A former TUI travel advisor with over a decade of experience in the Canary Islands is urging holidaymakers to look beyond Tenerife's famous southern resorts and discover the authentic charms of its northern region. Natasha Mooney, who now splits her time between the UK and Güímar in Tenerife with her husband Javier, says the north holds the island's true treasures.
From Travel Advisor to Local Expert
Natasha Mooney spent ten years as a TUI travel advisor before transitioning to a homeworking retail expert role. Her deep connection to Tenerife began through frequent holidays, and after marrying Javier, the couple established a part-time home in Güímar. This unique perspective allows her to offer genuine insights into both tourist hotspots and local havens.
Why the North Deserves Your Attention
Mooney emphasizes that while the south attracts crowds with its golden beaches and affordable resorts, the north offers a cooler, greener landscape rich with culture. She recommends trading familiar coastlines for scenic harbours, natural saltwater pools, dramatic black sand beaches, rustic hotels, and locally produced Canarian wines.
Santa Cruz: The Overlooked Capital
Despite being the island's capital, Santa Cruz is often bypassed by tourists. Mooney highlights its tree-lined boulevards, modern art installations, picturesque plazas, and a waterfront with a genuine Mediterranean ambiance. Key attractions include the striking Auditorio de Tenerife, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, and the bustling Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África, filled with bars and stalls selling fresh local produce.
Nearby, Playa de Las Teresitas provides a Saharan-style beach experience with golden sand and turquoise waters. Mooney also praises the city's Carnival in February, describing it as "truly spectacular" and second only to Rio in scale, showcasing the island's pride and spirit.
Puerto de la Cruz: Authentic Canarian Charm
According to Mooney, Puerto de la Cruz on the north coast represents Tenerife at its most authentic. This charming city blends chic and traditional Spanish elements, featuring a historic fishing harbour, intimate bars with live music, colourful narrow streets, and colonial-style restaurants serving modern Canarian cuisine.
A must-visit is Lago Martiánez, a saltwater complex with interconnected pools filled with Atlantic water, set against a backdrop of palm trees, sun terraces, and black volcanic rock.
Natural Wonders and Outdoor Adventures
Northern Tenerife boasts an abundance of wild black sand beaches and lesser-known nature spots. While Playa Jardín offers stunning views with its volcanic sand and Atlantic waves, Mooney recommends Playa Bollullo, accessed through banana plantations, for its dramatic cliffs and traditional chiringuito beach bar.
The region's charcos, or natural lava rock pools like Charco del Viento and El Caletón in Garachico, provide safe sea swimming with exceptional views. For thrill-seekers, Anaga Rural Park offers adrenaline-boosting hikes through ancient laurel forests and wild ravines, while Teno Rural Park delivers jaw-dropping views over the cliffs of Los Gigantes.
The Volcanic Heart of the Island
Mount Teide, located in UNESCO-listed Las Cañadas del Teide National Park, is described by Mooney as the "volcanic heart of the island" with its lunar-like landscape and Spain's highest summit. Excursions, including easy hiking tours and Teide by night experiences, are available through TUI Musement.
Living near Güímar gives Mooney easy access to the Pyramids of Güímar, while La Laguna, the island's former UNESCO World Heritage capital, offers pastel-coloured mansions and a cooler, greener atmosphere.
Practical Tips for Exploring the North
Getting around northern Tenerife is straightforward, with regular buses connecting the north, south, and capital. Accommodation options range from the rustic Hotel Riu Garoe to the luxurious 5-star Hotel Botanico & The Oriental Spa Garden. For nature and tranquillity, Mooney suggests The Hotel Hacienda del Conde in Buenavista del Norte.
Eating and Drinking Like a Local
Mooney insists that eating like a local is essential. Beyond Michelin-starred restaurants, visitors should seek out guachinches—intimate, family-run eateries serving authentic Canarian food paired with local wine. A hidden gem is Lomo de Santo, where a meat platter for four plus a litre of wine costs just €20 (£17).
For great value, look for Listán Blanco or Malvasía whites and Listán Negro reds, often available in local restaurants and shops for €6–€10 per bottle.
Final Advice from an Insider
Mooney's final piece of advice is to be confident and explore. "The public transport is excellent," she says. "Wherever you’re staying, it’s easy. Tenerife is an island of contrasts, and the north rewards curiosity with culture, scenery, and food that stay with you long after you return home."
