TENERIFE – VOLCANIC LANDSCAPES, OCEAN AIR, AND A DIFFERENT RHYTHM OF LIFE
Tenerife has a completely different energy. From the very first moment, you feel it in the air — warmer, saltier, lighter. This is not just another island destination. Tenerife feels raw, dramatic, and alive. It’s a place where nature takes the lead, and you simply follow.
I didn’t come to Tenerife expecting perfection. I came looking for contrast — between ocean and mountains, quiet villages and lively promenades, simplicity and adventure. And Tenerife delivered all of it, effortlessly.
AN ISLAND THAT FEELS LIKE A CONTINENT
What surprised me most about Tenerife is how diverse it is. One day you’re surrounded by palm trees and volcanic beaches, and the next you’re driving through pine forests, climbing higher and higher until clouds sit below you. The island feels much bigger than it actually is, simply because every area has its own character.
The north feels greener, calmer, more traditional. The south is sunnier, drier, and built for relaxation. And in the middle of it all stands Mount Teide — powerful, silent, and impossible to ignore.
EVERYDAY LIFE, CAFÉS, AND PRICES
Daily life in Tenerife feels relaxed and uncomplicated. Mornings usually start slow, often with coffee by the ocean. Café culture is casual and unpretentious. A coffee typically costs around €1.50–€2.50, and it’s completely normal to sit for a while, watching people pass by without feeling rushed.
Eating out is affordable and enjoyable. Lunch in a local place often costs between €8–€12, while dinner in a restaurant ranges from €15–€25. Seafood is fresh, simple, and honestly some of the best I’ve had on an island. Portions are generous, flavors are clean, and meals feel social rather than formal.
It’s the kind of place where you don’t overthink food — you just enjoy it.
MOVING AROUND THE ISLAND
Tenerife is one of those destinations where renting a car makes a huge difference. Public transport exists and works well in towns, but to truly experience the island’s landscapes, viewpoints, and hidden corners, a car gives you freedom. Roads are good, distances are short, and driving feels easy.
Car rental prices are very reasonable, often starting from €25–€40 per day.
Click here car rental in Tenerife Autoreisen
That freedom allowed me to stop wherever I wanted — at viewpoints, quiet beaches, or small cafés that weren’t on any list.
WEATHER AND THE BEST TIME TO VISIT
Tenerife is famous for its year-round mild climate, and it truly lives up to that reputation. Temperatures usually stay between 20–28°C throughout the year. Even in winter, days are warm enough for walking, sitting outside, and enjoying the ocean breeze.
For me, Tenerife is ideal from autumn to spring. It’s warm, sunny, and not overcrowded. Summer is beautiful too, but hotter and busier, especially in the south.
EXPERIENCES THAT LEFT A MARK
One of the most unforgettable experiences was visiting Mount Teide National Park. Driving through volcanic landscapes felt almost surreal, like being on another planet. The silence, the colors, and the vastness of the terrain create a feeling that’s hard to describe but impossible to forget.
Click here – Mount Teide tours
Another highlight was whale and dolphin watching along the coast. Seeing these animals in their natural environment, with the island slowly fading into the background, was deeply calming and emotional.
Click here – whale watching experiences
A day trip to Masca and Los Gigantes was another unforgettable highlight.
The drive itself felt like part of the adventure — narrow mountain roads, dramatic cliffs, and views that kept getting better with every turn. Masca village, hidden deep in the mountains, felt frozen in time. Stone houses, silence, and the feeling of being far away from everything made it one of the most atmospheric places on the island.
From there, the journey continued towards Los Gigantes, where the massive cliffs rise straight from the ocean. Seeing them from below truly puts things into perspective — raw nature, powerful and humbling at the same time. Whether viewed from a boat or from the coastline, this place leaves a strong impression and stays with you long after the day ends.
Click here – Masca & Los Gigantes day tour
And then there were the simple moments — sunset walks along the promenade, ocean views from quiet cafés, and evenings that ended without plans, just following the mood of the island.
WHERE TO STAY IN TENERIFE
Choosing where to stay depends entirely on the experience you want. The south offers sunshine, beaches, and resort-style comfort. The north feels more authentic, green, and peaceful. Both have their charm.
Accommodation is varied and affordable, especially outside peak seasons. From modern hotels to smaller boutique stays, Tenerife offers great value for money.
Click here Iberostar Waves Bouganville Playa
GETTING TO TENERIFE FROM DUBLIN
Flying to Tenerife from Dublin is straightforward, with direct flights available, especially during high season. Flight time is just over four hours, making it an easy long-weekend or winter escape. Prices are often very reasonable if you stay flexible.
Click here– flights from Dublin to Tenerife
FINAL THOUGHTS
Tenerife is not just a beach destination. It’s a place of contrasts — fire and water, silence and movement, relaxation and exploration. It invites you to slow down, look around, and reconnect with nature in a very honest way.
I would recommend Tenerife to travelers who want warmth, space, and variety — all in one place. It’s a destination that gives you exactly what you need, even if you didn’t know you were looking for it.
