Discover the hidden part of Tenerife

Company: Tenerife Tourism Corporation

There is plenty to do on the island of Tenerife besides staying in the south of the island on the beach! Why not go to The Orotava Valley and visit the gigantic dormant volcano, Mount Teide, which at 3,718 metres is the highest in Spain. The Orotava Valley, or Garden of Tenerife, stretches from The Teide National Park to the coast and covers a diverse land of lava desert, pine and eucalyptus forest, sand dunes and fertile soil yielding fruit, grain, maize and vines.

This region of Tenerife is made up of three main areas; the cosmopolitan fishing town of Puerto de la Cruz which is nestled among banana plantations, the magical town of Orotava, full of historic buildings and magnificent houses and Los Realejos which boasts 5 protected areas occupying half of the land in this region.

Volcanic activity has sculpted the Orotava Valley and blessed it with rich fertile soil, unique landscapes and a spectacular coastline featuring outcrops of lava and black sandy coves. With its nature parks, forests, sub tropical areas and gorges, it is ideal for nature lovers, while the Botanical gardens in Puerto de la Cruz boast plant species from all over the world.

Enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants of locally caught fish served ‘Tenerifian’ style with the local ‘mojo’ sauce (red - made from red peppers, oil, garlic and paprika or green – with green peppers, garlic, oil and coriander).

This is the area to sample the local food which is simple and traditional, using quality local ingredients from the coast and the mountains: delicious fish, sea food and tasty meat, fine cheeses, excellent wines, quality honey and "gofio" (toasted cereal flour).

You will experience something for everybody here from good food and wine, theme parks for all the family, nature and trekking, quality accommodation, culture and history and much much more. Come and discover this hidden part of Tenerife!