Day 1
D included
After meeting at Tenerife South airport, we have a 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. An optional walk (3 km, 1.5 hrs) down steep paths to the town below introduces guests to the authentic architecture and exquisite views of the area.
Day 2
B, L, D included
This morning’s circular walk (9 km, 3.5 hrs) in the hills above Garachico follows a mixture of trails and we picnic en route. A mix of vegetation provides ample opportunity to familiarise ourselves with local species such as Canary lavender, Canary pine, Tree Heather and Tree sow-thistle. Tonight we dine in a restaurant specialising in fresh fish and seafood. We may enjoy prawns with garlic, grilled vieja (parrot fish) or cherne (wreckfish).
Day 3
B, L, D included
A spectacular drive takes us high up onto the Teno massif. We follow a ridge path with long views down to the sea (4 km, 1.5 hrs). In the afternoon, we walk (4 km, 2 hrs) on a forest trail, looking for the red Canary Bell-flower and some of the 8 species of houseleeks which occur on the island. We 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.
Day 4
B, L, D included
We travel by road to visit La Orotava, a charming and well-preserved colonial town. We spend the morning exploring the historic centre with its fine 16th and 17th century mansions, churches and gardens with fine specimens of the Canary Islands Dragon Tree, locally known as Drago. 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 Islands endemics.
Day 5
B, L, D included
A full morning’s circular walk (7 km, 3 hrs) takes us gently climbing from a village with many almond trees in blossom and through a volcanic landscape with views of snow-capped Mount Teide. We encounter the many different types of volcanic terrain generally split between pahoehoe lava and aa – the latter’s name provides an excellent description. Dinner may feature such typical Canarian dishes as papas arrugadas, delicious ‘wrinkly’ potatoes dipped in mojo (a piquant garlic, chili and coriander sauce) and meat and chickpea stew known as Ropa vieja (Old clothes), accompanied by excellent island red wines.
Day 6
B, L, D included
We drive into the Mt. Teide National Park where we walk (8 km, 2 hrs) across a lunar landscape of subtle orange, black and grey lava fields with views towards the mountain above us, with snow perhaps glistening in the sunshine. After lunch in the traditional restaurant of the Mt. Teide Parador, we descend through Canary pine forest to San Cristobal de La Laguna. This former colonial capital, founded in the early 16th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and arguably the most beautiful town on Tenerife. We stay in an historic four-star hotel for the next 4 nights.
Day 7
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 church of Nuestra Señora de la Conceptión, reputedly the oldest on the island, and an array of other churches, convents and historic family homes and palaces. Later, we drive to the magnificent Auditorio, situated beside the Atlantic Ocean in the island’s capital, Santa Cruz.
Day 8
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 (6.5 km, 3 hrs) takes us over a low col and offers sea views as we traverse several barrancos (ravines) and descend to our seafront seafood lunch.
Day 9
B, L, D included
We return to the Anaga mountains, starting our walk (9 km, 4 hrs) from Taganana, one of the first settlements on the island built by the Spanish conquerors. We discover a remote wine-making village, a beach inaccessible by car and are surrounded by dramatic coastline landscape. This walk, though challenging, provides a thrilling finale to our exploration of the other side of Tenerife. An easier alternative walk is also offered.
Day 10
B included
Following a leisurely breakfast, we drive to Tenerife South airport for flights home.
