Top places to see in Tenerife and Spain and Tenerife forum community? Masca is a picturesque village, settled inland in a location where residents of Tenerife used to hide when they were being attacked by pirates. If you have a hire car you can get there on your own, but you should try to get there as early in the morning as possible, otherwise it gets really crowded. The views are spectacular and there is a restaurant overlooking the valley, where you have to go even if only for a cup of coffee (the view in included in price, but it’s worth it). No trip to Tenerife would be complete without a boat trip where you can see dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are ideal for spotting these majestic mammals and this 3 hours cruise also includes unlimited drinks, champagne, snacks and hotel pick-up. Discover even more info on Tenerife Forum.

Garachico is a good option for a day trip in Tenerife. Once the island’s most important port, the town was marked by the eruption of Montaña Negra in 1706 and lost a lot of its status. The volcano did leave Garachico with one gift though: the lava that ravaged the place also carved unique rock pools into its harbour, which now attract swimmers. The peaceful Plaza de la Libertad is also worth a visit while you’re in Garachico. You can’t go to Tenerife on holiday without ordering this sweet hot drink! A Barraquito is a typical Canary Islands liqueur coffee made with condensed milk, espresso, frothed milk, lemon, cinnamon and a good splash of Licor 43 or Tia Maria. I had one after a meal in Puerto de la Cruz and it had quite a kick!

Masca is one of the highest villages on Tenerife, and the rock behind it almost lends a ‘mini Macchu Picchu’ look to the village. The hike from the village to the bay will take between 3 and 5 hours, depending on how many photo breaks you work into the walk. This is a ravine hike, full of view points, flora and fauna and epic photo opportunities. This is a steady hike – bring walking shoes and plenty of water. You’ll need to catch a water taxi back to Los Gigantes, which adds to the experience. In the central north of Tenerife, you’ll find Tabaiba. This is an amazing place for scuba diving. The wreck was sunk deliberately in 2006 to build the marine life here, and attract more divers to the area. On a dive here you’ll find octopus, large schools of mackerel and barracudas.

Tenerife’s landscape is what really blew me away; with black sand beaches that slope inwards towards lava-carved verdant forests and sleepy untouched towns, and upwards to the island’s central peak, the sometimes snow-capped Mount Teide. Teide forms the island’s pyramid shape and gave Tenerife a name that translates to ‘White Mountain’. With nine different microclimates, the landscape is incredibly diverse. I figured I’d write something to encourage more tourists to explore it! Most holidaymakers in search of relaxation flock to the south of Tenerife but the neglected north has plenty to offer tourists who are looking for more authentic places to go in Tenerife.

Masca Hike is one of the most popular hikes on Tenerife. It begins at the village in the north-west side of the island and goes all the way to the rocky beach below. The length of the trail is about seven kilometers, and is arranged by many local companies, or you can explore the natural sight on your own feet while going downhill from Masca to the beach, where you can take a boat to Los Gigantes. Hikers will be rewarded with some great scenery along the way.