From Tenerife to La Palma: The Hidden Gems of the Canaries

If there’s one thing that Tenerife has kept particularly secret from tourists, it’s its wine culture. Today you’ll be heading out to a traditional wine estate to learn about the history of local wine production (which dates back as far as the 15th century) from a family of winegrowers that has been in the business for five generations. This family was instrumental in the establishment of ‘Tacoronte Acentejo’, a protected area of wine production in the northeast of Tenerife. After a tour of the vineyards and the old cellar, pop an apron on and assist the chef in making some classic local dishes, such as Canarian mojos: tasty sauces that accompany other dishes. Round off your visit with a tasting of some of the estate’s exquisite wines.

After a day of indulgence at the wine estate yesterday, it’s time to get those legs moving today. After a fuelling breakfast at the hotel, you’ll be met by a friendly and experienced local guide, who’ll be leading you on a hike through the breathtaking landscapes of the Teide National Park. The park is dominated by a dramatic volcano that soars to a height of 12,400ft. Despite its last eruption being back in 1798, the lunar landscapes created by ancient lava flows are as beautiful and intact as ever. The park is also home to exceptional flora and fauna: expect to see colourful plants and flowers, as well as several species of reptiles and birds.

Today is yours to spend discovering the beautiful sights of Tenerife’s coastline at your own leisure. We recommend setting off on an adventure across the north coast to admire its charming collection of seaside towns. There’s Garachico, with its white-washed buildings, terracotta roofs and cobbled streets; La Orotava, which dazzles visitors with its rich architectural past; and San Cristobal de La Laguna, a town known and adored for its distinct South American atmosphere. This coastline is also peppered with a collection of idyllic beaches that range from powdery white sand to dramatic volcanic black sand. We could also arrange for you to spent today visiting a banana plantation or touring Garachico with a local guide. Enjoy one last evening back at the hotel, tucking into a tasty meal and savouring some delicious regional wines.

Today you’ll be switching things up, swapping Tenerife for the tiny neighbouring island of La Palma. After a hearty breakfast this morning, drive one hour to the airport in the north of Tenerife to catch a speedy 30-minute flight to La Palma. On arrival, collect a new hire car and drive to your next hotel: an elegant property surrounded by tropical nature in the heights of the small town of Breña Baja, where you’ll be staying for the next four nights. Spend the rest of today settling into your new surroundings - we recommend heading out for an evening aperitif in town. You can simply wander around and find somewhere or you can turn to our coveted destination-specific Dossier, which is full of our top picks for local cafes, bars and restaurants.

Make sure to fuel up at breakfast this morning, as you have an adventurous day of hiking ahead. You’ll be heading out in the company of an experienced local guide for a walk across the vertiginous ridge of the Cumbre Nueva and up to the highest point of the island, which sits at a height of nearly 8,000ft. You’ll start at Pico de La Cruz and wind your way up to Caldera de Taburiente, a huge crater measuring five miles in diameter. The higher you climb the more spectacular the views across the scenery and wider archipelago become – you’ll eventually be able to spot the neighbouring islands of Tenerife, La Gomera and El Hierro.

There’s one more hike on the agenda before a day of relaxation tomorrow. Your final hike in the Canaries traces the history of the last eruption of the Teneguia volcano in 1971. With an experienced local guide, you’ll start from the village of Los Guemados in the south of the island and wind your way through the lunar landscapes of the volcano, before descending to the sea via the Salines de Fuencaliente. The salt fields here are as beautiful as they are dramatic: the contrast between the striking white of the salt, the black of the volcanic earth and the blue of the sea is mesmerising. Depending on the conditions of the sea, round off your hike with a refreshing dip in the azure waters of the ocean.

Your final day in the Canaries is all about slowing down and enjoying the delights of the coast before jetting off home tomorrow. We recommend settling in for a day of rest and relaxation under the shade of palms on the beautiful black-sand beach of Puerto Naos. When you’re ready for a bit of action, head to the Piscinas de la Fajana for a dip in salt water pools or enjoy a stroll through the historic streets of Santa Cruz de La Palma. Head back to the hotel this evening for one last delicious meal based on local ingredients and produce.