park, established in 1995, with many exotic plants, beautiful waterfalls, and many rare animals. This is the only place in the world where you can observe a fight between trained wild birds, and seeing this is a must.
