Garachico · Tenerife
The island as few people see it.
Many people think they know Tenerife. But what this island and its people really have to offer stays hidden from most. On this trip you get to know the Tenerife of the locals, and you support small businesses and special projects rather than the big hotel chains. That is what truly makes the island.
The other Tenerife
An island that holds many worlds at once.
Far from the “amusement park” tourism that sadly still dominates Tenerife, the island has a completely different side. Truly visiting Tenerife means getting to know an island that holds many worlds. When you open yourself up to it, you are richly rewarded: incredible scenery from misty forests to volcanoes, traditional villages and beautiful little towns, an unmatched night sky and the feeling of a spring that never ends.
Tenerife sits in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, an island formed by lava, with a soul that feels ancient and almost mystical. Tenerife is full of wonder.
To discover all of that, you have to dig deeper. And that is exactly what I have done for you: by living on the island, through my connection with the people here, and by finding places and projects you won’t find on Google.
And I will show you all of it.
Arcana
ar·ca·num, plural arcana, Latin for the hidden things. What a place keeps for the people who belong to it.
Tenerife has two versions. One is photographed ten thousand times a day and can be booked in four clicks: crowds, low budget, and the money flows into big hotels and amusement parks. The other version opens up when you look more closely, through real encounters with people whose love for their island is contagious in the best sense, and through an eye for the fine and the special.
We only do version two.
FAQ
Who is this trip for?
This trip is designed for couples, friends or solo travellers. It is for travellers who value quality and authentic experiences, who want to step away from mass tourism and travel slowly and consciously, and who would love to really get to know the island and its people.
What does it look like?
In a very small group of no more than 6 people, we discover the treasures of this island away from the crowds. A boutique-style trip with 7 curated days full of special experiences, without the rush that group trips often bring. I make sure you can enjoy every day to the full and still have enough time to rest and recharge. Every day has one special highlight, and there are also days to sleep in and moments just for you.
Where do we stay?
Your accommodation is an experience in itself. The boutique Hotel San Roque sits in one of the most enchanting towns on the island: Garachico. San Roque is an 18th-century architectural jewel that the owners have restored with great care and respect for the character of the house. A rare combination: a quiet oasis, right in the middle of town. The philosophy of its founder and director, Dominique, is to offer you exceptional quality while making it feel like you are staying with good friends.
This trip is for you if
- you love what is special and prefer to travel boutique style
- you have no wish for mass tourism
- it matters to you to get to know a place consciously
This trip is not for you if
- you want to squeeze as many experiences as possible into a few days
- you really only want a hiking or beach holiday
- you are looking for a cheap party holiday
Where you stay
Hotel San Roque, Garachico
Your accommodation is an experience in itself. San Roque is an 18th-century architectural jewel that the owners have restored with great care and respect for the character of the house. A rare combination: a quiet oasis, right in the middle of town. The philosophy of its founder and director, Dominique, is to offer you exceptional quality while making it feel like you are staying with good friends.
Ungoogleable Tenerife
Itinerary
01
02
03Day 1Arrival
Welcome to Tenerife! Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy some time to rest and settle in.
At 19.30, we gather with the entire group for a Welcome Dinner at Restaurant Anturium (Hotel San Roque) where you will be experiencing a cuisine that begins with what the surrounding landscape has to offer: Atlantic fish, fruit and vegetables from nearby producers, and a menu that evolves naturally with the changing seasons.
Day 2Farm-to-table – La Orotava
After breakfast we will leave to La Orotava, known to be the most beautiful town of the island. We will explore the town and get a bite to eat.
(Alfombra de arena to be confirmed)
In the afternoon, we will visit a small ecological finca just outside of the town. You will learn about their ecological principles and have the option of harvesting the vegetables that we will later on enjoy in a farm-to-table version of a typical Spanish “Picoteo”. You learn how to make a typical Canarian “Mojo Verde” with fresh ingredients.
Day 3Into the Anaga Mountains
Today we venture into the oldest part of the island: the Anaga mountains, where ancient laurel forests grow out of the mist and the paths feel untouched by time. Our guide takes us on a scenic hike to a place you will not find on any map. Along the way, we meet a local shepherd who demonstrates the “salto del pastor” - the ancient Canarian art of moving across volcanic terrain with nothing but a long wooden pole. A tradition passed down through generations, and one that very few visitors ever get to see.
We take our time and we reward ourselves with a picnic of local produce, right there in nature.
In the afternoon, we visit the atelier of a young basket maker from Anaga who is keeping one of the island’s oldest crafts alive.
In the evening, we return to Garachico and gather for dinner at the hotel.
Day 4Out on the Atlantic
The early start will be worth it. Today, we drive to the south coast, where a small boat and a team of marine biologists are waiting for us. Out on the Atlantic, we look for the whales and dolphins that call these waters home. A quiet, respectful encounter, guided by people who study these animals every day.
Afterwards, we continue to La Laguna, the island’s historic university town. The afternoon is yours: wander through the colourful streets that you might find give “La Habana” vibes (for a good reason), find a spot for lunch (we will share our favourites) and let the town work its charm.
At around 17.00 we return to the hotel. In the evening, we gather for dinner together at Restaurant Anturium.
Day 5Above the Clouds
Today, the morning and afternoon belong to you. Sleep in, enjoy the hotel, take a swim and gather energies for our big evening programme.
In the evening, we drive up towards Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak. We start the evening with a picnic above the clouds, with local produce and a glass of Canarian wine. As darkness falls, our private astronomer will guide us along one of the best night skies in the world. Far from any light pollution, you will see the stars like you have never seen them before.
Day 6Fashion and Regeneration
Today we spend the whole day with one of the most inspiring people we know: Mia, a regenerative fashion designer. At 10.00, she welcomes us into her atelier in La Laguna and shares the story behind her brand - how design, craft and regeneration come together in her work. Mia’s work is the essence of quiet luxury. Modern fits, ecological cotton, local references.
From there, we continue to her land, where she shows us her regeneration project and what it means to give back to the soil more than you take. We enjoy a Picoteo, followed by a workshop where you create your own pillowcase to take home.
If the season allows, we close the day with a sunset yoga session before returning to Garachico.
Day 7Rounding Off & Farewell
At 17.00, we gather in the courtyard of Hotel San Roque, where a local winemaker guides us through a tasting of Canarian wines. For our farewell dinner, we will all sit at one long table, family style, joined by the people who opened their worlds to you this week.
Day 8Hasta luego, Tenerife
After breakfast, we head to the airport. If you have a later flight, you can leave your luggage at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day.
What we will not do.
What makes this trip good is what we do, and also what we say no to.
- No more than six guestsAs a counterpoint to mass tourism, we deliberately travel as a small group. That way we don’t need big coaches to get around the island, and we can give our full attention to these six people.
- No captive animalsWe only see whales and dolphins where they belong: in the open ocean. We keep our distance and don’t disturb the animals.
- Fair payAll our hosts are paid fairly for their time. We never push prices down.
- No rushingWe want this trip to be restful too. This is no classic “on the bus, off the bus” group trip, so we plan just one bigger highlight per day.
What it costs
€2,900
per guest, sharing a double room. Travelling solo adds €550 for a room of your own.
Included
- Seven nights at Hotel San Roque with breakfast every day
- All activities
- Four dinners together
- Picnics on the outings in Anaga and at Teide, plus “picoteos” during the activities
Not included
Flights and airport transfers
Join the waitlist
Be the first to hear about dates.
We are planning the first weeks for early 2027. Leave your details and you will hear about dates before anyone else, with no obligation to book.
We read every sign-up ourselves and write back personally, in German, English or Spanish. We never send newsletters you did not ask for.
If you work for a travel agency or operator, choose that in the form and we will send you our partner brochure.