Are you here because you are looking for plans, ideas, places to visit or things to see and do in Tenerife ? We are not lying if we say that it is one of the most interesting Canary Islands and in this post we are going to tell you 30 great plans and essential places to enjoy in the north, center and south of the island 🙂
On our last trip we spent a week on the island and we came away delighted: in Tenerife there are plans for all tastes... from beaches to volcanoes, from trekking to picturesque villages, from forests to boat trips, in short, the only thing you won't do is get bored!
What to see and do in Tenerife
One of the things I liked most about my old job was that it allowed me to travel to different places in Europe, and the Fortunate Islands (as the Canary Islands are known) were by far one of my favourite destinations. A couple of years ago we had the chance to return and see that Tenerife is still just as beautiful 🙂 and we also visited it together with my parents.
Nostalgic parenthesis aside, now we are going to travel to the Canary Islands and tell you 30 things to see and do in Tenerife .
1. Climb Teide, a must-see in Tenerife
The largest of the Canary Islands has many attractions, but one stands out among them: we are talking, as it could not be otherwise, about its giant, the Teide . The highest peak in Spain, with its 3,718 metres , is “only” one of the 300 or so volcanoes on the island, although it is undoubtedly the most famous and spectacular. There are two ways to get there: on foot, perfect for adventurers who are not afraid of sweating a lot, or by cable car , for the laziest.
→ Tips for visiting El Teide
The cable car price is €40 round trip and you can buy the pass on the official website . From the top station you can take some trails (like the one to Mirador del Pico Viejo) but if you want to get to the top on your own you will have to request a permit on this website (it's free, but do it waaaay in advance). You can also book the cable car + Teide peak experience online .
→ Excursion to Teide from the north of Tenerife
→ Excursion to Teide from the south of Tenerife
2. Teide Astronomical Observatory and Viewpoints
But, as we say, it is not the only volcano on the island. Teide is located in the heart of the Teide National Park (or Las Cañadas del Teide), declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007 for its beautiful and strange volcanic landscapes that never cease to fascinate us. The best thing to do is to drive slowly, stopping at the different viewpoints and following one of its trails (ask for information at the El Portillo Visitor Centre), and visit the Teide Astronomical Observatory .
⭐ Don't miss the views of the volcano from the Mirador de Chipeque , our favorite, and you can almost always see the famous and photogenic "sea of clouds" that seems to envelop Teide.
3. The Rocks of Garcia
The other day someone called me a lady, but before I was old I was Italian, so I had never seen pesetas in my life. If you are also a lady like me (oh, those thirty-somethings) and you are Spanish, you might remember a strange rock that, together with the Teide, appeared on the 1,000 peseta banknotes. Well, that rock was the Roque Cinchado (also known as the “Rock Tree”), and it is one of the curious rocks that form the group of Los Roques de García, located in the Cañadas del Teide. Visiting it is one of the best things to do in Tenerife.
4. Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Another place you have to visit in Tenerife is its capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife , where we recommend you stroll through the narrow streets of the center or along the Rambla, visit the stalls of the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África, or visit the Adán Martín auditorium that some say has an air of the Sydney Opera House. Visiting this city is one of the essential things to do in Tenerife 🙂 and even more so if you visit it with a free tour !
⭐ The best things to see and do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
5. The Lagoon
But Santa Cruz is not the only city you have to visit in Tenerife: La Laguna is a beauty that you cannot miss, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Do it at your leisure or join this free tour of La Laguna to learn about its history and unmissable corners.
Curiosity : the full name of the city is San Cristóbal de la Laguna.
⭐ What to see and do in San Cristóbal de La Laguna
6. Anaga Rural Park, one of the best things to see in Tenerife
Tenerife has many microclimates and one of the most amazing landscapes is in the Anaga Rural Park . Once there, the best thing to do is to go on one of its treks. The most famous trail is the one known as the “ Enchanted Forest ” (or “El Pijaral”), although be careful, if you want to do it you will have to ask for permission in advance here . If you run out of space or prefer to do it with a guide , this is a good option , also quite cheap 😉
Beyond the trails, the road that crosses the park is a-mazing: there are passages that take your breath away (always if the clouds let you see them hehe) and a handful of interesting viewpoints. Don't forget to go down to Playa de Benijo , one of the most beautiful beaches in Tenerife, and while you're there, stop by Roque de las Bodegas , it was one of the surprises of this trip.
⭐ Tips for visiting Anaga Rural Park
7. La Orotava
Another very nice town to visit in Tenerife is La Orotava , which with its stately historic centre has been declared a Historic Artistic Site. It is located in the north of the island and our favourite spot is the so-called “Casa de los Balcones”.
Famous for its colonial architecture , characterized by beautiful stately homes, centuries-old churches and charming squares, the historic center of La Orotava is meticulously preserved and invites visitors on a journey back in time!
8. English Peak Viewpoint
If you rent a car, which we highly recommend, you will surely take the road that goes from La Laguna to Teide. If so, with a bit of luck, you will be able to admire one of the most amazing images that the island offers: the silhouette of Teide with its iconic sea of clouds! One of the most interesting panoramic points, as we already told you, is the Mirador de Chipeque : the sunset from there is postcard-perfect. Another viewpoint that offers a sensational panoramic view of Teide and the Anaga massif is the Mirador Pico del Inglés .
Nearby, there is also one of the most photogenic corners of the island: the Old Road to Pico del Inglés, which seems more like part of the world of Alice in Wonderland than the Canary Islands :-p We definitely think it is one of the most beautiful places to see in Tenerife, don't miss it.
9. Siam Park, the perfect plan to do in Tenerife with children
We are not big fans of water parks, but if you are travelling with children, one of the most fun things to do in Tenerife is to go to Siam Park . As the name suggests, it is inspired by Thailand and has endless pools, slides and water games. You can buy tickets here.
10. Tajao Arch
One of the most photogenic places to see in Tenerife is the Arco de Tajao , a perfect stone arch that at its highest point is around 10 metres high, not far from El Médano. The truth is that it became very popular thanks to Instagram - or would it be better to say because of it?
If you decide to visit it, don't walk over it, stay on the edge or under it: such beautiful places must be preserved and NOT everything is worth it for a photo... responsible tourism is also that 😉
11. Best beaches in Tenerife
Looking for a beach? While we believe that the real beauty of the island is far from the sand, it is undeniable that there are a few beaches that are worth a visit (and a few dips). Some of the best beaches in Tenerife are: El Bollullo , Playa Jardín , Playa de Benijo , Playa de la Tejita , and of course, Playa de las Teresitas .
A tip: after visiting the Teresitas, take your car up the road further up towards Igueste de San Andrés, you will find a viewing point with incredible views of the beach. Update 2021: right now the viewing point is fenced, we don't know if they are going to do any refurbishment work and reopen it 🙁
⭐ The 10 best beaches in Tenerife
12. Jover Natural Pool, another must-see in Tenerife
But Tenerife is not only about beach dips, something essential to do on the island is to take a dip in one of the most beautiful natural pools in Spain: the Jover natural pool , which is very close to La Laguna and is, without a doubt, one of the best places to visit in Tenerife if you want to float in the water and take away all your stress.
Another very appealing natural pool is Bajamar (which also has space for the little ones).
13. Lake Martianez
A much cheaper option than the aquapark (although also less entertaining) is to go to Lago Martiánez . It is a group of 7 pools with sea water that combines water and architecture by the artist César Manrique. Entry costs €5.50.
This resort is located in the city of Puerto de la Cruz , which will delight street art lovers as there are quite a few murals decorating its streets. The Botanical Garden is also famous here, so if you like to surround yourself with greenery... this is your place!
14. The Medano
During our last trip to Tenerife we based ourselves in El Médano and it seemed like an excellent option if you don't mind having your hair messed up by the wind, of course 😉 El Médano is synonymous with wind, so its endless beach is full of kitesurfers having a blast. And in the background, the beautiful Montaña Roja completes the scene.
If you decide to stop by here, don't hesitate to eat at the El Timón Restaurant , run by a Cuban family. Mojitos for €2.50 and fresh fish dishes for €7 with papas arrugadas and dessert! Curiously, one of the girls who works there knows Alain, a friend from Santa Marta, near Varadero - what a small world!
15. Chew
In the Teno Rural Park, in the middle of a valley , lies the small town of Masca . Getting there means travelling along a winding road that is a bit dizzying, but the views are great (especially from the Cherfe viewpoint ). Lately, on social media, this corner of Tenerife has become popular with the name of the “Spanish Machu Picchu”. We have a thing for wanting to label things!
For us, this was one of the big surprises of this trip: we didn't know the area yet and it didn't seem like one of the prettiest. There are several treks here that will surely delight the more athletic.
To get to Masca you will have to pass through Santiago del Teide where there is a beautiful church that reminded us a lot of our trip to Mexico *_* We found it beautiful!
16. Dolphin watching
Don't visit Loro Parque, the Dolphinarium or any other type of places that keep animals in captivity... Always try to travel responsibly ! A good way to see animals in the wild is to take a boat to see dolphins and cetaceans , although it is essential to find out about the company before you go. This tour has very good reviews (apparently the sailboat is in an ocean conservation program and the tour is respectful of wildlife).
We took a boat trip around the area of Los Gigantes and saw a few pilot whales.
17. Archaeological site of Güimar
Did you know that there are pyramids in Tenerife? We are talking about the archaeological site of Güimar . There are up to 6 step pyramids preserved there, the origin of which has been the subject of debate. The official theory says that they are piles of stones made in the 19th century when all this land was cleared. However, there are other versions that maintain that these constructions were ancient temples and that they are related to the Mayan pyramids, on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. You can read more about the subject here .
In any case, today they are exploited as an ethnographic park, where there are also gardens, exhibitions, and routes...
→ The port of Güimar
Tip: While you're there, don't hesitate to stop by Puertito de Güimar . We ended up here thanks to our friend Claudia's recommendation and had a great morning. And extra tip: if you want to eat well and at a good price, go to Cofradía del puertito. We had a rice soup and a memorable grilled fish and seafood.
A good time to visit Tenerife is during its famous Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival , when its streets are filled with people, parades, costumes and lots of partying. It culminates with the famous contest to choose the Queen of the Year (you'll be amazed by the costumes they wear, which can weigh dozens and dozens of kg). Every year the party revolves around a theme: in 2019 it was the depths of the sea, and in 2020 the theme will be the fabulous 50s! As I said: it's something you have to experience at least once in your life!
19. Surfing
If you travel to Tenerife with your surfboard , the best time to catch some waves is from October to March. Specifically , El Charco , Los Dos Hermanos and Las Américas are perfect beaches for expert surfers, while El Socorro or La Tejita are suitable for all levels.
Without a doubt, the Canary Islands are home to some of the best surfing beaches in Spain .
⭐ If you have never surfed, perhaps it is time: do you sign up for a surfing course? Info and prices here .
20. Los Gigantes Cliffs, one of the jewels of Tenerife
In Tenerife you can see one of the highest cliffs in Spain, aptly named “ Los Gigantes ”. Its walls reach 600 metres in height and one of the best ways to get to know them is by renting a kayak or taking a boat trip (highly recommended!).
You can almost always spot cetaceans (as we already told you, we saw a group of pilot whales) but the best thing is that you can take a bath right in front of these stone giants: floating in the blue waters of the Atlantic with them as spectators is a unique experience.
And speaking of Giants… there is a huge statue representing a “ giantess ”, full of plants and flowers, that we can visit in the social garden of La Quinta . If you like curious places, don’t forget to stop by here and take a selfie with her.
22. Icod of the Wines
Another thing to do in Tenerife is to go to Icod de los Vinos (yes, it is the name of a small town) to see the Tenerife Drago Milenario (Millenary Dragon Tree). Dragon tree? No, nothing to do with Khaleesi… It is a very peculiar plant (it is not a tree, although it looks like one) since this one in particular is the oldest of its species in the whole world! It is estimated to be about 800-1000 years old (this one is old).
In our opinion, it is not worth paying the 5€ entrance fee to the botanical garden, since you can see it perfectly from Plaza Andrés de Cáceres . Another option is to go for a drink at the Casa del Drago and enjoy some original views of this "little old man".
23. Garachico, one of the most beautiful towns to see in Tenerife
Another picturesque town on the island is Garachico , small (it only has about 5,000 inhabitants) but full of personality. White houses, cobbled streets and a surprise: the Caletón de Garachico , a nice natural pool where you can swim and have a nice time.
The historic center is beautiful and if you need to recharge your batteries, have some delicious churritos at the Cafeteria La Odisea .
24. Cave of the Wind
Not far from the Drago Milenario is the Cueva del Viento , which is, nothing more and nothing less, than one of the largest volcanic tubes in the world. The entrance is not cheap (20€) but being able to walk a small section of its 17 km is worth it for many. More information .
25. Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria
The patron saint of the Canary Islands is the Virgin of Candelaria, and her image is venerated in the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria . The story is very curious: in the 14th century, a statue of a black virgin was found on some beach on the coast of Tenerife, which was collected by the Guanches, the first settlers of the archipelago, and venerated as "Chaxiraxi", or Mother of the Sun.
A century later, the Spanish conquest arrived and imagine their surprise when they discovered that one of the aboriginal Guanche goddesses was, no more and no less, than a Gothic carving of the Virgin of Candelaria.
⭐ Nowadays, the so-called Villa Mariana de Candelaria is the destination of many pilgrims every February 2 and August 14 and 15 to honor the patron saint, in the so-called "walks to Candelaria". By the way, the image that is kept today is not the original, which was lost in a flood in 1826.
26. Wine tourism, something original to do in Tenerife
Viticulture has long been the island's main source of income. Our advice is to visit at least one winery and try a glass of Malvasia or other local productions.
In this way, you will not only be able to taste some very delicious wines, but you will also learn more about what is known as “ heroic viticulture ”: growing wine in Tenerife is not as simple as in other parts of the world; here it is done on terraces that are located on the very slopes of the mountains.
27. Astronomical tourism
But in Tenerife it's not just the wine that gets you drunk... the universe also plays its part: this island is, along with Hawaii and Chile, one of the best places in the world to observe the night sky . There are even excursions that allow you to see the Milky Way, its planets and stars. Don't forget some warm clothes, because at an altitude of about 2,000 metres, the temperature is cosmic.
One of the best places to do astronomical tourism is in the Cañadas del Teide National Park . If you can... don't hesitate, because looking up when the stars appear is another of the best experiences to have in Tenerife.
28. Punta de Teno Lighthouse
The westernmost tip of Tenerife is a magical place. It is called Punta de Teno and here you can see one of the seven lighthouses on the island. Access by car is not always open so it is best to check on the official website.
If you like kayaking , this is one of the best areas to do it on the island.
29. Typical dishes of Tenerife
Go into a guachinche and enjoy Tenerife cuisine now, because another great plan in Tenerife is to stuff yourself! Guachinche ? Yes, that's what the typical establishments in the north of Tenerife are called, where you can taste local specialties like gofio, papas arrugadas (my Canarian vice), pucheros and more delicatessen. The peculiar thing is that they are usually private homes!
If you sing “mojo picoooon, mojo picoooon, the delicious Canarian sauce is called mojo picooooon” you will get an extra helping. Just kidding, don’t do it, I can see you…
30. Best excursions to do in Tenerife
Take a day trip ! We recommend a minimum of 7 days to visit Tenerife, but if you have even more time, even better hehe. If this is your case, you can consider taking a day trip. These are the ones we recommend:
- A good destination is the island of La Gomera . Here is a post from the guys at La Gaveta Voladora that talks about what to do in La Gomera in one day . To get there you can take a ferry ( check schedules and prices ) that will take you to the second smallest island in the Canary Islands in an hour. Once there, the best thing to do is to rent a car or join a complete tour that includes ferry, guide, bus transfers and a visit to the main places of interest in La Gomera.
- Another option is to visit the island of El Hierro . Either on your own ( check the available ferries ) or of course there are also day trips, but in this case we recommend spending at least 2-3 days here as it is a bit further away.
Map of things to see and do in Tenerife
To make things clearer, here is a map with the location of the places to visit:
As we said: with an average temperature of 22 degrees and the amount of cultural offering, it is no wonder that Tenerife is one of the most visited Spanish destinations! Do you know more things to see and do in Tenerife ? Leave us a comment!
