The subtropical island of Tenerife has an appealing climate all year round. It is dominated by the great volcano Mt. Teide at 3,718 m, the highest point of the Canaries and the whole of Spain.
The unspoilt interior of the island has good paths and mule trails in dramatic mountain scenery, ideal for a winter-sunshine walking getaway. Our 10-day itinerary comprises six half-day walks in the Teno Mountains, Mt. Teide National Park and the Anaga Rural Park.
In addition, we explore some of the rich heritage of well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture and Tenerife’s striking contemporary cultural icon, the remarkable auditorium, designed by the renowned Spanish architect, Santiago Calatrava Valls.
D included
After meeting at Tenerife South airport in the early afternoon, we have an 1.5-hour transfer round the coast to the historic village of Garachico, which has some of the best preserved colonial architecture on the island. Garachico was the main port of the island for produce export to Europe and the New World, until a 1706 lava flow filled the harbour and destroyed the town’s livelihood. Ironically, this misfortune resulted in preservation of its charm. The central Plaza de la Libertad and the surrounding streets are picturesquely lined with colonial mansions and churches. Our four-star hotel for five nights is a centrally located converted historic house.
This morning’s walk in the hills above Garachico follows an old mule trail created by the Spanish conquerors in the 16th century to link two mountain villages by a traverse across a swathe of remnant laurasilva forest – a green tunnel of laurel and myrtle, harbouring the rare endemic laurel pigeons. We see local species of lavender, cystus and marguerites and have views down to the sea before we descend to a tiny village bodega for lunch with the locals.
A spectacular drive takes us high up onto the Teno massif. We follow a ridge path with long views down to the sea. After a rustic lunch, we walk to a viewpoint over a terraced valley and return to our hotel for some free time to relax and read, in the library or the pretty interior courtyard with its fountain and palms. A fino sherry provides a fitting aperitif on the plaza before a fresh fish dinner.
B, L, D included
We travel by road to visit La Orotava, a charming and well-preserved colonial town with several fine 16th and 17th century churches. At the 17th century estate of La Baranda, we learn about the history of viticulture on the island and taste a selection of special island wines with a gourmet lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the nearby Botanical Gardens. Originally laid out in 1788 to acclimatise plants being brought from the New World, they contain an impressive variety of species from around the world and Canary island endemics.
B, L, D included
A full morning’s walk takes us down from a low pass to a village with many almond trees in blossom, before gently climbing into a volcanic landscape with views of snow-capped Mount Teide. We have lunch in the village of Santiago del Teide before returning to our hotel on a dramatic mountain road. Dinner may feature such typical Canarian dishes as papas arrugadas, delicious ‘wrinkly’ potatoes dipped in mojo (a piquant garlic, chili and coriander sauce) and pork, pumpkin and chickpea stew, accompanied by excellent island red wines.
B, L, D included
We drive into the Mt. Teide National Park where we walk across a lunar landscape of subtle orange, black and grey lava fields, enlivened by endemic Teide white broom and Teide bugloss. After lunch in the traditional restaurant of the Mt. Teide Parador, we descend through forests of endemic Canarian pine to San Cristobal de La Laguna. This former colonial capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and arguably the most beautiful town on Tenerife. We stay in a central historic four-star hotel for the next 4 nights.
B, L, D included
This morning we explore La Laguna on foot. There are fine examples of Spanish colonial architecture, including the 16th century mansion housing the Tenerife History Museum, the cathedral and numerous churches and convents. Later, we drive to the magnificent Auditorio, situated beside the Atlantic Ocean in the island’s capital Santa Cruz.
B, L, D included
We walk in the Anaga Rural Park in the north-east of the island, characterised by sharp peaks and deep valleys carpeted by native vegetation of laurel forest. Our walk takes us across a plateau and down to a black sand beach.
B, L, D included
We return to the Anaga mountains, starting our walk from Taganana, one of the first settlements on the island built by the Spanish conquerors. We discover a remote wine-making village and are surrounded by dramatic coastline landscape.
B included
Following a leisurely start to the morning, we drive to Tenerife South airport for flights home.
Please note that the double for single use room supplement is imposed by the hotel (which does not have any single rooms) and not by Kudu Travel. If you are willing to share but no other suitable guest books on the trip, we regret that the supplement will be payable.
VALUE FOR MONEY - SO MUCH IS INCLUDED
On Kudu trips you will only need money for postcards, presents to take home, the odd G & T or an irresistible ice cream. Festival and opera tickets, museum and gallery entrances, National Park fees, all meals (with a very few exceptions specified in individual itineraries), wine with lunch and dinner, access to specialist books carried by the guides, gratuities for porters and hotel and restaurant staff, boat rides, train trips, internal flights, wine tastings, 4WDs with drivers, the services of skilled local guides and trackers etc are ALL INCLUDED in the cost of your holiday.
We are confident that, like previous very satisfied guests, you will discover that our tours give you excellent value for money.
Visa and Health Requirements
Visitors from the UK, EU, US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand require a valid passport, but not a visa, for entry to Spain. If you are a national of any other country, please check visa regulations with your nearest Embassy of Spain.
Please contact us for the latest health requirements for entry to Spain.
You may also wish to check the advice given to travellers by the Department of Health and the FCO.
Insurance
It is essential, and a condition of booking, that you protect yourself with a suitable travel insurance policy as soon as you book a trip. We can arrange comprehensive cover for UK residents. Follow this link for a quote for a policy available to UK residents.
If you are already insured or a non-UK resident, please inform us of your policy at the time of booking.
Size of party
This trip will run with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 14 guests.
