Tenerife in November – Sunshine, Adventure & Relaxation with a Toddler
Early in the morning, at 6:25 AM, our flight departed from London Stansted Airport. As we soared over the Atlantic Ocean, it became clear that something truly special awaited us. After just a few hours in the air, we landed at Tenerife South Airport at 11:00 AM.
Since we couldn’t check into our accommodation Tenerife with impressive pool 136 until 5 PM, we decided to make the most of our first hours on the island. After picking up our pre-booked rental car at the airport QeeQ.com, we hit the road toward our first destination: Los Gigantes, just an hour’s drive from the airport.
You can read more about airport parking and the key things to know when renting a car in these posts:
A Practical Guide to Airport Parking
What to Consider When Renting a Car for Your Travels?
First Stop: Los Gigantes – The Town of Majestic Cliffs
The drive to Los Gigantes quickly set the tone for our first few hours on the island. As we approached, the famous cliffs—rising dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean—came into view from afar. Los Gigantes immediately captivated us with its Mediterranean charm, volcanic coastline, and welcoming little streets.
If you’re visiting Tenerife, renting a car is highly recommended. It’s not only convenient but also allows you to explore the hidden gems of the island at your own pace. If car rental isn’t an option, the local buses are a good alternative, though you’ll need to factor in more travel time. (Quick tip: Don’t be surprised if a bus occasionally skips a stop—time moves a little differently on the island.)
Our first stop was the Mirador Archipenque, a viewpoint that offered unparalleled vistas of the iconic cliffs and the ocean. The view was so breathtaking that we found it hard to tear ourselves away. After soaking in the scenery, we drove down into the town and quickly found a parking spot.
From the parking area, it was just a five-minute walk to the stunning Piscina Natural Acantilado de Los Gigantes, a natural pool formed by volcanic rock. This spot was nothing short of magical: the crystal-clear water of the pool immediately won us over. From there, we continued on foot along the coastal promenade toward Playa Puerto de Santiago.
A Short Stroll and Lunch
Every moment along the promenade was picture-perfect. The views of the ocean and cliffs were incredible, accompanied by the soothing sound of the waves crashing in the background. What should have been a short 10-minute walk turned into a leisurely photo-filled stroll—we simply couldn’t resist stopping time and again to admire the scenery.
At the end of our walk, we stopped for lunch at Restaurante San Francisco, where we enjoyed delicious Spanish dishes and warm, welcoming service. Feeling recharged, we strolled back to our car, ready to head to our accommodation.
Wrapping Up the Day: Checking In and Stocking Up
Around 5 PM, we arrived in Costa del Silencio, where we checked into our cozy apartment Tenerife with imressive pool 315. After settling in, we made a quick trip to the nearby Dino Supermarket to stock up on breakfast supplies and essentials for our stay. (You can read my tips on grocery shopping here.)
We ended the day with a quick dinner before heading to bed, tired but happy. Our first day in Tenerife was nothing short of amazing—the island had already proven how much beauty it holds in store for us!
Tip: If you’re heading to Los Gigantes, don’t miss the Mirador Archipenque viewpoint and the natural pools. Wear comfortable shoes, as the promenade has plenty of stairs, and you’ll likely end up walking more than planned—thanks to the mesmerizing views! 😊
We started our second day at a relaxed pace, with no rush to head out. After a leisurely breakfast, we set off toward Costa Adeje to spend the morning at the famous Playa del Duque beach. Having just escaped the English winter, we knew we wanted to dedicate this morning to soaking up some sun by the sea. Playa del Duque turned out to be the perfect choice.
Often hailed as „one of Tenerife’s best beaches,” Playa del Duque lives up to its reputation. Its golden sand, crystal-clear water, and elegant yet friendly atmosphere made it an ideal spot. We spent the morning sunbathing, splashing in the waves, building sandcastles, and exploring the nearby promenade with its charming bazaar-like shops.
Afternoon Adventure: Icod de los Vinos and the Famous Dragon Tree
After our beach time and a quick lunch break, we hopped in the car to explore the island’s northern side. Our next destination was Icod de los Vinos, a charming little town reached via a scenic but winding road. After about a 50-minute drive, we arrived in this picturesque town, best known as the home of the famous Drago Milenario, the „thousand-year-old” dragon tree.
We were lucky to find parking quickly—a rare feat in Icod! From the parking lot, it was just a short walk to one of the town’s most iconic landmarks. The Drago Milenario is a stunning natural wonder that locals claim to be 1,000 years old, though scientists estimate its age to be closer to 800 years. Standing 20 meters tall with a massive canopy, this magnificent tree is nestled in a lush, green park that also offers fantastic views of the surrounding area.
Entry to the park costs €5, but you can also admire the tree for free from the edge of Plaza de San Marcos. After visiting the dragon tree, we wandered through the historic town center, captivated by its traditional Canarian architecture and charming streets. Our daughter especially loved the playground at Plaza de San Marcos, where we took a well-deserved break. (Bonus: The plaza also has clean, free public restrooms!)
Icod de los Vinos offers more than just the dragon tree. Local wines, cheeses, banana plantations, and attractions like the Butterfly House make this town a great option for a half- or full-day trip.
Onward to Garachico: A Magical Fishing Village
Around 3:30 PM, we left Icod and headed to nearby Garachico, just a 14-minute drive away. This enchanting coastal fishing village won our hearts with its historic charm and scenic beauty.
Finding parking here was a bit trickier, but once we succeeded, we began exploring the town’s hidden treasures. Our first stop was Plaza de la Libertad, Garachico’s main square. Surrounded by large trees, a picturesque pavilion, a church, and cozy cafés, the square radiated authentic Spanish vibes.
From there, we strolled along the coastal promenade, passing the El Caletón natural lava pools, formed by the lava flow from the 1706 volcanic eruption. Although we didn’t take a dip, the pools were a mesmerizing sight. Continuing our walk, we discovered the San Miguel Castle, a sturdy fortification dating back to 1575, which stands as a reminder of the town’s rich history.
A particularly unique experience was visiting Tensei Tenmoku (Door Without a Door), a minimalist Japanese artwork in the old harbor. Its understated design blended perfectly with the landscape, creating a moment of serene reflection.
Dinner Adventures and the Perfect End to the Day
After a long walk, we were ready for a hearty meal. We’d read glowing reviews about a restaurant called La Perla, but unfortunately, it was closed that day (Thursday). It’s known for delicious food, friendly service, and a dessert specialty called Polvitos Uruguayos, rumored to be the best on the island. If you visit, make sure to check its opening hours!
Instead, we dined at Restaurante El Patio on our way back. With easy parking, quick and friendly service, and tasty dishes, it was the perfect way to wrap up the day.
We returned to our accommodation around 8 PM, pleasantly tired but filled with wonderful memories. Tenerife once again showcased its incredible diversity: a relaxing morning at the beach, awe-inspiring natural wonders, and charming villages—all in a single day! 😊
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