Our home was built very recently, and ever since we have been very busy upgrading it to fulfil our needs.
Given Tenerife's extraordinary geomorphology, with Teide volcano crowning the island at 3718m (12198 ft), we were very doubtful about where to establish our homeif by the Atlantic Ocean swells or rather by the coniferous pine forest on the skirts of Teide.
Being fanatics of nature and sports, no matter if it's trekking, mountain biking, cycling, kite&windsurfing, Stand up paddle, surfing or paragliding, We decided we would rather stick to the middle road, and in our search we bumped into San Miguel. A charming small town, away from the beaten track, with all the amenities a short walk away, but yet with a touch of local authenticity and thankfully sheltered from mass tourism, still conveniently situated in a 15 minutes range from everything we would ever need, including South Tenerife Airport, world class wind/kite-surfing spot "El Medano" and la Tejita beach, Vilaflor town and it's unique wineries and mountain trail network, and if it's strictly necessary, just over a 15 minute drive from Los Cristianos and las Americas area bursting with an endless tourist offer including Siam park, jungle park, malls, nightlife etc.
We somehow found what we consider the perfect balance, and are very keen to share our retreat while we are away exploring other corners of the planet. Enjoy.
DESCRIPTION
Our house, is divided on three different floors and the backyard. The basement has room for two cars, pool are and the laundry room where you'll find a washing machine .
On the main floor you'll find a large living room, where a large L shaped sofa is surrounding a chimney which can get handy only the fewer cold days each year. You can also count with all of Netflix and prime video content.
There is a formal dining table overlooking the stunning views. You'll also find a large kitchen, with all amenities including dishwasher, and Nespresso at your disposal.
On the back end you'll find the garden area, BBQ, an outdoor dining table, a bathroom, and an impressive glass walled heated pool, The fact that it is elevated apart from giving it a stunning look, prevents younger infants from falling by accident into the water.
Lastly on the top floor you'll find the master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom as well as a large bathroom and two identical rooms with two double beds each. There is air conditioning/heating in all of the property.
EXPLORE
Tenerife has of course its share of sun, beach and sangria, but there is so much more to it, and our place is strategically situated in order to get a balanced mix. If you are into trekking, mountain biking, cycling, paragliding or just watching Nature, you have a vast choice. You only have to decide wether to go up the mountain or down to the coast, but don't you worry since it won't take you more than 15 minutes either way, and by the time you are back at home you'll for sure enjoy the peace and quite of San Miguel, the privacy or our home, a nice relaxing dip into our heated pool, a beer on the terrace or a movie on our home cinema.
Vilaflor is said to be the highest municipality in Spain, it will take just 15 minutes to drive up the mountain road to this picturesque little town, if you later follow the road it will take you all the way to Teide's plains, there is a cable car taking you up nearly all the way to the summit although to walk up the last part you need a permit which can be obtained on the website but you need to book in advance, if you are fit you can park your car and walk up Pico viejo (3100m) and even climb to to the top of the cable car (3700m) and then take the cable car down to save your knees the downhill stress. If you do your homework you can even book a slot on the mountain hut and spend the night, and from then on wake up before dawn to finish the climb and see the sun rising from the summit. Just bear in mind that the high altitude makes the trek very demanding.
On the Vilaflor area you'll find wineries, where to do some wine tasting. May I suggest you visit Alma de Trevejos . Order some cheese and pata asada and have a taste of their wine, if you are feeling adventurous try It's "baboso negro" a little more pricey than other local wine, but won't leave you indifferent, you may or may not like it but it's for sure an unique variety, and sought after out of the island, if you a feel like a nice lunch you can eat at casa Chamo, local products, great service, a beautiful terrace, and it's a great stop after trekking on the Ifonche area
And if you feel like some more trekking drive past Vilaflor onto Madre del Agua off-road trail where you'll find numerous trails, also great on mtb, If your don't mind steeper trails I suggest el sombrerito. Park your car by the sign right after TF21 Km-60 sign. Then take the trail to your right, its a circular path and it takes 2 hours, you'll enjoy the greatest views of Teide and its plains.
If hungry, you may want to stop at casa Roberto in Vilaflor or if you feel like Italian stop at el casino Greatest Italian thin crust pizzas, at a ridiculous price, although the place is not cosy the pizzas and tiramisu well deserve a stop. If you feel like grill you can stop at el Rincon de chasna with also a great gluten free menu.
If on the other hand you feel like walking near the sea, there is a nice path from El Palmar to the lighthouse, you can even continue after the light house to las galletas, or return back.
If you feel like some fresh fish you have 3 top options, El medano counts with el Templete ( in my opinion the best fish in the island although a bit more pricey (35-40€) including wine. Let the waiter recommend, them you can trust, also in el Medano you can eat at el familiar, also nice fish at lower price (25/30€), or at barrio húmedo (30/35€) nice fish, paella or meat, with beautiful views. El medano is a top wind and kite surfing spot so it can get a little windy, but still enjoyable for a walk and a drink stop at Manfreds for a nice tea or Mojito on the afternoon or at Veinte 04 for a well prepared G&T or other drink, they also have live music on weekends.
If you feel like walking you can climb la Montaña roja to enjoy great views, or go past to la Tejita, the best beach you can find on the fewer calmer days, stop by the chiringuito Pirata for some cheap cold beer, up the steps on the west end of the beach.
On the fisherman town of los Abrigos you can also find some fish restaurants by the sea. La Perla del mar or los Abrigos
You might want to have a go on a 3 day kitesurfing course. You have different schools at El Medano, which will also rent out equipment if you already know your way around. Azul kitesurfing
If you feel like cycling you have a great selection of both mountain and road bike at bike point el medano.
And if you feel like surfing you can go to las Américas for some lessons, or board rental.
Another nice day trip would be to Adeje town, into barranco del infierno, you can go and return in under an hour. In winter and spring you might even see some water flowing down the waterfall at the end, and why not celebrate it with some nice fried chicken, papas and salad on Las ramblas restaurant on the Main Street, you won't regret.
If you are an adrenaline yonkie you might want to have a go at paragliding on that area, at K2 they will set you up a tandem flight you won't forget, and Fran is one of the most experienced gliders I know. Contact: Fran Bethencourt
Another excellent day trip could be to drive to los Gigantes, arrange a pick up at the bottom of the Masca canyon, and walk down masca (2 1/2 hours) have swim at masca cove and return by boat to los gigantes and with some luck you'll find dolphins on the way back.
If you feel like some sailing, head to las Americas marina, and get on board Mola Mola, a 42 footer sailing boat, not the usual touristy trip, you can enjoy some great sailing with a glass of cava (Spanish champagne), pilot whale watching and a swim at a cove.
If you are travelling with children, why not enjoy Siam park one of the top water parks in the world, or The Jungle Park where you'll be able to enjoy some great bird shows.
AROUND
San Miguel is a little town, off the beaten track, meaning prices are way more reasonable than other tourist orientated areas, you'll find a handful of restaurants, a couple supermarkets, ATM's, a pharmacy, herbalist, fruit and veg store, bakery, some bars, cafeterias, florists, garages, and a bunch of other commerces, meaning you'll have everything you may need a short walk away, and it's great to sit down and grab a beer for 1€! In case you want to have dinner why not try canary cuisine at "La bodega San Miguel" an old winery converted into a restaurant, or some great tapas and wine at "La tasquita de Nino" set up on a beautifully remodelled ancient canary house. Both just over 100m from your doorstep. If you are feeling carnivorous you can climb or rather drive(very steep) up to el portillo (1km) you can order a great quality beef Lomo alto, and finish it off to your choice on your own personal grill. Nice avocado salad too, and great choice of wine.