If you plan on holidaying in Tenerife in the near future, a travel content creator based at the popular Canary Islands resort has pinpointed five mistakes many people make visiting. Taking to TikTok, Tenerife Ambience claimed that such errors prevent tourists from seeing the “real” island. Around 2.3 million Brits head to the sun-drenched location annually, many of whom seemingly fall foul of these five tips.

Staying only in the South

“The South is for sun and hotels,” Tenerife Ambience said, “but the soul of the island is in the North (Anaga, La Orotava, Garachico) – that is where the real magic begins.”

Fearing the North’s weather

Linked to the previous point, Tenerife Ambience advises would-be holidaymakers not to fear the supposed harsher weather conditions in the north of the island. “Mist in the laurel forests is not a ‘bad forecast’,” they elaborated.

“It is the most photogenic atmosphere you will ever see. Just pack a light jacket.”

While mountain roads may appear short on the map, these ‘serpentines’ routes take time to navigate. As such, Tenerife Ambience suggests: “Do not rush through the drives. Tenerife is not for hurrying.”

Mount Teide is a 3,718-metre-high active stratovolcano located on the island, and is a must-see. However, Tenerife Ambience warns against visiting it around midday, when it is often overcrowded.

“The heat and crowds kill the scale of this place,” they said. “Stay for the sunset. Watching the sun go down above the clouds is a life-changing experience.”

Closing Tenerife Ambience’s list is a caution surrounding dining out on the local cuisine. “Forget frozen paella in the ports,” they instructed. “Look for Guachinches in the North. Local wine and fresh octopus are the true taste of the island.”

For those who enjoy exploring on foot, meanwhile, Tenerife Ambience has collated five “iconic” oceanfront routes to “feel the real energy” of the Atlantic, taking in “wild cliffs to misty palm groves”. These are in their own words:

1. Costa de El Sauzal. A hidden scenic boardwalk directly above the crashing waves.
2. El Médano to Montaña Roja. Windy dunes and a stunning view of the Red Mountain. Pure freedom.
3. Lago Martiánez to Playa Jardín. The best of Puerto de la Cruz: saltwater pools, black sand, and lush parks.
4. Punta del Hidalgo. Walking between huge volcanic mountains and natural ocean pools. North side vibe.
5. Rambla de Castro. A lush palm forest trail right above the powerful Atlantic ocean. A total fairytale.