Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. Known for its diverse landscapes, it boasts Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide. Visitors can explore Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tenerife offers a mix of beautiful beaches, vibrant resorts in places like Playa de las Américas, and charming towns like Puerto de la Cruz. The island caters to outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities for hiking, water sports, and wildlife watching, making it a popular year-round destination.
Official tourism website:
https://www.hellocanaryislands.com
https://www.spain.info
Google map of Tenerife 4.7/5
The Best Things to Do in Tenerife
Teide National Park (Parque Nacional del Teide)
Teide National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Tenerife, Canary Islands. Encompassing 18,990 hectares, it is home to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak at 3,718 meters. The park features unique volcanic landscapes, endemic flora and fauna, and impressive geological formations. Visitors can enjoy numerous hiking trails, guided tours, and a cable car to the summit. The Teide Observatory, an important astrophysical research center, is also situated within the park’s boundaries.
Google map Teide National Park 4.8/5
Google Map Mount Teide / Pico del Teide 4.8/5
Google map Mirador del Teide – viewpoint 4.8/5
Google map Roques de Garcia & Roque Cinchado 4.8/5
Google map Teleférico del Teide – Cable Car 4.3/5
South Coast Beach Resorts
Los Cristianos
Los Cristianos is a popular coastal town in the southern part of Tenerife, Canary Islands. Known for its golden sandy beaches, Playa de Los Cristianos and Playa de Las Vistas, it attracts tourists seeking sun, sea, and relaxation. The town offers a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, and shops catering to diverse preferences. Los Cristianos also serves as a hub for water sports and boat excursions, including whale and dolphin watching, and provides ferry connections to nearby islands.
Google map Los Cristianos (resort)
Google map Playa Los Cristianos (beach) 4.4/5
Google map Playa de las Vistas (beach) 4.6/5
Google map Playa del Camisón (beach) 4.6/5
Playa de las Americas
Playa de las Americas is a bustling resort area on the southwest coast of Tenerife, Canary Islands. Renowned for its vibrant nightlife, visitors can find numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues. The resort boasts six sandy beaches, providing ample opportunities for sunbathing and water sports. Additionally, Playa de las Americas features several shopping centers, restaurants, and recreational facilities, such as golf courses and amusement parks, catering to diverse interests.
Google map Playa de las Americas (resort)
Google map Playa de las Américas (beach) 4.4/5
Google map Playas de Troya (beach) 4.5/5
Google map Playa de El Bobo (beach) 4.3/5
Costa Adeje
Costa Adeje is an upscale tourist destination in southwestern Tenerife, known for its luxurious hotels, fine dining, and designer shopping outlets. With picturesque beaches like Playa del Duque and Playa Fañabé, the area attracts visitors seeking a tranquil and sophisticated atmosphere. Costa Adeje also offers world-class attractions such as Siam Park and Aqualand, providing entertainment for all ages. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the impressive Golf Costa Adeje course, featuring stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Google map Costa Adeje (resort)
Google map Playa de la Pinta (beach) 4.4/5
Google map Playa de Fañabé (beach) 4.5/5
Google map Playa del Duque (beach) 4.6/5
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the bustling capital city of Tenerife, Canary Islands. It serves as the island’s cultural, economic, and administrative center. Visitors can explore numerous museums, galleries, and historical landmarks, such as the Auditorio de Tenerife and the 18th-century Church of La Concepción. Santa Cruz hosts the annual Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, one of the world’s largest carnivals. The city also features parks, shopping centers, and a variety of dining options.
Playa de Las Teresitas is a picturesque beach located near the village of San Andrés, approximately 7 kilometers from Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Spanning 1.5 kilometers, the beach features golden sand imported from the Sahara Desert, creating a unique contrast with the surrounding lush green mountains. Playa de Las Teresitas offers calm waters and extensive facilities, including sun loungers, parasols, and showers. It is an ideal spot for a relaxing day away from the city’s bustle.
Google map of city
Google map Playa de Las Teresitas 4.6/5
Google map Playa de Las Gaviotas 4.5/5
Google map Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria 4.7/5
San Cristóbal de La Laguna Historic Old Quarter
La Laguna, officially known as San Cristóbal de La Laguna, is a historical city in northern Tenerife, Canary Islands. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, La Laguna boasts well-preserved colonial architecture, including the Cathedral of La Laguna and numerous churches, convents, and palaces. The city is home to the University of La Laguna, contributing to its vibrant atmosphere and lively cultural scene. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, museums, and traditional Canarian cuisine at local restaurants.
Tenerife Carnival
Carnival in Tenerife, celebrated primarily in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is one of the largest and most spectacular carnivals in the world. Held annually in February or March, it attracts thousands of visitors who partake in vibrant street parades, elaborate costumes, live music, and dancing. The carnival’s highlight is the election of the Carnival Queen, followed by the Coso Apoteosis, a grand parade featuring colorful floats and performers. The festivities culminate in the “Burial of the Sardine” ceremony.
La Orotava Town
La Orotava is a charming town nestled in the lush Orotava Valley in the northern part of Tenerife, Canary Islands. Rich in history and culture, it features well-preserved Canarian architecture, such as the Casa de los Balcones and the Church of La Concepción. La Orotava’s beautiful botanical gardens, including the Jardín Victoria and the Hijuela del Botánico, showcase a diverse range of flora. The town also offers stunning views of Mount Teide and hosts various cultural events throughout the year.
Google map
Google map Casa de los Balcones 4.3/5
Google map Church of Our Lady of Conception 4.6/5
Siam Park (water park)
Siam Park is an award-winning water park located in Costa Adeje, Tenerife. Themed around the ancient kingdom of Siam, the park covers 18.5 hectares and offers thrilling rides, slides, and attractions for all ages. Key features include the Tower of Power, a 28-meter vertical drop slide, and the Wave Palace, which generates waves up to 3 meters high. Siam Park also boasts a lush, tropical environment with over 25,000 plants, creating an immersive experience for visitors.
Official website: https://siampark.net
Google map 4.4/5
Whale and Dolphin Watching in Tenerife
Go whale and dolphin watching in Tenerife’s waters, which serve as a habitat for a diverse range of cetacean species, including bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, and sperm whales. Numerous boat tours depart from various locations around the island, such as Los Cristianos, Puerto Colón, and Los Gigantes, offering visitors the chance to observe these majestic creatures in their natural environment. Many tour operators are committed to responsible tourism practices and support marine conservation efforts.
Day trip to La Gomera Island
Day trip to La Gomera Island offers a unique opportunity to explore the second smallest of the Canary Islands, located just 30 kilometers west of Tenerife. Accessible by ferry from Los Cristianos, the island is known for its lush landscapes, terraced hillsides, and the ancient laurel forests of Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. La Gomera’s capital, San Sebastián, boasts historical landmarks such as the Torre del Conde and the Church of La Asunción. Visitors can also experience the island’s unique whistling language, Silbo Gomero, and savor traditional Canarian cuisine in local restaurants.
Google map of La Gomera Island 4.7/5
Loro Parque
Loro Parque is a world-class zoo and conservation center situated in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife. Spanning 13.5 hectares, the park houses an extensive collection of animals, including dolphins, orcas, sea lions, tigers, and a diverse range of bird species. Loro Parque places strong emphasis on animal welfare, education, and conservation, and has been recognized as one of the best zoos globally. Visitors can enjoy animal shows, interactive exhibits, and the park’s award-winning parrot collection.
Official website: https://www.loroparque.com/en/
Google map 4.6/5
Masca Valley
Masca Valley is a picturesque, remote area located in the northwest of Tenerife, Canary Islands. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, the valley is home to the small village of Masca, which preserves traditional Canarian architecture. The challenging Masca Gorge hike, a popular trek, leads visitors through the ravine to a secluded beach. Due to the area’s rugged terrain and limited accessibility, it is recommended to book guided tours or carefully plan your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Google map 4.8/5
Garachico
Garachico is a picturesque coastal town located on the northwest coast of Tenerife, Canary Islands. Rich in history, it was once a thriving port before a volcanic eruption in 1706 reshaped the landscape. Today, visitors can explore well-preserved architecture, such as the Convent of San Francisco and the Church of Santa Ana. The town’s natural seawater pools, formed by lava, are popular attractions for swimming and sunbathing. Garachico also hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
Icod de los Vinos
Icod de los Vinos is one of Tenerife’s most historic towns and is famous for the Drago Milenario, an ancient dragon tree that has become one of the island’s best-known landmarks. The town combines traditional Canarian architecture, attractive plazas and a long association with wine production. Surrounded by vineyards, banana plantations and volcanic scenery, Icod also provides easy access to nearby attractions including Cueva del Viento and the historic town of Garachico.
Los Gigantes
Los Gigantes is famous for its enormous volcanic cliffs that rise up to 600 metres above the Atlantic Ocean on Tenerife’s western coast. The dramatic landscape is best appreciated from the sea on boat trips that often combine cliff viewing with whale and dolphin watching. The resort itself has a pleasant marina, black-sand beach and relaxed atmosphere, making it one of the island’s most scenic and memorable destinations.
Anaga Rural Park (Parque Rural de Anaga)
Anaga Rural Park, situated in the northeastern part of Tenerife, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its unique laurel forests and diverse flora and fauna. Covering approximately 14,500 hectares, the park features a network of hiking trails that meander through lush vegetation and provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Anaga Rural Park is also home to several small, remote villages, such as Taganana and Afur, which offer a glimpse into traditional Canarian life.
Google map 4.8/5
Tenerife Wine: Vineyards, Wineries and Wine Tasting
Wine Tasting in Tenerife offers visitors the chance to discover the island’s rich viticulture and sample a variety of local wines, including unique volcanic varieties. The island is home to several wine-growing regions and numerous wineries, which produce a diverse range of red, white, and rosé wines. Guided tours and tastings provide insight into Tenerife’s wine history, production methods, and grape varieties, such as Listán Negro and Malvasia. Some popular wineries include Bodega Monje, Bodegas Viñátigo, and Casa del Vino.