The A-Z of Tenerife (From Someone Who Actually Lives Here)

A – Aloe Vera – You’ll see it growing everywhere on the island. The locals have been using it for centuries, and now there are farms where you can learn about its healing properties. Trust me, keep some in the fridge for after a day in that Canarian sun.

B – Barraquito – Forget your flat whites, this is the coffee you need to try. Layers of condensed milk, espresso, frothed milk, a splash of Licor 43, and a twist of lemon. It’s basically dessert in a glass, and I’m not ashamed to say I have one most afternoons.

C – Carnival – Second only to Rio, Santa Cruz’s Carnival is absolutely mental. February brings the whole island to life with costumes, music, and street parties that go on for weeks. Book accommodation early or you’ll be sleeping on the beach.

D – Dorada – Our local beer. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect after a hike. You can only get it here and on Gran Canaria, so make the most of it. Pair it with some papas arrugadas and you’re living the dream.

E – El Teide – Not just “Mount Teide” – locals call it El Teide. At 3,718 meters, it’s Spain’s highest peak and an active volcano. The cable car gets you close to the summit, but you need a permit to reach the very top. Go at sunrise if you can handle the early start.

F – Fiestas – Every town has its own patron saint and that means fiestas. Expect processions, fireworks, traditional music, and locals dressed in traditional Canarian costume. The atmosphere is incredible and tourists are always welcome.

G – Guachinches – These are the real deal. Traditional family-run eateries in the north where locals serve homemade wine and simple, delicious food. No fancy menus, just whatever they’ve cooked that day. Cash only, and they’re only open certain months.

H – Hiking – The island is a hiker’s paradise. From the Anaga Mountains in the north to the volcanic landscapes around Teide, there are trails for every level. Just bring proper shoes – flip-flops won’t cut it.

I – Internet – It’s actually pretty good here now, which is why you’ll find loads of digital nomads setting up shop in places like Puerto de la Cruz and Los Cristianos. Fiber optic has reached most areas.

J – Jamón – While not unique to Tenerife, the jamón serrano here is exceptional. Pop into any local bar and order a plate with some crusty bread. You’ll understand why Spaniards are obsessed.

K – Kayaking – The coastline is stunning from the water. You can kayak alongside cliffs, into caves, and if you’re lucky, spot dolphins and turtles. Los Gigantes is particularly spectacular.

L – La Laguna – The old capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Beautiful colonial architecture, university town vibes, and the best nightlife outside of Playa de las Américas. It’s where locals actually go out.

M – Mojo – The sauce that goes on everything. Red mojo (picón) is spicy, green mojo (verde) is herby. Both are made with garlic, oil, and local peppers or coriander. You’ll be putting it on your breakfast by day three.

N – North vs South – Two completely different islands. The north is green, cooler, more traditional and authentically Canarian. The south is sunny, dry, and tourist-focused. I live in the north but head south when I need guaranteed sunshine.

O – Observatorio del Teide – One of the world’s best places for stargazing. The clear skies and altitude make it perfect. There are organised tours, or you can just drive up and look yourself. Mind-blowing.

P – Papas Arrugadas – Wrinkly potatoes boiled in seawater and served with mojo. Sounds simple, tastes incredible. It’s the island’s signature dish and you’ll find it everywhere from guachinches to fancy restaurants.

Q – Quiet Season – November and early December, then again in January after Three Kings Day. Fewer tourists, lower prices, and the weather’s still lovely. That’s when I actually go to the beach.

R – Ramblas – Not the Barcelona kind. Here it means the dry riverbeds that occasionally flood during heavy rain. Don’t park in them, and definitely don’t try to drive through them when it’s raining. Every year someone ignores this advice.

S – Siesta – It’s real. Shops close between 1-4pm, especially in smaller towns. Plan accordingly or you’ll be standing outside a locked door wondering where everyone went.

T – Timple – A small five-string guitar unique to the Canary Islands. You’ll hear it in traditional folk music. There’s even a museum dedicated to it in Teguise, though that’s in Lanzarote.

U – UV Index – Seriously high, even when it’s cloudy. The sun here is no joke. I’ve seen too many tourists turn lobster-red on their first day. Wear sunscreen. Always.

V – Vino – Canarian wine is having a moment. The volcanic soil produces unique flavours. Try the whites from the north – they’re crisp and perfect with fresh fish. Wine tourism is growing, with several bodegas offering tastings.

W – Whales and Dolphins – The channel between Tenerife and La Gomera is one of the best places in Europe to see them. Pilot whales live here year-round. Take a responsible tour that doesn’t chase them.

X – Xmas – Christmas here is warm and sunny. We celebrate on Christmas Eve with a big family meal, then Three Kings Day (January 6th) is actually bigger than Christmas for kids. The parades are spectacular.

Y – Year-Round Weather – Eternal spring, they call it. Temperatures rarely drop below 20°C or go above 30°C. It’s why so many northern Europeans retire here. Though I’ll admit, the north can get a bit rainy in winter.

Z – Zona Comercial – Shopping centres like Siam Mall in the south. Air-conditioned havens when it’s too hot, with everything from Zara to local boutiques. Not very authentic, but sometimes you just need a proper shopping trip.