16 Top Places & Best Things to Do in Tenerife (+Map & Tips)

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Planning a trip to Spain’s Canary Islands and wondering what to see and do on the largest island, Tenerife? In this guide, you’ll find our personal recommendations for the best things to do in Tenerife, from must-see sights and popular attractions to hidden gems. We also include a map and practical tips to help you make the most of your trip.

Tenerife has so much to offer: dramatic volcanic landscapes, charming towns, stunning coastlines and beaches, fun activities, water parks, delicious food, and even local wine.

With tips from family who’ve been vacationing on the island for nearly two decades and plenty of our own research, we’ve put together this list based on our recent trip. These are the places we visited, loved, and genuinely recommend.

Even if you manage to tick off just a few things from our list, your Tenerife vacation will be so much more memorable. Check out our top picks below.

TIP – where to stay for sightseeing in Tenerife: We highly recommend staying in the southwest, around Costa Adeje. I could give you a whole list of reasons why, but to keep it short, this area has the best weather, great facilities, and you can easily explore the entire island from here.

We stayed at Wyndham Residences Costa Adeje right next to Siam Park (best for bigger families – opt for a suite with a hot tub!). If you prefer to stay closer to the beach, Dreams Jardin Tropical Resort & Spa and Tivoli La Caleta are wonderful choices in this area, and there are many other options for all budgets.

Map of Top Places

To give you a better idea of where everything is located, I’ve created this map indicating all the top places to see in Tenerife. I also indicated our recommended restaurants and the most scenic roads.

You will find all the information about these places in our detailed guide below.

Here are the best things to do in Tenerife:

1. Mount Teide National Park

Dominated by Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak at 3,718 meters (12,198 ft), Teide National Park is a must-visit in Tenerife. With lava fields and bizarre volcanic rock formations, the landscape here is surreal, like stepping onto another planet.

You can explore the park by car, stopping at many viewpoints, hike its many trails, or take the Teide cable car for a closer look at the volcano and stunning views over the island. Sunrise or sunset are magical times to visit, and stargazing tours are extremely popular thanks to the area’s clear skies.

Good to know: Visiting Mount Teide is one of the most popular things to do in Tenerife, so you need to reserve cable car tickets in advance. If you don’t have a car, opt for a tour with cable car tickets and transfers.

In addition, if you want to hike to the crater itself, you will need a separate permit. It’s best to book a guided tour that includes everything – transport, cable car tickets, and the summit permit. The roads and/or cable car sometimes close due to unfavorable weather. It’s a lot easier to reschedule or cancel if you just have to deal with one booking.

Alternatively, forget about the cable car and just explore the stunning surroundings. The roads in Mount Teide National Park are very scenic, with countless viewpoints and photo opportunities. Quad and buggy tours offer a great way to see the most spectacular scenery of Mount Teide National Park without a car.

TIP: Dress in layers and wear sturdy walking shoes. In the winter, this area gets snow, but even in the summer, it can be chilly. It’s always a good idea to bring a sweater and a light jacket.

2. Masca Valley

Tucked high in the Teno mountains of northwest Tenerife, Masca is a tiny village surrounded by spectacular scenery. To get here, you have to take a winding, narrow drive with hairpin bends, but it’s one of the most beautiful places in Tenerife, so it’s well worth the effort!

You can stop at various viewpoints overlooking the Masca Valley, stroll around the village, enjoy local food at small restaurants, or do some hiking. One of the options is hiking down to Masca from Santiago del Teide, and the other is hiking from Masca to the sea via the steep Masca Gorge trail.

Good to know: Because of difficult accessibility and extremely limited parking, visiting Masca is not straightforward. Here are some tips:

• If you just want to explore the village and don’t mind driving on a super narrow mountain road, go early in the morning to have a chance to find a parking space (and keep in mind that you can only leave your car here for 2 hours – so not enough for any of the hikes!).

• If you want to visit Masca without having to worry about driving and parking, check out various tour options to this beautiful area.

• If you want to hike the Masca Gorge, save yourself the hassle of having to arrange a taxi, the hiking permit, and the boat, and simply book a guided tour that includes everything. Check availability and reserve well ahead – the gorge is only open several days a week, and tickets are limited!

• If you want to hike down to Masca from Santiago del Teide, check the local bus (355) schedule to be sure you can get back to the top! You won’t easily find a taxi down there.

PRO TIP: If you like hiking, by far the best way to visit Masca is with a guided Masca Gorge tour. Not only do they take care of all the practicalities and transfers, but they also foresee an alternative hike in case the Masca Gorge trail gets closed at the very last minute, as it happened when we visited. Be sure to bring lots of water and wear sturdy hiking shoes (you need something with a proper outsole like this; they won’t let you start the hike in sneakers or sandals).

3. Tenerife’s Beaches & Coastlines

Most people visit Tenerife for its year-round mild weather and a relaxing beach holiday. Indeed, the island has no shortage of beaches, from golden stretches perfect for sunbathing to wild volcanic beaches with dramatic views and sometimes man-made ‘natural’ pools (piscina natural).

Some of the most scenic beaches in Tenerife are:

• Playa del Duque – an upscale, family-friendly golden sand beach in Costa Adeje. The coastline here is the most scenic of all the beaches in the south (where most resorts are located).
• Playa de las Teresitas – a long, scenic golden sand beach (with sand imported from the Sahara!) in the north, near the capital city, Santa Cruz.
• Playa de Benijo – a wild and scenic beach in Anaga Rural Park in the north, far away from the crowds.
• El Médano – this laid-back town and windsurfing hotspot with a bohemian vibe has several nice beaches in the southeast, close to the airport.

Good to know: The most popular beaches have facilities like beach bars and sunbed rentals, but some of the prettiest black sand beaches are more natural, so you need to bring everything with you.

PRO TIP: If you are planning on spending lots of time at the beach, be sure to do some research so that you know exactly where to go and what to expect! Bring water shoes for volcanic beaches and natural pools!

4. Los Gigantes

The towering sea cliffs of Los Gigantes rise up to 600 meters above the ocean and are one of Tenerife’s most impressive natural sights. You can admire the cliffs from various viewpoints; don’t miss Mirador Archipenque above the village and Mirador el Trio Divina along the clifftop path in town. But the best way to experience the stunning coastline is from the water.

Good to know: Boat tours depart from Los Gigantes harbor year-round. Not only will you get to see the cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca Gorge, but you also have a good chance to spot dolphins and/or whales along the way. Some tours also include some swim time, tapas, drinks, etc. Sunset boat tours are very popular as well.

We took a speedboat tour and saw dozens of pilot whales and lots of dolphins. We have been on many dolphin and whale-watching tours all over the world, but Los Gigantes really stood out for its spectacular setting. Highly recommended!

5. Anaga Rural Park

Located in the island’s northeast, Anaga Rural Park is home to lush laurel forests, dramatic mountain peaks, remote villages, and misty hiking trails. The Anaga Mountains is Tenerife’s greenest region and feels like a completely different world compared to the south. It’s a dream for nature lovers and hikers (but a nightmare for drivers).

Some of the top trails include the Enchanted Forest hike (La Ensillada), which requires a permit, Camino Viejo al Pico del inglès, and the Roque de Taborno. Don’t miss the views from Mirador Cruz del Carmen and Mirador De Jardina viewpoints.

Public transport here is limited – renting a car or coming with a tour is the easiest way to explore. However, keep in mind that the roads in this area are winding and narrow, plus often foggy. In addition, parking is extremely limited. If you think driving to Masca is adventurous, exploring Anaga in the clouds is yet another level.

We visited here on a grey foggy day when visibility on the road was often not more than a few meters, and even then, it was difficult to find a parking space at the most popular places. I can’t imagine how it is on a sunny day in the peak season…

TIP: Pick one hike you absolutely want to do and be sure to get there very early. After that, consider yourself lucky if you can find parking at any of the other places you may want to see, or wait until late afternoon when most day trippers start leaving. Alternatively, book a guided tour with or without hiking. Also, be sure to wear sturdy walking shoes and pack layers. The weather here can change very quickly.

Good to know: Even if it’s cloudy and foggy in the mountains, it can be nice and sunny closer to the sea. So even if you start hiking in the fog, the hike might lead to an open viewpoint overlooking the coast. There are also some nice, rugged beaches that you can explore if the mountain views are hidden in the clouds. That said, getting anywhere takes a long time, so you can’t quickly hop on to another area to see what the weather is like.

6. Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz, Tenerife’s vibrant capital, is often overlooked by vacationers who mostly stay in the south. But it’s a really nice lively town and a great place to experience the more urban side of the island.

With a charming old town, a long seafront promenade, quirky museums, and countless shopping opportunities, the city is definitely one of the most interesting places to visit in Tenerife.

The highlights include the striking Auditorio de Tenerife (which looks a bit like the Sydney Opera House), the Palmetum botanical gardens, and the bustling Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África, a colorful local market where you can find all kinds of regional specialties. The César Manrique Maritime Park is a great place to spend a few hours chilling by the pool.

Good to know: If you’re in Tenerife in February or March, don’t miss the Santa Cruz Carnival, one of the biggest and most spectacular carnivals in the world (often considered as the second best after the one held in Rio de Janeiro).

TIP: You can easily combine a visit to Santa Cruz with Playa de las Teresitas, one of the most scenic golden-sand beaches in Tenerife. It’s located just a 10-minute drive north of the city center.

7. Barranco del Infierno

Barranco del Infierno trail is somewhat of a hidden gem in southern Tenerife; I haven’t seen it mentioned in any travel guides and found out about it from a local.

Tucked in the hills just outside the popular beach resorts of Costa Adeje, this ravine is one of the greenest and most impressive in the south of Tenerife. The in-and-out hike starts out with open views and takes you to a narrow gorge with a small waterfall at the end.

The trail is about 6.5 km round trip and takes 2 – 3 hours. The hike is not very difficult, but it involves some uphill/downhill walking, which can be a bit more challenging in the heat. We recommend going early in the morning. Also, wear good hiking shoes and bring some water.

Good to know: Daily visitor numbers are limited and permits are required, so you have to book this hike online in advance.

TIP: After the hike, get some drinks and lunch at the Otelo Restaurant just near the entrance. Their specialty is garlic chicken.

8. Whale & Dolphin Watching

Tenerife is one of the best places in Europe to spot whales and dolphins in the wild. Several resident species stay in the area year-round, and others are migratory. The most common species include the Short-Finned Pilot Whales and Bottlenose Dolphins, and you can expect to see them on most tours.

Good to know: There are many whale and dolphin watching tours in Tenerife; most leave from Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, or Los Gigantes. They range from 2 to 5 hours, and you can choose between all kinds of different boats – from speedboats and catamarans to pirate ships. Most tours include drinks, and some also include lunch on board. Longer tours also foresee some time for a swim.

TIP: Check the tour description in detail so that you know exactly what to expect!

Our experience: We took a speedboat tour from Los Gigantes (amazing scenery!) and saw a few dolphins and dozens of whales. I never expected to see so many whales – they were all around us. That said, the whales we saw here were Pilot Whales, so not nearly as large and impressive as the species we had seen in Iceland, Canada, or South Africa. Still, it’s a great experience and well worth a few hours of your time.

9. Coastal Path between Los Cristianos and La Caleta

If you’re staying in the south of the island and want to get a feel of the most popular tourist resorts, I highly recommend walking the seaside path that connects all the coastal towns on the southwestern side of Tenerife.

This scenic waterfront promenade runs between Playa el Callao in Los Cristianos and La Caleta. Along the way, you will pass Playa de las Américas, Costa Adeje, Playa de Fañabé, Playa del Duque, and many other beaches, marinas, and coastal resorts.

The entire length of this trail from start to finish is 14.2 km (8.8 miles). You can walk the full way or just a part of it, and you can start at any point and do this walk in any direction.

It’s a paved, mostly flat walkway with plenty of places to stop for a swim, ice cream, or some drinks. It’s great for a morning run, sunset stroll, or a casual walk with kids. You could easily do it with young children in a stroller as well; I noticed just one or two places where you may have to carry it up/down a few stairs (or walk a bit further and probably be able to find a completely flat path).

TIP: If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, start from Los Cristianos in the morning and walk towards the north. It gets quieter and quieter as you get closer to La Caleta. If you prefer to start quieter and end in an area with the most shops and restaurants, do it the other way around.

Good to know: You can reach both ends of this trail by public transport or by taxi. We took a taxi to Los Cristianos harbor, walked all the way to La Caleta, and took a taxi back to our hotel (we stayed at Wyndham Residences Costa Adeje). It took us 4 hours to do this walk, including a relaxing lunch at a restaurant along the way. If you also go for a swim and spend some time at the beaches along the way, you could easily fill an entire day.

10. Siam Park

If you are looking for something fun to do in Tenerife for the whole family, don’t miss Siam Park in Costa Adeje. Thanks to Tenerife’s mild climate, this water park is open year-round.

Siam Park is by far the best water park in Tenerife. More than that, it’s one of the best water parks in the world. I can confirm that many slides and attractions are just as good or even better than those at the world’s biggest and most impressive waterpark, Atlantis Aquaventure in Dubai.

With Thai-themed design, record-breaking slides, and a relaxing pool area, Siam Park will be an absolute hit with kids, teens, and adults. It also has lots of greenery and beautiful plants so it’s nice to just walk around or float on a lazy river winding through the park and take it all in.

TIP: Buy your tickets online in advance and arrive well before the park opens to beat the queues.

PRO TIP: Get all-inclusive tickets online to get unlimited fast-track entry at the attractions, lockers, towels, and even unlimited food and drinks included. Alternatively, try to purchase a Fast Pass upon arrival; it’s more affordable and gives you one skip-the-line access for each attraction. The sale of these passes is limited, and they can only be purchased within the park on the day of your visit.

Frankly, unless you are visiting Siam Park in the super low season, being able to skip the lines is the only way to do everything you want to in a day. Even with fast-track tickets, you may have to queue for a while, but it’s nothing compared to a regular line where you can easily waste an hour or even two for one slide.

Good to know: If you are planning on visiting the two best theme parks in Tenerife – Siam Park and Loro Parque (see below) – get a discounted two-park pass. This twin ticket is valid for two weeks from the first visit, so you have plenty of time to visit both of these top parks during your vacation.

11. Loro Parque

Located in Puerto de la Cruz in the north of the island, Loro Parque is one of the top attractions in Tenerife. If you are visiting Tenerife with children, it’s a must-do.

Loro Parque is a world-class animal and conservation park with an incredible variety of wildlife. You’ll find everything from gorillas and jaguars to sloths, penguins, and even hippos. It’s also home to the largest parrot collection in the world. They also have great shows, sea lion presentations, etc.

If you are worried about animal welfare, you may want to know that Loro Parque is one of the most respected zoological gardens in the world, with excellent facilities and an environmental focus. The park has conservation and breeding programs for endangered species, etc.

Good to know: Loro Parque is open daily throughout the year. All shows and presentations run 3-5 times a day, so if you plan well, you can see everything in a single day.

TIP: Get your tickets online and consider a two-park ticket if you are also visiting Siam Park. If you’re staying in the south and don’t have a car, you can book tickets that include a shuttle transfer. If you also need a shuttle to Siam Park, opt for a two-park ticket with transfers.

12. Icod de los Vinos & the Dragon Tree

Icod de los Vinos is a picturesque town in the north of Tenerife, best known for its famous Drago Milenario – a massive dragon tree believed to be over 800 years old. It’s the oldest tree of its kind in the world and one of Tenerife’s most iconic natural landmarks.

You can see the dragon tree from outside the garden for free, but it’s worth paying a small fee to visit the Parque del Drago for closer views and access to the small botanical garden.

But there is more to see in Icod de los Vinos. You can also visit Casa del Plátano, a banana plantation where you can learn all about growing bananas, try wines and local produce at Museum Malvasia, and watch colorful butterflies at Mariposario del Drago Butterfly Park – great if you’re visiting with kids.

Good to know: Icod de los Vinos is a hilly town with narrow one-way streets. Set your GPS to the underground Parking del Drago, leave your car, and explore on foot. Don’t try driving to the ancient Drago Tree.

13. Garachico

Garachico, on the northern coast, was Tenerife’s main port until 1706 when a volcanic eruption partially destroyed the town and its harbor. Nowadays, it’s a charming seaside town with cobbled streets, historic buildings, and natural lava pools perfect for a refreshing swim.

That said, it’s a tiny town that you can just walk through in half an hour. Some of the main highlights include the main square with the Convento de San Francisco, a small park, Parque de la Puerta de Tierra, the historic fort Castillo de San Miguel, and the natural pools Piscinas Naturales de El Caletón. In addition, there are public swimming pools right at the waterfront, but those are only open in the warmest months.

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds. If you want to go swimming in natural pools, it’s best to go on a day when the sea is calm. Don’t forget your swimsuit and water shoes!

TIP: Don’t miss the viewpoint Mirador del Emigrante on the west side of town. It’s located on the hill, right by the main road before you reach the town.

14. Kayak & Boat Tours

In addition to the earlier-mentioned whale and dolphin watching cruises, there are many other ways to explore the coastal scenery and marine wildlife in Tenerife. From scenic boat trips and sunset cruises to private boat charters or rentals to fishing and kayaking, there is truly something for everyone.

If you go kayaking in the south, starting from Los Cristianos, you can also expect to see sea turtles. Up to five different species of sea turtles live in the so-called Turtle Bay: Loggerhead turtle, Green turtle, Hawksbill turtle, Leatherback turtle, and Olive Ridley turtle.

Here are some of the best boat tours in the south of Tenerife:

• Kayak and Snorkel with Turtles.
• Sunset Catamaran Tour.
• Fishing.
• Private Boat Charter with Tapas and Drinks.

15. Scenic Roads of Tenerife

There’s no better way to see the varied landscapes of Tenerife than by exploring the island by car. From the hairpin bends of the Teno Mountains and the surreal volcanic scenery around Mount Teide to dramatic coastal routes and the forested highlands in the north, the island has some truly impressive roads.

Some drives we did here easily rank among the most scenic roads we’ve driven anywhere in the world.

Here are our top 3 scenic drives in Tenerife:

• San Cristóbal de La Laguna – Teide Volcano and – Vilaflor (TF-24 and TF-21). This is the easiest to explore of all the scenic roads in Tenerife. It crosses the Teide National Park in the center and is rather wide, with countless viewpoints and ample parking at most of them. Among others, this road takes you to the Teide Cable Car and the Teide Observatory. It sometimes gets closed in the coldest months due to unfavorable weather and snow (yes, it snows in Tenerife), so be sure to check road conditions here.

• Santiago del Teide – Masca – Mirador Altos de Baracán (TF-436). This is the most scenic drive in the south, leading down to the picturesque village of Masca. The road to Masca is extremely narrow and winding – not for the faint-hearted; after that, it gets a bit better. Parking at the viewpoints can be challenging, but finding a parking spot in Masca itself is practically impossible – unless you arrive early/late or simply get lucky that someone leaves just at the right moment (you can’t really stop and wait).

• Las Mercedes – San Andres (TF-12). This is the main road through Taganana and Anaga Rural Park in the north. Some parts are very narrow, some steep and narrow, and parking is a challenge everywhere. Plus, you are often driving in the clouds or mist. All that said, it’s worth it, but try to avoid the peak holiday season and weekends, and start early.

TIP: Rent a small car – it will be easier for everything in Tenerife (check car hire prices here and be sure to take full insurance to cover even the tiniest scratches!). If you don’t feel comfortable driving some of these roads (or simply want to relax and enjoy the views), go on a guided tour. Buggy/quad tours are very popular too and are a great way to explore some of these scenic roads – buggies are smaller and easier to drive and park. Here are some of the best tours I recommend:

• Masca Valley buggy tour.
• Teide National Park quad tour.
• Masca + Teide minivan tour.
• Taganana and Anaga Rural Park with a private guide.

16. Local Food and Wine

Tenerife’s food scene is one of its best-kept secrets. From ocean-fresh seafood to hearty meat dishes and flavorful Canarian potatoes (papas arrugadas) with mojo sauce, there’s truly something for every taste. In addition, Tenerife also has local wines – white and reds – with a unique taste of the volcanic soil.

The best way to find truly good traditional food in Tenerife is to get off the beaten path and visit low-key local restaurants. Some of the best meals we had in Tenerife were far away from tourist resorts and at the lowest prices.

Below are just a few restaurants I can wholeheartedly recommend for a simple, local meal (I indicated them on our map). But I really hope you don’t all rush to just these restaurants, because there are tons of others! My best tip is simply to open Google Maps and check for the best-rated, simple-looking restaurants a bit outside of the main tourist areas. Or ask locals.

• Restaurante Mesón del Norte Tenerife – north of Masca.
• Restaurante Casa Edu – above Los Gigantes.
• El Qbano comidas tipicas – at Mercado Ntra. Señora de África in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
• Marisquería Agua y Sal – in San Miguel de Tajao.
• Tito’s Bodeguita – in Puerto de la Cruz.

TIP: If you want to try all kinds of local specialties, book a food tour with wine tasting to sample more in one go. This gastronomy and wine tour is one of the best I was able to find. There are also winery tours, but not many of them include transportation.

More Ideas for Places to See & Things to Do in Tenerife

In addition to our favorite picks above, there are many more places to see and things to do in Tenerife – enough to fill a few months and too many to mention in one guide. That said, there are several additional recommendations that I want to highlight – if you have more time or are looking to explore deeper.

• San Cristóbal de La Laguna. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and well worth a visit. With its colonial buildings, lively student vibe, and cool cafés and shops, it’s a nice town to explore for an hour or two. The main landmark is the 16th-century church, Iglesia de la Concepción, with a small bell tower that offers nice views of the city and its surroundings.

• Los Arcos Canyon. If you like canyoneering or are looking for something adventurous to do in Tenerife, definitely check out Los Arcos canyoning tours. I’ve heard great things about this and really wanted to do this, but our younger kids were just a bit too young for the tours that were available on our travel dates.

• Cueva del Viento (Wind Cave). One of the largest volcanic lava tube systems in the world. It can only be visited with a guided tour, which often sells out weeks and even months in advance. Check availability here. When we traveled, tours were sold out for almost two months, but family members who visited said they really enjoyed it.

• Stargazing at Teide National Park. Thanks to its high altitude, clear skies, and minimal light pollution, Tenerife (especially around Mount Teide) is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Stargazing tours are extremely popular. Indeed, if you don’t feel like driving on unfamiliar winding roads at night, it’s best to go with a tour.

• La Gomera Island. Just a short ferry ride from Tenerife, La Gomera is a popular day trip destination and a perfect addition to any Tenerife itinerary. This lush, mountainous island with ancient laurel forests is known as the greenest island of the Canaries. Check day trip options here.

So, this is our guide to some of the very best places and activities in Tenerife. Hope it inspires you to explore this beautiful and diverse island, beyond beaches and most popular tourist resorts.

Have a wonderful trip!

READ ALSO: Spain Bucket List

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