ITTN’s Julia Labedz is currently on a press trip hosted by the Spanish Tourism Office and the Canary Islands Tourism Board to Tenerife and La Gomera.
She is joined by Niamh McCarthy of The Irish Sun, Joan Scales of Irish Daily Mail, Paul Kavanagh of Irish Daily Star, and Shane Brennan of the Irish Independent.
They are accompanied by Sara Rivero López from the Spanish Tourism Office in Dublin as they explore the tourism offerings in Tenerife’s and La Gomera.
Day 1
The trip began with a warm welcome at the Tivoli La Caleta Tenerife Resort, a beachfront property on Tenerife’s southern coast. Known for its luxurious ambiance and amenities, the resort provided an ideal base for the group. The resort features elegantly designed rooms, multiple restaurants offering local and international cuisine, and a range of wellness facilities, including multiple large outdoor pool and spa services. Positioned near top attractions yet tucked away in a peaceful area, Tivoli La Caleta sets the perfect tone for a relaxing stay in Tenerife, not to mention, you can hear the waves lapping at the beach from the terrace!
Anaga Rural Park, the first stop of the day, offered the group a chance to explore one of Tenerife’s most ecologically significant areas. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Anaga is known for its spectacular landscapes, with jagged peaks, deep ravines, and dense laurel forests that have been there for millions of years. As they moved through Jardina Viewpoint, Sendero de los Sentidos, and Pico del Inglés, the group was able to observe the park’s rich biodiversity, including numerous endemic plant and animal species unique to Tenerife. Guided by a local expert, Dario López, the group learned about the park’s natural history and ongoing conservation efforts aimed at protecting this ecosystem.
The group stopped at several viewpoints, most notably Pico del Inglés, where a Hawaiian-like landscape stretched on – a highlight of the trip.
The itinerary then took them to San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a city full of history and absolutely buzzing with energy, with the oldest University in the Canary Islands being located there. Known as a model for colonial city layouts having been the first city to adapt a grid layout, La Laguna showcases centuries-old architecture, with colonial mansions, ornate wooden balconies, and impressive religious buildings. The group had the opportunity to visit some of these historic sites, taking in the carefully preserved details that earned the city its UNESCO World Heritage status.
The group then enjoyed a leisurely lunch at Restaurante El Guaydil in La Laguna, where they were joined by Tatiana González from Turismo de Tenerife. The restaurant, known for its commitment to traditional Canarian flavours, served a menu of dishes crafted with local ingredients. This meal offered an authentic taste of Tenerife and provided an opportunity to discuss the island’s history with González, who offered additional insights into Tenerife’s culture, and spoke about its recent boom of Irish tourists, with a rise of 13% just in the last year.
In the afternoon, the group made their way to Teide National Park, Tenerife’s most iconic natural site and home to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak. Known for its extraordinary volcanic landscapes and unusual rock formations, the park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. The group enjoyed the varied terrain and colours, including expanses of red, yellow, and black volcanic soil that create a unique, Mars-like landscape. The evening’s highlight was witnessing the sunset from Las Narices del Teide, a viewpoint in the park that offers great views across the volcanic plains. The setting sun provided a fantastic close to the day’s activities.
Dinner took place at Hotel Spa Villalba, where the group enjoyed a meal that emphasised local ingredients and flavours in a gorgeous setting. Located in a mountain area, the hotel combines rustic charm with modern comforts and is known for its wellness offerings, including spa treatments and natural thermal pools, making it a unique and relaxing destination hotel away from the buzz of the coast.
The evening concluded with a return to the Tivoli La Caleta Tenerife Resort, where the group rested in preparation for another day.
Day 2
The morning began with an introductory surfing course at Playa del Conquistador, where the group learned the basics of surfing from experienced instructors. The beach’s waves made it an ideal spot for beginners, and López provided context on the local surf culture, sharing insights into how Tenerife’s climate and geography create excellent year-round surf conditions.
For lunch, the group dined at Restaurante Bésame Mucho, located in the south of Tenerife. Known for its modern and fun twist on traditional Canarian dishes, the restaurant serves a variety of delicious meals that highlight Tenerife’s local produce and traditions. The lunch was an opportunity for the group to relax and recharge after such an exciting morning.
Following lunch, the group travelled to Puerto Colón for a whale-watching excursion with White Tenerife aboard the Catamarán Abrazo. This popular activity is conducted under strict conservation guidelines to protect the region’s year-round population of dolphins and pilot whales. White Tenerife, which follows a stringent Quality Charter, operates in a way that respects the animals’ natural habitat. The catamaran crew approached the animals slowly and maintained a safe distance, ensuring minimal impact on the marine life. A dedicated whale-watching guide provided information on the biology and behaviour of the animals, underscoring the importance of Tenerife’s marine conservation efforts. This excursion was both educational and breathtaking, as the group had the opportunity to observe these incredible creatures in their natural environment.
Returning to the Tivoli La Caleta Tenerife Resort, the group concluded the day with a swim in the pool and relaxed buffet dinner. The extensive selection of dishes, including local and international options as well as themed nights allowed the group to unwind and enjoy the evening after a full day of activities on Tenerife’s stunning coastline.
ITTN’s Julia Labedz extends her thanks to the Spanish Tourism Office in Dublin, the Canary Islands Tourism Board, and Turismo de Tenerife for their generous organisation and support throughout this Tenerife experience. The Tenerife section of the trip has been thoughtfully organised courtesy of Turismo de Tenerife, showcasing the island’s exceptional landscapes, culture, and activities. The hospitality and expert guidance provided by all involved have made this an unforgettable introduction to Tenerife!
