Don’t Just Chase the Beaches—These 6 Moments Are the Soul of Tenerife
✈️Just a four-hour flight from London, Tenerife feels like another world.
There’s something about volcanic islands that lingers. Maybe it’s the surreal black sand, or the dry wind that feels like it’s been traveling for centuries. But Tenerife—she’s a different kind of island.
You might come here expecting sea and sun. But if that’s all you see, you’ll miss her soul.
Here are six things I did in Tenerife that stayed with me far longer than my tan ever could.
1.Wake up in the south and climb into another planet
I started my day in Costa Adeje, sipping my usual oat milk tea. By noon, I was on Mars—well, almost. Teide National Park stretches out in dusty reds and yellows, framed by lava rocks and absolute silence. If you’re packing light, a travel waterproof backpack makes it easier to switch from beachwear to hiking shoes in one swift move.
2.Watch the sky fall into the Atlantic
They said Teide has one of the best night skies in the world. I booked a last-minute stargazing tour—half expecting it to be touristy.
It wasn’t. It was quiet. We stood wrapped in borrowed jackets, watching Saturn rise above the mountain’s shoulder.
3.Get splashed by a whale
No one told me that Tenerife is one of the best whale-watching spots in Europe. The captain said we had a 90% chance of spotting dolphins. We saw pilot whales—close enough that I felt the spray. If you bring a waterproof daypack, you’ll thank yourself later. Saltwater is a sneaky souvenir.
4.Spend an afternoon doing nothing at Playa de las Américas
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s a little loud. But that beach—white sand, palm trees, cold drinks—is a perfect place to do nothing.
And doing nothing is an art, especially with the Atlantic humming in your ear.
5.Float in glassy water at Playa Amarilla
Hidden behind lava rocks, Playa Amarilla feels like a secret. The water’s so clear, I could see the ripples on the sea floor. That morning, I carried just sunscreen, a towel, and my best waterproof backpack for travel. It’s weirdly freeing to not worry about splashes—or pickpockets.
6.Let your plans fall apart
I had a schedule. I broke it.
Instead of checking off stops, I lingered in cafes, let buses run late, and followed street music into an alley bar. Tenerife rewards the unplanned.
🌴 Before You Go
Whether you're planning hikes through lava fields or just want your beach towel to stay dry, a travel waterproof backpack quietly becomes your best friend. Durable, lightweight, and made to move from misty cliffs to sunny sands.
(The one that kept our snacks dry at sea and still looked good in every photo.)