Exploring Tenerife’s Unexpected Open-Air Galleries.
Though I absolutely love the island of Tenerife for its stunning natural beauty, I have to admit—architectural charm is not its strong suit.
The focus here is definitely on practicality, not aesthetics.
If a house has a roof that keeps the rain out and walls that block the wind, sun, and cold, then it’s considered good enough.
But for someone who enjoys beautiful architecture, it can be frustrating to take in the breathtaking landscapes and then glance at a nearby village that looks like it’s stuck in the 1950s. Think tiny windows, rusty metal, and an electrical system that feels… well, let’s just say “creative.”
After the pandemic lockdown, Yoni and I started a new tradition.
Once a week, we’d hop in the car and explore a new road in Tenerife—just to see where it would lead us.
Each trip brought its own little surprises, and there was always something unexpected waiting around the corner.
One thing that continued to amaze us, though, was the contrast between the neglected buildings and the street art that decorated so many towns and villages.
While it seemed like no one had bothered to beautify the homes, it was clear they had poured their heart into the streets!
We’d turn a corner and find a dull, rundown wall transformed into a masterpiece.
Whether it was religious murals, pop art, traditional folklore, or social messages, these street artists had turned Tenerife’s villages into open-air galleries.
And this wasn’t some guerrilla, middle-of-the-night street art operation.
No, it was a well-planned, professionally executed project funded by the municipalities.
One day, we even had the chance to see an artist in action, working on a massive mural with scaffolding and supplies provided by the town.
Once we started spotting these incredible pieces of art, I couldn’t help but photograph them.
One day, I’m going to turn these snapshots into an exhibition.
For now, though, here’s a little taste of the vibrant street art that made our 2023 road trips across Tenerife so special.
