Tenerife is shaking off its popularity for package deal tourism, however it’s not one thing that’s going to occur in a single day. Within the 4 years my household and I’ve spent Christmas in Tenerife, we’ve uncovered a soulful aspect of the island — considered one of volcanic peaks, historical ports, and bougainvillea-draped farmhouses.
Admittedly, the local weather helps; it is constantly as much as 20°C greater than UK winter temperatures regardless of being a mere 4-hour flight away.
The Tais Motels
The Tais Motels
Our journey begins in Garachico, a historic port city which survived plague and volcanic eruptions within the seventeenth century and feels like a step again in time. Cobblestone streets take you previous pastel-coloured homes and church buildings the place the air is heavy with frankincense. That is Tenerife at its most genuine: sip an iced espresso within the Plaza de la Libertad, the place locals linger beneath the palms, or strive grilled octopus with garlicky aioli at El Caletón, a restaurant perched on volcanic rocks with a playlist of Latin reggae. On calm evenings you may swim from the rocks right here because the waves swell round you. Regardless of the nice and cozy sunshine, the ocean is just too tough throughout our go to and the scene shifts to the sheltered bay subsequent door the place the extra adventurous leap from the harbour wall into the water, whereas others queue politely on the iron steps. ‘Feliz Navidad’ echoes round us in a medley of accents.