From a turtle cove reached by dirt road to a ravine you can swim through — beyond the brochure Tenerife.
Most package visitors never leave the southern resorts, which leaves vast stretches of Tenerife to those willing to drive 30 minutes inland. These ten places are easy to reach if you have a hire car and a sense of curiosity.
El Puertito de Adeje. A tiny fishing cove reached by a dirt road, where green sea turtles graze on sea-grass metres from the shore. Bring a snorkel; lunch on grilled calamari at the only restaurant.
Masca village. Once accessible only by mule track, this hamlet of 100 people clings to a cliff above one of Europe's most spectacular gorges. The drive in alone is unforgettable.
Almáciga and Benijo. The wild end of the Anaga peninsula — black-sand beaches, sea-stacks, and the only road in is a slow, narrow ribbon through the laurel forest.
Garachico's natural lava pools. Saltwater swimming in pools created by the 1706 volcanic eruption, free to use, with a 17th-century town behind.
Vilaflor pine forest. The highest village in Spain (1,400m) is surrounded by Canarian pine forest with a hidden picnic spot at La Caldera and trails to Paisaje Lunar.
Cueva del Viento. A 17-kilometre lava-tube cave system in Icod de los Vinos, the longest in the EU. Guided tours only; book ahead.
Bodegas Monje. A 250-year-old family winery in El Sauzal with cliffside terrace tastings and a deeply traditional Canarian cellar dinner if you book.
Charco de la Laja. A natural rock-pool swimming spot on the north coast carved by Atlantic waves, free, accessed via a long flight of steps.
Hijuela del Botánico. La Orotava's tiny botanical garden hidden behind the town hall — fewer than 100 visitors a day, free, magical.
Mirador de Cherfe. A roadside viewpoint between Masca and Santiago del Teide with one of the best free panoramas in the Canaries.
