Loaded’s Guide to Tenerife
loaded travel editors
Tenerife is a sun-soaked alibi. An excuse to ditch your inbox, unbutton your shirt one notch too far, and remember what daylight looks like after 6pm. Parked smugly in the Atlantic like it owns the place, Tenerife has spent decades perfecting the art of good living: volcanic landscapes that look like a Bond villain’s lair, beaches that range from golden postcard to black-sand rock ’n’ roll, and a climate so reliable it makes British summers look like an urban myth.
This is an island where mornings start with strong coffee and a sea view, afternoons drift by on a lounger with a cold beer, and nights have a habit of escalating from “just one” into stories you’ll retell loudly back home. You can hike a lunar volcano before lunch, eat like a king for pocket change by dinner, and still have the energy to misbehave until sunrise. Tenerife does laid-back with muscle tone: equal parts adventure playground and hedonist’s hideout.
What to do
Explore Mount Teide National Park – Take the cable car or hike among lava fields and volcanic landscapes around Spain’s highest peak, with unreal views above the clouds.
Go whale and dolphin watching – Boat trips from Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos offer a high chance of seeing pilot whales and dolphins year-round.
Wander La Laguna – Stroll the colourful streets of this UNESCO-listed old town, packed with historic buildings, cafés, and local shops.
Relax at natural pools or beaches – Swim at volcanic rock pools like Piscinas Naturales de Garachico or hit sandy beaches such as Playa de las Teresitas.
Where to eat
El Rincón de Juan Carlos (Adeje) – Michelin-star swagger without the ponce; clever Canarian flavours, top-drawer cooking, and the sort of place that makes you nod slowly and say “worth it” between mouthfuls.
Casa Enrique (La Orotava) – Rustic, no-nonsense, and absolutely lethal with pork and local wine; looks humble, eats like a champion, and you’ll leave smelling faintly of garlic and victory.
La Cofradía de Pescadores (Los Abrigos) – Seafood so fresh it’s basically still stretching — grilled fish, sea views, cold beer, zero fuss, maximum happiness.
Bodegón El Puntero (La Laguna) – Big plates, bold flavours, and proper Canarian comfort food; the kind of place where ordering “one more dish” is a terrible idea you’ll happily repeat.
Where to drink
Papagayo Beach Club (Playa de las Américas) – Sunset cocktails, DJs, and a classy party vibe right on the rocks above the sea; perfect for starting (or ending) the night.
San Blas Wine Bar (San Cristóbal de La Laguna) – A relaxed, atmospheric spot for excellent Canarian wines and tapas in a historic setting.
Monkey Beach Club (Costa Adeje) – Daytime beers turn into sunset sessions here, with DJs, comfy loungers, and ocean views doing most of the heavy lifting.
El Cine Bar (Santa Cruz) – Old-school, loud, chaotic, and brilliant — cheap drinks, indie tunes, and a proper local crowd that goes late.
