Here to help you plan your trip around the largest and most visited Canary Island. With the best nature and nightlife in the archipelago, and possibly Spain, you will be far from short of things to do and see.
Holding titles of the world’s best waterpark, Spain’s tallest mountain, and one of the best carnivals on earth, Tenerife has something to satisfy every need.
Plus, the year-round sun and favorable temperament can’t hurt!
Here are 21 incredible things to do on your visit to Tenerife…
The island has 41 miles of sand to lull about on. It is home to more Blue Flag beaches than anywhere in the Canaries…
Beaches
With so many beaches, there is no excuse to be caught lounging in the same gorgeous spot day in, day out!
They are not only dotted along with seaside resorts; worth the drive, you will stumble across more intimate areas off the beaten track, under caves, and hidden in nooks inside nature reserves.
Here are some to get you started…
Playa El Duque — El Duque is favored by locals and tourists for its big blue waves and golden sand. Its secluded upmarket location makes it feel exclusive, while some of the finest restaurants offer a fishy treat.
Playa de Los Guios — Lounge on a grey beach backed up by monumentally colossal cliffs. Explore the wildlife that lives next to Los Gigantes using your snorkeling equipment.
El Bollullo — Head to El Bollullo to be in awe of nature. This 100% au natural beach has stunningly soft black sand and fantastic rock formations. Journey through the banana tree forest to really feel at one with the planet.
Los Cristianos — Wonderful for families, Los Cristianos backs right up onto the boardwalk meaning everything is in reach. Have all the freedom to use shops and amenities in this old fishing town.
Las Americas — Fantastic day and night. By day it is a popular place to practice watersports. With exhilarating nightlife, the beaches are stunning for strolling off a meal or a few cocktails.
If you can manage to pull yourself away from Tenerife’s sensational sands, you will have a huge pile of treats at your fingertips…
Santa Cruz
Pootle about the architecture-obsessed capital city in the northeast for a pleasantly balanced contrast of new and old joints.
Learn about the Old Town from colonial edifices and compare them to modern structures like the wave-shaped Auditorio de Tenerife in Plaza de España.
Go wild at the world’s biggest palm tree collection, the Palmetum, which was recovered from a rubbish dump in the 80s.
If you’re visiting in February, you must attend the huge globally known carnival that is hosted here!
Puerto de la Cruz
Have a mooch around Tenerife’s first main tourist district, which played a large part in the launch of Europe’s tourism trade.
Less than an hour’s bus ride from Santa Cruz, Puerto de la Cruz is also home to sightly architecture. It is considered the most beautiful town on the island.
Since the Street Art Project launched in 2014, Puerto’s historic buildings have been decorated with murals.
With so much history, it is an ideal place to learn about the Tenerife culture. Stop by the Pescadora statue for a look into their fishing trade and finish things off with a Barraquito in the Old Town (a short alcoholic coffee with lemon).
Garachico
For the most pleasant ice cream date ever, you should head to Garachico, on the north coast. We promise you won’t want to leave!
The charming buildings in the Old Town are fun to sketch or paint, and later you can take your artwork to the rocks to have a go at the bizarre offshore sea cliff.
It is both heart-breaking and intriguing to think about the history of the town as you stroll around — having been demolished in two volcanic eruptions it is not as it once was.
Dragon Tree
Take a trip to Icod de Los Vinos to spot the famous ancient Drago tree, Drago Milenio, from anywhere in the village.
It is the most known tree in Tenerife, a national monument, and looks even more symbolic with the iconic Mount Teide in the background.
Being in such close proximity to Garachico, it works to tie the two old towns together in the same outing since they both benefit from picturesque scenery and stacks of history.
San Cristóbal de la Laguna
Step into Canarian history in a pastel town that has been the inspiration for multiple Latin American cities.
To this day it obtains the exact same features as it did throughout the 16th century, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Must visits include the only Cathedral in Tenerife, San Cristóbal; a traditional meal at a conventional Tinerfeño guachinche (Tenerife diner); and of course, admiring the staggering view from the high tower in the Church of La Concepción.
Cueva del Viento
The best way to learn about the formation of the island’s volcanic structure is with a hands-on tour of one of the largest lava tubes in the world.
Journey through the fascinating tunnels of Cueva del Viento, created during an eruption by rivers of lava. Learn about the effect lava had on Tenerife and see the outcome up close.
The mesmerizing composition makes unforgettable photos, and the views from the natural windows will blow your mind.
Bring your camera and suitable clothes. The tour leaves from the Visitors’ Centre in Icod de Los Vinos.
God was generous with natural beauty when it came to making Tenerife. Don’t miss out on these mind-boggling sites:
Teide
Don’t you want to be able to say you’ve reached the highest peak in Spain? Or that you’ve ventured through the most visited park in Europe, a Natural World Heritage Site? In Tenerife, you can!
You may recognize Mount Teide from the Dorada beer logo. For locals, it’s a thing they see in the background every day; but that makes it no less esteemed.
After having your fill at the mountainous buffet restaurant, whiz to the top sporting jaw-dropping views in the cable car. Absorb the captivating volcanic scenery with its fantastic lava cones and native species.
From La Rambleta, allow your jaw to sink into the dust at the eye-popping view of the entire archipelago. Or complete one of the paths to gain the status of reaching the top and take a panorama to prove it!
Just remember you need a permit to climb the mountain. The full journey takes up to 6 hours.
Natural Parks
We already established that Tenerife is a hiker’s paradise. But did you know there are still a number of glorious natural parks left to explore?
We hope you packed some sturdy shoes because things are about to get bumpy!
Corona Forestal Natal Park — a giant enchanting topography awaits… From densely coated forestal ravines and valleys to the mind-bending volcanic slopes of the Lunar Landscape, pack a picnic for graceful Corona.
Anaga Rural Park — Explore a private paradise high in the hills in one of the most untouched areas of Tenerife. Trace the wet and humid Enchanted Forest Trail, a rare phenomenon typically only found in rainforests. Or have a remote beach all to yourself.
Chinyero Special Natural Park — If you’re exploring Tenerife, chances are you find volcanoes invigorating. To see the most recent advancement on the island, head to Chinyero. It is spine-tingling to spot the differences between this and other areas.
Los Gigantes Cliffs
Los Gigantes is an effervescent resort town on the western coast, towered over by gigantic volcanic cliffs that are never to be forgotten.
The upmarket town gleams, being mainly low rise it is the sunniest place on the island.
If you’re looking for the perfect combo of nightlife and nature’s oddities, Los Gigantes steals the throne. It glows with ritzy discos and tasteful cabarets.
Thanks to its unparalleled conditions, Los Gigantes is optimal for wildlife watching.
the Atlantic Ocean, making it an ideal place to spot eagles, dolphins, and whales. Their humongous size makes them impossible to miss when on the west coast.
Punta de Teno
To take in Los Gigantes in all their glory, you should head to a viewing point with enough distance that you don’t have to crane your neck!
Punta de Teno provides the longest daylight on the island, and it is the perfect spot to do so!
Take the wooden walkway past the candy cane lighthouse and dote on the calm water lapping at the rocks.
No panic if you land your visit on one of the rare moody days; this volcanic north-western spectacle is striking in all weather!
Stargazing
You don’t get much better than Tenerife for getting great views, and what is easier than looking up? For priceless nights you won’t forget, Tenerife puts on a show in the sky.
Head to areas such as the natural parks, where light pollution is at a minimum and the night sky glows with bright constellations.
This privilege is all thanks to its vast untouched areas, particularly around the mountains. And the zero flights after sunset policy was enforced to maintain the unique trait.
Stargazing is about the simplest yet most special spectacle you can enjoy, with loved ones, or alone. Just remember to take caution with where you tread.
Be sure to check out the famous attractions while on the island…
Carnival
Did you know that Carnival as we know it actually began in Tenerife? Carnival de Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the world’s 2nd most known celebration of its kind, after Rio de Janeiro!
Taking place in the capital each February, forget the mask and pick out a full-blown costume to celebrate this world-famous tradition!
Siam Park
Voted the best water park in the world for 7 consecutive years, make a splash at Siam Park!
They really ticked the box for every person. With 7 World Records, there is far more to experience than run-of-the-mill water slides…
Swing by the Floating Thai Market village to purchase your souvenirs; surf the world’s largest man-made wave; lounge about in the Champagne Club on a four-poster bed or brave it all in the pitch black Vulcano to be rewarded with a laser show.
Loro Park
Once you have had your fill of the champion chutes, pay a trip to the world’s best zoo and let the hundreds of swimming and flying creatures leave you baffled.
The park is known for its ethical animal shows, fascinatingly unique jellyfish exhibits, and behind-the-scenes tours.
With the animals’ safety permanently at the heart of everything, they are the first in Europe to receive the Humane Certification. They have even saved nine species from extinction!
Combined tickets are available for joint entrance to Loro and Siam.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Out in the wild, the climate is so favorable that even the dolphins and whales can’t keep away! Head to the southwest coast, which is one of the four places in the world where whales don’t migrate and can be spotted close to shore.
It is so rare that UNESCO has protected the waters. Though a few lucky boats can still sail through, we suggest you take the chance!
The Royal Delphin leaves with knowledgeable guides from Playa Blanca. Three hours will give you one-of-a-kind glass-bottom views, a lunch, a sangria, and even a swim.
Though Tenerife Sailing Charters offer a more exclusive package, with a maximum of 11 passengers on a deluxe yacht; vino; nibbles; unlimited drinks and snorkeling stop off!
Pick your package and don’t miss out!
If you’re fortunate enough to still have time on your hands, Tenerife still has loads more to do…
Nightlife
Millions flock annually to the streets of Tenerife to live it up in its explosive night scene. Next to its beaches, the nightlife is one of the island’s peak attractions, and you won’t have trouble seeing why.
The diverse scene is particularly enjoyed by Europeans, and you won’t have to sell your right arm to experience it! Think beachfront bars, laid-back lounges, and sparkling clubs.
Plus, for the kids, there’s a whole selection of family-friendly spots that provide the entertainment — so you can kick back with a refreshment and put your mind at ease.
Dotted around the island, you will not be short on choices. The south is best for a complete night out, with strips like Las Veronicas allowing you to bar-hop all night long!
Golf
The Mediterranean island is supreme for a quick golf holiday, being so easy to reach and sustaining favorable weather year-round.
The surroundings are wonderful to play in, with natural volcanic contours providing an array ofVchallenges.
It is no bombshell they host global championships here.
There are nine golf courses to choose from, each offering something special. You can decide whether to take your swing near the sea or through a forest of palms.
Remember to consider the wind and watch out for black volcanic sand bunkers!
Guachinche
You don’t get more traditional than heading to a Guachinche for a generous portion cobbled together with love.
A genuine venue is based inside a done-up garage or sheds and bears a thoughtfully created menu of classic Canarian dishes.
Take your pick from a selection of meat dishes, cheeses, and papas con mojo (salty potatoes with red and green dips).
For a glass of local wine in a rustic Tenerife setting, Guachinches are your best option!
La Gomera
Finally explore the mysterious island spotted across the ocean from Tenerife. La Gomera is a sight to behold at every turn.
Not only is its unorthodox building design simply exquisite, weaving through eye-opening landscapes, but we would also argue its natural quality is more enriching than anywhere else in the Fortunate Isles!
Bending roads take you right through the center of acres and acres of natural wonder, with viewpoints at every peak of every valley that will blow your mind.
Take your car on the ferry to admire everything at your own pace or book a day tour that will take you around all the need-to-knows.
You can’t go far wrong in a place this stunning.
