Tenerife, the island of a thousand experiences to enjoy this summer

Discovering its diversity of natural landscapes, tasting its excellent gastronomy or enjoying its wide range of leisure and wellness experiences are just some of the proposals of this Canary Island for the coming months, in which its offer of open-air events becomes the perfect excuse to travel to it... and to discover it.

Although Tenerife has an average annual temperature of 23ºC, the increase in temperature in summer is not too noticeable thanks to the acclimatisation effect produced by the sea that surrounds it. In any case, it is the perfect excuse for the life in its streets, beaches and natural spaces to be, if possible, greater than during the rest of the year. That is why spending the summer in Tenerife allows travellers to enjoy a thousand experiences.

Whether with the family, as a couple, in a group of friends or alone, the options for enjoying the island are endless. As are its landscapes, which differ from one another as a result of its orography. This is precisely why it is a unique experience to appreciate the contrast between the desert landscapes of the Teide National Park, home to the highest peak in Spain and the second highest volcano in Europe, and the lush laurel forests of the Anaga and Teno Rural Parks.

In any of the parks it is a delight to walk and breathe nature. Tenerife has more than 2,000 kilometres of marked trails. Many of them are spectacular, such as the Masca ravine. And although it is essential to book in advance and be in good physical shape for this one, taking the path along its slopes and reaching the coast in about two and a half hours is a unique experience, one of those that the retina retains for a long time.

Tenerife has a very characteristic traditional architecture, influenced by Spanish and Portuguese colonial styles, which can be found in the historic centres of its municipalities. To name but a few, walking through the towns of Garachico, Buenavista del Norte, Arona or Adeje, takes the visitor back to the way of life of the people of Tenerife in the centuries after the conquest. Mainly the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.

In San Cristóbal de La Laguna, declared a World Heritage Site, the predominance of stately homes, churches, convents and palaces, all built with volcanic stones and noble woods, envelop a lively atmosphere in its pedestrian streets full of charming shops and small bars where you can refresh yourself with a soft drink, an ice cream or a magnificent cocktail.

The sea and its secrets

Summer in Tenerife invites you to enjoy the coast. Beaches, coves and pools are king. Not only to enjoy the rest and relaxation offered by the sea, but also to live unforgettable experiences such as kayaking under the impressive cliffs of Los Gigantes, where it is also impressive to put on a pair of goggles and marvel at the beauty of the seabed.

Hundreds of bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales live off the southwest coast of the island. It is therefore a highly recommended experience to go on a boat with a 'blue boat' label to observe cetaceans and learn more about this impressive family of cetaceans that live there permanently in a responsible way, in their natural habitat.

As evening falls, it's time to relax while sipping a cocktail in one of the beach clubs where you can watch the sun set over the sea horizon. Or behind the Anaga mountain range, if you opt for a place in the capital. The terraces of some of the island's hotels have rooftops. Whatever the option, the atmospheric music and the well-kept aesthetics invite you to take stock of what a fantastic day you have had in Tenerife is what you most want.

A summer of festivals

And although not necessary, perhaps an "excuse" - in inverted commas - to travel to the most diverse of the Canary Islands could be a festival, or a concert. To name but a few, the Cook Music Fest, from 14 to 22 July, will feature, among others, the winner of eleven Grammys and ten Latin Grammys, Rubén Blades. For those who prefer urban music, in a safe and family-friendly atmosphere, on 14 and 15 July you can enjoy Ritmos del Mundo, with one of the most recognised and awarded artists of the moment: J Balvin.

But there is more. Andrés Calamaro, one of the greatest artists in the history of Spanish pop and rock, will be at the Mar Abierto Festival on 22 July; on 12 August it will be the turn of electronic music at the Sunblast Festival, while on 18 and 19 August, the appointment is with urban, rock and indie music at the Phe Festival. Pastora Soler, India Martínez and Luz Casal will be performing on 26 August at the Mujeres World Fest.

With or without an excuse, the summer in Tenerife will always be an experience worth living. How to do it in the face of all the existing options will be the biggest concern for the traveller who chooses to spend his or her holidays here.