Paradise can be found on Earth, and it can be found a lot closer to home than you would imagine. From beaches to fishing villages, volcanic landscapes to fun in the sun, there are plenty of places in Tenerife to be a little bit closer to paradise.
Teide National Park, one of the most-loved places in Tenerife
Mount Teide is the highest peak in Spain and it dominates the landscape of Tenerife. Thanks to it’s volcanic landscape, the national park may seem like an odd choice when talking about paradise. However, it is one of the places in Tenerife that you must see at least once. The park actually holds a variety of fauna and flora, all of which can be seen with an organized tour. You can decide how you want to discover the volcano. There is the possibility to take a cable car up to the top, which offers some of the best views over the island. From this vantage point, you are also able to see the lava fields and craters. This gives the impression of being on the moon and is a sight to behold. For another touch of paradise, you may want to stay at one of the two hotels on the volcano. From here, you can enjoy a romantic dinner at sunset, as night falls over Teide.
El Médano
This is a laid-back fishing village, that is one of the most beautiful places in Tenerife. It has grown famous for being a surfers paradise but it also offers a paradise of another kind. The town has a stunning beach, called Cabezo. Here you can indulge in watersports or you can simply lay back and relax. If the beaches here aren’t to your liking, you are only a stone’s throw away from Playa Grande and La Tejita. Both of these are entirely natural beaches and are truly beautiful. From the village, you can also access La Montaña Roja, which is another volcanic nature reserve. There are plenty of picnic spots and hiking trails, which may be all you need to disconnect. Aside from that, the village itself is one of the best equipped places in Tenerife, with plenty of bars and restaurants.
Pirámides de Güímar
This park may not be the typical idea of paradise, but it is one of the best places in Tenerife to disconnect and enjoy nature. The park consists of six pyramids, built from lava and form part of a larger ethnographical park, curated by a Norwegian scientist. They are mysterious and are reminiscent of Mayan ruins. This atmosphere creates an ambience of tranquility and calm. The area of Güímar is actually relatively isolated, compared to the rest of the island. It also has several beaches and quaint village that has been largely ignored by tourism. The region has some beautiful scenery and it is worth taking a day out to see not only the pyramids, but a quieter side of Tenerife.
Lago Martiánez
Last but not least, one of the places in Tenerife where you can find paradise is this large swimming pool complex. There are several seawater pools, which distract from the fact it is man made. You can relax by the pool side or spend hours floating in the warm, crystal clear water. Interestingly, the paving stones used for the flooring have their own personal geological history. Designed by the local artist César Manrique, the swimming pools are not only there for recreation. The site also functions much like an open air museum. There are also several pieces of art on display by prominent artists. This gives the whole area a touch of sophistication and is a touch of paradise in Tenerife.