Tenerife is one of the jewels of the Canary Islands that offers a unique experience combining its impressive nature, its subtropical climate, and a very interesting history. Therefore, in this post, you will get to know the best activities to do in Tenerife, among with places that are very magical. In the island, also known as the island of eternal spring, you can find the Teide National Park, the cliffs of Los Gigantes, the Teresitas beach, Santa Cruz de Tenerife…
This volcanic island captivates its visitors when they visit it for the first time and it is not surprising: Tenerife offers sun, rest, nature, partying, and recharging your energy. With so many activities in Tenerife, everyone can find something they love! That’s why it’s perfect for vacations with your partner, friends, or family.
In short, In Tenerife, there’s something for everyone, whether it’s exploring breathtaking landscapes or diving into its fascinating history. Through this post, you will find plenty of activities in Tenerife to enjoy: From hiking in the stunning landscapes to exploring historic sites, Tenerife has it all.
Be ready to get to know this beautiful place and discover its best places!
What are the top activities in Tenerife?
It is the largest island in the Canary region so, logically, it is the most populated of all with almost a million people. Whether you are looking for a top Tenerife activity or simply want to relax, this island has something for everyone!
Tenerife is full of surprises where, if you know how to explore, you will also find its rural charm, away from large crowds.
We will explore all this and much more in detail, including every exciting Tenerife activity… there is much more to discover than you could initially imagine.
Ready to start this exciting journey?
Exploring the lagoon, hiking in Anaga Rural Park, and visiting Puerto de la Cruz: Discover the treasures of Tenerife through these activities
San Cristobal de La Laguna: Its colonial charm is incredible, like stepping into the historic cities of the Americas as you wander through its cobblestone streets.
La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a magical spot with stunning streets and grand mansions. Just a 15-minute drive from downtown Santa Cruz, it’s a must-visit. Don’t miss the enchanting Calle San Agustín—it’s guaranteed to captivate you.
And if you’re into hiking, now’s the time to discover one of Tenerife’s most natural and breathtaking landscapes: Anaga Rural Park and Benijo Beach.
The best-known and shortest route is called the Ruta de los sentidos. This route offers little gradient. To find out more about this excursion, go to the Park’s visitor center!
On the other hand, there is the Mirador del Pico del Inglés within the Anaga Park. It is a viewpoint surrounded by vegetation, with impressive panoramic views that make photos for social networks look beautiful 😉
However if you would like to dive in, you should definitely visit Roque de las Bodegas: in this place, you can take a dip in crystal clear waters, in addition to being able to enjoy the black sand.
And if you want to eat delicious and cheap, in Roque de las Bodegas there are restaurants right on the beach with spectacular fish!
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, one of the places that is worthy to visit
The capital of the island right now is Santa Cruz, and it’s got a lot going for it. There are vibrant palaces, museums, and an overall great vibe. Plus, it’s known across Spain for its carnival scene, but in Santa Cruz, it’s extra special. The Tenerife carnival is huge and famous worldwide, and the locals here really live it up!
What activities can you do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife?
There you have Tenerife Auditorium, a work by the architect Calatrava that simulates a wave.
Also, you cannot miss Cesar Manrique Maritime Park: the best-known architect on the island, he built giant public swimming pools that offer views of the sea and the auditorium. A very nice place to visit and it is cheap since the entrance costs only 5 euros and you can spend the day there from 10 in the morning. It is a perfect Tenerife activity to do with small children, but it is also ideal since there is leisure to enjoy!
Las Teresitas beach: The beach is very well known on the island as it is considered one of the best in the Canary Islands. Just 10 km from the city center of Santa Cruz, on this beach, you can enjoy the sun, golden sand, crystal clear waters, a great atmosphere, and bars to have a drink.
Discovering the Authenticity of Garachico
If Puerto de la Cruz feels too touristy for you, Garachico is the opposite. Once a colonial port until a volcano eruption in 1706 changed everything, this town avoids big hotels and keeps its fishing village charm. If peace and quiet are what you’re after, Garachico with its natural pools is the perfect getaway.
Guanchinches, one of the best activities and most original in the island
So… what’s a guachinche? It’s a spot where you can enjoy traditional food like wrinkled potatoes, chickpeas, or stew, all served with their own homemade wine.
Head from La Matanza to Tacoronte using the main road and make sure to stop at a ‘guachinche’. La Cueva de Casiano in Tacoronte is a cool spot to check out, and if you’re up for something fancier, give La Tasquita de Mami a try. Guachinche Casa Suso is another good option, though it’s a bit farther out.
Activities around Teide’s National Park
Did you know that within the Teide Natural Park, you can find many natural wonders?
Get ready to discover the most important place in Tenerife. It is a destination that you should not overlook if you want to visit the island. Even if your main idea is sun, beach, and sand, you must see this wonder of nature!
What not to miss in Teide’s national park?
The Pico del Teide, with its imposing 3,718 meters high, stands as the highest point in Spain. This National Park is the most visited in all of Spain, and the reasons are obvious:
The volcanic landscape is amazing and the Cañadas del Teide can be reached from any corner of the island in about an hour by car. The view of the peak from here is simply wonderful, and if you are lucky enough to see it covered in snow, the experience becomes even more spectacular!
How can you visit the mountain Teide?
To go up to the peak of Teide there is a cable car that takes you to the top in 8 minutes. The price may be excessive, 38 euros per person, but trust me that you cannot see those views anywhere in the world. It’s just wonderful.
If you would like to go, buy the tickets online for the cable car and do so well in advance of your stay in Tenerife. Tickets sell out quickly and availability may also depend on the season in which you travel.
Also take the weather into account, that is, if it is windy the cable car usually does not rise to the top: but don’t worry, there is the possibility of canceling your ticket up to an hour before the climb.
Once you’ve come down from Teide, keep exploring the Cañadas del Teide and the Roques de García rock formations. There are cool viewpoints around here with some awesome views.
Los Gigantes (The Giants)
Another treasure of Tenerife is its cliffs and in Los Gigantes, where you will find views with unique beauty. Although it is an area known to tourists, it is perhaps one of the least crowded (compared to Los Cristianos for example).
This place is a volcanic beach nestled between amazing cliffs, a very beautiful place to take photographs or watch the sunset.
What places can you see in Los Gigantes?
An essential place to see is Los Guios beach, where the waters are quite calm as it is protected by the cliffs.
If you would like to take photos, there is the viewpoint that is in the Port of Santiago. Or, if you want to swim, you have a natural pool called “Crab Island”.
And what activities can you do Los Gigantes?
Did you know that in Tenerife it is possible to take excursions to watch orcas? From Los Gigantes!Yes it’s a very common activity in Tenerife.
On the other hand, if you want to get to know the area by hiking, you have the possibility of crossing Los Gigantes taking the Masca gorge trail: keep in mind it is very demanding since it is more than three hours of walking, with ascents and descents. Some companies offer a guide for this highly difficult route for an affordable price (30-40 euros per person). Here you have all the information.
CUEVA DEL VIENTO
Cueva del Viento in Icod de los Vinos, Tenerife, is an epic volcanic cave formed 27,000 years ago from Pico Viejo’s lava. It’s the biggest volcanic tube in Europe and the fifth largest in the world, with 18 kilometers explored so far. The cave, known for its strong winds, is just behind the top four tubes in Hawaii.
The tour kicks off at the Visitor Centre in Icod de los Vinos Town Hall, where you’ll get a cool intro to what you’re about to see. You’ll walk across a lava field to the cave entrance, and on the way back, you’ll pass old farming ruins and get a taste of the area’s history and awesome views. Some paths follow ancient routes used by the island’s original inhabitants, the Guanches, and are made from lava stones.There’s still a lot to discover in its maze-like passages so do not miss this awesome activity in Tenerife.
You need to buy tickets online beforehand. Prices are 20 euros for adults and8.50 for kids aged 5-12 (kids under 5 aren’t allowed).
So I think I gave you a lot of ideas of activities to do in Tenerife. Tell me, have you been in Tenerife?
Before finishing the post, take a look at the most frequently asked questions about Tenerife.
FAQs about activities in Tenerife and the island
1. Is it worth it to visit Tenerife?
This island is known as the “Island of Eternal Spring”, which means it is pleasant all year round. So yes, it is very worth it! However, depending on your plans, keep in mind Tenerife has many climates: the south is warmer and drier, while the north tends to be cooler and humid.
2. What are the best months to visit Tenerife? How do climatic conditions vary in Tenerife?
So in general, the ideal months are spring (May and June) and autumn (end of September and October), with mild temperatures, fewer tourists, and more affordable prices.
2. What is the best transportation option on the island? How can I plan my itinerary if I don’t want to drive?
Renting a car is indeed the best option since outside the big cities public transportation is infrequent. It is also possible to hire excursions with companies specialized in this to have transportation.
The best renting options in Tenerife are CICAR and AVIS. Look it up!
3. Where should I stay in Tenerife? What should I take into account when booking accommodation?
If you want a more pleasant climate, the north of Tenerife offers milder temperatures and lots of nature. To enjoy the heat and the beaches, it is better to stay in the south. Here you have a post about where to stay in Tenerife.
To really enjoy your trip to Tenerife, I suggest planning for at least 4 days. Actually, spending 4-6 days would be perfect to see all the coolest spots and still have time to chill at the beach or by the pool.
Just a heads up, it’s smart to book well ahead of time, especially if you’re coming in summer, around Easter, or near New Year’s Eve.