Tenerife - what an absolutely beautiful and unique island. In case you didn't know, Tenerife is one of the 5 Canary Islands located 60 km off the coast of Africa and is a province of Spain. This rugged destination is the perfect place to relax and unwind walking on volcanic rock the deep Atlantic blue ocean seaside, walking beneath the gorgeous palm trees, or hiking up mountains and volcanic rock formations-- this island has it all. Not to mention, the perfect climate 60- 70 degrees and sunny year round - talk about the best of everything!
One thing we did quickly learn is that, since this island is pretty small - public transportation is not always that reliable so I would 10/10 recommend renting a car for the time you stay.
The north of the island is more well known for white sandy beaches but also quite windy. The middle of the island close has a mixture of both but black beaches instead of white! The south of Tenerife is most touristy with many restaurants, shops & boutiques, and it is also even more steady weather temperatures & almost always sunny. :)
Such unique terrain- unlike anything I have seen before. Also, this island is a very popular European vacation hotspot for people from the UK - we saw many British people relaxing on the beach.
We stopped at a lovely restaurant in Candelarias, Santa Cruz Tenerife called Crepe de Emilie and it was absolutely delicious- just look at these healthy salads! Also, grilled goat cheese is a thing. :)
There are so many other neat things you can do here on this island for free: and here are a few ideas:
1. See the 1000 year-old Drago tree- The Millennium Drago is the multi-crowned king of Canarian flora and the best view of it is from Plaza de la Constitución.
2. Visit Masca- Setting eyes on Masca for the first time is like discovering a lost world tucked away in the creases of Tenerife's ancient Teno Mountains.
3. Swim in Garachico's rock pools- 1706 when an eruption sent two destructive molten rivers careening through the town to fill the harbour with lava instead of ships. Ironically, the event which nearly took the town off the map 300 years ago is now the reason people flock there. The pools are various depths and shapes; some are suitable for toddlers, as long as they don't mind mingling with sub-tropical fish, others require good lungs to reach the bottom.
4. Explore the Anaga - the right choice if you want to explore the beautiful area of Anaga - a UNESCO biosphere reserve. An excursion to Antequera Beach with this great team is one of our favourite things to do in Tenerife the right choice if you want to explore the beautiful area of Anaga - a UNESCO biosphere reserve. An excursion to Antequera Beach with this great team is one of our favourite things to do in Tenerife.
5. Hike the Teide- hiking in this gorgeous National Park is a real treat, excursions, visiting the Teide Observatory, Sunset and Stars on the peak, a visit to the Altavista del Teide Refuge and a cable car ride up the mountain.
We really enjoyed this trip and it's really fun taking portraits on an island! Honestly, it is much easier to get to Tenerife from Barcelona, Spain or a European country rather than Nashville or anywhere in the US but if you do get a chance to visit, don't pass it up! :)
You would think that living in a Beach city, one would go to the beach all the time. However, I was completely wrong and it’s all about proximity. While I am relatively close to the beach from American standards and transportation, in Europe things such as city transportation take longer.
Nonetheless I got put out and finally had the chance to snap some images of the gorgeous sun & Mediterranean Sea.
Looking across the Mediterranean Sea feels different than looking at an ocean. When I stare across I can imagine the excitement of citizens who traveled and ended up in a paradise called Italy.
We went to Brunch and Cake by the Sea. Super lovely!
This was my first beet root lattes and it was certainly not my last. Beautiful floral designs welcomed guests into this lovely restaurant.
Be warned, if you do go to the beach in Barceloneta or any of the beaches close to the Old Gothic Quarter you should be vigilant and prepared to prevent pick-pocketing by bringing very few pieces or wearing a wallet protector right on your body.
I love this city! If you are a history buff- you would too! Filled with gorgeous little streets, ancient Roman ruins along the Golden coast, Tarragona is one for the books.
We took a day trip excursion from Barcelona to Tarragona - perfect place to visit if you are spending a week or so in Barcelona as it was only an hour drive away.
A cat in the midst of the ancient Roman ruins - that was interesting!
The Catedral de Tarragona is one of the most lovely and intricately designed cathedrals in all of Catalonia. It was actually built upon the foundations of a Roman temple dedicated to Zeus under the reign of Julius Caesar.
Tarragona was the oldest Roman settlement on the Iberian Peninsula and became CAPITAL of the Roman province of Hispania Tarraconensis during the Roman Empire. We walked on the ancient ruins of the old Roman circ- where they held chariot races of fire on the tracks.
If you can imagine, these streets used to be the very foundation of the Roman circ which held the greatest chariot races in all of Spain - couldn't feel any further away from Nashville right now - Roman ruins in Spain ha!
“Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”
Park Guell or should I say Candyland? This wonder filled intricate and whimsical architecture was designed by Antoni Gaudi I Cornet, one of the best known architects in Catalonia and in Spain. Gaudí's works have a highly individualized and distinctive style. Most people note him for the infamous Sagrada Familia, which we will do a part 2 on! :) But for now enjoy this lovely place!
Parc Guell has one of the best, most incredible views of Barcelona-- only a few minutes from the neighborhood Gracia and maybe 15-20 minutes from the heart of Barcelona, this Parc is a must for anyone who appreciates great art. It really is one of the #1 best places to go when you visit Barcelona.
Walking into this park truly felt like magic. I wish we had more extravagant architecture like this in Nashville or in the United States! Perhaps someone will get inspired and it will come. :)
Parc Guell is located on Muntanya Pelada (bare mountain). Its location was unbeatable, in an incredible setting and with splendid views over the sea and city of Barcelona.
If you would like to learn more about the history of this gorgeous place I recommend you check out this website HERE. Also, wouldn't this make the most unique wedding destination!? If we shot a wedding here it would have to be one of the the most avant-garde weddings perhaps with quite modern florals or even a sweet themed wedding- the bride perhaps in a gold wedding dress rather than white?! Dream with me now. :) Parc Guell would be a gorgeous location for a wedding or engagement portraits - if there was some way to slow down the tourism even for a couple hours. :)
“What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do — especially in other people’s minds. When you’re traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.”
Just take a look at that magnificent mosaic.
Hope you enjoyed and get a chance to visit this little Candyland paradise on Earth!
Love & Light Forever,
Emily Anne