Like any good Norwegian, we took a shorter trip to Tenerife in December. It was a getaway to soak up vitamin D. I wanted to swim without freezing my teeth. Of course my dear Cuban boyfriend, would like to walk without three layers of clothing. So of we went.
As any regular charter tourist, we went first to Playa Las Americas. The place where everything is convenient and arranged for you to have a comfortable holiday. That doesn’t impress me much. So, I had a plan B. But first, let’s talk about our stargazing adventure.
Breakfast: Metropolis Bar Café & El Ventorrillo for lunch. Dinner: Almar Tenerife
Dark Sky: Sunset & Stargazing with Telescopes Experience
Tenerife is among the few places in the world rewarded with Dark Sky status. This means a perfect opportunity to watch planets like Jupiter, March, the Milky way, galaxies, and more stars.
We went towards the magnificent Mt. Teide and waited for the sun to set. This allowed us to use the telescope for stargazing. We saw Jupiter, March, Venus, and of course, Vera. The world feels so little when the universe out there is so grand. Most of all, even with a full moon, you are mesmerized by the planets. The different galaxies make Earth just a part of the puzzle.
Driving Around Tenerife
Why stay at one place when you can see more? Pick up a rental car. Drive around the island. Explore the landscape and the grandness of the Island. We as the rest of the island went driving towards Masca, a petite village. People should leave Masca alone, we went on the road, but we did not stop in the village. What a crazy mess and it is picturesque but probably easy to use time other places on the island.
Stunning scenery, along the road to the highlight of the day; Restaurante Mesón del Norte Tenerife! Yes local and authentic food. Pre-book your table, or get ready to be waiting in the line.
Icod de los Vinos & Parque del Drago
Parque del Drago, with one of tallest Dragon trees in the world. Amazing old energy and, most of all, a beautiful garden to walk in and feel the green vibration energy.
The Cool Kids in Punta del Hidalgo
Hidalgo is a sleepy town. It’s outside the tourist track. It’s more like where locals live. They don’t use much energy on what happens on the south of the Island. On our first day; we entered into a full moon party with the hangout spot for the local youth. Punta Paradiso has immersive architecture from the 70s. You just want to vibe with all the cool kids in town. Hangout, drink a beer, talk about life, watch people, and enjoy the wild music.
Piscina, or no, the Local Bar
However, they are famous for Piscina natural Punta del Hidalgo. Our plan was to go swimming, then a storm went in and we where more weather watching then swimming. Also talking about football at the local pub, the one of few things that was opened. Because why stay open during a storm, when you can stay at home. The local community was welcoming and so was the vermouth.
Anaga Rural Park – Mirador Cruz del Carmen
Of course, all trails were closed with a storm coming into the islands. We needed to change our plan B and even consider plan C. So, Las Mercedes went out the window and into the storm. We drove to Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife, to visit Mercado Ntra Senora de Africa. A vibrant historic market for local food, and most of all, our lunch. Fresh prawns on the grill, with crisp white wine.
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
As I walked into La Laguna, I suddenly felt like I was in Cuba. The colonial style was striking. It is one of Tenerife’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. La Laguna is the first well-planned 15th-century Spanish Colonial City. It served as a model for places like Havana Old Town in Cuba.
Granadilla de Abona
After a drive back towards Playa de Las Americas, we stopped along the road for a shorter break. We finally went swimming in a natural pool. It was so good, so salty, and so perfect after spending some time in the car.
Chao, Tenerife
The perfect balance between urban and rural life, even though it was more urban. However, we liked exploring the Northern side of Tenerife. It is yet to be discovered for many travelers on the islands.
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