Advice

Let’s take a short break from your visit to mention a few other highlights we couldn’t include in the main itinerary. First, if you’re into good food and local flavours, don’t miss the Mercadillo del Agricultor, La Orotava’s farmers’ market. It’s a great spot to taste regional products and immerse yourself in the island’s culinary traditions — because discovering the food is very much part of the journey. For nature lovers, the town’s acclimatisation gardens are a must. Created in the 18th century by the Spanish Crown, their purpose was to grow tropical plants on Spanish soil. There’s a small entrance fee, but the lush setting and exotic plants make it well worth it. Another lesser-known gem is the small Calvary Hermitage near the station, built in 1917 on Plaza de la Paz to commemorate the end of World War I. It holds the tombs of La Orotava’s patron saints: San Isidro Labrador and Santa María de la Cabeza. If you’re driving, consider following the route of the miradores — viewpoints that offer sweeping views of the valley and reveal the full richness of the Canarian landscape. And of course, if you chose Tenerife, it probably has something to do with El Teide. Spain’s highest peak rises to 3,718 metres at the heart of the island’s largest national park. It’s like stepping onto another planet, with craters, volcanoes, and rivers of solidified lava — absolutely breathtaking and completely otherworldly. A true must-do. To reach the summit, you can take the cable car from the base station at 2,356 metres up to La Rambleta at 3,555 metres. You’ve got plenty of options: go at sunset, climb at night to stargaze, or hike up the 9 km trail, which takes about six to seven hours. If you want to reach the very top on your own, you’ll need a special (but free) permit from the national park — only 200 are issued per day, so book in advance. If you go with a guided tour, no need to worry, they’ll handle the paperwork for you. And here’s a fun fact: the skies over Tenerife are Starlight-certified, meaning this is one of the best places in the world to observe the stars. So why not join a nighttime excursion and get lost in the universe? With all these options, you’ll definitely want to spend a little more time exploring the area.