Sophie-May Williams
Published November 30, 2025 8:30am
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Head off the beaten path on your next Tenerife trip (Picture: Getty Images)
Tenerife has become synonymous with fly-and-flop holidays and cheap winter getaways.
Zero judgement here: we’ve always got time for a no-frills escape.
For some, though, it means that the largest of the Canary Islands has been dubbed, rather unfairly, as a one-trick pony destination with all-inclusive cocktails, full English breakfasts, karaoke, and nothing more.
But from pristine beaches to authentic, locally-run restaurants, there’s a lot more to this volcanic island than you might think.
And there’s never been a better time to venture off Tenerife’s beaten path, as the Canaries has just landed on Fodor’s ‘no’ travel list for 2026.
Earlier this month, Metro spoke to local experts, who shared their favourite under-the-radar spots for those planning to enjoy some Tenerife winter sun — without the crowds.
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They might make you reconsider what you think you know about one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations.
For beaches: Bajamar
Born and raised in Tenerife, Cristina Muñoz Vallejo, who now works at a media agency in London, recommends the coastal town of Bajamar for its beautiful and unspoiled beaches.
You’ll find Bajamar in the northeast of the island (Picture: Getty Images)
Nestled in the northeast of the island, Bajamar sits at the bottom of the Valley of Tegueste, where, as well as beaches, you’ll find incredible hiking trails and vineyards.
‘It’s probably one of the least touristy places on the island,’ Cristina says, but one of the most popular among residents throughout the year.
With a 200-metre-long coastline of sandy beach and cobalt waters, Bajamar also boasts natural pools.
The latter — which are a complex of lagoons filled with seawater — are famous among the locals, Cristina explains.
‘Many own a second home or apartment in the area,’ she says, adding that Tinerfeños flock there in the summer when temperatures reach 29°C.
@tenerifeambience5 hidden gems in Northern Tenerife 🌋 Save this for your next island trip 🗺️ Bajamar Natural Pools, La Laguna Volcanic pools with ocean breeze and calm waters — safe for families and sun lovers 🌊 Mesa del Mar, Tacoronte Quiet village with a saltwater pool and black sand beach. Safe swim with scenic views 🌅 El Pris, Tacoronte Authentic fishing village 🎣 with Mount Teide views and a refreshing tidal pool 🌊 Sendero Las Aguas, San Juan de la Rambla Easy cliffside trail with crashing waves — perfect nature break 🌿 Costa El Sauzal, El Sauzal Peaceful path above vineyards and the Atlantic 🍷 — ideal for quiet walks Which would you explore first? 📍Tenerife, Canary Islands 🌊🌴 5 joyas del norte de Tenerife 🌋 Guárdalo para tu próxima escapada 🗺️ Piscinas de Bajamar, La Laguna Piscinas volcánicas con brisa marina y agua tranquila — seguras y relajantes 🌊 Mesa del Mar, Tacoronte Pueblo costero con piscina salada y playa negra. Buen baño con vistas 🌅 El Pris, Tacoronte Pueblo pesquero 🎣 con vistas al Teide y una piscina natural para refrescarte 🌊 Sendero Las Aguas, San Juan de la Rambla Sendero fácil con vistas a acantilados y olas — naturaleza pura 🌿 Costa El Sauzal, El Sauzal Camino tranquilo entre viñedos y mar 🍷 — ideal para paseos sin ruido ¿Cuál visitarías primero? 📍Tenerife, Islas Canarias #tenerife #teneriffa #visittenerife #tenerifenorte #canaryisland #visitcanarias #tenerife🇪🇸#canarias #canarias_life #droneview #dronefootage #tenerifetravel #tenerifenorth #dronepilot #travelspain #visitspain #spaintravel #europetravel #lovetenerife #kanaren
♬ оригінальний звук – Tenerife Ambience
‘Bajamar is also known for its surfing community as it has some of the biggest waves on the island,’ Cristina adds.
There are plenty of waterside cafés and seafood restaurants to enjoy, too.
While Cristina says that most restaurants here are ‘authentic and mostly visited by locals,’ her favourite spot is La Cofradía de Bajamar, a humble beachfront joint with views of the Atlantic Ocean.
‘My go-to meal is always sardinas fritas’ — or fried sardines to us — she says.
This is a quiet beach loved by locals (Picture: Getty Images)
But honestly, one look at the restaurant’s Instagram and we’re sold: its grid is littered with everything from fresh oysters to calamari to octopus.
With Bajamar ticked off, Cristina also recommends heading to Cala de las Tortugas in El Puertito, on the southwest of the island.
This small cove is accessed via rocky paths (you’re unlikely to spot any signposts), and is known for its rugged surroundings.
‘This area is currently protected, and a natural bay for snorkelling,’ Cristina says. ‘You can feel its remoteness.’
Cristina adds that Tenerife’s best beaches or coves are quite hard to get to, so having a car is essential.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DQmIXm4CG9M/?hl=en-gb
For mountain life: Taganana
Up in the mountains of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, you’ll find Taganana, a quintessentially Canarian village in the heart of the Anaga Rural Park.
Worlds away from the touristy hotpots of Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje, this small spot is surrounded by lush green mountains and panoramic ocean views.
Here, simple stone homes are built into steep hillsides and painted in vibrant colours.
Luscious mountains and spectacular views await (Picture: Getty Images)
Though the village is small, it’s worth strolling through the narrow streets to get a feel of authentic Canarian life.
Be sure to check out the church of Our Lady of the Snows, a Catholic temple with roots dating back to the 16th century — one of the oldest on the island.
From original 16th-century flamenco artwork to its distinctive red tower, the church is a key part of the village’s traditional landscape.
Then, head into the park for a hike. One of the most popular is the circular 14 km trail from the quiet village of Afur, which encompasses Taganana.
Not for the faint-hearted, the route can take around seven hours. But the rugged cliffs, verdant forests, and sparkling ocean scenes make the effort well worth it.
Other highlights from the trail include passing Barranco de Afur, a deep ravine with cave houses, and Playa de Tamadite, a remote volcanic beach.
Talk about a hike with a view (Picture: Getty Images)
As you take in the views, you’ll discover some history, too. In Afur, there’s an archaeological site called Stone of the Guanches — an engraved stone stele made from volcanic rock.
The site is linked to the Guanche mummification practices, an ancient way of preserving a dead body. Dating back as early as the 6th century BC, it was a 15-day process reserved for high-status individuals and involved using herbs, lard, and sun-drying.
For food: Anywhere you can find a Guachinche
‘The best — and insanely affordable — food you’re going to get is at a Guachinche,’ says Cristina, referring to the traditional family-run establishments native to the Canaries, particularly Tenerife.
Cristina says that Guachinches never feature in travel guides as their appearance can put locals off. They’re often located in a garage or terrace off someone’s house, and most are known by word of mouth.
Most Guachinche are known by word of mouth (Picture: Getty Images)
However, Cristina says that non-locals should look out for signs on the road that lead up to them, and many can be found on Google Maps.
Disclaimer: She warns that some of the drives will take you down or up very steep roads, so you’ll definitely need a car, and might have to park in gravel or dirt.
That’s all part of the fun, we say.
‘These establishments serve solely Canarian food. Some stick to incredibly simple and home-made styles, others will put a gourmet twist on their dishes, but they are the best places to get authentic food,’ says Cristina.
@lifeinthebackpackYou should eat in local guachinches in Tenerife if you want to try good local food! 🍷🍅🥔 #guachinche #guachincheelcordero #tenerife #restaurant #localfood
♬ Guataquí (Berroche) – Martina Camargo
Expect popular dishes like papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauces, carne fiesta (fried meat), ropa vieja (shredded meat stew), and queso asado (grilled cheese).
If you’re partial to a tipple, a Guachinche will always serve wine from the owner’s land, too.
According to Cristina, the best municipalities for Guachinches are La Victoria de Acentejo, La Matanza de Acentejo, and Santa Ursula.
Some of her favourites include Casa Basilio (La Matanza), el Tinglado (Santa Ursula), and La Huerta de Adan y Eva (La Victoria).
For culture: La Orotava
In the Canary Islands, Cristina says that witnessing, or even better, immersing yourself in a romerías, is as culturally Canarian as you can get.
An example of a traditional Canarian romerías (Picture: Getty Images)
Romerías are religious pilgrimages and celebrations held in every municipality, usually between the months of April and July.
‘They are very joyful parades, and it’s a glimpse at the rich cultural heritage and traditions that continue to live on across not just Tenerife, but all of the eight Canary Islands,’ she says.
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Joanne Robinson, Chief Sales Officer at Spring Hotels Group, has been living in Tenerife for 20 years. She says the best celebration, loved by locals, is San Benito, which celebrates the agricultural traditions of Tenerife.
Streets are packed with performers (Picture: Getty Images)
‘It is the representative romería of the Canary Islands, held annually on the second Sunday of July,’ explains Joanne.
Cristina agrees. ‘Locals dress in regional folkloric dresses, parades are held with Ox-pulled carts, and parties are hosted by each town with Canarian food, wine, and music,’ she says.
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Joanne’s top tip is to arrive early, as you get to see the wagons and folk groups assemble. She also suggests checking local transport and parking, as the town fills up quickly.
More on Spain and the Canary Islands
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