It's one pretty village after another on this exclusive tour in the rugged northwest of Tenerife. We'll drop in at a roll call of the island's must-visits. Christian, one of our local experts, says, ‘A guide shows you around the park in Icod de los Vinos and gives you the lowdown on its fascinating dragon tree, which is 20 metres tall.' Santiago del Teide, local speciality tasting and a trip to Teno Rural Park are also part of the line-up.
First up is a pit stop in Santiago del Teide, a highland village of whitewashed homes. Then, in Icod de Los Vinos, you'll see up-close its centuries-old dragon tree. You'll also have free time to have a gander around the town. Garachico is next. Devastated by a 1706 volcanic eruption and rebuilt on its lava, it's been dubbed the ‘prettiest and unluckiest' place on the island. Its natural lava pools, guarded by a volcanic rock castle, draw bathers from all over the island.
When it's time to take a break, there's a tasty local lunch, served in a family-run restaurant in a traditional finca. The afternoon sees you exploring the craggy peaks of Teno Rural Park. It's famed for its biodiversity but also serves as the larder for most of Tenerife's top-quality natural produce. You'll even get to try some locally made marmalades and jams, all produced with a minimum carbon footprint. Finally, round off the day in the ‘lost hamlet' of Masca. Precariously perched on a ridge overlooking a valley, it's one of Tenerife's most eye-catching spots.
