It rained all night, and it’s still misting when I leave to make my way back up the woodland road to Walleralm. Eventually, the sky clears and I begin the difficult ascent to the Hochegg ridge at an altitude of 1470 meters. Thankfully, the cloud cover has dissipated, dordle and I can take in the breathtaking scenery of the Zahmer Kaiser Mountains and the Inn Valley. From here, I go downwards, passing the Steinbergalm and Kaindlhütte lodges on my way to a wooded path.
The Brentenjochalm hut is farther uphill, but there’s a chairlift there that will take me back down the mountain. Despite the impending storm, I decide to go on and make it to Kufstein just in time. Coming down from the mountains, this city of fewer than 20,000 inhabitants is quite a change of pace. The 800 year old castle is the focal point of the area; it has the biggest open air organ in the world. And later, in the privacy of my hotel room, I’ll have the pleasure of listening to a performance.
When hiking the Eagle Walk, you’ll find other hikers to be kind and supportive, which makes the experience that much better. In recent days, I’ve been struck by the high quality of the signs, particularly the ubiquitous yellow signposts and the clear, concise red and white flashes that indicate turns and other important landmarks. In addition, there are several opportunities to rest and refuel in mountain huts serving hearty, authentic Tyrolean cuisine and delicious, locally produced alcoholic beverages. I intend to return and go on to the latter levels.
The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife, has year-round sunshine. Because of its beautiful beaches and dramatic volcanic landscape, it has long been a favorite destination for “fly and flop” tourists.
Tenerife, on the other hand, is teeming with things to do for the physically able, and is a great place to try out a new extreme sport, whether it’s in the air, on the sea, or on dry land. Tenerife’s rugged terrain makes cycling an uphill battle; being in good physical shape is essential for tackling the island’s high altitude and the challenging slopes of Mt. Teide. The island’s landscape ranges from the lush, subtropical north, with mountains and deep gorges, to the more dry south, with broad highways and great sea vistas. Professional national and international teams come to Mt. Teide in the winter to practice for the grueling climb from sea level to 2100m (6889ft) in only 35km (just under 22 miles).
Paragliding over the beautiful landscape of Tenerife while attached to an experienced pilot is an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. 20-30 minute flights depart from 40 various locations over the island.
There are no age restrictions and no prior experience is necessary, however you will need to be able to sprint a short distance for takeoff and landing. Weather is a major factor in flight schedules, and safety is always prioritized.
Tenerife’s wrecks, reefs, deep seas, and abundance of marine life have made it a popular destination for scuba divers. Marine life of Tenerife includes green turtles, rays, parrot fish, moray eels, sea horses, and angel sharks. Numerous diving facilities on the island welcome divers of all experience levels. Dive baptisms with Ocean Friends (oceanfriendsdiving.com) are always conducted in small groups, with a maximum of two students per instructor. After a brief introduction to the equipment and some basic hand signals, newbies are taken out on the sea for a dive in shallower waters (no more than 12 meters) aboard a dinghy (39ft). The instructor will take care of the gear, so all you have to do is breathe normally via the regulator and swim with your flippers.
Tenerife is known as one of the greatest places to go whale watching all year round. Feeding sites for both permanent and migratory species may be found in the clear, warm seas between Tenerife and La Gomera.
At any time of year, you can get aboard a catamaran for a half-day excursion from Puerta Colón, Puerta de Los Cristianos, or Puerto de los Gigantes and enjoy the sun, sea, and onboard refreshments. Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are common year-round, and nothing beats the thrill of seeing these friendly animals up close and personal with your boat.
National Park of Teide
With an elevation of 12,188 feet (or 3715 meters), Mount Teide is the tallest peak in Spain and the third-largest volcanic structure in the world. Strange rock formations and solidified lava flows make up the volcanic landscapes that surround it. Hiking to the top of El Teide is hard for the faint of heart (see Hiking below), but in only seven minutes, a cable car can take you to within 200 meters (656 feet) of the peak. Day and night excursions of El Teide can be arranged from most resorts in Tenerife, and it is, without a doubt, the island’s most popular tourist attraction.
You may also choose to go on your own by automobile. No of the season, be sure to pack warm clothes. It may become quite chilly even in the summer, and temperatures can dip below freezing in the winter.
Hiking
Trails wind through gorgeous mountains, deep valleys, and breathtaking volcanic scenery, leaving hikers spoiled for choice. Mount Teide’s treacherous climb to the summit takes at least seven hours and a lot of physical endurance; a climber also needs a special permission (www.reservasparquesnacionales.es).
Volcano hikes in a lunar landscape are easier than those on the crater’s rim. The Teide National Park has approximately 20 blazed pathways. The magnificent Anaga Massif, with its steep-wooded slopes, ravines, and great sea vistas along the cliffs, is the go-to mountain location for hikers. The Teno Massif, with its lush, verdant slopes and craggy peaks, is another popular destination.
