What to do in Tenerife? Our must-sees

We’ve reached the most important article since we’re sharing the best things to see and do in Tenerife. As you may know, I was lucky enough to go there twice! I had exactly the same feeling both times and the magic happened on each of my trips to the island. To describe it a bit, Tenerife is much more varied than it seems. It’s simple, none of its regions look alike, whether it’s the north, the south, the Anaga massif, or the Masca region. I recommend taking the time to really get to know it: from the volcanoes to the beaches, passing through tropical forests and colorful villages.

It’s truly an island where you can do tons of activities or hit the road without ever getting bored! In some places, you just have to drive for 10 minutes to be totally surprised. I think that’s what made me fall for the island, I was never bored. The island is also unpredictable, with its microclimates that make you lose or gain 5 degrees in just a couple of turns. And here, no matter if you’re more into cities, mountains, or beaches, you have it all! It means you can make everyone happy if you’re traveling with others or simply feel totally transported.

I could keep singing Tenerife’s praises, but let’s get to the heart of the matter, don’t worry! In any case, if you had a few doubts about this destination, I hope that with these first lines I’ve already convinced you. Believe me, you won’t regret it!

Now that you have a better idea of the different landscapes and the atmosphere in Tenerife, let’s move on to the serious stuff. I’m sharing the places and activities that I consider unmissable. This will help you know what to do and where to start. Come on, I’ll let you discover it all!

I might be going a bit far here, but you really can’t come to Tenerife without visiting Teide National Park. It’s quite simply the heart of the island, separating the north from the south. For your info, its summit rises to more than 3,700 meters above sea level, making it the highest peak in Spain, which is no small thing. Honestly, every time I’ve visited, I’ve felt like I was on another planet. In the middle of lava fields and sculpted rock formations, all in a palette of ocher, red, and gold, it’s just wow. From one part of the park to another, the panoramas are very different.

To explore it, you have several options:

• You can take the cable car up to the summit and enjoy breathtaking views above the clouds with the ocean in the distance.
• Do a tour of the park’s viewpoints and go on one or two hikes to really immerse yourself in the volcanic landscapes. That’s what I chose to do and it allowed me to explore the park lengthwise, widthwise, and crosswise. It was just incredible!
• Or simply drive along the scenic roads, which offer gorgeous landscapes. This will be easier if you’re traveling with kids or if you don’t like walking, as the sun is strong up there.

One last little tip: leave as early as possible in the morning to make the most of the park and get there before the crowds!

Let’s move on to another place that really impressed me during my trips to Tenerife. It probably rings a bell: it’s the cliffs of Los Gigantes. And they’re well named: they’re huge and very steep, as if they were cutting into the ocean. Just seeing them from the town was enough to blow me away.

But coming to see them from the ocean, at the foot of the cliffs, is something else entirely. It’s also very often the departure point for boat excursions to watch cetaceans. In my case, that’s exactly where I set off from and I was lucky enough to see at least thirty spotted dolphins and around ten pilot whales, all while respecting them. Honestly, I would do that outing again without hesitation! We saw them in their natural habitat while respecting the protected Teno-Rasca area. On top of that, we finished with a swimming/snorkeling stop at the foot of the cliffs. It’s not every day you get the chance to swim at the base of cliffs over 600 meters high. If you prefer a more active experience, you can also go kayaking along the cliffs. You’ll feel just as tiny and as close as possible to these rock formations.

If you feel like going for a swim at any time of year, Tenerife is perfect for that. The water is really nice, around 25 degrees, except for about three winter months, and that’s it. That’s a big advantage! What I also loved was the variety of beaches: there are ones with golden sand, black sand, wild beaches, and developed beaches. I can tell you, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Personally, I really liked the black-sand beaches in the south, which created a beautiful contrast with the turquoise water. I find it’s a nice change from what I’m used to seeing. Plus, in the south, sunshine is almost guaranteed all year round. Completely on the opposite side of the island, you’ll find its most famous beach: Playa de Las Teresitas, just above Santa Cruz. There, I quickly understood why it’s so popular. It’s large, with lovely golden sand (brought in from the Sahara Desert) and mountains in the background. I also think it’s great for swimming and even spending the whole day there without moving! If you’re a fan of water sports, I’d recommend El Médano instead: it’s quite windy, and I saw surfers and kitesurfers out in the distance.

And for even more inspiration, I invite you to discover our selection of the best beaches in Tenerife.

To explain it a bit better, Loro Parque is considered one of the best animal parks in the world. That’s exactly what intrigued me. So I decided to add it to my itinerary on my second trip to Tenerife. Honestly, I did not regret it. I had an amazing day at Loro Parque, which emphasizes respect for animals through its conservation programs and the spaces dedicated to them.

Of course, I’d already been to zoos before, but this was very different. I saw animals up close: penguins, gorillas, lions, flamingos, and more! Plus, I came away having learned lots of things about the animals I’d seen. The park is fun and respectful, in a tropical setting typical of northern Tenerife, as it’s located in Puerto de la Cruz. I really felt like I was walking through a forest the whole time. A little tip: the park gets busy, especially in summer; I recommend going as soon as it opens. That’s what I did and I was able to enjoy it without the waves of visitors. I have such great memories of this park that I even told myself that if I ever have kids one day, I’ll take them there!

I hadn’t mentioned this place yet in our other articles on Tenerife and yet it’s one of my favorite must-sees! It’s a slightly secret spot where there aren’t many people when you go. To help you place it, it’s way down south on the island, very close to the village of El Médano. There’s a small dirt and stone parking area, and when you arrive, you even wonder if you’re in the right place. In fact, you’re just above it and, further down, you can discover this magnificent natural arch. It’s made of volcanic rock.

The arch is so well integrated that you’d think it had been sculpted there on purpose, even though it’s a complete work of nature. Once there, we were lucky enough to meet a local who guided us down to the arch: it’s a little slippery, but totally doable. Once at the bottom, he took photos for us and gave us tips on places to visit nearby. That was a really nice bonus! Honestly, I loved the raw feel of the spot, it was like being in an American-style canyon. And between us, we absolutely weren’t expecting to find such a desert-like setting right off the road, and yet… it was so worth it! It’s a quick stop in an unusual place that I really recommend!

Even though it wasn’t my top priority at first, I really enjoyed visiting the capital of Tenerife. I found the city pleasant and lively, with a mix of different vibes. Even though it’s the biggest city on the island, you still feel the local atmosphere among the modern buildings, colorful streets, outdoor cafés, and local shops. If you like wandering around, I recommend heading to the historic center with Garcia Sanabria Park, Plaza de España, Plaza de la Candelaria, Iglesia de la Concepción, and Calle del Castillo for a bit of shopping.

For me, one of my favorite spots is the Mercado Nuestra Señora de África. It’s a great market in a typical building that houses many local stalls and shops. You really feel the traditional side, even if there are tourists; you can clearly see locals coming here too. You’ll find everything: tropical fruits, Canarian cheeses, pastries, fresh fish, local crafts… The atmosphere is great and perfect for tasting local products or grabbing a quick bite. If you have some extra time, you can also swing by the Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín or the Palmetum if that interests you, but I’d suggest focusing on the center and the market first.

And for even more ideas, feel free to check out our guide dedicated to Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

We’ve already talked about beaches, but Tenerife is full of natural pools. It’s one of its special features. Since it’s a very volcanic island, there are pools carved out by lava that have filled with water. Needless to say, the scenery is very different from the beaches. The most famous natural pools are in Garachico, a small town in the north. What’s great is that stone paths have been built to connect all the pools. It’s really well done and creates a convenient layout while still keeping the raw feel of the El Caletón natural pools. Since it’s a well-known spot, you’ll mostly see tourists, but if you go all the way to the last pool, there will be fewer people and it’s more peaceful.

Personally, I preferred the natural pools of Alcalá, on the west coast. A local recommended them to us and it was a lovely surprise (always listen to local advice ahah). Sure, they’re smaller, but since there are fewer people, I enjoyed my swim there even more. The water was super nice and turquoise, surrounded by black rocks. There’s just a small stone staircase to get into the water. Of course, the ground is rocky and slippery, so if you can, just bring a pair of water shoes. You’ll also come across the famous black crabs with slightly red/orange tones. They blend in really well with the surroundings ahah. But that’s part of the natural charm of the pools. There are also other natural pools on the island, especially in Bajamar and La Punta del Hidalgo, but Garachico and Alcalá are really the ones I’d recommend as a priority. In a few words: if you like slightly unusual spots and swimming in natural settings, go for it!

On the nature side, the rural parks of Teno and Anaga are amazing playgrounds for hiking in Tenerife. These are two protected areas that reveal raw landscapes and scenic routes. The Anaga Rural Park, in the northeast of the island, is truly unique. It’s like a world of its own. In just a few minutes, you find yourself surrounded by forests with a bit of mist, lush green mountains, and small villages.

The Teno Rural Park, in the west, offers much drier and more volcanic landscapes, still with a bit of greenery. This is where you’ll find the famous village of Masca, considered one of the most beautiful on the island. I’ll tell you more about this village in just a bit! In any case, you can keep in mind that these are two beautiful places for hikes of varying difficulty levels ahah.

If you want to get off the beaten track, far from the tourist hustle and bustle, these two parks are great options for discovering a different side of Tenerife: more authentic and wilder.

As promised, I wanted to dedicate a section to the Masca region, which truly is a feast for the eyes. I’ll be honest: you do have to be a bit brave to drive through this area. The roads are very winding and narrow, with drops right next to you, and in the middle of all that, you spot a tiny village perched in the distance. It’s nestled between several ravines on a mountainside. It’s really impressive!

In general, the whole region around Masca is stunning, especially the road to the Mirador de Cherfe. At every turn, you get a different viewpoint, even if you do need to stay focused on the road. By the way, I recommend going as early as possible, otherwise you might run into traffic jams. That can spoil the experience a bit. So it’s worth getting up early to really enjoy it! If you’re into sporty challenges, the Barranco de Masca hike is one of the most beautiful on the island. It goes from the village down to the sea, it’s just wow! As you can see, this very unique region shows yet another face of Tenerife.

To end this top list on a high note, I suggest heading to San Cristóbal de La Laguna, often simply called La Laguna. If there’s ONE city to visit, this is it! I had a real crush on this spot in Tenerife. You should know that it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. I took the time to wander around the historic center to soak in the local, colorful atmosphere. It’s simple: the city center has real charm, with colonial façades painted in green/red/blue tones, and it feels really lively.

I recommend stopping for a drink at a terrace café and popping into a few local shops. Honestly, at every corner I was torn between snapping tons of photos and just looking and enjoying it with my own eyes. To give you a few unmissable spots in the city that I really liked: Calle Obispo Rey Redondo, La Laguna Cathedral, Plaza del Adelantado, and Casa de los Capitanes. Now you know everything about the city; I’m repeating myself a bit, but take your time when visiting La Laguna. Well, I’m saying this, but I’m almost sure that once you get there, you’ll do it without even thinking about it ahah.

Now that I’ve given you Tenerife’s must-sees to give you a great overview of the island, I couldn’t stop there! Basically, if you have more time, there are still plenty of other things to do in Tenerife. Below, I’ll suggest a bit of everything to add either thrills, relaxation, unusual spots, or experiences to your trip! So, how does that sound?

Here we are in the best water park in the entire Canary Islands, and it certainly holds its own on a global scale. Personally, I didn’t have time to go, but if I go back, it’s definitely on my list. Just the entrance alone is impressive and true to the Thai style. That’s the park’s theme, with temples, waterfalls, and tropical rivers; it’s another lovely escape within Tenerife. In terms of attractions, there’s something for everyone: tall slides to get your adrenaline pumping, a lazy river, a big wave pool, and more relaxing areas. As always, especially in high season, try to get there as soon as it opens!

Special mention for this charming northern town that I got to know quite well as I was staying nearby. It’s very complete, with a more modern area and another that has kept its old, authentic style. It has everything: a port, small streets, shops, little flower-lined squares, and even a seafront where you can see the power of the waves. Not to mention the restaurants and bars where you can taste Canarian flavors—I really treated myself. I’d say it’s the liveliest town in the north while still keeping its local atmosphere, it’s the perfect balance in my opinion. Plus, it’s a great base for exploring the north of the island, with La Orotava, Garachico, and Icod de los Vinos.

Speaking of Icod de los Vinos, to me it’s one of the prettiest villages in northern Tenerife. It’s well worth a visit! It’s set between the sea and the mountains and is especially known for its famous thousand-year-old dragon tree (Drago Milenario). It’s an emblematic tree of the island even if, in reality, it’s probably closer to 800 years old than a thousand, but I can’t swear to it. In any case, you can tell it’s been around for a long time and that it has a lot of history. If you’re interested, it has its own park: Parque del Drago, with a €5 entrance fee. It’s not expensive and you can admire it up close. But here’s a little tip: to see it without necessarily paying, you’ll get a great view from Plaza Andrés de Lorenzo Cáceres. Beyond the dragon tree, Icod de los Vinos is all about the atmosphere: cobbled streets, small flower-filled squares, traditional houses, and cafés with terraces. And don’t forget that you can also taste local wine or visit the banana house if you’re a foodie.

I can assure you that Tenerife’s seabed is incredibly rich! You can see all sorts of things: parrotfish, blue damselfish, tropical species, and Atlantic ones too. There are also turtles, moray eels, and even rays. I went on a guided snorkeling trip in Tenerife. It allowed me to just follow the guide and watch lots of fish near the rocks on the south coast. I also went diving in Lanzarote, which was just amazing and went by so fast. All this to say that the waters around the Canaries are incredibly rich. To help you out, here are a few not-to-miss spots for diving or snorkeling in Tenerife: El Puertito (especially for spotting turtles), Abades, Los Cristianos, and La Caleta.

Calling all thrill-seekers: discovering Tenerife from the sky must be incredible! With its volcanic relief, cliffs, and panoramas, there’s plenty to feast your eyes on. If it’s your first time, no worries: most paragliders are tandem flights, so you’ll be with an instructor and perfectly safe. As for me, I have to admit that I’m afraid of heights, so it’s not really the activity for me, but just watching the takeoffs in Tenerife, the views from up there were stunning. So I can only imagine what it must be like in a paraglider. You’ll have a much clearer, sweeping view—with extra thrills. All I can say is: if it appeals to you, go for it!

For a more sporty activity out in nature, why not go canyoning in Tenerife? The island is full of canyons with routes suitable for all levels, even beginners. To give you an idea, outings can involve descending a ravine with rock walls, landscapes shaped by lava, small jumps, and slides. Very often, canyoning takes place in the Adeje area, in the south. It’s always a great way to explore the island differently! Just be prepared for your arms and legs to be a bit sore ahah.

Finally, here’s another perfect activity to do in Tenerife! Since the climate is mild and quite stable all year round, the island is ideal for surfing. In fact, in winter many surfers come to Tenerife specifically for it. The best (and most famous) spot is El Médano. It’s true that it’s a very windy area; out in the sea, you can only see surfers and kitesurfers in the distance. All the conditions are right for great sessions. There’s also Playa de las Américas and La Caleta in the south. In short, whether you’re a beginner or experienced, you’ll easily find your happy place for surfing in Tenerife.

Now we’ve come to the practical section for traveling to Tenerife. This is where we answer the most frequently asked questions, it’s really designed to help you. Don’t hesitate to use it!

Let me reassure you right away: getting to Tenerife is very easy. It’s the best-connected island in the Canaries. You can easily find direct flights or, at worst, a short layover from several small or large European cities, especially from Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland. You’ll most likely arrive at Tenerife South Airport, which is the one that handles international flights. Tenerife North is more for domestic flights within the archipelago or from mainland Spain.

If you’re coming from another Canary Island, there’s the ferry, especially if you’re on a neighboring island. Technically, all the islands are connected to Tenerife, but it can take longer depending on the distance from the island in question. In general, the ferry is a good option if you’re coming from La Gomera or Gran Canaria to Tenerife.

In this case, there’s no right or wrong answer, it really depends on what you’re looking for. To explain it better, Tenerife is pleasant all year round, mainly thanks to its mild climate. There’s plenty of sunshine and a temperate climate no matter the season, even if there are slight variations. That’s actually why Tenerife is known as “the island of eternal spring”.

In winter, it’s a great destination to escape the cold in Europe—a little sunny break. In spring and autumn (the season I chose), the climate is just perfect for hikes and sightseeing without suffering from the heat, and that’s a real plus, especially if, like me, you’re not a fan of high temperatures. In summer, it’s much hotter, but thanks to the sea breeze and the winds, it’s still manageable and perfect for making the most of the beaches. However, Tenerife is really crowded in summer, so you should expect that. Not to mention that prices can almost double. You can remember that each season has its own charm. If you want more info to be sure about your dates, we invite you to check out our full guide: when to go to Tenerife.

Here’s another advantage of Tenerife: the island is very easy to explore! You even have several options for getting around during your trip. Most travelers rent a car. That’s what I did too, using the Discover Cars comparison site. Honestly, the price per day and per week was more than reasonable, and the freedom a car gives you is just perfect. You can do everything, even go to the most remote corners. The roads are well maintained and paved, so you’re not at risk, even if some of them require more concentration than others.

If you don’t feel like driving, the island has a pretty good bus network, especially in the north and in the major seaside resorts in the south. It might surprise some people, but there’s even a tram between Santa Cruz de Tenerife and La Laguna (two of the must-sees in our top list). If you need it for more occasional trips, there are also taxis and ride-hailing services, especially in the tourist areas in the south of the island. To discover Anaga, Masca, Los Gigantes, and Teide, there are guided excursions so you can go without worrying about driving. For more info on the topic, feel free to take a look at our guide on getting around Tenerife.

Let’s be honest, food is always a bonus on a trip. And you’re in luck because Tenerife has some great dishes to try. Of course, you’ll find the big classics of Spanish cuisine, like tapas, paella, croquetas, tortillas, etc. Plus, on the island, you can eat very cheaply. I recommend trying local restaurants, especially in the small villages in the southeast. Special shout-out to Los Abrigos, which is full of great restaurants along the little fishing port. That’s where I had the best tuna croquetas of my life ahah.

In the north, you have places called “guachinches”, which serve traditional cuisine in very natural, remote settings—it’s a full-on experience. Honestly, you’re going to eat very well in Tenerife!

When it comes to staying in Tenerife, you won’t be short on options, whether for location or type of accommodation. Below, I’m sharing a few places that I consider safe bets. As always, I’ve grouped them by budget to make it easier to find your way around.

Higher budget

Tivoli La Caleta Resort: a 5-star hotel right on the seafront, in the upmarket resort of Costa Adeje. It’s simple, it has everything going for it: elegant rooms, heated pools, a spa, and several restaurants. A true little luxury paradise!

Mid-range budget

Aparthotel Los Dragos del Sur: a charming seaside residence with large air-conditioned apartments, well equipped for cooking, most of them with a beautiful ocean view and a balcony. You’ll also enjoy an outdoor pool and a good breakfast, all while being close to Los Gigantes.

Budget-friendly

Hotel El Sombrerito: a simple and welcoming hotel right in the center of Vilaflor, close to Teide National Park. Here, the rooms are clean and well maintained, with a good restaurant serving Canarian specialties. Its location is just perfect for setting off on hikes.

If you want more options, know that we’ve written a full guide: where to stay in Tenerife.

There you go, we’ve done a solid overview of the things to do and see in Tenerife. I hope this article has given you ideas for your Tenerife itinerary. And if you made it here without being sure about going to this island, I hope I’ve made you want to discover it! As I said, it’s an island that truly enchanted me during this trip. I never got bored there, even though it’s not very far from Europe. So you might as well make the most of it!

If you’re in the middle of planning, I suggest checking out what budget to plan for a trip to Tenerife. It will give you a good head start without spending hours on it!

See you very soon for more experiences in Tenerife,

Written by Laura CALLES

Thanks to Mélanie and Sylvain, I had the chance to discover the Canary Islands, specifically Tenerife and Lanzarote, so that I could share these island paradises with you. Two real favorites of mine!

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