Tenerife holiday with Spanish lessons

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

This tour in North Tenerife focuses on sustainability and slow travel, with guests primarily using public transportation, such as buses, to reach different destinations. Once there, we explore on foot—whether in towns or rural areas—taking in the local culture, nature, and volcanic landscapes. On rare occasions, we may use a local taxi to reach more remote areas. This approach helps reduce the carbon footprint while supporting local communities and minimizing environmental impact.

We also prioritize local, seasonal food by dining at traditional and other local restaurants that source ingredients from nearby farmers and markets, supporting sustainable agriculture and reducing our carbon footprint.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

During this tour, guests will be accompanied by an official Canary Islands guide, with one of the main objectives being to share the invaluable value of Tenerife's nature and make visitors aware of its fragility. For example, guests are asked to bring their own reusable water bottles to avoid single-use plastics, and we encourage minimizing packaging waste by shopping locally and opting for products with minimal or recyclable packaging. We also highlight the importance of recycling and proper waste disposal while in nature, ensuring that visitors understand the impact of their actions and how they can reduce their environmental footprint while enjoying Tenerife’s beauty.

A highlight of this journey is our visit to the local guide's hometown, Icod el Alto, where guests visit my home and vegetable garden. Here, they will see first-hand how traditional farming practices, like cultivating local "papas" (potatoes), connect with sustainable living. This experience offers an intimate look at Tenerife's rural lifestyle and demonstrates how local communities maintain a harmonious relationship with nature.

We will explore protected areas, such as Teide National Park, where stargazing takes place, and other natural areas that have no entry fees, but will serve to heighten awareness of Tenerife’s natural treasures.

Additionally, our base in La Orotava, a Cittaslow city, exemplifies sustainable living, with the local community working together to prioritize environmental responsibility and preserve cultural heritage.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Our tour is deeply committed to supporting Tenerife’s local economy and sustainable practices. Guests stay in a restored 17th-century rural hotel located in La Orotava, a proud Cittaslow city where preserving cultural heritage and sustainable living are priorities. This family-run accommodation includes a traditional restaurant and a craft shop, promoting local artisans and preserving Canarian traditions.

Throughout the journey, we exclusively visit traditional local restaurants, all run by local families. For any necessary purchases, we encourage travellers to explore local markets and shops, as well as a supermarket known for providing fair working conditions to its employees. This approach not only offers an authentic taste of Tenerife but also ensures our economic impact directly benefits the local community.

As a local woman and official guide of Tenerife, I have designed and lead this tour to maximize connections with the community. For example, the itinerary includes a special visit to my hometown, Icod el Alto, where the visitor can meet local farmers and enjoy fresh produce, including potatoes grown in my own vegetable garden. This experience offers a glimpse into traditional agricultural practices and supports local farming families.

We also explore less-touristic villages, providing travellers with the opportunity to engage with authentic Tenerife while fostering economic opportunities in these areas. This ensures that every aspect of the journey benefits local families and businesses, contributing to the preservation of Tenerife's unique culture and environment.

EMPLOYMENT AND INCLUSION

Our tour is fully managed by local professionals, ensuring economic benefits remain within Tenerife’s community. All collaborators, from guides to accommodation staff, are local residents committed to showcasing the island’s rich culture and natural heritage. We uphold fair pay and actively support diversity in the workplace, creating opportunities for women and fostering an inclusive environment. Additionally, the tour is LGBTQ+ friendly, emphasizing respect and equality throughout the experience.