Tenerife is known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and year-round pleasant weather, Tenerife offers a wealth of activities and attractions for every type of traveler. From exploring the majestic Teide National Park, home to Spain’s highest peak, to lounging on the sun-drenched beaches of Costa Adeje, there are countless best things to do in Tenerife. Whether you’re hiking through scenic trails, diving into the crystal-clear waters, or discovering charming villages, our comprehensive guide to the top attractions and activities in Tenerife will help you make the most of your visit. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty, rich history, and thrilling adventures that make Tenerife one of Spain’s most captivating destinations.
10 Best Places to Visit in Tenerife
Tenerife is stunning island in the Canary archipelago offers a diverse range of attractions, from dramatic landscapes and pristine beaches to charming villages and vibrant culture. Here’s a guide to the best places to visit in Tenerife, Spain.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Home to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, this park offers breathtaking volcanic landscapes and diverse flora and fauna.
- Top Attractions: Hike up to the Teide Volcano, explore the Los Roques de García rock formations, and visit the Teide Observatory.
- Activities: Hiking, stargazing, and guided tours.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for mild weather and clear skies.
- How to Get There: Accessible by car, local bus services, or guided tours from major towns.
- Nearby Attractions: La Orotava and Guachinche restaurants for local cuisine.
- Resort Paradise: Known for its upscale resorts, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife, Costa Adeje is a prime destination for relaxation and entertainment.
- Top Attractions: Relax on Playa del Duque, enjoy family fun at Siam Park, and explore the El Duque Castle.
- Activities: Sunbathing, water sports, dining, and nightlife.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, thanks to Tenerife’s pleasant climate.
- How to Get There: Accessible by car, local bus, and taxi from Tenerife South Airport.
- Nearby Attractions: Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas.
- Vibrant Capital: This bustling port city is rich in culture, history, and shopping opportunities.
- Top Attractions: Visit the Auditorio de Tenerife, wander through Parque García Sanabria, and explore the Museum of Nature and Archaeology.
- Activities: Sightseeing, shopping, and cultural tours.
- Best Time to Visit: During the world-famous Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in February.
- How to Get There: Accessible by car, local bus, and taxi from Tenerife North Airport.
- Nearby Attractions: Playa de Las Teresitas and the Anaga Rural Park.
- Historic Charm: Nestled in a lush valley, La Orotava boasts colonial architecture, beautiful gardens, and traditional Canarian culture.
- Top Attractions: Explore the Casa de los Balcones, visit the Jardines Victoria, and admire the Iglesia de la Concepción.
- Activities: Historical tours, garden visits, and admiring traditional architecture.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
- How to Get There: Accessible by car or local bus from Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
- Nearby Attractions: Teide National Park and the La Orotava Valley.
- Dramatic Cliffs: Known for its towering sea cliffs, Los Gigantes offers stunning views, clear waters, and plenty of activities.
- Top Attractions: Relax on Playa de los Gigantes, take a boat tour to see the cliffs up close, and spot marine life like dolphins and whales.
- Activities: Boating, whale watching, snorkeling, and diving.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with sunshine and warm temperatures.
- How to Get There: Accessible by car, local bus, and taxi from major towns.
- Nearby Attractions: Puerto de Santiago and Masca Valley.
- Coastal Charm: This historic town combines traditional architecture with modern amenities and attractions.
- Top Attractions: Visit the Loro Parque zoo, relax at the Lago Martiánez saltwater pools, and explore the Botanical Gardens.
- Activities: Beach lounging, zoo visits, and botanical garden tours.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer for the best beach weather.
- How to Get There: Accessible by car or local bus from Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
- Nearby Attractions: La Orotava and the San Felipe Castle.
- Hidden Gem: Known as one of the most picturesque villages in Tenerife, Masca is nestled in the Teno Mountains.
- Top Attractions: Hike the Masca Gorge, explore traditional Canarian houses, and enjoy panoramic views.
- Activities: Hiking, photography, and exploring local culture.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for mild weather and ideal hiking conditions.
- How to Get There: Accessible by car or guided tours from major towns.
- Nearby Attractions: Los Gigantes and the Teno Rural Park.
- Historic Seaside Town: Once destroyed by a volcanic eruption, Garachico is now a charming town with historical sites and natural pools.
- Top Attractions: Swim in the El Caletón natural pools, visit the Castillo de San Miguel, and explore the Parque de la Puerta de Tierra.
- Activities: Swimming, historical tours, and strolling through the town.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
- How to Get There: Accessible by car or local bus from Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
- Nearby Attractions: Icod de los Vinos and the Drago Tree Park.
- Natural Wonder: Anaga Rural Park is a biosphere reserve known for its lush, ancient forests and dramatic landscapes.
- Top Attractions: Hike the Bosque de los Enigmas trail, visit the Benijo Beach, and explore the Taganana Village.
- Activities: Hiking, wildlife watching, and exploring traditional villages.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but spring and autumn offer the best hiking conditions.
- How to Get There: Accessible by car or local bus from Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
- Nearby Attractions: Playa de Las Teresitas and the Roque de Las Bodegas.
- Colonial Gem: This UNESCO World Heritage City is noted for its beautifully preserved colonial architecture and rich cultural heritage.
- Top Attractions: Visit the Cathedral of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, explore the Museum of History and Anthropology, and stroll through the Plaza del Adelantado.
- Activities: Historical tours, shopping, and enjoying local cuisine.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
- How to Get There: Accessible by car, local bus, and tram from Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Tenerife North Airport.
- Nearby Attractions: Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the Anaga Rural Park.
10 Best Things to Do in Tenerife
Tenerife is captivating island in the Canary archipelago offers a plethora of exhilarating outdoor activities amidst its diverse landscapes, from volcanic peaks to pristine waters. There are countless best things to do in Tenerife, Spain for adventure seekers.
- Epic Hikes: Teide National Park offers some of the best hiking trails in Spain, featuring volcanic landscapes and breathtaking views.
- Top Trails: Mount Teide Summit, Roques de García, and Montaña Blanca.
- Activities: Hiking, trekking, and photography.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for mild weather and clear skies.
- Travel Tip: Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of water and snacks. Permits are required to reach the summit.
- Nearby Attractions: Teide Observatory and La Orotava Valley.
- Surfer’s Paradise: Playa de las Américas is renowned for its consistent waves and bustling surf scene.
- Top Spots: La Izquierda and El Conquistador.
- Activities: Surfing, bodyboarding, and beach lounging.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round; best waves from October to February.
- Travel Tip: Surf schools offer lessons and equipment rentals for all skill levels.
- Nearby Attractions: Siam Park and Los Cristianos.
- Aerial Adventure: Soar above Tenerife’s stunning landscapes with tandem paragliding flights.
- Top Locations: Taucho, Izaña, and El Sauzal.
- Activities: Paragliding, sightseeing, and aerial photography.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer and late spring for optimal flying conditions.
- Travel Tip: Book tandem flights with certified instructors and wear appropriate clothing.
- Nearby Attractions: Costa Adeje and El Teide.
- Underwater Exploration: Discover the rich marine life and underwater landscapes of Tenerife’s coast.
- Top Dive Sites: El Puertito, La Catedral, and Montaña Amarilla.
- Activities: Scuba diving, snorkeling, and underwater photography.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with optimal diving conditions in summer.
- Travel Tip: Dive centers offer equipment rentals and guided dives.
- Nearby Attractions: Playa del Duque and Los Cristianos.
- Thrilling Rides: Explore the rugged beauty of Anaga Rural Park by mountain biking through its diverse trails.
- Top Trails: Las Hiedras, Casa Carlos, and Chinamada.
- Activities: Mountain biking, nature photography, and sightseeing.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for mild weather and clear trails.
- Travel Tip: Rent bikes locally and consider guided tours for the best routes.
- Nearby Attractions: Taganana Village and Benijo Beach.
- Rock Climbing: Test your skills on the impressive rock faces at Roque de las Bodegas, suitable for climbers of all levels.
- Location: Near Taganana in Anaga Rural Park.
- Activities: Rock climbing, bouldering, and abseiling.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with the best conditions in spring and autumn.
- Travel Tip: Local climbing guides offer tours and equipment rentals.
- Nearby Attractions: Taganana Village and Anaga Rural Park.
- Adrenaline Rush: Experience the thrill of canyoning in Barranco del Infierno, one of Tenerife’s most famous canyons.
- Location: Near Adeje.
- Activities: Canyoning, rappelling, and swimming.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for optimal water levels and weather.
- Travel Tip: Join guided tours for safety and equipment.
- Nearby Attractions: Costa Adeje and Playa del Duque.
- Marine Adventure: Witness the majestic whales and dolphins just off the coast of Los Gigantes.
- Top Locations: Boat tours departing from Los Gigantes harbor.
- Activities: Whale watching, boat tours, and wildlife photography.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with frequent sightings in winter.
- Travel Tip: Book tours in advance and bring a good camera.
- Nearby Attractions: Los Gigantes Cliffs and Puerto de Santiago.
- Windsurfer’s Haven: El Médano is known for its reliable wind conditions, making it a top spot for windsurfing.
- Top Spots: Playa Sur, La Tejita, and Playa Norte.
- Activities: Windsurfing, kiteboarding, and beach lounging.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with the best wind conditions from May to September.
- Travel Tip: Local shops offer equipment rentals and lessons.
- Nearby Attractions: Montaña Roja and La Tejita Beach.
- Scenic Rides: Explore the volcanic landscapes of Teide National Park on horseback.
- Top Locations: Guided tours are available from various stables around the park.
- Activities: Horseback riding, sightseeing, and photography.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for mild weather and stunning views.
- Travel Tip: Book tours in advance and wear suitable clothing.
- Nearby Attractions: Montaña Blanca and Teide Observatory.
Travel Information for Tenerife
Tenerife is captivating Canary Island offers a diverse range of experiences, from stunning natural landscapes and vibrant cities to exciting adventure activities. Here’s a comprehensive travel guide for Tenerife, Spain.
- By Air: Tenerife is served by two main airports: Tenerife South Airport (TFS) and Tenerife North Airport (TFN).
- Flights: Direct flights from major European cities and some international destinations.
- Travel Time: Approximately 4-5 hours from most major European cities.
- By Ferry: Ferries connect Tenerife to other Canary Islands and the Spanish mainland.
- Ferry Ports: Arrive at Santa Cruz de Tenerife or Los Cristianos.
- Travel Time: 5-7 hours, depending on the route and service.
- By Cruise Ship: Tenerife is a popular stop on many Canary Islands cruise itineraries.
- Spring (March to May): Mild and pleasant weather, fewer tourists, ideal for outdoor activities.
- Summer (June to August): Warm temperatures, perfect for beach activities and festivals, but expect more tourists.
- Autumn (September to November): Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful landscapes.
- Winter (December to February): Warm temperatures and sunny days, ideal for a winter escape.
- Teide National Park: Home to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, offering hiking, stargazing, and volcanic landscapes.
- Costa Adeje: Known for its upscale resorts, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife: The capital city, rich in culture, history, and shopping opportunities.
- La Orotava: A historic town with colonial architecture, beautiful gardens, and traditional Canarian culture.
- Los Gigantes: Famous for its towering sea cliffs, offering stunning views and marine activities.
- Puerto de la Cruz: A coastal town with traditional architecture, modern amenities, and attractions like Loro Parque zoo.
- Masca Village: A picturesque village nestled in the Teno Mountains, perfect for hiking and exploring.
- Garachico: A charming town with historical sites and natural pools.
- Anaga Rural Park: A biosphere reserve known for its lush, ancient forests and dramatic landscapes.
- San Cristóbal de La Laguna: A UNESCO World Heritage City with beautifully preserved colonial architecture.
- Public Transit: Tenerife has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trams operated by TITSA.
- Buses: Extensive network covering urban and suburban areas.
- Trams: Two tram lines connecting Santa Cruz de Tenerife and La Laguna.
- Car Rentals: Ideal for flexibility to explore the island.
- Rental Agencies: Available at both airports and major towns.
- Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis are readily available, and rideshare services like Uber operate in Tenerife.
- Ferry Services: Ferries connect Tenerife to other Canary Islands and the mainland.
- Ferry Operators: Include Fred Olsen Express and Naviera Armas.
- Luxury Hotels: Experience opulence at The Ritz-Carlton, Abama, Gran Melia Palacio de Isora, and Bahia del Duque.
- Boutique Hotels: For a unique stay, consider Hotel San Roque and Royal Garden Villas.
- Budget-Friendly Options: Hotel Catalonia Oro Negro, Pension Casablanca, and hostels like Lagarto Backpackers.
- Vacation Rentals: Use platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo to find apartments and homes with stunning views.
- Traditional Canarian Dishes: Try local specialties such as papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes), mojo sauce, and ropa vieja (stew).
- Seafood: Enjoy fresh seafood dishes like grilled octopus, sancocho, and paella.
- Local Cheeses: Sample Canarian cheeses such as queso de cabra (goat cheese) and queso de flor (flower cheese).
- Markets and Local Produce: Visit local markets like Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África for fresh produce, fish, and traditional foods.
- Local Markets: Discover fresh produce, regional products, and artisanal goods at markets like Mercado de La Laguna and Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África.
- Boutique Shops: Explore unique boutiques offering local fashion, crafts, and souvenirs in Santa Cruz and La Orotava.
- Department Stores: Shop at El Corte Inglés and Centro Comercial Meridiano for a wide range of products.
- Specialty Shops: Visit Bodegas Monje for local wines and Tenerife Artesanía for handmade crafts.
- Weather: The weather can vary across the island. Pack layers and be prepared for both warm and cooler temperatures, especially in higher altitudes.
- Language: Spanish is the official language, but many locals speak English.
- Currency: The currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but having some cash for small purchases is useful.
- Safety: Tenerife is generally very safe. Exercise standard precautions and keep valuables secure.
- Greetings: A friendly “Hola” (hello) and “Gracias” (thank you) go a long way.
- Dining Etiquette: Punctuality is appreciated. Wait to be seated and let your host lead the way.
- Dress Code: Dress casually for outdoor activities. Smart casual is suitable for dining out.
- Respecting Nature: Follow the ‘Leave No Trace’ principles to help maintain the pristine natural environment.
- Hiking and Walking Tours: Discover scenic trails in Teide National Park and Anaga Rural Park.
- Fishing: Enjoy fishing in the rich waters around Tenerife.
- Kayaking and Canoeing: Explore the coast’s serene waters.
- Biking Tours: Cycle through Tenerife’s picturesque landscapes.
- Boat Tours and RIB Safaris: Experience the coastal beauty from the water.
- Surfing and Windsurfing: Ride the waves at Playa de las Américas and El Médano.
- Paragliding: Soar above the picturesque landscapes of Tenerife.
