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I I didn’t expect to encounter such otherworldly scenery, it felt like walking on the moon.
Huge sandstone-colored volcanic rock formations appeared in front of me and reminded me of Star Wars or War for the Planet of the Apesvery different from what I usually expect from a weekend getaway.
But this unexpected sight Tenerifethe largest canary islandsshowing that it is a destination that offers much more than winter sunshine.
In addition to familiar poolside cocktails, visitors can discover stunning views, rich history and fascinating geology during their stay.
We’ve been walking – or Moderate hiking ——For about half an hour, the scenery changes along the way.
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From dark basalt formed from lava from past volcanic eruptions to giant beige rocks left behind in the wake of volcanic ash clouds, the San Blas Environmental Preserve has kept our eyes open for all.
Although it feels very different from our leisurely breakfast spanish Omelette and juice that morning, great view of five-star Barceló Tenerife Hotels It is built in this otherworldly nature reserve.
The hotel’s terracotta walls and open walkways that meander between rooms and restaurants fit the aesthetic perfectly, meaning we could easily move from laid-back luxury to the rugged remains of the island’s volcanic formations.
“That’s our Buckingham Palace,” our tour guide Arturo told me. As a native of the island, he noted Mount Teide in the distance – a volcano The last eruption was in 1909 and now it stands majestically overlooking the resort and natural park.
With an altitude of more than 3,000 meters, this volcano is the third highest volcano in the world. On this slightly cloudy morning, its peaks reach into the clouds, looking very mysterious.
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Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to hike to the top during our stay, but Arturo suggested that if I were to return, the cable car would be the best option, warning me that the hike up the mountain would be “tough.”
Walking around the 500,000 square meters of protected space that makes up San Blas is easier – grab a good pair of sneakers, a hat and lots of sunscreen, and off we go.
The dry brown ground is dotted with cacti, including thick-stemmed cardong.
Someone’s fingernail left a small dent in the branch of the Tabaiba bush, causing the milky substance to drip. This thick sap is sticky to the touch and helps plants withstand the scorching heat of 20-plus degree winter days.
Soon the vegetation becomes clear and we enter what can only be described as a lunar landscape, surrounded by sheer cliffs of yellow-beige rock that form Tenerife’s famous canyons carved by the wind over hundreds of thousands of years.
Going further, we were surprised by a small reservoir with dense leaves and palm trees growing on both sides. Arturo held us on a long rope and took us across the water in a small wooden boat, where we explored more of the historic caves formerly inhabited by the Guenchis, Tenerife’s indigenous people.
In the silence of the midday sun, we closed our eyes as Arturo recited ancient prayers around a well-preserved open-air Neolithic temple.
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He told us that this place has a rich history, having experienced many occupations by colonial explorers and that many Guanchi people were sold into slavery.
“Tenerife was tax-free for sailors at the time,” he says, telling us a pub quiz fact that will no doubt be valuable for the future: London’s Canary Wharf was so named because of the trade in tomatoes and other fresh produce shipped from this Canary island to England’s capital.
After the hike, Arturo promised us a time machine experience at the resort, but to my surprise, it was just a joke.
The hotel has something I didn’t expect but was impressed by – an underground museum and interpretive center.
In almost blinding darkness, we enter different rooms that take us on a walk through the island’s history, from its formation in millions of years of volcanic eruptions – with a shaky floor to immerse us in the experience – to the first inhabitants, settler invasions and immigration.
This experience taught me that Tenerife offers visitors more than just lounging in the sun, and Barcelo truly offers the best of both worlds.
Rich in history, we’re ready to relax—did someone say sipping margaritas by the pool? There are seven to choose from, including a heated model for those rare cold days.
For those who want to relax and engage in some relaxing activities, there is also a lake for kayaking and a beach volleyball court.
My spacious room was one of 272 at the resort, with an ocean view terrace on the ultra-luxurious Royal Floor, known as a “hotel within a hotel” due to its private pool and restaurant.
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Guests certainly won’t go hungry, with on-site restaurants serving a variety of cuisine from Italian to authentic Spanish.
The former offers burrata, pizza and aperitifs, while the latter has a fresh seafood menu including oysters, calamari croquettes and red shrimp paella.
Even though I was already full, it was well worth squeezing in a slice of the traditional melt-in-your-mouth cheesecake with yuzu cream.
Maybe next time I’ll make that difficult trek Mount Teideif only to whet your appetite for the delicious food that Barcelona has to offer.
how to do
A visit to the San Blas Environmental Reserve (including a visit to the interpretive center and a guided tour of the reserve) costs €15 for adults and €8 for children. Price for non-guests is €22.50 for adults and €14.50 for children.
Where to stay
Aine Fox traveled to Tenerife as guests of Barcelona.
Barcelo Tenerife Hotel is only a 10-minute drive from Tenerife South Airport.
Standard rates range from €220 to €520 per room per night, including breakfast; Royal rates range from €330 to €620 per room per night, including breakfast.