Tenerife is one of the Spanish Canary Islands which are less than two-hundred miles from the African coast so the weather is generally very pleasant. Temperatures rarely fall below sixty degrees, even during the winter months and in the summer they peak in the mid-seventies. Because this climate has no real extremes, it makes it a very enjoyable holiday destination in Spain all year round. Being on the same line of latitude as the Sahara Desert, there isn’t a great deal of rainfall, but you can expect a little wet weather from November through to about April. So if you want to maximise your chances of dry and sunny days, try to visit between May and September.
Tenerife has many ravines, mountainous and volcanic terrains that provide a beautiful and rugged scenic backdrop. The island is volcanic, but there have been no eruptions for just over a century when Mount Teide erupted in Santiago del Teide back in 1909. Mount Teide is over twelve-thousand feet above sea level, but measured from the sea floor, it is one of the biggest volcanoes in the world. This makes it of great geological interest and as a result, it attracts a great many visitors. It is possible to hike to the top and back in a day, but it’s wise to set out early so you’re back before dark. For those who want a more leisurely trip to the summit, there is a cable car ride which will enable you to enjoy the stunning scenery without any serious exertion.
Because Tenerife is one of the bigger islands, it is worth hiring a car in order to make this most of this beautiful area. Although there is reasonably good public transport for getting around resorts, if you truly want to venture out into the beautiful expanses of volcanic rock, you will really need to get your own transport. Car Hire Tenerife provides a range of suitable rental vehicles so you should have no problem getting yourself a car.
One place that is particularly worth visiting is Punta de Teno which is situated in the North West of the island. Please do be aware that this is quite a challenging drive through steep mountains and along cliff paths. The authorities generally close the road during wet weather as there is some risk from landslides, so you’ll want to head out here during a dry spell. In addition, because the point is so elevated, it can become very windy so try to go on a still day if possible. When you have made the exhilarating journey, you will be rewarded with breath taking views of the ocean. Because this isn’t one of the easiest places to get to, it’s a very unspoilt area and totally peaceful. Spend some time relaxing and if you’re lucky you might spot some of the local dolphins and turtles playing in the waters.
While you’re in the north of the island, it’s well worth heading east and paying a visit to the strange and ethereal Bay Tree Forest. To get there, you’ll need to drive through the verdant Anaga Mountains. This area is affected by unusual climatic conditions created by the trade winds, or ‘viento alisio’ to give them their local name. These winds contain a considerable amount of moisture and once these water-bearing winds reach the mountains, they turn into thick clouds and heavy mists. The moisture created by these winds results in more lush vegetation than seen elsewhere on the island. In particular, the Bay Tree Forest is an unusual feature of the north-east landscape which contains many scenic hiking trails. The mists create a slightly eerie and mysterious atmosphere which adds greatly to the sense of adventure.
The whole island of Tenerife is filled with stunning scenery which can be reached by car within a relatively short time. One small tip is that if you don’t have access to satellite navigation, then it is worth buying a map to help you to get around. This is particularly important if you’re planning to visit some of the more remote areas since some of these spots are not always very well signposted.
Photo Credit: Cruise Buzz
