Anyone who believes that the Canarian island of Tenerife has nothing to offer except beach is more than wrong. Especially in the interior unique nature and lots of recreation is waiting for the travellers, and this usually at really affordable prices. A good example is Hotel Rural El Patio in Garachico. This town is located in the northwest of the island and the building has been constructed as early as in 1565. But don’t worry: the amenities quite correspond with the present times. This house has already been declared as a cultural heritage by the government of the island and it is situated amidst a banana plantation of roughly 60 hectares. For recreation the heated pool, as well as the sauna are available. If you prefer to do sports you will get your money’s worth on the tennis court or in the golf course near the hotel. Tenerife somewhat differently.

We remain in Garachico, but are moving towards the center of this small town. There, Hotel La Quinta Roja has its doors open. The building is almost as old as the Rural El Patio and likewise dates from the 16th century. The architecture is entirely in Baroque style and contains 20 cosy rooms. Despite its rural furnishing which perfectly fits in the style of the surrounding, all technical amenities are available and of course the hotel also holds its own restaurant, a small gift shop as well as its own – although small – spa area. Originally this house was the seat of the Marquis of Quinta Roja and one can be almost certain that he would be delighted with the present-day usage.

We leave Garachico and drive to the north of the island. There, namely in La Villa de La Orotava, the Alhambra is to be found. Of course, we are not talking about the famous building from the Moorish times but about the eponymous Hotel Alhambra. However, the name was chosen cautiously, because this small Tenerife hotel with its five rooms also shows obvious traces of Arab architecture. A true gem awaits its guests: a view on the nearby valley, the sea, as well as on Mount Teide. The small garden is cosy and a casual and informal atmosphere prevails, as in the rest of the hotel. Familial bed & breakfast with distinctive romantic traits.