Charles de Gaulle’s departure and finally beach vacation. I am not a fan of the classic beach vacation where you spend your time doing nothing (of the “relaxing is not for me” series). So for my little summer vacation, I chose the beautiful volcanic island of Tenerife, located in the Atlantic Ocean part of the Canary Islands.
The island is much larger than I imagined and is divided mainly into Tenerife North and South with their two airports. Given my short stay, I decided to stay at the Endless Summer Hostel on Costa Adeje and visit only the southern part of the island (the best hostel I’ve ever been to!)
Beaches not to be missed
Near the hostel, the two most excellent beaches where you can relax are Playa de El Bobio and Playa Troya. Further north of Costa Adeje I recommend the small Playa La Caleta, which is not sandy, but still an excellent and somewhat hidden corner where you can spend a morning soaking.
The beaches not to be missed are Playa de Las Americas which is recognized as the surfers’ hangout and where precisely there are many surf schools offering lessons! Even just going there in the morning to be able to observe surfers in their habitat is an experience I recommend.
We then move on to the small Playa de la Arena, which I recommend a little stop to relax, located just before the famous Los Gigantes. In the latter relax all day and wait for the sunset. The rocks and mountains will take on formidable and unforgettable colors.
One of the best for me remains the rocky beach of Amarilla, with crystal clear waters and the volcano of Montaña Amarilla making this enclave a must-see destination. The quality and richness of Playa Amarilla’s waters make it one of the most recommended places for snorkeling and diving. I for one, while swimming, found myself next to a turtle!
Excursions to try
The island also has another UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Site: the Teide National Park created around the third largest volcano in the world as well as the highest mountain in all of Spain, Teide. Excursions to visit this natural wonder are diverse and countless. In all cases, you need a guide or a special pass being part of a protected national park. I chose to try the overnight experience, which I booked at this link. The guide secures the pickup and the tour includes a climb to the volcano where you can admire the stars and constellations with an accompanying explanation. Of course, before the starry sky, you enjoy a sunset literally above the clouds!
The other excursion not to be missed and one that I have wanted to try for a long time is dolphin and whale watching. I booked my tour with Club Canary and specifically the Atlantic Star formula, which even if it cost more allowed me to enjoy a boat trip with only 10 people instead of more than 30. Despite an initial problem with the boat that was supposed to accommodate me, Ester, the organizer was gracious and super helpful in accommodating me on another boat! Wonderful experience, which not only allowed me to see whales and dolphins off the ‘island on an almost 4-meter sailboat but also to swim in a small cove (Playa de la Mortara) not very accessible to tourists.
In short, those five days that seemed enough at first turned out to be few enough to be able to visit the whole island, so if you have the chance stay longer and explore the northern part as well. To get around I always used the bus, which has a simple and efficient route system, but as a comfort, lover rent a car if you can!
