Winding Down in Tenerife
It’s been a week since we arrived at our timeshare apartment in Los Gigantes, Tenerife. Between catching up with old friends, indulging in great food and drinks, and lounging by the pool, I thought it was time to share how Melanie and I are unwinding in this sunny paradise.
As you all know, relaxing can be quite the task, and we’ve approached it with enthusiasm. After arriving late last Tuesday afternoon, we unpacked, set up our tech, made a few homely adjustments to the apartment, and even squeezed in a quick swim before heading out for a bite to eat.
We craved something simple, so we wandered to one of our favourite spots, El Paseo Pizzeria. True to form, it didn’t disappoint. Melanie opted for the El Paseo special, while I went with my all-time favourite, a traditional Napolitana pizza. Although it wasn’t on the menu, the friendly waiter assured me it was no problem to make. The combination of anchovies, olives, and capers on a light mozzarella and tomato base was simply divine. Both pizzas were served on perfectly fluffy, yet crispy dough.
A Night of Entertainment
The following evening, we had dinner at El Marques with our friends, the Hill family. Gavin, a well-known local performer, was set to entertain with his comedy drag act. Though not for the faint-hearted, his performance is packed with humour, innuendo, and audience interaction—leaving us in fits of laughter.
Exploring Los Gigantes
By Thursday, we had fully settled in and decided to take a stroll down the famously steep “Cardiac Hill” into Los Gigantes Village. We stopped at No Solo Vino for a coffee, reminiscing about the tapas they used to serve. Although the tapas menu is no more, we were greeted by the ever-friendly Emma. Later that evening, we tried a local tapas spot called Camber, which turned out to be a hidden gem just around the corner from us. Despite ordering too much food, we couldn’t resist topping off the meal with a dessert.
Dining at Charlie’s Bistro
After a sun-soaked day of lounging, we were thrilled for Friday’s dinner at Charlie’s Bistro in Los Gigantes Village. Owned by our friends Jason and Bernard, this spot is famous among Brits for its exceptional food. We both ordered the duck with blackcurrant sauce—cooked to perfection with a crisp skin. The night was filled with banter and delicious food, making for a memorable evening. On our way back, we stumbled upon live music at Domingo’s Restaurant and Bar, where an incredible musician from Belarus was performing Bob Marley classics. A delightful surprise!
Saturday’s Adventures
By Saturday, you might be tired of hearing how glorious the sun has been, but I promise—it’s been heavenly. After another relaxing day, we headed to The Chicken Shack to see Steve, the charismatic host. Unfortunately, staff sickness forced him to close, so we pivoted to Fettuccini’s, where we enjoyed satisfying plates of pasta.
A Scenic Sunday Walk
Sunday brought hazy skies, so we took a scenic walk to Playa la Arena, soaking in the breathtaking seascapes along the way. That evening, we dined at Buganvilla Plaza, where live music from a familiar musician brought back memories of the previous year. Oscar, our ever-friendly waiter, served us a traditional Canarian feast, and we even found time for a quick dance before heading home.
The Final Evening of the Week
To round off our week, we met up with friends for dinner at Sabor de la India, a newly opened Indian restaurant. It’s located where one of our old favorite pizza spots used to be. I ordered the chicken bhuna, while Melanie went for the chicken Madras. While the food didn’t quite match the high standards of London’s Indian cuisine, it was a welcome addition to the local dining scene.
Two more weeks to go!