Everywhere has a little something that makes it special, a light that makes it shine, a marvel that makes it unique. Tenerife is an island full of charm, where M. Teide shines with its own light, rising above the island to give life to one of the most impressive natural monuments in Spain. Visiting Tenerife without seeing Teide, means not truly visiting Tenerife.
But beyond Spain’s most famous volcano, there’s much more to discover. From the imposing Los Gigantes cliffs, the wild beauty of the Barranco del Infierno, the dense Anaga forests, the millennial charm of the Drago de Icod and so many other magical spots that offer a unique natural heritage to the island.
Here’s some of the best things to do in Tenerife to make the most of your time on the island
1. Take a walk through La Laguna’s old town
The historic centre of San Cristobal de La Laguna is one of the best preserved and most beautiful old towns in the archipelago. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is an essential visit if you want to see Tenerife’s traditional architecture, savour Canarian cuisine in one of its many restaurants, or some of the many secrets of this university city [read more].
2. Climb to Spain’s highest point
Mount Teide is the most visited National Park in Spain and the most impressive natural monument in the Canary Islands. A must-visit [read more].
3. Enjoy the best water park in Spain
Siam Park is the best water park in Spain and one of the best in the world. It has been awarded dozens of international prizes and is an obligatory visit if you want a good time and an adrenaline rush [read more].
4. Watch whales
Take to Tenerife’s waters and discover their rich marine life. Treat yourself to watching the different species of cetaceans in their natural habitat around the island.
5. Discover Garachico’s old town
Garachico is a village in the north of Tenerife, with one of the nicest old towns in the island. Popular for its traditional architecture, the natural pools along its coastline and its cuisine [read more].
6. A visit to Loro Parque
Loro Parque is a benchmark for animal conservation in the archipelago and a must-visit in Tenerife [read more].
7. Look out over the Masca cliffs
Masca is a magical place with one of the most well-trodden hiking routes in the archipelago and is one of the most beautiful villages in Tenerife. Visit the village, look out over the spectacular viewpoints along the way, and if you dare, take on the hiking route that descends from the village to the coast [read more].
8. Try surfing at El Medano beach
Playa del Medano is the longest beach in Tenerife and one of the best spots in the island for water sports [read more].
9. Go for a dip in a natural pool
The volcanic nature of Tenerife has created lots of natural pools that are known on the island as charcos. Some are more accessible than others, while a limited number have been adapted to make access easier.
10. Photograph the island from a prime spot
Tenerife has a wide network of viewpoints, located in ideal positions to offer unbeatable views of the island. There’s no better place to photograph Tenerife than climbing to the top of one of its many viewpoints.
11. Hiking through a laurel forest
Anaga covers the whole northeast of Tenerife, and contains several villages, wild beaches and one of the most spectacular laurel forests in the Canary Islands. Here, you’ll find viewpoints with some of the island’s best views and a whole network of trails covering this unique forest. Go ahead and discover it! [read more].
12. Savour traditional Canarian cuisine
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Traditional Canarian food is delicious, and you shouldn’t miss the chance to try it. Papas con mojo, cocido canario, elscaldón de gofio and queso asado are some of the local delicacies.
13. Get lost in the streets of La Orotava
La Orotava has one of the prettiest and best preserved old towns in the Canary Islands and the largest urban area in the north of the island. Get lost in its narrow streets and enjoy one of the finest examples of traditional Canarian architecture. [read more].
14. Explore the underwater world
The underwater world in Tenerife is as spectacular as on land. Canarian waters are ideal for both novices and experts. Find the best diving school and submerge yourself in the waters.
15. A dip in Costa Martianez
Costa Martianez is a saltwater pool complex in Puerto de la Cruz, which is very popular among locals. You can complement your visit by visiting the lovely town of Puerto de la Cruz. [read more].