Are You An Anti-tourist Tourist? Escape the Crowds in Tenerife

Lonely Planet Pocket Tenerife (Travel Guide)
Lonely Planet's Pocket Tenerife is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you.More information and prices from:
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Tenerife is a wonderful holiday destination, no matter what time of year you go, and no matter who you go with. There's so many things to see and do there, that it's hard to fit it all into such a short space of time, however if you plan your itinerary well, you'll be able to experience everything this spectacular island has to offer. From glorious sunshine and golden brown sands to great food and even better nightlife, Tenerife won't disappoint.

However, what if you're not the touristy type of tourist? Most people enjoy relaxing on the beach all day, go back to their hotel for a snooze, wake up, get ready, go out to eat, and then dance the night away. Although that may seem like the perfect holiday, repeating the same activities day after day might get a little boring. If you're looking to leave the usual tourists behind and explore the surrounding area in your own time, there are many ways to go about it.

Whether you're renting a car, or getting the bus, the transport networks in Tenerife are very well maintained, and getting about the island is as easy as getting to it. One of the best things to do if you want to escape the tourist hotspots is visit the Canarian villages. Let's take a look at some of the best of them.

Abona

From Buzanada to Los Cristianos, Abona has a number of small towns and villages to visit on your trip to Tenerife. Not only is it only a short drive away from tourist hotspots and resorts, but it's also hidden away well enough to stay traditional and peaceful. Abona's costal scenery is simply fantastic, and the views from Montana Roja are like nowhere else on the island. There are also waves of sand dunes in Abona too, so you can rent an off-road vehicle and take an exciting detour.

The beaches at Abona are a dream, and just what the doctor ordered if you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big resorts. If you're with your children, why not treat them to some kite-flying or surfing lessons, and there are also a number of traditional restaurants overlooking the shoreline

Adeje

Adeje is another quite town just a short drive or bus ride from the busy resorts, however there's a little more going on here compared to Abona. With stunning costal walks and cycling trails, you can easily spend the day exploring the beautiful landscape, stopping off at cafés and vineyards along the way. There are some great sights to see in Adeja, and if you like your nature walks, then watch out for 'corchos' - they look like palm trees, but they're actually bee hives! There are also some waterfalls to see too, however you'll need a local guide to find them.