Balconies, Basalt & Beryani

Day 4 was what you’d politely call a “lazy day.” We snorkeled, swam, accidentally crisped my back in the sun, and then stayed up late to gaze at the stars. Tenerife isn’t just good for beaches—it also happens to be Europe’s best place for stargazing!

By Day 5, we were refreshed and ready for culture again, so we headed north to the greener, lusher part of the island. First stop: La Orotava, a charming town full of terraced viewpoints and beautifully carved wooden balconies.

Next, we visited the famous 1,000-year-old dragon tree in Icod de los Vinos. Let’s just say: it’s big, it’s ancient, and it looks exactly like something a wizard would keep in his garden.

But the highlight was diving into a volcanic labyrinth, the longest in Europe and sixth largest in the world. Exploring underground passages carved by lava flows was both thrilling and slightly spooky. Nothing like realizing nature builds better tunnels than humans ever could. Having a guide expecting the next volcanic eruption within one year time made us a bit nervous though 😱

We ended the day in Puerto de la Cruz, where we loved a plate of flavors at a Persian restaurant. Between saffron rice, juicy kebabs, and aromatic chicken, we decided it was one of the best meals of the trip. Who knew Tenerife’s north would serve up such a multicultural surprise?Read more