This is definitely a very late post- but this mommy have been so busy doing so many things that it’s just tough to find a quiet moment to just write and just let your mind wander. However, since I am recovering from a major surgery, I somehow found myself with a lot of downtime. So allow me to write about a place I have thought about going, but will go back to in a heart beat. Tenerife.
I arrived in Tenerife with absolutely no expectations. Honestly, all I knew was that it was a Spanish island somewhere off the coast of Africa. My husband had randomly joined a raffle at work—just for fun—and unexpectedly won. Suddenly, we were rushing to get remote work approvals and planning a two-week trip that was happening in just two weeks. Not to mention the plane ticket my husband got was just for 2 people so I had to fly to Tenerife on a different flight- talk about stress.
To top it all off, I didn’t even know how to properly pronounce “Tenerife.” All I really wanted was some sunshine, ocean views, and maybe a little relaxation—especially with winter in full swing back in Denmark. But what I ended up getting was so much more than that.
From the moment the plane touched down, the air felt different—lighter, warmer, filled with this strange sense of welcome. Within the first day, Tenerife had begun to win me over, not with grand gestures but with subtle, delightful surprises.
Staying on the north of the island was beyond amazing as well. Seeing Mount Teide the moment we open our eyes was such a treat.
Let’s start with the food—because wow. Every meal felt like a discovery. From seafood so fresh it tasted like it had jumped straight from the ocean to our plates, to some of the best paellas we’ve ever had, to the iconic papas arrugadas paired with that bold and flavorful Canarian mojo sauce. We even went in a couple of restaurants to try paella with a festive music playing in the background. It was a whole vibe. Even the simplest things—crusty bread with olive oil, creamy local goat cheese, a smooth café con leche—felt like tiny celebrations. Did I mention the endless amount of chocolate con churros we had? Let’s not forget the coffee liqueur as well! Unpretentious, delicious, and just perfect- that is the food that Tenerife offers.
But what truly caught me off guard was the people. Kind, relaxed, funny in that charmingly dry way. Whether we were asking for directions or ordering tapas in my very basic Spanish which I learned from my grandparents, we were met with patience and warm smiles. There’s a vibe here that says: “No rush, you are on island time now.” And somehow, slowly that starts to seep into your bones.
We traveled as a family, which often means compromising between adult plans and kid energy. But Tenerife handled us like a pro. Every day brought a new family-friendly adventure—from the sweeping views atop Mount Teide, to splashing our way through Siam Park, arguably one of the best water parks I’ve ever seen. We also went to the Loro Parque which was a huge hit to the little one. Even the parks and plazas were thoughtfully designed for little ones to run wild while parents soaked up the sun.
That said, this island is not flat. We walked. We climbed. We tackled more stairs than I care to count, often just trying to find the perfect spot for a gelato or chocolate con churros for my cutie pie. But it felt good. Invigorating, even. Like the kind of exercise you don’t realize you’re doing because you’re too busy gawking at the views—cobblestone alleys, volcanic cliffs, waves crashing on black sand.
Then came the slow moments. Sitting on a bench in a sleepy fishing village, watching the kids chase pigeons while we sipped cold drinks. Listening to the faint sounds of a street guitarist in a quiet square. Letting the afternoon stretch out, with nowhere urgent to be. It was during these pauses that Tenerife really got under my skin.
I came there knowing nothing. I left already planning to return.
Tenerife isn’t flashy. It doesn’t shout. But it welcomes you with open arms, feeds you well, walks you up a hundred stairs, and then rewards you with a sunset so beautiful it might make you forget the rest of the world exists.
And honestly? That’s the kind of surprise I could use more of.
The Probing Wife 