The 12 Absolute Best Things to do in Tenerife.

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and is a popular destination for tourists seeking sun, sea, and adventure. This Spanish island has it all, from stunning beaches and scenic landscapes to vibrant nightlife and a rich cultural heritage. We love sharing our 12 best things to do in Tenerife.

It was our first time visiting Tenerife and we were honestly amazed at everything this gorgeous island has to offer. We went on some scenic hikes across a huge variation of landscapes. We had such amazing food at local guachinche restaurants. We loved discovering the cute towns in the North of Tenerife. The list is not complete by far, but we want to share our 12 favorite things to do in Tenerife. That way you can definitely enjoy some of these highlights during your visit.

How to spend your time on Tenerife?

We recommend you rent a car so you can explore the Island in your own pace. It allows you to stop whenever en wherever you like. Driving from the South all the way to the North is not more than an hour. This makes it perfect to see all you want to see without spending the entire day in your car.

Here is our list of 12 awesome things to do in Tenerife:

Visit Teide National Park

We are kicking off our list wist an absolute MUST-SEE: Teide National Park. Teide National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to Spain’s highest peak, the volcano Mount Teide. The park offers incredible landscapes, unique rock formations, and stunning views.

We recommend scheduling an entire day to see it all. There are so many spots where you can go on a (short) hike and enjoy all the stunning nature and viewpoints. Our favorite spot were the Roques de Garcia. Such special rock formations with amazing panoramic views. There is a one hour hike that circles around these rocks. Stunning!

You can take a cable car to go up the volcano for panoramic views of the island. But if you want to go the last hundred meters all the way to the top, you need a permit for the day. It is free to book online, but you have to do that in advance since availability is limited.

If you are visiting during the winter season, make sure to bring a coat. It gets colder the higher you drive up into the national park.

Explore the South-West of Tenerife

We can definitely advice you to drive through the South-West of Tenerife and explore some of these highlights.

Masca is a small village nestled in the Teno Mountains, known for its picturesque landscapes and traditional architecture. You can hike through the stunning Masca Gorge or explore the village’s winding streets and enjoy the local cuisine. The views over the valley from the top are stunning as well.

When you drive to Masca you will come through the cute town of Santiago del Teide. We loved stopping here for a quick lunch near the towns square and visiting the small church.

The cliffs of Los Gigantes are a third stop for this part of the island. A perfect spot to enjoy the views or go on a hike.

For our day in the South-West of Tenerife we included the Chinyero Trail in our itinerary. We will discuss this later in this post when we get to the part about hiking.

The South and South-West are also a perfect place to book a ticket for a boat tour. Tenerife is home to over 20 species of whales and dolphins, and you can take a boat tour to see these magnificent creatures up close. These tours depart from various locations around the island and offer a unique and unforgettable experience.

Explore the Capital of Tenerife: Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of Tenerife and a vibrant city that is well worth exploring. You can start the exploration at the Plaza de España, a beautiful square located in the heart of the city that is surrounded by impressive buildings and fountains. From there, visitors can take a stroll down the Calle Castillo, a bustling pedestrian street that is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.

One of the city’s main attractions is the Auditorio de Tenerife, a stunning modern building that is considered one of the finest examples of contemporary architecture in Spain. You can take a guided tour of the auditorium or attend a performance in one of its two concert halls.

Another must-see attraction is the Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre, a fascinating museum that tells the story of the island’s natural history and the Guanche culture, the indigenous people of the Canary Islands.

We always love visiting food markets. If you love that as well than definitely head up to Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África, a bustling market that offers a wide range of fresh produce, meats, and seafood.

Santa Cruz is also known for its street art. You’ll walk into some amazing mural when you explore the city center. Want to know all the best street art in Tenerife, check out our blog post!

One last tip for Tenerife is our absolute favorite spot in the city: Parque Garcia Sanabria. A park that feels like a botanical garden. So tropical and lush. We loved discovering all the different types of cacti. There is lots of art and fountains to be seen there as well.

Check our blog post on the best restaurants in Tenerife for two great tips on where to eat in Santa Cruz.

Go Stargazing

Tenerife is home to some of the clearest night skies in the world, making it an ideal location for stargazing. You can take a guided tour or visit one of the island’s many observatories to explore the wonders of the universe. Of course Teide National Park is the place to go. Our tour group started at Roques de Garcia.
You don’t need a tour, but having a guide makes it all the more fun and interesting.

Visit the Best Zoo in the World : Loro Parque Zoo

Loro Parque is a world-famous zoo and amusement park located in Puerto de la Cruz. It is home to a vast array of animals, including parrots, dolphins, and even giant tortoises. Visitors can enjoy various shows and exhibits, including the park’s world-renowned orca show.

We loved how this zoo also works together with universities and invests a lot of money and effort into preserving wildlife. They educate their audience before and during shows.

The park has a tropical feel due to the way nature is incorporated in the park’s layout.

We absolutely loved their penguin area. You stand on a automated walkway that slowly takes you through the penguin housing.

Go Hiking in nature on Tenerife

Tenerife is a hiker’s paradise, with its rugged volcanic landscapes and stunning natural beauty. There are numerous hiking trails on the island, ranging from easy coastal walks to challenging mountain hikes. One of the most popular trails is the Masca Gorge, which winds its way through a dramatic canyon in the Teno Mountains before ending at the picturesque village of Masca. Another popular trail is the Teide National Park, which offers a range of hikes through the park’s volcanic landscapes, including the challenging hike to the summit of Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain.

We wrote a blog post on our 3 favorite hikes in Tenerife that will take you to three very different landscapes. From green mountains to volcanic rocks and to mystical forests. Check out that post for all the details you’ll need.

Enjoy the Best Sunset on the Island in Teide National Park

Watching the sunset in Teide National Park is a truly unforgettable experience. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, the park’s volcanic landscapes are bathed in a warm golden light, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene. One of the best places to watch the sunset is from the Mirador de Chipeque (and Mirador de Chimague next to it), a viewpoint located on the park’s southern side. From here, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the park and the surrounding mountains, while the sun slowly sinks below the horizon.

Another great spot for sunset-watching is from the top of Mount Teide itself, which offers incredible 360-degree views of the island as the sun sets behind the mountains.

You can take the cable car up to the summit of the mountain to enjoy the sunset, or hike to the top for a more challenging and rewarding experience.

We definitely recommend planning at least one sunset at one of these viewpoints. Look at the picture below. It was literally the most breathtaking sunset we had ever seen.

Taste the traditional flavors of Tenerife at a Guachinche

Guachinches are traditional local restaurants that originated in Tenerife’s wine-growing regions. They were originally set up by local farmers to sell their wine and homemade food to the public, and have since become a beloved part of the island’s culinary culture. Today, visitors to Tenerife can still experience the unique atmosphere of a guachinche and taste some of the island’s most traditional flavors.

The menus typically feature simple, homemade dishes such as roasted pork, stews, and gofio (a type of flour made from roasted corn or wheat). Of course, no visit to a guachinche would be complete without trying the local wine, which is usually produced by the family that runs the establishment. Visiting a guachinche is a fantastic way to experience the authentic flavors and hospitality of Tenerife’s traditional culture.

Visit the mystical Anaga Forest

Anaga Rural Park is a breathtakingly beautiful nature reserve located in the northeastern part of Tenerife. The park is known for its rugged mountains, deep gorges, and dense forests, which provide a home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. You can enjoy hiking through the park’s many trails, taking in stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and exploring charming rural villages along the way.

Anaga Rural Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Want to know two great trails to walk in the Anaga forest? Check out our blog post on the best hiking trails in Tenerife.

Enjoy the beaches of Tenerife : Las Teresitas and Playa de las Americas

Tenerife has plenty of stunning beaches to choose from, each with its own unique charm. Some of the most popular beaches include Playa de las Americas, Los Cristianos, and Costa Adeje. Whether you’re looking for a quiet cove or a lively beach party, there’s a beach on Tenerife for everyone.

Playa de las Teresitas is a beautiful beach located just outside of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The beach is known for its golden sand and crystal-clear waters, making it the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.

Visit La Laguna in the North of Tenerife

La Laguna is a historic town located in the north of Tenerife, known for its traditional Canarian architecture and winding streets. You can explore the town’s many historic buildings, including the stunning La Laguna Cathedral, or enjoy the town’s many shops and cafes.

We stumbled upon this town by accident and we were so happy we did. It was gorgeous and had such a unique vibe and look. We definitely recommend spending half a day here.

Check out the Ghost Town in Tenerife: Sanatorio de Abona

Sanatorio de Abona is a ghost town located in the southern part of Tenerife. It was originally built as a colony in the 1940s to treat patients suffering from tuberculosis, but was later abandoned in the 1960s due to advances in medical technology. The town is now a fascinating and eerie place to explore, with its unfinished buildings and abandoned streets.

You can wander through the remains of the hospital and its surrounding buildings, imagining what life was like for the patients and staff who once lived and worked here. Our hightlight was the empty church.

The town’s weird atmosphere has also made it a popular destination for urban explorers and photographers. However, you should be aware that the buildings are in a state of disrepair and can be dangerous to explore, so it is recommended to take caution.

Stand under the famous Arco de Tajao

Arco de Tajao is a picturesque coastal village located on the southeastern coast of Tenerife. The village is known for its beautiful natural arch, which is made of volcanic rock and has been shaped by the sea over thousands of years.

The arch is a popular spot for photographs, particularly during sunrise and sunset when it is bathed in golden light. Visitors can also explore the village’s charming streets and enjoy the local seafood cuisine, which is renowned for its freshness and flavor. The village is particularly famous for its traditional dish of “sancocho,” which is made from salted fish and potatoes. Arco de Tajao is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Tenerife’s unique natural beauty.

Picking all or a few of our 12 favorite things to do will definitely make your trip to Tenerife unforgettable. You might also like to check out our corresponding video on Youtube. Have a great time in the Canary Islands.

Recommended for you:

• 
  Our Canary Islands Adventure: Tim’s Tenerife Travel Journal
  We had such an amazing week on Tenerife in the Canary Islands. We honestly think this is the best out of all the islands in that region. Tenerife has so…
• 
  Discover the Charm of Tenerife: 4 Must-Visit Cities in Tenerife you’ll Love
  Nestled in the stunning Canary Islands, Tenerife offers visitors an exquisite blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and captivating history. This Spanish island is home to several remarkable cities, each…
• 
  The 12 Absolute Best Things to do in Tenerife.
  Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and is a popular destination for tourists seeking sun, sea, and adventure. This Spanish island has it all, from stunning beaches and…
• 
  Explore the 3 Best Hiking Trails in Tenerife if you Love Nature
  Tenerife is a beautiful island with stunning landscapes that are best experienced on foot. The island has a wide variety of hiking trails that range from easy walks to challenging…
• 
  The 5 Best Restaurants in Tenerife you’ll fall in love with.
  Tenerife is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and rich culture. But one of the island’s greatest treasures is its cuisine. From traditional Canarian food to trendy hotspots, we…