Discover all the best things to see and do in Tenerife, the largest island in the Canary archipelago.
With an average temperature of 17ºC in winter and 25ºC in summer, Tenerife, also known as the “island of eternal spring”, is an ideal destination to visit at any time of the year. Dreamlike beaches, beautiful natural spaces, charming villages and exquisite cuisine… what more could you want?
Join us here to discover the top things to see and do during a trip to Tenerife:
Natural Wonders
Teide National Park
The Teide National Park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007. The park is home to the highest peak in Spain, Mount Teide, an active volcano, standing at 3,718 metres high. This natural wonder attracts millions of visitors each year eager to enjoy a lunar landscape and the surrounding nature. Many travellers choose to ride the Teide cable car, the highest in the country, which reaches La Rambleta and offers incredible views. To discover the most spectacular corners of the park safely, it is best to join a guided excursion.
Anaga Rural Park
The Anaga Rural Park is located very close to Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It is a mountainous area, full of valleys, ravines and geological formations formed by a volcanic activity millions of years ago. The area is popular with hikers and is bursting with interesting trails and routes. One of the most popular trails is El Pijaral, known as the Enchanted Forest, the route is of medium difficulty and can be covered in approximately 3.5 hours. You will need a permit to enter the forest and as only 45 visitors are allowed to enter a day, you will need to book your spot well in advance!
Los Gigantes Cliffs
With a height that reaches 600 metres at points, the Los Gigantes cliffs (The Giants in English), on the west coast of the island, are truly impressive. Don’t miss this view during your visit to Tenerife!
Charming Villages
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
This picturesque town was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, and its historic centre is full of churches and buildings dating back to the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Don’t miss the Plaza del Adelantado, the Santa Catalina de Siena monastery, the Casa del Corregidor or the Iglesia de la Concepción church, among many other wonders.
La Orotava
Considered one of the most beautiful towns on the island, the historic centre was declared a national historic site in Spain, and there is no shortage of reasons why! Marvel at the Casa de los Balcones, the Jardines del Marquesado de la Quinta Roja, the church of la Concepción or the town hall square. Orotava is also famous for the impressive flower carpets that adorn the old town during the Corpus Christi celebration.
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. Do not miss the Convento de San Francisco, the Castle of San Miguel and the natural pools of El Caletón.
Parks
Siam Park
In this theme park, fun is guaranteed for all! The water park has a lot of interesting attractions to enjoy with the family, such as Coco Beach, a wave pool of more than 1000 square metres; 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 28-metre-high slide that passes through a tank of sharks, among many other thrilling rides!
Loro Park
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 and perfectly emulates the living conditions of the Antarctic; and the Dolphinarium, where visitors can observe the intelligence and sympathy of these wonderful sea creatures.
Viewpoints
The viewpoint of La Corona
Located in the town of Los Realejos, the La Corona viewpoint offers incredible views of the Orotava valley. But this is not the only viewpoint on the island. In fact, there are multiple options to enjoy incredible views in Tenerife! Other viewpoints that are worthwhile are the Ortuño viewpoint, with wonderful views of the Teide National Park; the El Lance viewpoint, with its spectacular bronze sculpture and views of the La Orotava valley, the La Centinela viewpoint, whose views reach from San Miguel to the Roque del Conde; the Archipenque viewpoint, to see the Los Gigantes Cliff; or the Pico del Inglés viewpoint, which offers an excellent panoramic view of the north and the centre of the island.
Beaches
Benijo Beach
Some say that the best sunsets on the island are experienced at this wild beach. It boasts a unique landscape with views of the Roques de Anaga. To reach this beach in the town of Taganana, you will need to walk for about 15 minutes along a path with many steps. But the effort is definitely worth it when you reach this otherworldly landscape!
Other Beaches
If you like natural beaches, away from urban centres, there are plenty of alternatives on the island, such as: La Tejita beach, located in a protected natural area next to the Montaña Roja volcanic cone; the beach of Punta Blanca beach, highly appreciated by surfers; or Antequera beach, next to the cliff of the Anaga mountain range.
Other alternatives, more accessible and with more services, are: 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; or Los Guíos beach, with views of the impressive Los Gigantes cliffs.