Tenerife might not be your first choice for a language school destination. However, the island has much more to offer than concrete resorts and parties. Especially in winter, it can be the perfect place to avoid the bitter northern European cold and soak up some winter sun.
In fact, as I write this, it is a pleasant 21°C in Puerto de la Cruz, while snow is forecast in Madrid.
But to avoid the tourist crowds and find some real Spanish speakers to practice with, we have put together some tips to make your language holiday unforgettable!
North vs. South Tenerife
Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and is home to the impressive Mount Teide - Spain’s highest point and an active volcano. The island is served by two airports, one in the north and another in the south.
The south of the island, particularly the area around Playa de las Américas, is where most of the package tourists flock. Here, you will find the typical tourist amenities: full English breakfasts, menus with pictures, and parties that continue well into the early hours. It is great for a tan, but not ideal for immersion.
In contrast, the North - specifically Puerto de la Cruz, where our partner school is located - feels like a different world. While the official capital (Santa Cruz) is nearby, Puerto de la Cruz is the historic heart of the north. It is greener, more authentic, and, most importantly, very much Spanish-speaking.
What to expect in Puerto de la Cruz
If you choose a course here, you are swapping high-rise hotels for colonial architecture and leafy plazas.
Puerto de la Cruz is a working city where Canarians actually live. This means that when you order a coffee in the Plaza del Charco, you will be surrounded by locals discussing the news, not just tourists looking at maps.
The Beaches: Forget the imported golden sand of the south; here, the beaches (like Playa Jardín) are made of striking black volcanic sand.
The Architecture: The old town is full of traditional Canarian wooden balconies and colourful facades that date back centuries.
The "Guachinche" Experience
If you study in Tenerife, you must visit a "Guachinche." This is the ultimate insider tip for anyone - even those on a student budget.
A Guachinche is a makeshift, traditional restaurant found primarily in the north of the island. They are often located in a garage or a local's patio, or sometimes even in a cave. They emerged when local winemakers wanted to sell their surplus wine and started serving simple, homemade food to go with it.
- What to eat: You won't find a printed menu. You eat what they cooked that day: usually grilled meats, rich stews, and the famous Papas Arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes with spicy Mojo sauce).
- The Price: You can often eat a huge meal with wine for under €15. It is authentic, chaotic, and delicious.
Nature Beyond the Volcano
While everyone visits Mount Teide (which you absolutely should), the North offers a greener alternative: Anaga Rural Park. Just a short trip from the school, this ancient laurel forest feels like Jurassic Park. It offers some of the best hiking in Spain, with trails that take you through the clouds and down to secluded beaches that you can often have all to yourself.
A Note on the "Micro-Climates" (And the Rain)
We value transparency, so let’s be honest about the weather: Tenerife has distinct "micro-climates," and this is the main reason why the mass tourism industry focuses on the South.
The South is essentially a desert. It is brown, dry, and almost guarantees sunshine 365 days a year.
The North, on the other hand, is a lush, subtropical garden. And to keep those palm trees and banana plantations green, it does need to rain sometimes.
- The Reality: You might experience some showers in Puerto de la Cruz, especially in winter.
- The Trade-off: The rain is usually short-lived and passes quickly. Plus, it is responsible for the incredibly clean air and the stunning green landscapes that you just don't get in the arid South.
- The "Panza de Burro": You will also encounter the local phenomenon known as the Panza de Burro (Donkey’s Belly)—a layer of clouds that often hangs over the valley. This keeps the temperature pleasant (usually 20–22°C) rather than scorching, making it perfect for hiking and studying, even if it's not always sunbathing weather.
Summary
If you want 100% sun and English pubs, go South. But if you want to learn Spanish, eat incredible food for half the price, and experience an island culture that feels like a bridge between Spain and Latin America, Puerto de la Cruz in the North is the place to be.
Current Promotion
Does Tenerife sound like your kind of winter escape? We are currently offering a special discount on courses in Puerto de la Cruz. Use the code TENERIFE10 to get an extra 10% off courses at Don Quijote Tenerife.
