Rediscovering Tenerife's Authentic Charm
While Tenerife has become famous for package holidays and all-inclusive resorts, there's a completely different side to this Canary Island waiting to be discovered. According to local experts speaking to Metro, the island offers countless hidden treasures far removed from the typical tourist hotspots.
The timing for exploring Tenerife's secret spots has never been better, especially since the Canary Islands recently appeared on Fodor's 'no' travel list for 2026, making alternative destinations within the islands particularly appealing.
Bajamar: The Local's Coastal Paradise
Cristina Muñoz Vallejo, who grew up in Tenerife and now works at a London media agency, recommends the northeastern coastal town of Bajamar as one of the island's best-kept secrets. 'It's probably one of the least touristy places on the island,' she reveals, noting its popularity among residents throughout the year.
This beautiful coastal area features a 200-metre-long sandy coastline with cobalt waters and boasts impressive natural pools - seawater-filled lagoons that attract locals during summer when temperatures reach 29°C. The natural pools form a complex of lagoons that have become famous among Tinerfeños, with many owning second homes in the area.
Bajamar also serves as a hub for surfing enthusiasts, offering some of the island's biggest waves. Visitors can enjoy numerous waterside cafés and seafood restaurants, with Cristina particularly recommending La Cofradía de Bajamar for its fried sardines and stunning Atlantic views.
Taganana: Mountain Village Charm
Nestled in the mountains of Santa Cruz de Tenerife within the Anaga Rural Park, Taganana represents authentic Canarian life at its finest. This picturesque village features simple stone homes built into steep hillsides painted in vibrant colours, surrounded by lush green mountains and panoramic ocean views.
Visitors should explore the Church of Our Lady of the Snows, a Catholic temple dating back to the 16th century that showcases original flamenco artwork and a distinctive red tower. The surrounding park offers exceptional hiking opportunities, including a challenging 14km circular trail from Afur village that takes approximately seven hours to complete.
The hike reveals spectacular scenery including rugged cliffs, verdant forests, and remote volcanic beaches. History enthusiasts will appreciate the archaeological site known as Stone of the Guanches in Afur, which connects to ancient Guanche mummification practices dating back to the 6th century BC.
Authentic Dining at Guachinches
For truly authentic Canarian cuisine, Cristina directs visitors to traditional family-run establishments called Guachinches. 'The best - and insanely affordable - food you're going to get is at a Guachinche,' she emphasises.
These unique dining spots typically operate from garages or house terraces and are known mainly through word of mouth. Travellers can spot them by looking for roadside signs or searching Google Maps, though reaching them often involves navigating steep roads and parking in basic conditions.
Guachinches serve exclusively Canarian dishes including papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauces, carne fiesta (fried meat), ropa vieja (shredded meat stew), and queso asado (grilled cheese). They also feature wine produced from the owner's land, making for a completely authentic culinary experience.
Cristina recommends the municipalities of La Victoria de Acentejo, La Matanza de Acentejo, and Santa Ursula for finding the best Guachinches, naming Casa Basilio, el Tinglado, and La Huerta de Adan y Eva as particular favourites.
Cultural Immersion in La Orotava
For cultural enthusiasts, experiencing a romería provides unparalleled insight into Canarian traditions. These religious pilgrimages and celebrations occur between April and July across all municipalities, featuring joyful parades that showcase the islands' rich heritage.
Joanne Robinson, Chief Sales Officer at Spring Hotels Group and twenty-year Tenerife resident, recommends the San Benito celebration as particularly noteworthy. Held annually on the second Sunday of July, this event honours Tenerife's agricultural traditions with locals wearing folkloric dresses, ox-pulled carts, and parties featuring Canarian food, wine, and music.
Joanne advises arriving early to see the wagons and folk groups assemble, while also checking local transport options as towns fill quickly during these popular events.
Whether seeking pristine beaches, mountain adventures, authentic cuisine, or cultural experiences, Tenerife offers countless opportunities to venture beyond the typical tourist trail and discover the island's true character.
