Discover all the best things to see and do in Tenerife, the largest island in the Canary archipelago.
After an unforgettable trip to Tenerife, I’m excited to share my tips and favorite spots with you. This beautiful island has so much to offer, from natural wonders like Teide and Los Gigantes to theme parks such as Siam Park and Jungle Park. I also discovered the charm of picturesque villages like San Cristóbal de La Laguna and Garachico, and found the most beautiful viewpoints. I visited in October, but the ‘island of eternal spring’ boasts ideal temperatures year-round, perfect for combining activities and relaxation.
Read on to discover my favorite things to do in Tenerife.
Natural Wonders
Teide National Park
In Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, lies Spain’s highest mountain and volcano: Mount Teide, which stands tall at 12198ft. This natural attraction draws thousands of visitors each year who come to marvel at its otherworldly landscape. Many travelers, myself included, choose to reach the summit using the Teide Cable Car, the highest in the country. Hop on this cable car to reach La Rambleta and enjoy an unparalleled view. If you want to discover all the spectacular corners of the park, join a guided tour.
Anaga Rural Park
This biosphere reserve is located near Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It’s a mountainous massif with valleys, gorges, and geological formations, which offers several interesting trails and paths. One of the most popular routes is El Pijaral, a moderately difficult trail that takes about 3.5 hours to complete. Keep in mind that you need to request an access permit in advance. Every morning at 7am, 45 slots are made available, which means you need to connect early and act quickly. Another way to visit the reserve is by joining a group excursion.
Los Gigantes Cliffs
With a height that reaches up to 1968ft, the cliffs of Los Gigantes on the west coast of the island are truly impressive and genuinely gigantic, hence the name. The best way to explore this natural wonder is with a boat or kayak tour, which lets you admire the rocks from the water. This activity is a must in Tenerife.
Garajonay National Park
Although the Garajonay National Park is not in Tenerife, it’s worth taking a short trip to La Gomera to explore it. A 50-minute ferry ride from Los Cristianos to San Sebastián, it’s like entering another era – the past of the Canary Islands. The highlight of La Gomera and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the park is filled with ancient and misty laurel forests that are straight out of a fairy tale.
Charming Villages
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
This picturesque town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and its historic center has numerous stunning churches and buildings from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. Don’t miss the Plaza del Adelantado, the Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena, the Casa del Corregidor, and the Iglesia de la Concepción, to name a few.
La Orotava
Considered one of the most beautiful villages in Tenerife, its historic center was declared an area of national interest (Conjunto Histórico Artístico Nacional), and there is no shortage of reasons why. Marvel at the Casa de los Balcones, a historic monument and museum, the 19th-century Jardines del Marquesado de la Quinta Roja, the Iglesia de La Concepción and the charming town hall square. Orotava is also famous for the impressive flower carpets that adorn the historic old town during the celebration of Corpus Christi.
Garachico
Although an eruption of the Trevejo volcano devastated a good part of the town in 1706, Garachico rose from the ashes possibly even more beautiful than before. Fortunately, some of its historic buildings were saved from the disaster and can still be visited today. Highlights include: the 16th-century Convento de San Francisco, now home to the Public Library and Municipal Archives, the 16th-century Castle of San Miguel and the natural pools of El Caletón. To discover these and other villages, join an excursion through the north of Tenerife.
Parks
Siam Park
In this water park, fun is guaranteed for all. It has several family attractions, such as Coco Beach, a wave pool of more than 10,763sq ft; the Wave Palace, with the largest artificial wave in the world; the Naga Racer, with its incredible slides; or the Tower of Power, with its 92ft-high slide that passes through a tank of sharks, among many other thrilling rides.
Loro Parque
The quality of its facilities and its environmental commitment make it one of the best zoos in the world. The park was originally conceived as a paradise for parrots but has developed into one of the main attractions in the Canary Islands. Its most popular attractions include Planet Penguin, the penguinarium opened in 1999 that perfectly emulates the living conditions of the Antarctic; and the Dolphinarium, where visitors can observe the intelligence and friendliness of these wonderful sea creatures.
Jungle Park
Less well known than other parks in Tenerife, Jungle Park is nonetheless great fun for a day surrounded by animals and nature. This wildlife park is home to, among others, big cats, monkeys, and colorful birds. There are exciting shows with eagles and sea lions, meanwhile adventurers can get a rush from the suspension bridges and bobsled track. It’s a delightful destination for families and nature enthusiasts.
Viewpoints
With its varied landscapes and mountains, Tenerife boasts a significant number of ‘miradors’ (viewpoints). The Mirador de La Corona, located in the municipality of Los Realejos, overlooks the Orotava Valley and is one of the most beautiful viewpoints on the island.
Other miradors worth visiting include: the Mirador de Ortuño, which offers stunning views of Teide National Park; Mirador El Lance, distinguished by the bronze statue of the Guanche king Mencey Bentor and views of the Orotava Valley; Mirador La Centinela, with a panorama stretching from San Miguel to Roque del Conde; Mirador Archipenque, for admiring the cliffs of Los Gigantes; and the Pico del Inglés, which has exceptional views of the northern part of the island.
Beaches
Benijo Beach
You can admire the most beautiful sunset from this wild beach with black volcanic sand on the northeastern side of the island. Benijo, located in the municipality of Taganana, boasts a unique landscape overlooking the Roques de Anaga. To reach it, you have to walk approximately 15 minutes along a path with various steps. The effort is worth it when you arrive at this otherworldly landscape.
Playa de Antequera
Also in the northeast is the Anaga Rural Park, where you’ll find the Antequera beach. Remote and not easily accessible, it’s a true natural paradise with volcanic sand and calm waters. To get there you have two options: either take a three-hour hike or join one of the many boat excursions that stop there in the summer.
Playa de La Tejita
To the southeast of Tenerife lies a protected natural area near the volcanic formation Montaña Roja. La Tejita has a wild charm that immediately makes you feel far from civilization. The area is quite windy, but the temperature remains pleasant. There are no facilities, and there is even a nudist section along the sandy coastline. You’ll need a car to get there and after parking you’ll have to walk for about ten minutes.
Other beaches in Tenerife
There are also many other beaches, more accessible and with more services, including the following: Playa del Duque, located in Costa Adeje; Las Teresitas beach, one of the most popular in Santa Cruz de Tenerife; El Médano beach, located in the municipality of Granadilla de Abona; and Los Guíos beach, with views of the impressive Los Gigantes cliffs.
Rent a car
One last tip for things to do in Tenerife is to rent a car or scooter. The island is relatively small and public transportation options are limited, which makes having your own vehicle an ideal choice. With your car or scooter, you can travel from the north to the south in just a few hours and stop wherever you want. The roads are well-equipped and the views are spectacular!
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our article on what to do in the Canary Islands.