Tenerife: Off the tourist trail

Tuesday, 21 June 2022

If you’re looking to get away from the crowds and want to see another side to the largest Canary Island which might not be in the holiday brochures, there are lots of things you can see and do that are off the tourist trail. During your 2024 cruise and whilst you’re on land, you should consider doing some of the following activities to get a taste of the real Tenerife.

Visit the Auditorio De Tenerife

The Auditorio De Tenerife is a public cultural centre designed by the architect Santiago Calatrava and it is located in a privileged area, near the sea, in the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Here you can listen to the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra, who call this venue their home, as well as attend a range of music festivals throughout the year.

To get a real insight into the island you should visit the centre, as a spokesperson for Auditorio De Tenerife said: “We have an unusual island with very beautiful cities and the most incredible wild landscapes. On the same day, you can enjoy our cultural events, tasty restaurants and walk through amazing paths into wildlife.”

There are guided tours of the Auditorio de Tenerife that will help you learn about the building, its history and other unique facts. Guided visits are available from Monday to Saturday (except holidays) at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm.

Pirámides de Güímar

Pirámides de Güímar is, without a doubt, the perfect place for those of you who want to know a bit more about the history of the island, its culture and traditions, all surrounded by nature.

The Botanical Garden & Ethnographic Park Pirámides de Güímar, which has previously been nominated for the 2017 European Museum of the Year Award, is a large open-air museum that is home to several routes and specialised gardens around these six pyramidal structures oriented towards the sun on key astronomical dates.

The different gardens of Pirámides de Güímar:

The Poisonous Garden - A specialised garden, unique in the Canary Islands, which surprises with its more than 70 species of toxic and even deadly plants
The Sustainable Garden - Made in collaboration with the University of La Laguna, the garden was inspired by a typical Canarian ravine, and it shows us the characteristic flora of these environments
The Tropicarium - Here, you can observe some of the strategies used by orchids and carnivorous (insectivorous) plants to survive in tropical climate conditions

During your visit, you should also head to the Casa Chacona Museum to learn about the pyramidal structures by looking at the largest photographic exhibition of steeped pyramids in the world.

Teide By Night

While a large number of tours visit the iconic Mount Teide, the most-visited natural wonder in the whole of Spain, during the day, you can also head to the mountain at night for a new perspective on one of Tenerife’s most famous attractions.

With Teide By Night, you can go on a trip to explore the 3718m high Mount Teide, the highest mountain in Spain and enjoy the Teide National Park which has been crowned a ‘Starlight Destination’. Naomi Belhomme from Teide By Night told us about the different excursions you can go on with them.

“We offer a unique tour where you will be able to contemplate the most spectacular views, breath-taking sunsets and a professional guide that will reveal all the secrets of our starry skies. This magical evening includes a delicious 3-course meal in the highest restaurant in the national park.

“Watch the sun go down and toast the sunset as you enjoy complimentary Cava in this amazing landscape. Gradually turning to rich and strong colours of pink, red and purple, have your camera at the ready to capture the bold silhouettes and the dramatic looking sky.

“It’s in the national park where you find the skies and atmospheric conditions amongst the best in the world for astronomical observation. Once darkness has fallen, your professional guide will point out the night sky for you with laser technology. We will name and explain the different constellations, give you lots of information about the night sky and answer any questions.”

Taste Tenerife’s wine and world-renowned cheeses

Visit a Bodega, which is a vineyard serving traditional Canarian wine, dating back to the Shakespearean times, and picked and bottled to perfection. Or head to Casa del Vino the origin of Canarian wine.

If cheese is more your thing, then there are plenty of world medal-winning options to choose from. The island is filled with wonderful and traditional goats and sheep’s milk cheese.

Experience the original capital of Tenerife

Santa Cruz de Tenerife may now be the capital, but once upon a time San Cristóbal de La Laguna was the capital of this paradise island. San Cristóbal de La Laguna, is a UNESCO World Cultural and Heritage Site and is the original capital of Tenerife and visiting its old central pedestrianised part is like stepping back in time. It is in an exemplary state of conservation, with important monuments and historic buildings. However, the city also has a modern feel, perhaps because it's where the island university is. The old streets and pedestrian walkways are an important cultural centre with lovely old independent shops, musical and theatrical public performance art, and café bars and beautiful churches.

If you’re thinking of enjoying a winter escape and are hunting for some winter sun, then Santa Cruz de Tenerife is just one of the amazing stops on our winter escape cruises. For more tips, guides, and advice, make sure to visit our blog page.