16 Things to do in Tenerife
Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands in Spain, and it’s also one of the greenest. Although it’s home to volcanic landscapes, including the famous black sand beaches, you’ll also find lush parkland in the north, making it perfect for hiking and adventure. With a year-round tropical climate, friendly locals, and delicious seafood, it’s hard to beat!
Note: Tenerife is located just off the coast of northwest Africa. Because of this, most people think of dry landscapes, and while this is the case in the south, the north is far more luscious. We’ve focused this travel guide on the north, which is definitely the place to go if you want to enjoy nature to the fullest!
Hiking in Anaga Rural Park
Spend the day in the park, doing some beautiful hikes through the parkland, like the infamous ‘Enchanted Forest’. Here, you’ll find a tunnel of twisted tree trunks that move through moss-covered landscapes. It’s one of the top things to do in Tenerife, Canary Islands!
We chose to hike the incredible Roque de Taborno – a huge rock that juts out the coastline, widely known as the ‘Matterhorn of Tenerife’. This circular route is around 3.5 KM with moderate difficulty, following a path around the base of the rock itself. It’s well worth it for the incredible views upward to the peak!
Entry Fee: The park is free to enter, but you need a permit if you’d like to hike through the enchanted forest (El Pijaral). The permit is free, but you’ll need to apply online beforehand.
How to Visit
Ideally, it’s best to visit Anaga by car to combine it with other spots on your Tenerife itinerary. Alternatively, the bus is an option, but there are only specific drop-off points within the park, such as the villages of Chamorga or Taganana.
Note: It’s quite a drive to Anaga! The road is narrow and winding, with some steep drops along the way — but the views make it worth it. It can also get busy during peak times, so we recommend visiting before 9 AM or after 3 PM for a more relaxed experience. If you’re not a confident driver, book a tour to Anaga Rural Park instead.
We recommend to rent a car in Spain through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Where to Stay in Anaga Rural Park
Staying close to Anaga Rural Park is an excellent option for your trip to Tenerife, especially if you’re interested in the more unspoilt nature in the north of the island. Hotels in La Laguna are your best option.
2. Explore Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz is one of our favorite towns on Tenerife and is where we chose to stay on our trip. There’s something special about this coastal gem — sandwiched between black sand volcanic beaches, the lush greenery of the Orotava Valley, and the epic heights of Mount Teide.
You’ll find a great mixture of old and new in Puerto de la Cruz, with modern hotels just a stone’s throw from the traditional Canary architecture in the Old Town. Here, you’ll find colorfully painted houses and the bustling Plaza del Charco, where everyone congregates to eat, enjoy a drink, or listen to live music.
When considering what to see in Tenerife, add these to your list:
Lago Martiánez
While the island has many saltwater pools, this incredible complex was my favorite! The aquamarine colored pools sit next to the deep blue Atlantic Ocean — the perfect place to relax for the day! Enjoy the palm trees, sunbeds, and beautiful coastal views. It’s a fantastic alternative to the beach if the ocean is too rough for swimming that day.
Entry fee: 5.50 EUR/6 USD. Find out more information here.
Jardín Botánico
This peaceful oasis in the city is a must-visit! Discover thousands of species of exotic plants from around the world (including a beautiful orchid garden) as well as stunning tropical birds.
Entry fee and opening times: Open from 9 AM – 6 PM most days of the year. 3 EUR/3.30 USD entry.
Mirador de la Paz
Discover this beautiful viewpoint overlooking the ocean, coastline, and Lago Martiánez. Great for sunrise or sunset!
Tip: My absolute favorite thing to do in Tenerife was to watch the sunset from El Castillo San Felipe. Every time we went, a man played beautiful live music while everyone gathered on the stone stairs to watch the sunset. Such a great vibe!
Where to Stay in Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de La Cruz, located in the north of Tenerife, is an excellent option for your stay on the island, particularly if you want to use it as a jumping-off point to do day trips to Anaga, Garachico, or La Orotava.
In terms of areas, anywhere in the old town is lovely, or you could choose a hotel in Playa Jardin. Alternatively, for something more peaceful, stay in La Paz, a tranquil neighborhood at the top of the hill, where most accommodation has fantastic ocean views.
We stayed at Alua Tenerife. We found this a reasonable price for what you get (good rooms, a nice breakfast, and a big pool). It’s also located next to the old center of Puerto de la Cruz, a quiet area near lovely black sand beaches and good restaurants.
Tip: In general, the north is cooler, with the likelihood of more clouds than the south, which can be a nice change in the hot summer months. We found that this part of the island was also home to some of the best things to do in Tenerife, Canary Islands.
3. Teide National Park (Top Tenerife Thing to do!)
Teide National Park is the top thing to do in Tenerife, Spain, and easily our favorite hiking spot on the island! Home to the famous (and still active) volcano, surrounded by moon-like landscapes and unique rock formations, this is an absolute must-see on your itinerary. Most people come to enjoy one of the many hiking routes in the park or take the cable car to the summit.
Book a tour of Mount Teide (including round-trip transfer and cable car)
Although a little expensive at 24 EUR/26 USD one way, the cable car up to the top of the volcano is a great option. We didn’t do this, but we heard you can get incredible views. Instead, we chose to hike Sendero Roques de García, one of the park’s shorter but most beautiful hikes.
Tip: We recommend checking the live webcams in Tenerife for the weather. It’s no fun hiking in thick clouds!
Sendero Roques de Garcia
This hike starts at the Parador de Cañadas del Teide hotel and follows a gravel path offering incredible views of the park’s lava fields and unusual rock formations. It really felt like walking on a different planet! The hike is around 3.6km and takes 1.5-2 hours, depending on stops. (See the hiking trail here)
Tip: We did this hike in the late afternoon, and it was incredible! The golden hour light before sunset made it even more beautiful, and at this time, there was basically no one else on the hiking path. That said, we slightly mistimed our hike and ended up walking back in the dark, which wasn’t the safest experience. 😅 A memory for the books, though! We recommend you ensure you’re back at the parking before dark.
Once you’re back at the parking, hang around to make the most of some of the best stargazing in Europe! Because of the low light pollution, the stars here are unbelievable.
How to Visit Teide National Park
Buses can be limited at the island’s remote center, making driving easier (around 1.5 hours from Santa Cruz). The best part of driving is that you’ll experience the scenic TF-21 road, which winds through the park, stopping at viewpoints that overlook varying landscapes, from jagged peaks to desert-like terrain.
If you take the bus, there is a direct route from Puerto de la Cruz (line number 348: see the timetable).
Tip: It’s best to visit Teide in the spring or summer. In the winter, it’s beautiful, but there might be snow on the peaks! Remember to bring layers all year round because the high altitude means it’s always cold at the top. After dark, temperatures drop rapidly, too.
4. Masca
Masca is a beautiful village among the Teno Mountains and one of the most popular things to do in Tenerife! Nestled in the valley, it’s known for its picturesque setting with breathtaking views (often compared to Machu Picchu due to its dramatic mountain landscape).
Although there’s not much to do in the village itself, the setting more than makes up for it. There are a few restaurants where you can get incredible valley views. Some of our favorites were:
- Restaurante El Guanche Altaschule
- Bar Fidel
- Casa Riquelme (this is the cutest place in town, but the reviews aren’t the best, so we recommend just having a drink here)
Tip: Most restaurants here have slightly odd opening times, so plan ahead before your visit.
Masca Gorge Hike
The Masca Gorge hike is one of Tenerife’s most famous! Although we sadly didn’t have time to do it, we hear it’s one of the most beautiful and accessible hikes you can do, leading down to the ocean.
The hike is 5km one way (3 hours). However, what makes it unique is that at the end of the descent, you must take a taxi boat from Masca Beach back to Los Gigantes. This is a great way to enjoy some time on the ocean!
Note: You must book in advance if you want to do this hike. You can only choose to do the descent or ascent, and you pay online (including for your boat trip). See more information here.
How to Visit Masca
One of the most scenic drives on the island brings you to Masca: the TF-436 road from Santago del Teide. You’ll cruise along hairpin bends with absolutely jaw-dropping views, which is an incredibly memorable experience on your itinerary. However, if you’re not a confident driver, we don’t recommend it, especially if you’re in a hired car (make sure you have good insurance!).
We recommend to rent a car in Spain through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
If you drive, we recommend arriving as early as possible (before 10 AM) to get easy parking and to enjoy the hike and the village without the crowds. After you’ve finished the hike, stay on in Masca to watch the sunset. Mirador de Masca has the best views!
P.S. If you’re not planning to do the hike, visiting Masca after 4:30 PM is also a great idea, as the village is much quieter once the tour groups have left.
Luckily, if you don’t want to drive, there are plenty of tour options. (See all tours to Masca)
5. Mirador de Las Breñas + Hike Sendero El Sauzal
We accidentally came across this hidden gem while searching on Google Maps, and we’re glad we did. It was Nick’s favorite thing to do in Tenerife! Mirador de Las Brenas is a stunning viewpoint on the cliff’s edge. Here, you’ll find a fascinating statue depicting the true story of a plane crash in Tenerife and the local fishermen who saved the passengers.
Tip: The best time to visit the Mirador is sunset for the most beautiful colors to accompany the view! On a clear day, you can even see Mount Teide.
Sendero El Sauzal
Depending on when you arrive at the statue, you can also go on a coastal hike from here, leading you to Costa de Acentejo. The trail steeply descends to the coast (to the right of the statue) and then takes you along the cliffs, where you can admire cave formations and the deep blue ocean. The route is about 3.7 km there and back, and once you’re down on the coastal path, it’s a very easy hike!
Tip: We recommend wearing proper shoes for this hike, particularly for the first part, which is a steep decline with slippery stones. Find out more about the hiking route here.
Getting There
This is an excellent hike if you don’t have a rental car, as you can take bus number 30 from Puerto de la Cruz. You will, however, have to walk 30 minutes before reaching the viewpoint. If you don’t want to walk, you must change to another bus.
Did you know? Public buses are actually amazing on Tenerife! Some places take longer to get to by bus, but you can get anywhere cheaply on the green buses. You can also buy a card that you can charge as you go, making it much easier to visit all the things to do in Tenerife, Spain.
Tip: We noticed that down on the coastal path, you might have once been able to come by car (avoiding the first decline), as there is a small parking space. However, it was closed when we drove to the street to try to drive down. Try putting this location in Google Maps: Sendero El Sauzal, and see if it’s open again.
6. Wine Tasting
Not far from El Sauzal, discover Bodegas Monje, one of the most famous wineries on the island. This valley is perfect for vineyards to thrive because of the volcanic soil, which is packed full of minerals to help the grapes grow as juicy as possible.
We highly recommend joining a tour where you can learn about Tenerife wine, taste different varieties, and enjoy one of the most incredible views of the Teide Volcano and the ocean. At Bodega Monje, they even have an experience where you can participate in the traditional winemaking process: stomping on the grapes with your bare feet!
Note: English tours are only on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 AM and 4 PM.
7. Garachico
This authentic island coastal village is an absolute must-see in Tenerife, Spain! Devastated by a volcanic eruption in 1706, Garachicho was rebuilt as one of the most colorful and happy places on the island, home to traditional Canarian houses, a beautiful old town center, and painted streets that are surrounded by lush plants and trees.
This really feels like island living at its finest! Some of our favorite sights in the village include:
- Plaza de la Libertad: Charming central square where you’ll find the most historic buildings.
- Convento de San Francisco: A beautiful ancient convent.
- Iglesia de Santa Ana: A pretty church with a beautiful bell tower.
- Castillo de San Miguel. A small castle that’s now turned into a museum. Great ocean views!
- Viewpoints overlooking the village: We found this amazing viewpoint, and we also loved Mirador Emigrante.
- Piscinas Naturales El Caletón: Lava pools surrounded by stone paths. Perfect for a dip!
- Playa de Garachico: A small pebble black sand beach. Strong waves are common, so be careful when swimming.
Tip: Afterward, grab a delicious gelato at Gelateria Artesanal Italiana Fragola (my favorite on the island!)
How to Visit Garachico
From Puerto de la Cruz, it’s 35 minutes by car, but there is also the option of taking the bus 363, which takes just over an hour (see the timetable here). There are a few parking spots in and around the village — all pinned on our Tenerife Google Maps — but the biggest is this location.
You can also visit Garachico on this multi-stop tour in North Tenerife. Book your spot in advance here.
8. Los Gigantes (Top Natural Thing to do in Tenerife!)
Los Gigantes is one of the most jaw-dropping places in Tenerife. It’s famous for its dramatic cliffs that are as gigantic as their name suggests. They reach up to 600 meters and are the tallest sea cliffs in Europe!
Start by wandering around the cute old town center and have a cake break at Tea House & Bar (delicious!). In the afternoon, we did this coastal walk with scenic views along the cliffs — best at sunset. The natural pools in Los Gigantes are also one of the best things to do in Tenerife, Spain, although we couldn’t swim when we were there as it was too rough.
Ocean Tours
The west coast of Tenerife is the best place for dolphin watching on the island, home to huge pods of bottlenose dolphins (and even pilot whales!). We recommend joining a boat tour to see these majestic creatures in the wild. However, please always research carefully and choose an ethical operator with a ‘Barco Azul’ certification. This means they follow eco-friendly guidelines.
Many of these tours include snorkeling as an option, allowing you to see the incredible aquatic life living around the shores of Tenerife. You might even get lucky enough to see sea turtles and sting rays!
Note: Unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance to experience this on our trip as the ocean was too rough. However, we would book this tour if we had the opportunity again! Remember, December – April is the time you’ll have the best chance of spotting larger whale species.
A note about animal exploitation in Tenerife
Sadly, there are many things to do in Tenerife that involve animal mistreatment, such as zoos, camel and monkey parks, and animal shows. We don’t support this kind of tourism and instead suggest you spot wild birds and lizards in Natural Parks like Anaga or whales, dolphins, and turtles on an ethical boat tour.
Where to Stay in Los Gigantes
Los Gigantes is a great place to stay for natural activities on the island, especially if you want to do watersports and see marine life. It’s a charming town, but it is on the touristy side. However, this does mean there are plenty of accommodations to choose from, making it a good stay for your time in Tenerife! (See all hotels in Los Gigantes)
9. San Cristóbal de La Laguna
This UNESCO town exceeded our expectations (Nick said it felt a bit like Cartagena!). It did feel like many South American towns we’ve visited — with its colorful palm tree-lined streets and architecture. You can see some restored 16th-century mansions here from when San Cristobal was the capital of Tenerife, as well as some other stunning historical sites. Some of our favorites were:
- La Laguna Cathedral
- Casa Museo Cayetano Gómez Felipe
- Palacio de Nava
- Plaza del Adelantado
Did you know? San Cristobal is a university town, so it feels lively; you’ll find many young people here enjoying the great bars and restaurants. This gives it a very local feel, and you’ll notice that most tourists only visit for the day rather than stay overnight. We stayed for a 1-2 hour visit, which was enough for lunch, shopping, and sightseeing.
10. Icod de los Vinos
Discover the beauty of Icod de los Vinos, home to the thousand-year-old Dragon Tree, which is believed to be one of the oldest trees in the world! Housed inside the famous Botanical gardens, Parque del Drago, the tree is one of the best things to do in Tenerife, Canary Islands.
We loved walking through the gardens and seeing palm trees, cacti, herbs, and other plants. However, for me, what stood out the most was the fabulous fragrance of flowers everywhere, accompanied by the singing of native birds — it really feels like a bit of paradise!
After, enjoy a delicious lunch at Casa del Drago, a historic house just outside the park with traditional canary stone and wooden beams. Most picturesque of all, it has a patio overlooking the Dragon Tree. We had some of the best homemade food here!
Note: You can’t walk close to the Dragon Tree due to extensive conservation efforts; however, there are various paths and viewpoints from which you can admire it from different angles. From some of these viewpoints, you can see the majestic Teide Volcano!
Opening times and entry fee: 5 EUR/5.50 USD entry (book your ticket online here). The gardens are open from 8 AM – 6 PM. We visited at 9:30 AM, which was still peaceful before the tours arrived at 10 AM.
Book your multi-stop tour of north Tenerife (including Icod de Vinos)
Visit Casa del Plátano (Banana Museum)
While you’re in Icod de Los Vinos, make sure to take a look at the fascinating banana museum, which takes you through the history of bananas on the Canary Islands. The museum features vintage Land Rovers housed inside an old office, which makes you feel like you’ve stepped right back into this time.
Inside, you can see beautiful black and white photos showing what the area used to look like. We loved the photos showing the old banana plantations in the area — one of which was one the site of the botanical gardens! Outside, at the back of the property, you can explore a small banana plantation with the fluffiest chickens hopping around.
Entry Fee: 5 EUR/5.50 USD per person — and you get a free banana! Book your ticket in advance here.
Where to Stay in Icod de Vinos
With so many things to do, Icod de Vinos is an excellent spot to stay on your Tenerife itinerary. This gives you more time to enjoy the wine region, as well as to visit the Banana Museum and the famous Cueva del Viento (a volcanic cave that is one of the largest lava tubes in the world!). See all hotels in Icod de Vinos.
11. Explore the Beaches
The biggest selling point about being on an island like Tenerife is definitely the endless beaches to explore! Tenerife is unique in that because of its volcanic activity, most of the beaches on the island have black sand, creating a stark contrast between the deep blue ocean and the green coastline behind it.
Moreover, the weather is perfect all year round, meaning you can enjoy the beach most of the year. Here are some of our favorites:
Playa de Benijo
Situated in the remote Anaga Rural Park on the northeast coast, Benijo is one of the most scenic beaches on the island. Here you’ll discover steep cliffs plunging down to black sand and turquoise waters. The rural nature of this beach is enhanced by the wild waves often found here, making it a favorite for surfers. However, this also means it’s not the best for swimming, so keep that in mind before deciding to visit.
Playa de Las Teresitas
Unlike most of Tenerife’s beaches, Playa de Las Teresitas has golden sand, making it the most popular on the island. It’s artificial (the sand was brought from the Sahara), and it’s been designed so that there’s shallow and calm water. This one was Nick’s favorite — he compared it to the scenery of the Rio de Janeiro beach because of the scenic side cliffs.
Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds and get a spot.
Playa del Bollullo
This peaceful beach is close to Puerto de la Cruz but is a real hidden gem and one of the greatest things to do in Tenerife! It’s much less touristy than other beaches, with no hotels or resorts, making it feel much more remote. The water is also less wavy here, so you can enjoy a relaxing dip in the ocean as you admire the cliffs and lush surrounding valley.
Playa De Castro
This was my favorite beach as it’s one of the most hidden on the island! The steep hike to reach it is absolutely beautiful, and it’s well worth it to enjoy the rugged cliffs, lush palm trees, and secluded black sand shores. There’s also a small waterfall that’s accessible at low tide, making this beach really unique.
Note: Playa de Castro is not suitable for swimming due to strong currents and rocky shore.
La Orotava is well known for its colonial architecture, which didn’t disappoint. We especially loved Casa de Los Balcones, one of the island’s most famous buildings! The 17th-century house, now a museum, showcases beautiful wooden detailing and is surrounded by palm trees and banana leaf plants. You can listen to an audio tour with your phone by scanning the QR codes inside.
Entry fee: 6 EUR/6.50 USD. Book your tickets in advance here
We recommend to rent a car in Spain through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Tip: Another beautiful spot to check out in the town is the Liceo de Taoro – A historic mansion offering one of the best viewpoints. Grab a drink or snack inside the café, which has a terrace and a great view! Reserve your table online.
13. Siam Park
Ready to cool off? Head for one of the best waterparks in the world – the incredible Siam Park! This Thai-themed park has some mammoth water rides, wave pools, water coasters, and even a lazy river.
Entrance fee: 42 EUR/45 USD per person (book your tickets here). Please note that it’s recommended to spend a bit more on a fast pass during the high season. You should also factor in some budget for the expensive cafes on-site, as picnics are prohibited.
Note: We didn’t visit Siam Park because they have captivated sea animals, which we are against. However, we’ve added it as one of the things to do in Tenerife so that you can decide whether to visit or not (as we’re aware most people are just there to enjoy the water rides).
14. Hike: Barranco del Infierno
When planning what to see in Tenerife, don’t leave out Barranco del Infierno (Hell’s Gorge)! Move through a huge ravine, taking in the sensational views within the gorge and admiring the view from below the massive cliffs and rocks. You’ll also see caves and tunnels along the way that showcase the unique indigenous history of the island (the Guanches people used to live inside these!).
At the end of the path, you’ll be rewarded with a view of Tenerife’s tallest waterfall, which is around 200 meters high.
Important Information
The hike is around 6.5 km there and back and takes 3-4 hours. Although very unlikely, there is a small risk of rocks falling, so you must wear a helmet for safety; you will be provided with this at the beginning.
Entry fee and opening times: The price is 13 EUR/14 USD, and you need to book online in advance, as it’s one of the most popular things to do in Tenerife, Spain. It’s also a protected area, so numbers are limited. The area is open from 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM, but we hear the best time to visit is as early as possible to avoid crowds.
15. Rock Pools (Unmissable Thing to do in Tenerife!)
One of the best things about Tenerife being a volcanic island is the incredible variety of natural swimming pools you can explore. These volcanic pools have all been formed by lava over many years and are now used as local bathing spots.
When the currents are strong, these pools are a fantastic way to enjoy the ocean in a safer environment.
Note: All these pools are free to visit and open all the time. However, please exercise caution when the weather is bad; don’t enter the pools when the ocean is rough or at high tide.
Charco de La Laja
Situated in San Juan de la Rambla (north Tenerife), these crystal-clear pools are some of the best for snorkeling. Legend says the pool is home to treasure once hidden by pirates; you might get lucky! Remember that there are no lifeguards, so be careful when the ocean is rough.
El Caletón de Garachico
Discover multiple volcanic pools in Garachico (formed by the famous 1706 eruption). While you bathe, there is a lovely view of the town and the castle in the background! Families and locals love it because there are also some more shallow pools, with steps added to make access easier. Lifeguards work here during the day, making it extra safe.
Piscinas Naturales de Bajamar
In the northeast of Tenerife, discover these scenic pools in Bajamar. You can see the Anaga Mountains from here, and it’s a great spot to watch surfers catching waves! These pools are some of the safer ones, making them one of the most popular things to do in Tenerife, Canary Islands. Walls have been built to protect from the ocean, there are lifeguards on duty, and you’ll also find showers on site.
Piscina Natural Acantilado de Los Gigantes
At the base of the infamous Los Gigantes cliff, you can take a refreshing dip in these natural pools. This pool is one of the most exposed in Tenerife, so only swim at low tide.
16. Day Trip to La Gomera Island (Unusual Thing to do in Tenerife)
Although we sadly didn’t get the chance to visit La Gomera Island on our trip, it is high on our bucket list! Often compared to Hawaii, the luscious landscapes, deep ravines, and ancient forests that cover this island are a must-see. While much smaller than Tenerife, it offers a more peaceful, wild, and untouched experience.
You can join a tour of La Gomera to explore the island and learn about local traditions. One of these is the famous whistling language, which locals used to communicate across the vast valleys.
Book this popular jeep safari tour of La Gomera (includes return transfer from Tenerife!)
After you’ve seen the whistling firsthand, visit Garajonay National Park to see one of the oldest laurel forests in the world or check out the massive basalt rock formations of Los Organos. Wherever you go, you’ll see valleys filled with palm trees and banana plantations, sloping down to small volcanic sand beaches. It really looks stunning!
Getting there: It’s just a 50-minute ferry ride from Tenerife to La Gomera (book tickets here). You can also take cars, although check in your rental contract if this is permitted. If you’re not bringing a car, book a tour from the port or choose one that includes your round-trip transfer from Tenerife.
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