29 Amazing things to do Tenerife
If you’re planning to visit this gorgeous island where you may enjoy good weather all year long, you must first decide what to do in Tenerife, one of the largest of the greatest islands in the Canary Islands (Spain).
Nonetheless, we advise you to rent a car before we tell you the top destinations in Tenerife. We saw a lot of natural areas and vistas during our journey that are worth a quick halt. Thus, driving around the island is the best option.
Soulful Tenerife tempts beyond its mild weather and beach vacation excitement because of its densely packed volcanic peaks, ancient laurel forests, and Atlantic-washed shorelines.
Things to do Tenerife
In the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, you can stroll through bustling local markets and loiter at quiet patio cafes before exploring cutting-edge artwork, vibrantly painted buildings, or cliff-hugging hiking paths. And it’s all placed against a breathtaking natural landscape that feels unique to the entire planet.
Here is our list of the finest things to do Tenerife, which range from the cultural pleasures of the vibrant capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife to elusive gourmet delights and exotic climbs. There are many things to do Tenerife like enjoying the boat trips, visiting the Costa Adeje and many more Tenerife attractions.
1. Mount Teide Volcano
Teide National Park has been included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Teide volcano is indeed the highest peak in the nation, towering 3,718 metres, so it’s no surprise that visiting it is among the top things to do in Spain. Unique species can be found here, including the spring-blooming Echium Wildpretii (Tajinaste) and the Teide violet, the flower that can only be seen above 2,500 metres in elevation.
The cable car is the quickest way to ascend Mount Teide, however, it will drop you 200 metres below the summit. You’ll need to walk upwards if you want to go to the very top. Yet the effort is worthwhile since, without a question, the best thing to do in Tenerife is to be up there and take in the rest of the Canary Islands from your feet.
Although you can receive it right away when making a cable car reservation online, you must apply for permission to travel to the top. You can also look into other Mount Teide trips that come with permission.
Although we chose to ascend through Monta Blanca on foot, we chose to take the cable car down (Trail 7). There are 8 kilometres. We suggest this private guided hiking excursion if you would like to complete this journey on foot but would rather travel with a guide.
2. Puerto de la Cruz
It is notable for its quaint old town as well as the neighbourhood of fishermen that features amazing urban art.
Among the more contemporary aspects that have found their way into the streets, the city’s maritime identity has persisted in its character.
Visits to the San Felipe castle, the Puerto de la Cruz pier, the Botanical Garden, as well as the Jardin beach are a few intriguing things to do in Puerto de la Cruz. Plaza del Charco is a place.
3. Benijo Beach
Benijo Beach, which has volcanic origins, is notable for having sand that is a distinctive black colour. Driving here is worthwhile because you can see the Roques de Anaga very well from there. An excellent area to visit if you enjoy landscape photography as well. There is no question as to why this beach is not just among the greatest in Tenerife but also among the most well-liked in all of Spain.
This beach also features a nudist area, so you should be aware of it if you’re interested in more outdoor tourism. Also, Pista el Draguillo, a forest road that runs parallel to the ocean and affords stunning views of the surroundings, surrounds it.
We advise you to enjoy a tasty piece of authentic Canarian cuisine in any nearby restaurant as the sun sets to round off your trip.
4. Anaga Rural Park
Tree natural reserves—the Pijaral, Ijuana, as well as the Roques de Anaga—are located within the boundaries of the Anaga Rural Park, which has been designated a Biosphere Reserve.
You may experience its microclimate, which includes laurel trees, beaches, cliffs, and other vistas that will leave you speechless, by taking one of the short and simple pathways that lead there.
The park is called the “Enchanted Forest” due to its numerous natural marvels, and there’s no denying that it’s one of Tenerife’s top tourist destinations.
We advise staying the night here in the park if you’re going to be in the region so you can hike the path first thing in the morning. If trekking is not your strong suit but you still want to experience this natural wonder, you may also reserve a spot on this tour. It’s without a doubt one of the best day trips from Tenerife.
Few places in the world have the foliage that you will find in Anaga. It is only visible in Cape Verde, the Canary Islands, the Azores, Madeira, and the Ilhas Selvagens. To plan your trip to this magnificent location, consult our guide to Anaga Rural Park.
5. Mascara Raven
One of Spain’s most well-travelled hiking routes is the Masca ravine. The trek leaves the community of Masca and descends past massive vertical rock walls before arriving at the same-named beach. The ravine is a part of Teno Rural Park, which is the ideal place to go sightseeing in Tenerife.
Leave your car at Los Gigantes & take a taxi to Masca if you want to hike this trail. As you descend and reach the beach, you may take a boat to Los Gigantes and, while travelling there, take in the stunning cliffs from the water.
Between three and four hours are needed to descend via the Masca ravine, and ten minutes are needed to travel by boat to Los Gigantes. The greatest alternative if you’re not used to hiking is this Masca excursion that includes a dolphin-watching tour following the hike.
6. Del Infierno Barranco
It takes roughly three hours to trek the Barranco del Infierno Natural Reserve’s main trail. Everyone can use it because of its 200-meter maximum incline. One of the best walks in Tenerife is made even better by the vistas along the way as well as the waterfall at the conclusion.
If you’re planning to visit it while you’re in Tenerife, keep in mind that only 300 people are allowed admission at a time. Make sure to arrive on time so you have ample time to visit since it is open from 8:30 to 16:00 in the summer as well as from 8:30 to 17:00 in the winter.
7. Visit Market de Nuestra Seora de Africa to experience Canarian Delicacies
At the capital’s fresh produce market, Mercado de Nuestra Seora de Africa, get accustomed to Tenerife life. When you go by subtropical plants, mountains of colourful fruits, towers of Canarian cheeses, and counters stacked high with fresh seafood, the aromas of cinnamon, cumin, paprika, and other spices fill the air.
The peach-orange structure, which has arches in the Islamic style and a clocktower that reaches the sky, was constructed in 1944. Delicious local fare includes toffee-coloured palm honey, wine, olive oils, La Orotava speciality coffee and almogrote tubs. Don’t pass up the opportunity to purchase your fish just at the market & then have it prepared in one of the cafe bars scattered along its edge.
8. At Tenerife Espacio de las Artes in Santa Cruz, express your Creativity
Tenerife Espacio de las Artes, the island’s must-see art gallery situated in a daring concrete-clad structure inspired by surrounding volcanic landscapes, was designed by Swiss designers Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron in conjunction with Canarian Virgilio Gutiérrez.
The free expert-led tours provide a thorough introduction to the wonders of the TEA, which include works by Tenerife-born surrealist Salvador Dominguez, an amazing collection of Canarian art from the 20th and 21st centuries, and a stunning collection of Canarian archaeology.
The Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Concepción, one of Tenerife’s oldest churches, was constructed in the 1490s and later remodelled. A 10-minute walk to the south will bring you to Santiago Calatrava’s sweeping wave-shaped Auditorio de Tenerife.
9. Explore the Anaga highlands by hiking through ancient laurel Trees
Welcome to the island’s oldest (and possibly most beautiful) region. The remote Anaga mountains, which span the northeasternmost point of Tenerife and are shrouded in mist and old laurisilva (laurel woodland), are protected as the 144 sq km (56 sq mi) Parque Rural de Anaga and, as of 2015, as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve.
Walking along the 400km (249 miles) of trails that connect the clifftop hamlets in this natural beauty is the best way to explore it. which the Cruz del Carmen Visitors Center has further information on.
The PRTF3, which travels through a laurel forest & willow trees for eight kilometres (five miles), and the PRTF8, which connects Afur, Taganana, and Tamadite Beach for fourteen kilometres (eight miles), are both noteworthy routes.
One of Tenerife’s most picturesque beaches, Playa de las Teresitas, with its gold sand, is ideal for unwinding after a trek.
10. Cool off in the pools of the Atlantic Ocean
Tenerife’s sparkling natural sea pools, where you may take a plunge with the locals in the emerald Atlantic, are one of the island’s greatest joys. Planning your visit at low tide can make swimming safer because of erratic weather and high tides.
Families will love the peaceful, renovated saltwater pools at Bajamar, which are located on the north coast and are built into a concrete terrace right next to the waves.
In the southwest, between Puerto de la Cruz & Icod de los Vinos, at Charco de La Laja and Charco del Viento, you can find wilder north-coast swimming holes. Next, you arrive in Garachico, one of Tenerife’s most intriguing ancient towns with a series of alluring rock pools produced by a volcanic explosion in the 18th century.
Jump in at the west coast’s Charco de la Jaquita at Alcalá, Charco de Isla Cangrejo, which provides views of the Los Gigantes rocks, and the secluded Beach Abama. Ladders from the low-key Radazul can be found on Tenerife’s less visited eastern coastal walk.
11. Discover Spain’s favourite National Park
Few tourists can resist the allure of El Teide, Spain’s tallest mountain at 3718 metres (12,198 feet), which stands at the centre of the country’s most popular national park, the hauntingly beautiful Parque Nacional del Teide, which is protected by Unesco. Avoid the throng by using the rewarding hiking routes that wind through a quiet valley formed by lava or ascent up nearly lonely volcanic cones.
If you intend to hike to the top of El Teide, make sure you reserve your permits as early as possible, as well as any necessary cable car tickets. The Sendero Telesforo Bravo trail takes around 40 minutes to reach the top from the higher cable car station at 3555m (11,663ft)
Yet, there are countless further thrilling (and permit-free) climbs across this incredible lunar landscape, such as those that ascend the 3135m Pico Viejo and circle the Roques de Garcia.
12. Embrace the Wintertime Carnival
Santa Cruz, Spain’s largest Carnival city, rivalled only by Cadiz, bursts into three weeks of riotous, sequin-clad joy every February, with street parties, vibrant parades, fashion shows, and galas spilling out across the city.
Tenerife’s Carnaval, which dates back to the 16th century, was outlawed under Franco’s dictatorship but survived by reinventing itself as a “winter festival.” Reserve lodging well in advance. Depending on when Easter falls each year, the dates shift. The Casa del Carnaval in Santa Cruz provides a taster for those who are unable to go during the festivities.
13. Go surfing in El Médano
El Médano is one of Europe’s top kitesurfing locations, with rainbow-coloured kite sails rippling across the sea and a long, golden Blue Flag beach. Long-running 30 Nudos Kite School offers two-hour introductory kitesurfing lessons as well as more in-depth 3 courses for a range of skill levels.
They also provide traditional surf lessons. Although conditions are ideal practically all year round, the finest months were November to March & June to September. Don’t miss the Montaa Roja volcano’s delightfully unspoilt view of Beach de la Tejita, which is also a protected nature reserve.
14. Taste explosive Spanish wines
Because of Tenerife’s unique temperatures and abrupt terrain, winemaking in this region is primarily done with uncommon, indigenous pre-phylloxera grapes including malvasa, negramoll, and listán negro.
Since at least the fifteenth century, ancient vines have been grown on the mineral-rich, lava-flow slopes, and the majority of the grapes are still picked by hand in the island’s five Denominaciones de Origen.
Visit the 660-member cooperative Bodegas Insulares Tenerife, winner of numerous awards, in the DO Tacoronte-Acentejo in the north, or (with advanced reservation) the family-owned Suertes in the DO Valle de La Orotava, which places a premium on traditional, ecological production methods.
Tenerife Wine Experience offers exclusive bodega-hopping experiences for an in-depth exploration of tiny, artisan tinerfeo vineyards.
15. Enjoy traditional Tenerife cuisine in a Guachinche
Favoured by locals, Tenerife’s guachinches are straightforward, inexpensive eating establishments that specialise in traditional home-cooked food. They are often located in converted garages, and garden shacks.
The best place to find one is northern Tenerife, especially in the area of La Orotava, where you can chow down on garbanzas (chickpea stew), grilled meats, incredibly fresh fish, ropa vieja, Canarian cheeses, and other local delicacies. Although it’s better to acquire recommendations locally, there are a few internet resources available.
16. In Los Gigantes, take part in Water Activities and Whale Watching
One of the most breathtaking coastline scenes in the Canaries is found in northwest Tenerife, where the basalt cliffs of Los Gigantes plunge into the Ocean from 600m (1969ft) above. The cobalt-blue lake offers the most picturesque views, making kayaking and paddleboarding delightful, especially at dusk.
With stingrays, sea turtles, endangered Canarian lobsters, and other species bobbing around, it is also Tenerife’s best diving and snorkelling location.
Western Tenerife and the neighbouring island of La Gomera were designated as Europe’s first whale heritage sites in 2021, honouring local efforts to promote ethical whale-watching tourism and the region’s distinctive populations of brief pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and 27 other cetaceans. Be sure the company you choose to travel with prioritises animal welfare, keeps numbers to a minimum and maintains a safe distance from the animals.
17. Be amazed by Canarian Constructions
Just north of Santa Cruz, La Laguna’s Canarian houses hide lush green inner patios behind their candy-coloured facades, wood-carved balconies, and shuttered windows. The majority of the palatial mansions strewn about this town’s Unesco-listed old town were constructed between the 16th through 18th centuries, especially on Calle San Agustin.
Many are still private homes that are exclusively accessible to guests on free guided tours. Similar circumstances may be seen in La Orotava, a formerly rich hamlet perched on the mountains of northern Tenerife. It is here that you will find the 1632 House de los Balcones, a masterpiece of Canarian architecture in the Spanish style.
18. Take on the walk at Barranco de Masca
One of Tenerife’s most exhilarating hikes winds through the Barranco de Masca valley, which is enclosed by the 80 square kilometres (31 square miles) of Park Rural de Teno in the island’s untamed northwest.
This spine-tingling trail, which connects Masca—one of Tenerife’s most picturesque hill villages—with a wild volcanic beach just at the mouth of the ravine—reopened in 2021 after repairs. Walking the entire distance of 10 kilometres (6.5 miles) would take over seven hours.
The Barranco is exclusively accessible to the public on weekends and has a daily visiting limit (currently set at 125) to aid in preservation efforts. You must reserve permission well in advance.
19. Dinner under the Stars
Tenerife has recently made a splash on the Spanish food scene by highlighting the wonderful fruit, up-and-coming wines, and unique culinary traditions of the Canary Islands. The island currently boasts four Michelin-starred eateries, including M.B. by renowned Basque chef Martin Barasategui at the opulent Ritz-Carlton Abama hotel, which is the only two-star restaurant in the Canaries.
The resort also houses the Michelin-starred Abama Kabuki, which features Japanese influences. El Rincón de Juan Carlos, a Canarian-fusion restaurant in La Caleta owned by the Tinerfeo brothers Juan Carlos and Jonathan Padrón, and also joined the team in 2022 was Italian-Chilean Nub from the adjacent five-star Baha del Duque hotel.
No matter where you go on the island, you’ll eat well, whether you want a gamer-cheese tapa with a glass of Tenerife-made red or a lunch of fresh seafood at a no-frills chiringuito (beach bar).
20. Wander around tranquil Canarian Gardens
The Canary Islands are an astoundingly biodiverse natural wonderland with 500 indigenous types of flora because of their unrivalled lava-moulded geology and enormously variable microclimates. There are about 140 plant species on Tenerife alone that are unique to this planet. Visit the tranquil Palmetum in Santa Cruz, a landfill that has been cleverly transformed into a unique botanical garden devoted to palms from all over the world, to get a taste.
21. National Park Teide
Spain’s tallest mountain, Mount Teide, provides breathtaking views of the night sky due to the absence of light pollution. From here, you can view 83 of the 88 recorded constellations, which provides for a breathtaking nighttime experience. You should include Tenerife on your schedule because the national park that surrounds it is also among the best in the area.
You may explore the park’s paths, and as you do, you’ll be impressed by the sometimes-barren scenery. Moreover, be sure to ride the cable car up the mountain from the main parking area. You will have a magnificent view of Tenerife from here, Also, you may observe the stars if you are up there at night.
22. Siam Park
This park provides a fantastic selection of water slides that are appropriate for all skill levels. There are slides for thrill-seekers as well as slides that are appropriate for families with younger children. The park also features other attractions like a wave pool, Thai eateries, and a floating market.
At this park, you could spend the entire day, & if you have kids, you probably will. Visit the floating market, ride the slides, and scream your way through the winding tunnels. You can also learn to surf in the wave pool. Also, when you’re hungry, eat at a Thai restaurant for a dinner that fits the theme.
23. Science & the Cosmos Museum
Unfortunately, Tenerife doesn’t have many museums because this one is excellent. The interactive exhibits at this museum can help you learn more if, while visiting Tenerife, you find yourself fascinated by the night sky.
Spend some time learning more about the night sky while you’re away from the beach. One of the most significant museums in Spain, it blends interactive exhibitions, astronomy evenings, as well as a planetarium with typical museum exhibits. Hence, research the events taking place while you are there and plan to attend for a pleasant and educational visit.
24. Cave of the Viento
It’s likely not something you associate with tropical islands or caverns, but visiting one in Tenerife is a must. Lava from volcanic eruptions passed through the caves that run beneath Tenerife. They span 18 kilometres through the ground and are home to 190 odd insect species, lava lakes, and fossils.
One of Tenerife’s more unconventional activities is also one of the most gratifying. Thus, if you’re not afraid of small spaces, take a tour with a guide & explore the network of tunnels & caves. Once you’re down there, keep an eye out for lakes, fossils, and lava stalactites.
25. Gümar Ethnographic Park at Pirmides
Nothing stirs up controversy and absurd notions like enigmatic pyramids. Since the early 1990s, when the stone pyramids in the park were originally found, hypotheses concerning their function have proliferated.
After exploring the park as well as the pyramids, learn more about them at the Casa Chacona Museum. The museum emphasises the theories as well as comparable buildings from around the globe. A wonderful couple of hours might be spent learning about this enigmatic period of history.
26. Masca
Tenerife is more than simply mountains and beaches. It also has a distinct culture and history, which you can learn more about at Masca. Today, it’s one of the most intriguing Tenerife holiday ideas. It was originally done to protect the people from pirate raids.
When visiting this town, make careful to depart early because later in the day it can become congested. After exploring the village, dine at the restaurant with a view of the valley and take in the breathtaking scenery. Try the Masca hike, which begins in the village and descends to the beach, if you enjoy hiking. It’s around 7 kilometres long and gives breathtaking views of the surrounding natural landscape.
27. Playa de las Americas
Playa de las Americas is a vacation community with all that comes with it. You’ll most likely choose to stay in or nearby this location. While visiting Tenerife, it’s a must-do activity. This location is ideal for entertainment because it offers everything from sparkling beaches to hopping pubs and delicious eateries.
If you’re fortunate, you’ll be able to stay here and take advantage of the lively atmosphere and wide range of activities. If not, you should at least get out and explore for a day. Go to the beach to unwind or engage in some water sports, then find a fantastic restaurant for dinner before making your way to a bar for a drink as well as some mingling.
28. Beach Bollulo
This beach is among the greatest spots to visit in Tenerife if you love the beach & wish to avoid the crowds. The most gorgeous beach on the island is this one, which has black sand. You’ll be capable of discovering without the crowd’s thanks to the fact that the journey to the beach was challenging and left it largely undeveloped.
You may either hire a car to transport you along the winding roads from Puerto de la Cruz to the beach or you can stroll through the banana fields. You should make the effort, though, because this beach in Tenerife is just breathtaking. But unless you’re a great swimmer, avoid the sea because the tides can be a little choppy. On this beach, there are no lifeguards to save you.
29. Cristianos Los
This is a fantastic alternative if Playa de las Americas is too busy for you. It’s equally energetic and bustling, with gorgeous beaches, top-notch bars, and restaurants dishing out the delectable fare. The promenade & its beachside attractions are at the heart of the region’s fantastic nightlife.
Enjoy a day of relaxation here. See the neighbourhood restaurants & their authentic fare, go out on the sea with a tour guide to observe some of the local marine life, and then settle in a café and people watch. Stay around until it gets dark to take advantage of the exciting nightlife that makes this one of Tenerife’s top attractions.
Final Note
Because it has almost everything, Tenerife is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. It’s a terrific destination if you enjoy your vacations including sun-drenched beaches, a bustling nightlife, stunning mountains, and a variety of aquatic life. Because of this, Tenerife has an endless supply of top attractions.
You want everything to go according to plan when you travel to Tenerife. This implies you require the best information in an easily accessible format. Whatever you love doing while on vacation, we’ve put together the above list of the best things to do Tenerife and the most well-known and breathtaking destinations to assist you.