ADVERTORIAL • September 2018

An adventurer’s guide to Tenerife

The island of Tenerife is renowned for its fetching shorelines and frivolous club-scenes, but beneath its glittering surface, local hikers, bikers, divers and thrill-seekers have been carving out a life of adventure. Following their lead, it’s time to ditch the deckchair and slip into your activewear, as we reveal why Tenerife’s not just a pretty (cliff) face

Paragliding

With 40 different launch sites across the island ready to transport you high above a landscape of volcanic hillsides and lazuli-blue seas, Tenerife offers the perfect climate for you to earn your wings. Fancy the flight? Head to Izaña in the Teide National Park – the highest paragliding launch point in all of Spain at 2,000 metres.

Deep sea fishing

On the hunt for a bigger fish? Hunt no further than the Atlantic’s blue marlin – Tenerife’s star catch. These storybook monsters can grow up to 650kg and 14ft in length, a huge undertaking for even the most rugged angler. There are marinas located across the south coast with vessels waiting for worthy fishermen, or book in advance with a tour operator which will usually provide full or half-day trips out to sea.

Athletes

Don’t be surprised if you bump headfirst into a sporting celebrity whilst on your Tenerife travels; the island is a world gathering point for international football and cycling champions, including the German and Dutch national teams. Plus, there are dozens of five-star hotels catering to sport-savvy guests, with specifically designed menus and physiotherapy services on hand to keep you at your gold-medal best.
Don't miss: The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Marathon. The annual marathon returns to Tenerife for a third time on 11 November 2018 and is loved by runners from all around the world due to Tenerife’s consistent spring like temperatures.

Caving

There’s a subterranean world waiting to be explored with some of Tenerife’s volcanic caverns stretching up to 18km long. Here, you’ll be fascinated to discover fossils belonging to extinct species such as the Canariomys bravoi (giant rat) or the Gallotia goliath (giant lizard). The most famous of these caves, Cueva del Viento, in the district of Icod, was formed over 27,000 years ago and is the largest in all of Europe.

Mountain biking

There are plenty of flat roads for cycling enthusiasts, but if you like things a little rockier then you’ll be delighted by the Corona Forestal Nature Park which surrounds the hills around La Esperanza (perfect for forest roads and heart-stopping mountain tracks). Our favourite cycling spots include the old streets of Garachico, around the drago trees of Icod de los Vinos and the coastal paths of pretty El Suazal

Windsurfing

Tenerife’s famous El Médano enjoys over 300 days of wind a year and is the go-to venue for national and international tournaments for windsurfing. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a briny beginner, this is an excellent place to take up the sail.
Don't miss: The Professional Windsurfers’ Association (PWA) World Championships. Taking place in August each year, this exciting competition sees the world’s best windsurfers battle it out on the waves.

Scuba diving

As a rule in Tenerife there’s just as much going on under the water as there is above it. Clownfish, turtles, rays, sharks, octopuses and dolphins make up just a few names on this all-star guest list. You won’t be spoilt for scenery either, with a medley of shipwrecks and volcanic reefs to be found in all the best spots. Can’t decide where to dive? Make your way to the south coast for a tour of Tenerife’s most popular diving sites: Las Galletas, Punta de Teno, Radazul and Las Eras.

Surfing

With clean water, daredevil waves and 32 unique areas for surfing, it seems almost conservative to say that Tenerife is a surfer’s paradise. Europe’s surfing community flocks to these shores year-round to take up residency at the popular Playa de El Socorro and Benijo in the north east, while beginners will love La Tejita’s more moderate waves.

Mountaineering

Towering over the island is an ominous (but harmless) dormant volcano, the mighty Mount Teide. Perched in the centre of the island, it stands at a majestic 3,718 metres and is surrounded by a gorgeous, lunar landscape. There is the option to go up to 3,555 metres via cable car, while the remaining metres to the summit are limited to fit hikers. Best bring your boots!
Don't miss: The Santa Cruz Xtreme on 21 October 2018 - one of the toughest mountain marathon events in the world.

Hiking

Hikers rejoice, with roughly 1,500km worth of nature trails across Tenerife just waiting to be explored. There’s no better way to gain a deeper understanding of the island’s natural beauty than on foot, especially around the Anaga Rural Park, where glossy green slopes and mountainous sunsets await.