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Discover the activities and must-sees
on the island of Tenerife
Drawing on our local experience, we share our best tips and recommendations
to fully enjoy your stay in Tenerife.
Our tips and recommendations for exploring Tenerife:
The best hiking trails to admire volcanic, forest and coastal landscapes.
The must-see sites to visit in the northwest of the island and beyond.
Our best tips and practical advice for eating, getting around or experiencing authentic moments.
Local activities and festivals and cultural discoveries that make Tenerife unique.
Thanks to our insider tips, you can explore the island like a true local, far from the classic tourist trails.
All Posts
Arenas Negras and Chinyero: wild volcanoes in northwest Tenerife
In northwest Tenerife, the landscapes of the Arenas Negras and Chinyero volcanoes offer a wilder and less busy experience than the central areas of Teide National Park.
Cécile Barrès
Feb 281 min read
Discovering the murals of Tenerife
Tenerife is known for its volcanic landscapes, black and golden beaches, and charming cities. Beyond its natural beauty, the island also has a vibrant urban art scene. Since I moved there to open my guest rooms Un Jardin al Mar, I let myself be amazed by the works of art that color the walls of the island.
Cécile Barrès
Feb 131 min read
🎭 The Carnival of Tenerife: an unforgettable experience
Every year, Tenerife is rocked by its famous carnival, one of the largest and most spectacular in the world. For several weeks, the island fills with colors, music and festive energy. In Santa Cruz, the capital, as in many villages, parades, impressive costumes, murgas (satirical musical groups) competitions and lively evenings create a unique atmosphere.
Cécile Barrès
Feb 131 min read
Agriculture in the north of Tenerife: crops and producer markets
The north of Tenerife is a fertile land, shaped by volcanic soils and a mild climate. Agriculture remains very present there, with several emblematic crops: the banana (plátano de Canarias), the potato (base of the "papas arrugadas"), avocado and citruss.
Cécile Barrès
Feb 31 min read
The flora of Tenerife, garden of the Atlantic
Tenerife offers an incredible diversity of plants, the result of its many microclimates and contrasting landscapes, from the arid coastline to the humid forests of altitude.
Cécile Barrès
Oct 18, 20251 min read
Explore the Anaga Rural Park
The Anaga Rural Park, located in the northeastern tip of Tenerife, one hour by car from my guest house Un Jardin al Mar, is a protected area and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Its rugged mountains, deep ravines and traditional villages make it a unique place to explore.
Cécile Barrès
Aug 30, 20251 min read
Canarian gastronomy: simple, tasty and rooted in the terroir
The traditional cuisine of the Canaries reflects the island character of the archipelago: local products, little processed, often cooked in coals or boiled, for authentic and generous flavors.
Cécile Barrès
Aug 2, 20251 min read
Discovering Tenerife: between volcanoes, traditions and modernity
Located in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Morocco, Tenerife is the largest of the 8 Canary Islands — a Spanish territory shaped by a subtle mix of European, South American and African influences.
With an area of over 2,000 km² and nearly one million inhabitants, the island offers an astonishing variety of landscapes,
Cécile Barrès
Jul 26, 20251 min read
Natural pools of northern Tenerife: where lava meets the sea
Along Tenerife’s north coast, nature has sculpted stunning natural pools, known as charcos, formed from ancient lava flows and shaped by the force of the sea. Filled at high tide and calmer when the water retreats, they offer a unique and refreshing way to swim close to the ocean—with caution.
Cécile Barrès
Jul 22, 20251 min read
The Teno Massif: wild nature and breathtaking landscapes
In the extreme north-west of Tenerife and easily accessible from guest rooms Un Jardin al Mar, the Teno massif offers impressive landscapes between steep mountains, ravines, misty forests and isolated villages. It is one of the oldest and most preserved regions of the island, home to remarkable biodiversity.
Cécile Barrès
Jul 21, 20251 min read
The "Forest crown", a green environment around the Teide
The "Corona forestal" (or forest crown) is the largest protected natural area in the Canaries. It forms a belt of forests around the Teide National Park, between 1,000 and 2,000 meters above sea level, covering a large part of the center of the island.
Cécile Barrès
Jul 18, 20251 min read
The north coast of Tenerife, between cliffs, beaches and trails
The north of Tenerife offers a more authentic face than the south of the island. Here the coast is shaped by steep cliffs that plunge into the Atlantic, spectacular volcanic formations and breathtaking panoramas. It is a region that seduces with its relief and preserved atmosphere.
Cécile Barrès
Jul 17, 20252 min read
Puerto de la Cruz and La Orotava:two pearls from the north of Tenerife
About 30 minutes from the Jardin al Mar, La Orotava and its neighbor Puerto de la Cruz, located in the fertile valley of La Orotava, have a shared past linked to conquest, agriculture (sugar cane then vine) and maritime trade.
Cécile Barrès
Jul 15, 20252 min read
Discovering the volcanoes of the Teide National Park
About an hour’s drive from my guesthouse Un Jardín al Mar, Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Tenerife’s must-sees. It is home to Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain at 3,715 metres. If measured from its base on the ocean floor, it reaches nearly 7,500 metres, making it one of the tallest volcanoes in the world.
Cécile Barrès
Jul 10, 20251 min read
Garachico, between lava and legend : a reconstructed jewel on the edge of the Atlantic
Garachico is seduced by its tranquility (despite the influx of tourists during the day, especially on weekends!) and its strong identity. It is a village of singular beauty; Placed between the slopes of the volcano and the immensity of the ocean, it hides a rich history... and eventful.
Cécile Barrès
Jul 9, 20252 min read
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