Touching down in Tenerife with just 48 hours on the clock might sound like a logistical nightmare, but fear not—this volcanic slice of paradise is all about making the most of your time. It’s the kind of place where one moment you’re sipping sangria by the sea, and the next, you’re trudging up a volcano wondering how your trainers turned into dust collectors.
Breakfast Like a Local
The first port of call has to be breakfast, and nowhere does it better than a quaint little café in La Laguna, the historic heart of the island. This UNESCO-listed town has a certain charm that says, “Yes, I was once the capital, and yes, I’m still fabulous.” Order a barraquito—essentially a coffee that decided to throw a party and invited condensed milk, cinnamon, and a splash of liquor. Once suitably caffeinated, take a wander through the cobbled streets lined with pastel-coloured buildings, and embrace the smugness of knowing you got here before the cruise ships.
A Date with a Volcano
After a cultural fix, it’s time to hit the road. The drive up to Teide National Park is an event in itself, as the scenery morphs from lush forests to eerie lunar landscapes. The volcano looms ahead, a reminder that nature does not mess about. If you’ve planned ahead (and by that, I mean booked a cable car ticket in advance because everyone else has), you’ll be soaring up towards Spain’s highest peak in no time. The air gets thinner, the views get more dramatic, and your Instagram followers get increasingly envious. If you’re feeling brave, hike the final stretch to the summit—just remember, your lungs will not thank you.
Seafood and Siesta by the Sea
Post-volcano exertion calls for a reward, and that means heading to the coast. Los Gigantes, with its colossal cliffs plunging into the Atlantic, is just the spot. Find a beachside restaurant, order a plate of fresh seafood, and enjoy the kind of lunch where time ceases to exist. Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce are non-negotiable, unless you enjoy making bad decisions.
Golden Hour in Costa Adeje
With the sun beginning its descent, it’s off to Costa Adeje for a golden hour stroll. This is where Tenerife flexes its resort muscles, but don’t be put off—there’s a reason people flock here. The promenade is perfect for an aimless wander, complete with ocean views, cocktail bars, and the occasional street performer whose talent level ranges from “Wow, this guy should be famous” to “Please, for the love of tapas, make it stop.”
Nightlife and Questionable Decisions
Nightfall in Tenerife means one thing: embracing the island’s nocturnal spirit. Whether that means sipping wine at a stylish rooftop bar in Santa Cruz or going full-throttle at one of Playa de las Américas’ legendary clubs is entirely your call. Either way, sleep is overrated.
The Morning After Strategy
Waking up on day two requires strategy. A hearty brunch at one of the island’s many cafés is crucial—perhaps a Spanish omelette, or something drenched in cheese, depending on the severity of last night’s decisions. Then it’s off to the north, where the pace slows and the authenticity levels soar.
Lava Pools and Mountain Roads
Garachico, a town that literally rose from the ashes after a volcanic eruption tried (and failed) to erase it, is the next stop. Its natural lava pools are an open invitation for a refreshing dip, assuming you don’t mind a bit of Atlantic chill. From there, the road winds towards Masca, a tiny village precariously perched among dramatic ravines. Getting there requires a certain level of driving confidence—or at least a strong willingness to ignore the terrifying drop-offs beside you. But it’s worth it.
Sunset and a Final Feast
A slow meander back towards civilisation means stopping in La Orotava, where traditional Canarian architecture and historic mansions make for an excellent excuse to pause for yet another coffee. The afternoon is best spent by the sea, ideally at Playa de las Teresitas—a stretch of golden sand imported from the Sahara because Tenerife decided regular volcanic beaches simply weren’t enough.
As the final sunset approaches, a farewell dinner in a local guachinche (a no-frills, family-run eatery that serves glorious amounts of meat and wine) is the only appropriate way to sign off. Order the grilled meats, order the local red wine, and order another round just because.
Then, just like that, it’s time to leave. But Tenerife has a habit of getting under your skin. Chances are, you’ll already be plotting your return before you’ve even reached the airport duty-free.
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