Tenerife

A colorful photo stop on the climb to Mirador de la Paz, with Agatha Christie's book titles painted across the steps.

The authors stayed here and appreciated the good rooms, breakfast, large pool, and reasonable value. Its quiet location is near the old center, black-sand beaches, and restaurants, though the atmosphere is distinctly resort-style.

Suggested as a day trip from Puerto de la Cruz, potentially combined with Bodegas Monje. Bring layers for the cooler, changeable mountain weather.

One of the authors' recommended food and drink stops in La Orotava.

Recommended among the authors' favorite places for food and drinks in La Orotava.

Recommended for local wines and sweeping vineyard, ocean, and Mount Teide views. The authors suggest choosing an experience that includes traditional grape stomping.

One of the authors' favorite places to eat or drink in La Orotava.

Recommended for a drink on a scenic terrace inside La Orotava's grand red mansion.

The authors considered this historic house museum the town's highlight, especially its intricate wooden details and plant-filled courtyard. A phone-based audio tour explains the house.

Stop for homemade cake and coffee in a historic house with traditional stonework and wooden beams.

The authors enjoyed this small banana-farming museum's vintage office displays, historic photographs, and old Land Rovers. Admission includes a banana, and a small plantation sits behind the museum.

Listed among the authors' favorite places to eat and drink in La Orotava.

An impressive red mansion dating from the 1920s, now used as a private social club. Visitors can still appreciate the building by visiting its cafe.

A lively central square with restaurant terraces, colorful buildings, and a decorative kiosk. Stop for a drink and enjoy the sociable atmosphere.

Listed as one of the authors' favorite places to stay in Puerto de la Cruz.

The author especially enjoyed watching sunset from the stone stairs here, with live music and a relaxed gathering of spectators.

Featured among the authors' favorite hotel options in Puerto de la Cruz.

Recommended as a day trip from Puerto de la Cruz, particularly for its famous ancient dragon tree.

One of the authors' recommended restaurants in their roundup of good-value dining in town.

A peaceful tropical garden with enormous ficus trees, shaded paths, birds, and butterflies. The authors recommend spending about an hour exploring.

Recommended in the authors' list of favorite local food and drink spots.

Recommended for historic streets, traditional Canarian mansions, ornate wooden balconies, and valley views. The author particularly loved the town's textile and craft traditions.

The authors' favorite neighborhood combines colorful former fishermen's houses with cobbled streets and striking murals. Its boutiques are good places to browse handmade textiles, ceramics, and jewelry.

César Manrique's oceanfront saltwater pools offered the authors a welcome alternative when the sea was too rough. Gardens, sunbeds, and convenient facilities make it an easy place to relax.

Included among the authors' favorite places to eat during their stay in Puerto de la Cruz.

This free terraced garden has fountains, attractive landscaping, and some of the town's best views over the valley toward the ocean.

Climb to this cliff-top viewpoint for sunset views over the coast, town, and Lago Martiánez. On a clear day, you may even spot La Palma.

Listed among the authors' favorite places to eat in town, where they found meals excellent value.

Leafy garden paths offer views of the ancient dragon tree amid palms, cacti, and fragrant flowers. Arrive early for a quieter visit before tour groups appear.

Recommended for a pre-dinner stroll with Atlantic views, sea breezes, and waves crashing against the rocks. Cafes and small shops line the promenade.

Recommended among the authors' favorite, affordable dining spots in Puerto de la Cruz.

This sheltered pebbly bay is recommended for a calmer swim and exploring rock pools at low tide. Bring a snorkel and water shoes.

A black-sand beach with plenty of facilities and sunbeds for hire. Strong waves make it better for surfing or relaxing than swimming.

Recommended among the authors' favorite hotels in Puerto de la Cruz.

Included in the authors' selection of favorite restaurants after eating most of their Tenerife meals in town.

One of the authors' favorite restaurants during their stay, included in their selection of good-value local dining spots.

Included among the authors' favorite dining spots in La Orotava.

One of the authors' favorite cafe and restaurant stops in Puerto de la Cruz.