I have been living in Tenerife for 10 years and I have visited almost every interesting corner of the Canary Islands. So your holiday goes perfectly, I put together a list of the most beautiful places on Tenerife that you really should see.
Write down my secret places to visit in Tenerife on your own, so you can manage to see the most beautiful and interesting sights in one week of holiday.
Tenerife is the largest and most varied of all the Canary Islands. It is a paradise for active travellers: black volcanic beaches, clean Atlantic water, unusual nature and dozens of beautiful places.
Teide National Park: the volcano, the observatory and the highest point in Spain!
Let us start with the most famous sight!
You have definitely already heard about the most popular place in Tenerife and, at the same time, the highest peak in Spain – Mount Teide. It rises 3,718 metres above sea level, right in the centre of Las Canadas National Park.
The cable car lifts tourists up toward the summit in a small cabin, while fitter travellers choose the walking route along paths through frozen volcanic lava.
Climbing to the top of Teide feels like a small heroic act. The reward is unforgettable: views of the ocean, the neighbouring islands of La Palma and La Gomera, the Teno mountains and the caldera of the old Las Canadas stratovolcano.
Here I am climbing upward among Canary pines. Teide is still kilometres away, but even here there is plenty of beauty to look at.
Three Important Tips
Safety. The cable car takes you near the top of Mount Teide in just 10 minutes, but do not forget about the altitude and altitude sickness. And do not leave anything in your car at any car park: thieves work there quite often.
Queues. Be sure to buy your Teide cable car ticket in advance. The queues at the ticket office can be huge.
Transport. You can reach the park by regular bus, but it is better to rent a car straight after you land at the airport. Car rental prices in the Canary Islands are low. Also, without a car it is almost impossible to reach the most beautiful places and drive around all the best beaches.
Stars and the Milky Way are the main beauty of Teide National Park
If you book in advance, you can visit the observatory, where scientists observe stars and planets. But it is difficult to arrange, and not everyone will love it, because the tour is about telescopes and the everyday work of astrophysicists, not about watching the night sky and the Milky Way.
So how do you see those magical stars?
I wrote a detailed guide that helps you see the stars and the Milky Way, and also enjoy the most beautiful sunset in Tenerife from a top spot.
Definitely use my guide. With it, besides visiting beautiful and interesting places in Tenerife, you will learn the fascinating history of Mount Teide, discover the flora and fauna at 2,000 metres, understand how different types of lava differ, what eruptions happened here, how many millions of years ago the cone was formed, how the caldera appeared, and a lot more. And most importantly – without crowds of tourists or a guide shouting over them.
Follow the link and go see Tenerife’s main attraction with the best guidebook. I highly recommend it. I spent a full 10 years preparing this guide, and it turned out beautifully.
My inner perfectionist is very happy with the huge amount of work behind the final guide. The most beautiful places in Tenerife, magical photos and funny jokes. Ah, it turned out so well. Do not miss it.
– And what if I do not want this guide? So what if you have been obsessed with this place for 10 years and studied it properly. What else is there to do in Teide National Park besides the cable car?
Do not miss the main natural beauties:
- The volcano with the enormous extinct crater Pico Viejo, and the viewpoint at its foot with views of the Teide Nostrils, where black lava poured out.
- The photogenic Roques de Garcia – a strange creation of wind and a path where you can walk among the rocks and photograph the striking view over the empty plain below. Look at this finger:
- In July, around Roques de Garcia, you can see the blooming Tajinaste Rojo, a Canary endemic plant. In other months, you can buy a jar of honey at the Parador hotel as a souvenir; the bees collect it from those tajinastes. You can also have a snack there with a view of Teide.
- UNESCO loves Teide Park for its beautiful creations of wind and erosion. I recommend driving to La Zapatilla de la Reina and visiting La Catedral. You will like them if you enjoy places that feel a little like Monument Valley in the USA.
- You can stay in the highest mountain hotel in Spain – the Parador – and watch the stars at Roques de Garcia at night. But the price is not especially kind.
- If you want to look into a volcanic vent and maybe earn altitude sickness from climbing Teide, stop on TF-21 for a walk around Montana Trevejo or the Chinyero volcano. Go here if you want to see the freshest eruptions on Tenerife and understand who destroyed the town of Garachico.
Besides the unique Martian scenery and lunar landscapes, there are restaurants and souvenir shops in the centre of Teide Park. It is hard to leave without a little volcano magnet =).
But the prices and quality in those places are so-so. Better spend your time looking at colourful lava deposits and the place where a Mars rover was tested. It is better to eat later in nearby Vilaflor, Arona or the La Orotava Valley on the way back.
What is the easiest way to reach this part of Tenerife?
The TF-21 road crosses Teide National Park, so from the south coast you can drive through Vilaflor, Arona and Guia de Isora, while from the north you can come through the eucalyptus forest of La Esperanza and La Orotava on the TF-24.
The easiest car route to Teide from the south of Tenerife goes through Guia de Isora. It has the fewest sharp bends and mountain switchbacks. We have a separate guide here about how to reach Teide by car.
And one more time. If you want to admire Teide almost alone, feel its scale and touch the stars, I recommend not missing astrotourism with my guide. It really is unforgettable. These may be the most memorable impressions and the most beautiful places of your whole Tenerife holiday.
Masca Village and Gorge
Masca Gorge is in Teno National Park, near Teno and Santiago del Teide.
According to legend, the village and the gorge were named after the daughter of a Guanche chief. She did not want to marry a stranger, so she jumped from a cliff into the ocean.
Today Masca village is an archaeological and ethnographic complex protected by the Tenerife government.
The oldest building in Masca, the Avinculados house, has kept its authenticity. Some of the houses in Masca have been restored and turned into a museum of local crafts. Tourists are offered clay souvenirs and other handmade pieces there.
You can reach Masca village by car or taxi. The road is very narrow and winding, so be extremely careful. Passing other cars there is difficult.
It is best to combine this stop with a trip to the north, or with an excursion through Teno and Garachico.
The popular tourist trail runs through Masca Gorge: a 9-kilometre descent to the Atlantic Ocean and a return by boat along the Los Gigantes cliffs.
But honestly, there are so many people here that it is better to choose any other one of the twenty wonderful hiking routes in Tenerife.
On the way back you can stop in the municipality of Santiago del Teide to see almond blossom and the Teno mountains.
Los Gigantes Cliffs and the Warmest Water Temperature
The huge basalt cliffs of Los Gigantes impress with their 800-metre height and beauty.
The best way to see the Los Gigantes massif is from the water, during a boat trip to watch dolphins. But you can also simply drive to the Mirador Archipenque viewpoint in the town of the same name at the foot of the cliffs.
Tourists love taking photos at this viewpoint, but there is not much parking.
The main beach of Los Gigantes is Puerto Santiago, but to the right of the harbour, at the foot of the vertical cliffs, there is also a small beach called Los Guios.
That is because the basalt cliffs collect the sun’s heat during the day and give that warmth back to the ocean water at night.
In the past, everyone came to Los Gigantes by car, left it in the harbour, took a taxi, went up to Masca village and walked down the gorge, then got on a boat and sailed back to town. Now the pier in Masca is under repair, so you cannot do this trip.
The main beach of Los Gigantes is Puerto Santiago, but to the right of the harbour, at the foot of the vertical cliffs, there is also a small beach called Los Guios.
By the way, this is where the water is warmest on the whole coast, and there are almost no waves, so it is an ideal place for a beach day with children.
This is the best place to see the island from the water. Even without spending much money
Do you like active fun? Then go into the Los Gigantes harbour and take a boat to see the cliffs; most likely you will also meet dolphins and pilot whales.
Is yacht rental too expensive? Then take SUP boards or kayaks and paddle through this wonderful bay.
Besides two beaches, Los Gigantes also has a natural lava pool with seawater. But swimming there is risky because of big waves, a frequently rough ocean and an awkward descent, so I recommend going to Charco El Caleton in Garachico instead.
Where should you drive after Los Gigantes?
The main sights in this part of Tenerife are the Teno mountains, Masca Gorge and the lighthouse at Punta de Teno. In spring, you can find almond blossom in the mountains around Santiago del Teide.
Between Costa Adeje, the resort of Playa San Juan and Playa La Arena, there is also the good and stylish 5-star Ritz-Carlton Abama hotel with a luxurious beach.
My personal take: this is one of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in the south of Tenerife. Just remember that the lift is only for guests of the Abama hotel. Travellers from elsewhere need to leave the car in the car park, walk about 500 metres, and then go down and back up a steep staircase.
Which Interesting Tenerife Beaches Are Worth Visiting by Car on Your Own?
The list could be very long, so I wrote a separate article about the most beautiful beaches. Here I will keep only the ones you should not miss.
Las Teresitas Beach with golden sand from the Sahara
You have definitely seen this place in Instagram photos and planned to go there, but I will tell you one secret.
Life hack. Do not rush straight to the beach; stop at the mirador first.
If you drive uphill, you reach the Mirador de Las Teresitas viewpoint, with the best view over Las Teresitas beach and its white sand brought specially from the Sahara Desert. To the right you can see the ridges of Anaga Park, the fishing village of San Andres, the breakwater and the port of Santa Cruz; to the left is Playa de Las Gaviotas with black volcanic sand.
Siam Water Park – the Main Attraction in the South of Tenerife
Children and adults who love fun and adrenaline will definitely enjoy the water slides and attractions at Siam Park, built in Thai style by the creators of Loro Parque.
If you are choosing between Siam Park and Aqualand, remember that queues are usually longer at Siam, but the slides are excellent and there is a combined ticket with Loro Parque. Aqualand is more for small children.
You can walk to Siam Park from Las Americas or take the free bus that runs through Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos.
Choose a sunny, calm day so you do not get cold.
Which Towns Should You Walk Around?
The capital of all the Canary Islands – Santa Cruz de Tenerife
There are old little houses, parks, beautiful Plaza de Espana and the island’s main shopping street – Calle Castillo. A tram runs through the streets of Santa Cruz, while bank workers from La Caixa sit in cafes drinking barraquito next to ordinary Canarian locals.
The island capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, deserves a full day, but if you get bored, Candelaria with its Guanche statues and basilica is nearby, Las Teresitas beach is to the east, and the cultural capital San Cristobal de La Laguna is to the north. It was founded by the conquistador Alonso de Lugo and you can reach it by tram.
Main sights in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- In the southern part of the capital, see the Auditorio de Tenerife concert hall by architect Alberto Calatrava, and next to it the Bateria de Santa Barbara fortress, built to fight pirates. From there, walk to the Central Market, which is near the Santa Cruz bus station and the TEA contemporary art museum, plus the Church of the Immaculate Conception, the oldest church on the island.
- The Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, held in February, is the main party of the Canary Islands, Spain and maybe even Europe. In scale, it is second only to the Brazilian carnival. It is worth visiting at least once, but be ready: European values may appear in a very different light. The maximum number of costumed participants comes during the culmination, the last weekend of Carnival.
La Laguna – the Cultural Capital
San Cristobal de La Laguna is the historical centre of the Canary Islands and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. People come here to walk the streets and admire old Canarian architecture.
La Laguna has many architectural monuments, old streets and shopping arcades. A large university district with a campus and teaching buildings spreads out on the edge of town.
The first church of Tenerife has been preserved in La Laguna. You can visit the island history museum and slowly walk around the old houses, looking inside them.
- In early January, the bright children’s festival, the Three Kings parade, takes place here.
- Neighbouring Santa Cruz shakes in February with the famous Carnival in Tenerife.
- In April, bright religious processions for Semana Santa pass through La Laguna.
Puerto de la Cruz and the La Orotava Valley
A town with subtropical greenery, loved by Agatha Christie in the last century and now especially popular with German holidaymakers.
In the resort of Puerto de la Cruz, visit the botanical garden, stop at Playa Jardin with black volcanic sand and views of the top of Mount Teide, go swimming, or simply look at Lago Martianez by architect Cesar Manrique.
There is a long walking street with graffiti by Canarian artists. You can follow it to the harbour and have a bite in one of the restaurants on the square along the way.
I recommend renting a hotel or apartment in the north for at least a few days of your Tenerife holiday: for example in Icod de los Vinos, Garachico, Santa Ursula, La Laguna or Puerto, so you can enjoy the real rhythm of life in the Canary Islands.
Loro Parque Zoo in Puerto de la Cruz
If you come to Puerto de la Cruz, definitely visit Loro Parque – the main zoo in Tenerife, with parrots, orca shows, penguins and a dolphinarium from the creator of Siam water park in the south of the island.
If you love animals and are not worried about them being kept in cages and enclosures, it is definitely worth going to the best zoo in the Canary Islands. Wolfgang Kiessling opened it in 1972, and since then it has become one of Spain’s most famous attractions.
You can reach Loro Parque by car or on the special bus.
How can you save money when visiting Loro and Siam Park?
Buy the combined ticket for two parks with a discount. It is called the twin ticket.
A normal adult ticket costs 40 euros and a child ticket costs 28 euros, which means 80 euros for entry to both Loro Parque and Siam Park. The twin ticket costs 70 euros for adults and 49 euros for children, and the water park here is excellent, definitely worth visiting.
Anaga National Park
Anaga is luxurious mountain biodiversity that will completely change how you see Tenerife.
Here you find magical landscapes, fresh air, high cliffs, black-sand beaches and dense laurel forests.
The Hiking Tenerife editors love this top place. And oh, how well you breathe here =).
And of course, Anaga is home to wonderful walking routes. It is the best place in Europe for hiking and trekking in the winter months.
Watch our video to understand why Anaga Park is the most beautiful place in Tenerife:
To get as close as possible to the most beautiful places in the national park, do not miss the Mysterious Triangle of Anaga excursion. Very strong impressions.
The Thousand-Year-Old Tree – Drago of Icod de los Vinos
The thousand-year-old Dragon Tree in Icod de los Vinos is one of the historical symbols of the Canary Islands.
There are many dragon trees scattered around the island. But in the town of Icod de los Vinos, this one is special. Scientists say this specimen is more than 800 years old. The Dragon Tree is 16 metres high and its trunk circumference is 3 metres.
Around the Dragon Tree grow endemic Tenerife plants: small dragon trees, cacti and spurges. You can stop by the nearby Church of San Marcos and walk around the town.
La Orotava Valley
La Orotava Valley is another beautiful and unusual area of Tenerife where you should definitely make a stop.
Do you want to enjoy a panoramic view over the coast, Teide and the sights of northern Tenerife?
Then take the TF-21 road to the Mirador de Humboldt viewpoint. From here you get a fantastic angle on the north coast, Puerto de la Cruz and the ocean.
Look at the views from the northern slopes. This is us walking near Puerto de la Cruz:
Besides the viewpoint, walk through the centre of the old town of La Orotava, or even stay overnight in a hotel inside an 18th-century building. The historic centre here has beautiful architecture.
If you want to find more rare beauties, read our selections of Tenerife beaches, sights, hikes and secret beaches.
Vilaflor Village
In the south of Tenerife, at an altitude of 1,460 metres, sits the small town of Vilaflor. It is the highest settlement in Tenerife.
The Soler family house, the building of the village founders, has been preserved in Vilaflor. Around it grow pines, almond trees and bright, fragrant flowers.
You can ride a mountain bike around Vilaflor or walk through its narrow old streets and watch local life.
By the way, the hiking route to Paisaje Lunar, the Lunar Landscape, starts from here.
In the restaurants of Vilaflor, you can try wine from the neighbouring slopes with hot meat dishes.
The Almond Route and Lava from the Last Volcano to Erupt in Tenerife
A must-visit place at the end of winter and in spring. You really should see the almond blossom if you are on holiday in Tenerife in January, February or March.
It is a very beautiful sight, and it is free too =).
I made a useful video where I explain where to find blooming almond trees, what lava has to do with it, and how farmers live in the Santiago del Teide region. I also share tips on which beautiful places you should visit in spring in the Canary Islands. Watch it:
Why Go to Garachico, Destroyed by a Volcano, and What Does a Natural Pool Have To Do With It?
In 1706, the colonial port and town of Garachico were destroyed by the eruption of the Trevejo volcano and slowly flowing lava from the slope. Local residents returned to their land and revived the town, making it even more beautiful.
What should you do in Garachico today?
Admire the old monastery, visit the museums and the central square with its church. And for dessert, stop for Italian ice cream and walk through the narrow streets away from the ocean.
Garachico rose again after the natural disaster, and today hundreds of tourists come here every day to walk along the seafront. But on the old streets in the town centre, you will be almost alone.
And be sure to watch my video guide to feel that old Garachico atmosphere:
This video tells the story of all the interesting sights in Garachico and the main eruption in Tenerife’s history.
Take a photo in the beautiful lava bay where divers train, and swim in the natural pool of El Caleton, which formed when red-hot lava met the ocean.
You can reach the El Caleton natural pools at Avenida Tome Cano 5, 38450, but you will not be able to park right there. I recommend looking for parking in the northern part of Garachico, where there are plenty of free spaces.
After that you can drive to the lighthouse at Punta de Teno, the westernmost point of the island, stopping in the old town of Los Silos on the way.
La Caleta Promenade
The La Caleta promenade is a favourite walking route for tourists in the south.
It is great to walk here at sunset, look toward La Gomera and catch the ocean breeze.
Over 9 kilometres, beaches change one after another on one side, while boutiques, restaurants and cafes line the other. You can walk from Los Cristianos through Las Americas all the way to Costa Adeje.
The Pyramids of Guimar and Thor Heyerdahl
In the Guimar Valley, near Santa Cruz and Candelaria, there is a park with six pyramids and an ethnographic museum.
Personally, I do not like this ambiguous place and would calmly skip it. There are always lots of tourists here, brought in by bus excursions.
But if you want to find out what Thor Heyerdahl was doing in Tenerife, and whether the double sunset really can be seen from one of the Pyramids of Guimar, come and check it for yourself.
On the way back, you can go down to the ocean and swim in the small town of Puertito de Guimar, which local residents love very much.
Questions You Asked:
Where should you go in Tenerife to photograph the neighbouring islands?
Go up to one of the viewpoints in the north-west. They have an excellent view of La Gomera and La Palma, and at sunset the photos can look truly magical.
Which museums are worth visiting?
Exhibitions are Tenerife’s weak side, but if it rains, you can go to the Museum of Nature and Archaeology in Santa Cruz.
Children will enjoy the Museum of Science and the Cosmos in La Laguna, handmade dolls at Artlandya, and the history of the Canary Islands inside the colonial mansion Casa Lercaro.
For adults, there is the Malvasia Museum in Icod de los Vinos, where you can taste wines from the local terroir and buy them.
How can you see dolphins from Costa Adeje, not Los Gigantes?
“Dolphin and whale boats”, yachts to La Gomera and catamarans for sea trips leave from the small harbour in Los Cristianos – Puerto Colon. There are many offers, so choose what suits you, but remember: there will be plenty of tourists.
Personally, I like watching marine animals from a boat run by biologists and researchers. With them, you can be sure the boat propeller will not cut whales and dolphins, which cannot be said for ordinary tourist catamarans and sailing boats.
Want more secret places in Tenerife? Then take our map with you here.
Now you know how to start your holiday. Take a car and go. Do not want to rent a car? Then use the right guide and save time. Read the main selection: Ranking of Tenerife excursions and places.
Things To Do In Tenerife: Quick Planning Guide
The places above are my original Tenerife list: the photos, jokes, route ideas, and local warnings I wanted you to have before building a holiday from random pins.
This extra planning section answers the search questions people ask in English: what to do first, what to do in the south, what to do in the north, what works with children, what works without a car, what to book ahead, and what to skip when a famous activity does not fit your trip.
Source note: this article keeps the full original English draft from post 175443 and expands it with the practical SEO planning layer for “things to do in Tenerife” and “what to do in Tenerife”.
Quick Verdict: What Should You Do In Tenerife?
If this is your first trip, do not try to see everything. Tenerife is small on the map, but the island is slow in the mountains, split by microclimates, and full of places that deserve better than a rushed photo stop.
Use this quick verdict first, then read the detailed sections for the catches, car/no-car reality, safety notes, and what to combine nearby. Your holiday is not a supermarket trolley; you do not need to throw every attraction inside.
| If you want… | Do this first | Why it works | The catch |
|---|---|---|---|
| The one classic Tenerife day | Teide National Park by car or guided route | Volcanic landscape, viewpoints, altitude, and the island’s biggest symbol | Summit access is restricted; weather and altitude matter |
| Green mountains and old Tenerife | Anaga plus La Laguna or Taganana | Laurel forest, cliffs, old villages, and a completely different mood from the south | Roads are bendy, weather changes fast, and some trails need permits |
| Easy beach holiday feeling | El Camison, Las Vistas, El Duque, Fanabe, or Las Teresitas | Sand, facilities, taxis, restaurants, and realistic swimming days | Famous resort beaches are not quiet or wild |
| Dramatic scenery | Los Gigantes, Masca, Teno, or Anaga beaches | Cliffs, volcanic roads, black sand, and big island views | Parking, roads, access rules, and sea conditions can decide the day |
| Local town atmosphere | La Laguna, Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, Garachico, Santa Cruz | Food, streets, markets, gardens, old houses, and slower wandering | Not all towns are best on the same weather day |
| Family-friendly activities | Safe beaches, Siam Park, easy promenades, short nature stops | Children need comfort, shade, toilets, and predictable timing | Wild beaches, long drives, and rough water can spoil the day quickly |
| Young adults and active travel | El Medano, Las Americas nightlife, surf/water sports, Teide sunset, hikes | More energy, social evenings, wind sports, and flexible days | Do not confuse party areas with the whole island |
| No-car Tenerife | Base yourself well and choose fewer, easier places | Bus, tram, taxi, and walkable promenades can still work | You will miss some of the best remote viewpoints and wild coast |
Local verdict: the best first Tenerife week is not seven beach days or seven sightseeing days. It is a mix: one Teide day, one north/Anaga day, one west-coast day, one proper beach day, one town/food day, one flexible weather day, and one day where you do less than planned.
Free Tenerife map
Still comparing too many places?
Open our Tenerife map before you plan the week. It helps you group beaches, viewpoints, towns, walks, and food stops so you do not drive across the island for one rushed photo.
Things To See In Tenerife, Tenerife Attractions, And Places To Visit
If you arrived here by searching for things to see in Tenerife, Tenerife attractions, places to visit in Tenerife, or activities in Tenerife, you are basically asking the same question with a slightly different suitcase.
The words are different, but the holiday problem is the same: which places are actually worth your limited time, which tourist attractions in Tenerife are only useful for some travelers, and which beautiful stops belong in a separate day instead of being squeezed in like the island is a lunchbox.
| Search phrase | What you probably mean | How I answer it in this guide |
|---|---|---|
| Things to see in Tenerife, what to see in Tenerife, places to see in Tenerife | Scenic sights, viewpoints, old towns, beaches, Teide, Anaga, and the places that make the island feel different from a generic beach holiday. | Use the main 36 places first, then the planning sections to choose the right route. |
| Tenerife attractions, Tenerife tourist attractions, tourist attractions in Tenerife | A mix of classic sights and paid attractions: Teide, Siam Park, whale watching, Cueva del Viento, towns, gardens, beaches, and viewpoints. | I separate what is genuinely worth it from what only works for certain trips. |
| Places to visit in Tenerife, Tenerife places to visit, places to visit Tenerife | A place-led list: where to go, what each stop is good for, and what to combine nearby. | This article covers the big island answer; a future places hub should be more photo-led and map-led. |
| Tenerife activities, activities in Tenerife | The doing version: hiking, stargazing, surfing, whale watching, road trips, water parks, towns, food, and family days. | The article covers the main activities, then flags paid activities separately so you do not buy a shiny shrug. |
| Must see in Tenerife, Tenerife must see, top things to do in Tenerife | A first-trip shortlist, usually Teide, Anaga, one good beach, Los Gigantes or Masca, and at least one real town. | Start with the quick verdict, then choose fewer places and do them properly. |
| Tenerife sightseeing, sightseeing Tenerife | A route day by car or guided trip, where order, parking, weather, and road time matter more than a huge list. | Use the base, route, weather, and booking sections before you lock the plan. |
Local verdict: do not worry too much about the exact search phrase. Worry about the day you are building. Tenerife attractions can be wonderful, but the best places to visit in Tenerife are the ones that fit your weather, base, energy, and road time.
How To Choose What To Do In Tenerife
Do not start with the most famous attraction. Start with the type of day you actually want.
A Teide day is about volcanic scale, high-altitude weather, and route order. An Anaga day is about green mountains, fog, village roads, and careful driving. A south-coast day is about sun, hotels, beaches, boats, and easier logistics.
The island is not balanced evenly: the south and southwest are easier for winter sun, family beaches, hotels, and boat trips. The north and northeast are stronger for old towns, greenery, black sand, local food, and dramatic roads.
That does not mean one side is better. It means you should choose the right side for the job. Tenerife is not offended if you do not visit all of it in one week.
Common mistake: booking a south-coast resort, then trying to do Anaga, Masca, Puerto de la Cruz, Teide, and Santa Cruz as casual half-days. The distances look small, but mountain roads, parking, food stops, and weather make them bigger.
What To Do In Tenerife South
South Tenerife is best for easy logistics: beaches, hotels, winter sun, boat trips, family activities, nightlife, promenades, and fast airport access.
Good south choices include Costa Adeje, El Duque, Fanabe, Las Vistas, El Camison, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Americas, La Caleta, El Medano, La Tejita, Siam Park, and whale-watching departures.
South extras: for deeper planning, keep Abama beach, Playa San Juan, Alcala, an Aloe Vera farm around Arona, and Abades or Sanatorio de Abona on the research list. They are not all first-trip essentials, but they help when someone is based in the south and wants more than the usual hotel-beach-boat loop.
The catch: the south is convenient, but not automatically more “real”. Use it as a comfortable base, then leave space for Teide, Anaga, the west coast, and old towns. The hotel pool is not the enemy; never leaving the hotel pool is the enemy.
What To Do In North Tenerife
North Tenerife is better for green landscapes, black-sand coast, local towns, food, gardens, old streets, and a less resort-driven feeling. It is where many visitors realise Tenerife is more interesting than the hotel brochures suggest.
Good north choices include La Laguna, Anaga, Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, Garachico, Icod de los Vinos, El Bollullo, Playa Jardin, Bajamar, Punta del Hidalgo, and the north side of Teide.
Future article fit: the keyword exports show enough demand for a full `things to do in north Tenerife` guide. This pillar should cover the decision; the future article should cover the route details.
Things To Do In Tenerife With Kids
With children, the best Tenerife activities are not always the most dramatic ones. You need toilets, food, shade, calmer water, shorter drives, and a plan that does not depend on everyone loving mountain roads.
Good family choices include Las Teresitas, El Camison, Las Vistas, El Duque, Siam Park, easy boat trips in calm conditions, Santa Cruz/La Laguna city days, short Teide viewpoints, and gentle promenade walks.
Family mistake: planning wild beaches, long Anaga drives, Masca roads, and late stargazing as if children have adult patience. Some do. Many do not, and they will provide feedback loudly.
I have great guide with best things to do in Tenerife with kids: article should cover animal-ethics questions, stroller reality, toddler beaches, teen activities, and weather fallback days in much more detail.
Things To Do In Tenerife For Young Adults
For young adults, Tenerife can be a beach-and-nightlife trip, an active outdoor trip, or a mix of both. The best base changes depending on which version you want.
Choose Playa de las Americas or Los Cristianos if nightlife and easy social energy matter. Choose El Medano if wind sports, surf mood, and a more local beach town sound better. Choose a car-based route if Teide, hikes, hidden beaches, and viewpoints matter more than bars.
Local verdict: Tenerife is more interesting when young travelers do not stay inside the party-resort bubble. Keep one nightlife day if you want it, but use the island too. The volcano is still there after breakfast.
Things To Do In Tenerife Without A Car
You can enjoy Tenerife without a car, but you need to choose your base more carefully and accept that some places become harder or less efficient.
No-car travelers usually do best in Los Cristianos, Playa de las Americas, Costa Adeje, Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz, or La Laguna, depending on whether beaches, nightlife, towns, or culture matter most.
Easiest no-car ideas: Las Vistas and El Camison from Los Cristianos/Las Americas, El Duque and Fanabe from Costa Adeje, Las Teresitas from Santa Cruz, La Laguna by tram, Playa Jardin from Puerto de la Cruz, and organised Teide/Anaga/west-coast tours when public transport makes the day awkward.
Do not plan remote Anaga beaches, some wild coves, or complex Teide/Masca combinations without checking transport carefully. Taxi fallback can be useful, but remote pickup is not always simple, especially when your plan ends at a viewpoint with heroic confidence and no signal.
What To Do In Tenerife When It Rains Or Gets Windy
Rain and wind do not always ruin Tenerife. They usually ask you to move.
If the north is wet, check the south or west. If the coast is windy, try an old town, garden, museum, market, or lower walk. If Teide is unsafe or cloudy, do not force it; move the mountain day. Tenerife rewards flexible people and gently mocks stubborn ones.
| Weather problem | Better plan | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cloudy north coast | Santa Cruz, La Laguna, La Orotava, or south coast | Towns still work when beach photos do not |
| Windy El Medano or La Tejita | Watch the kites, then choose a sheltered beach | Wind can be entertainment, not your whole beach day |
| Rough sea | Viewpoints, towns, gardens, or hotel pool | Warm weather does not make rough water safe |
| Bad Teide forecast | Move Teide to another day | The high island deserves visibility and safety |
| Hot midday | Early route, lunch/shade, late beach or sunset | Better rhythm than fighting the sun all day |
Microclimate rule: do not trust one island-wide forecast icon. Check the exact area: south coast, north coast, Teide, Anaga, or Santa Cruz.
A Sensible One-Week Tenerife Plan
If you want a balanced first week, do not stack the hardest roads together. Alternate big days with easier days. This is a holiday, not a driving exam with ocean views.
| Day | Plan | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Easy local beach or promenade near your base | Settle in, do not overdrive tired |
| Day 2 | Teide road route | Use energy early in the trip |
| Day 3 | Beach day by type: family, black sand, wild, or resort | Recover from the mountain day |
| Day 4 | Anaga and La Laguna | Green mountains plus old-town culture |
| Day 5 | West coast: Los Gigantes, Masca viewpoint/village, sunset | Dramatic scenery with enough time |
| Day 6 | Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, Garachico, or Santa Cruz | Town, food, gardens, and local life |
| Day 7 | Flexible repeat: beach, boat, stargazing, or quiet map route | Let weather and energy decide |
Better version: move these days around the forecast. Do Teide when visibility is good, Anaga when you accept cloud, beaches when the sea behaves, and towns when the weather is mixed.
Handcrafted Tenerife guide
Want the local-style route instead of building it from tabs?
Use our handcrafted Tenerife guide if you want the stops, route order, timing, context, quiet alternatives, and nature-respectful way to connect the island without guessing from generic lists.
Know What To Book Ahead And What To Keep Flexible
Some Tenerife activities are better when booked early. Others are better when you wait for weather, sea, and energy.
This is one of the quiet skills of planning Tenerife well. Do not lock the flexible days and leave the restricted days to chance. Tenerife planning is a little like cooking rice: simple, but surprisingly easy to ruin by ignoring timing.
| Plan type | Book ahead? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Teide summit access | Yes, if you want the crater trail | Access is restricted and capacity-based; the national park rules decide this, not your mood on the day. |
| Masca Gorge hike | Yes | Controlled access, equipment rules, transport logistics, and current trail status can change the plan. |
| Cueva del Viento | Yes | It is a guided cave visit, not a free walk-in attraction. |
| Whale watching | Usually yes | Choose a responsible operator and a sea state that makes sense for your group. |
| Beach days | No | Pick the beach from wind, waves, flags, parking, and where you are that morning. |
| Old towns and food stops | Mostly no | Keep these as flexible weather fallbacks unless you need a specific restaurant. |
Plan like this: book the restricted experiences first, then place your beach, town, food, and viewpoint days around the forecast.
Choose Your Tenerife Base By Activities, Not Only Hotel Price
Where you stay changes what feels easy. A cheap hotel can become expensive in time if every good day starts with a long drive across the island.
If your list is beaches, whale watching, La Caleta, Siam Park, nightlife, and one Teide day, the south or southwest is practical. If your list is Anaga, La Laguna, Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, Garachico, and black-sand coast, the north makes more sense.
Base reality: a car makes Tenerife wider. Without a car, your base becomes part of the activity, because buses, taxis, walkable beaches, and evening food decide how easy the trip feels.
For most first-time visitors, we would rather split the trip or stay in a practical base than chase the cheapest room and lose the island in transfers. Saving money is good; spending the savings on petrol and mild regret is less good.
Local tip: choose your base from your most repeated day, not your dreamiest single excursion. If five evenings will be beach-and-dinner evenings, that matters more than one dramatic mountain photo.
Add One Less Obvious Local Stop
The famous places are famous for a reason, but Tenerife becomes more memorable when you add one smaller stop that matches the route.
Near El Medano, that might be Montana Pelada or Montana Roja. Near Puerto de la Cruz, it might be Rambla de Castro, a garden, or a slow La Orotava stop. On the north coast, San Juan de la Rambla can be a better pause than one more crowded pin. Near Masca, it might be Santiago del Teide, Teno Alto, or cheese and coffee instead of another viewpoint.
Common mistake: treating “hidden” as the goal. The better goal is a day that feels coherent: one coast, one weather pattern, one food stop, and enough time to leave when the place is not right.
Less obvious stops should not turn fragile areas into careless Instagram targets. If a place has poor parking, unclear access, sensitive nature, or dangerous sea conditions, enjoy the idea from a safe distance or choose somewhere sturdier.
Free Things To Do In Tenerife That Are Actually Worth It
You do not need paid attractions every day in Tenerife. Many of the best experiences are free or nearly free if you have a good route and realistic expectations.
- Teide viewpoints: free, but weather, road conditions, parking, clothing, and altitude still matter.
- Old towns: La Laguna, La Orotava, Garachico, Santa Cruz, and Puerto de la Cruz can be excellent low-cost days.
- Beach and promenade days: choose the beach for your real purpose: swimming, walking, surf watching, children, or sunset.
- Viewpoint routes: the road sequence can be better than one paid stop if you do not overpack it.
- Markets and food stops: not free, but often better value than a generic attraction when the weather is mixed.
Our view: free Tenerife is not second-class Tenerife. It only becomes weak when you replace planning with random driving and call it “adventure”.
Paid Tenerife Activities That Can Be Worth It
Paid does not automatically mean tourist trap. I pay for Tenerife activities when they solve a real problem: access, safety, knowledge, or logistics. Paying just because someone made a shiny brochure is how a simple day becomes an expensive shrug.
The key is to pay for the right problem. Do not pay just because the list looks full. A full itinerary can still be an empty experience if it is badly chosen, especially when half the day is waiting, transferring, and wondering why your “adventure” has a wristband.
| Paid activity | When it is worth it | When we would skip |
|---|---|---|
| Responsible whale watching | You choose a careful operator, sea conditions are reasonable, and wildlife rules are respected. | The offer promises guaranteed entertainment or pushes close contact with animals. |
| Stargazing guide | You want sky context, route timing, warm-clothing reminders, and do not want a nervous night drive. | You only want a quick sunset photo and are comfortable planning the mountain road yourself. |
| Teide or island route guide | You want route order, context, timing, and fewer decisions. | You enjoy independent research and have enough time to correct mistakes. |
| Cueva del Viento | You like geology and want a guided volcanic experience. | You are trying to fill a random spare hour without booking or route logic. |
| Surf, kitesurf, or foil lesson | You are in El Medano or another suitable spot, the conditions fit your level, and the school explains the basics clearly. | You only want a calm swimming day or the wind/sea state is wrong for beginners. |
| Cycling or e-bike route | You are fit for the climb, understand Tenerife roads, and want a serious landscape day with support or local route planning. | You dislike traffic, heat, descents, or the idea that hills continue after your optimism stops. |
| Water park | Children or teenagers need a fun, predictable day. | You only have a short trip and have not seen Teide, Anaga, a real beach, or an old town yet. |
Simple test: pay when the activity gives you access, safety, expertise, or a smoother day. Skip when it only gives you a longer checklist and fewer hours to actually enjoy Tenerife.
Best Things To Do In Tenerife By Trip Length
A three-day Tenerife trip should not copy a ten-day Tenerife trip. The shorter the trip, the more ruthless the choices need to be. Tenerife will still be here if you come back; it has been waiting a few million years already.
| Trip length | Best plan | What to skip |
|---|---|---|
| 1 full day | Choose one: Teide road route, Anaga/La Laguna, or a beach plus Los Gigantes/west coast. | Trying to circle the whole island. |
| 3 full days | Teide, one beach/west-coast day, and one Anaga or old-town day. | La Gomera, too many towns, and any plan with three mountain roads in one day. |
| 5 full days | Add Puerto de la Cruz/La Orotava/Garachico or Santa Cruz/Las Teresitas, plus one flexible weather day. | Booking every day before seeing the forecast. |
| 7 full days | Use the balanced week plan above and keep one day open for weather, rest, or a second beach. | Repeating the same coast every day unless the trip is deliberately a beach holiday. |
| 10+ days | Add La Gomera, more hiking, a slower north-west route, and a few small local stops. | Rushing as if you still only have three days. |
Why this matters: most disappointing Tenerife plans are not bad because the places are bad. They are bad because the trip length, base, weather, and road time do not match the list. The island is not the problem; the overexcited spreadsheet usually is.
How To Avoid Tourist-Trap Tenerife
Tenerife has tourist traps, but the island itself is not the trap. The trap is letting someone else choose the whole rhythm of your week.
Avoid the weakest version of Tenerife by leaving the resort strip at least a few times, checking sea and mountain conditions, eating meals that were not designed by hotel buffet logic, and choosing one old town, one wild landscape, and one route day.
Local verdict: the antidote to tourist-trap Tenerife is not chasing secret places. It is choosing fewer places with more attention: arrive earlier, leave space, eat locally, respect the landscape, and stop treating the island like a checklist with sunscreen.
If a place disappoints you, ask whether the place was wrong or the timing was wrong. A famous beach at midday in wind is a different experience from the same coast early on a calm morning. Timing is the cheapest upgrade in Tenerife, and somehow still the one people forget first.
Respect The Island While You Explore It
The best things to do in Tenerife should not make the island worse. After 10 years here, this is one of the rules I care about most. It matters in Anaga, Teide, Masca, Teno, wild beaches, natural pools, and anywhere parking or footpaths are already under pressure.
- Stay on marked trails and do not cut fragile corners for photos. A better angle is not worth damaging the place you came to admire.
- Take all rubbish away, including small food wrappers and cigarette ends. Tenerife wind is talented; it will distribute your laziness very efficiently.
- Do not disturb wildlife, farm animals, residents, or protected plants. A village, forest, or coast is not a stage set for visitors.
- Do not park in ways that block roads, gates, emergency access, or village life. Mountain villages are not made wider because your rental car feels important.
- Do not enter closed trails, rough natural pools, or dangerous beaches because someone online made it look easy. The Atlantic does not read captions.
Local rule: explore like a careful guest. Tenerife is generous, but it is not an amusement park built around visitors, and the island does not need more careless shortcuts.
What We Would Skip Or Treat Carefully
Not every famous Tenerife activity deserves equal space in your trip. Some are fine for the right person, but weak as default advice. I would rather you skip a famous stop than force it into a day where it makes no sense.
- Overpacked island tours: useful if you have no car, but some try to compress too many places into one shallow day. Tenerife is beautiful, but it is not best experienced as a blur through bus glass.
- Animal attractions: research carefully, especially around famous captive-animal parks near Puerto de la Cruz. I prefer wildlife experiences that respect animals in their natural habitat, not shows that make you feel good for ten minutes and strange afterwards.
- Famous beaches at the wrong time: a beautiful beach can be crowded, windy, rough, or simply wrong for children that day. The same place can feel magic at 9am and chaotic by lunch.
- Masca without a plan: the road, parking, and gorge rules make casual improvisation risky. Masca is not the place for “we will see when we arrive” confidence.
- Teide summit fixation: the national park is still worth it even if you do not reach the crater. Do not let one permit decide whether an entire volcano is “worth it”.
My rule: famous does not mean essential. Choose the places that fit your trip, then do them properly. Your holiday is allowed to be beautiful without collecting every pin on the map like Tenerife is a sticker album.
Which Topics Deserve Their Own Article?
This guide is intentionally broad. Enormous, even. But some Tenerife questions deserve their own page, because “north Tenerife”, “Tenerife south”, “Puerto de la Cruz”, and “without a car” are not small details. They change the whole holiday.
| Cluster | Should it fit here? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Things to do in north Tenerife | Partly here, then separate | Strong demand and a different trip style: Anaga, La Laguna, Puerto de la Cruz, Garachico, La Orotava, Icod. |
| Things to do in Tenerife south | Partly here, then separate | Resort, family, whale watching, nightlife, El Medano, La Caleta, Siam Park, beaches. |
| Puerto de la Cruz | Separate | Town-specific demand and enough detail for street art, gardens, black-sand beaches, food, and day trips. |
| Places to visit in Tenerife | Partly here, then separate | More photo/place/sightseeing intent than activity intent; useful as a future places hub. |
| Tenerife activities | Partly here, then separate if commercial | Could compare tours, water sports, boat trips, stargazing, family attractions, and guide value. |
| With kids / family | Separate | Needs beaches, shade, toilets, stroller reality, animal ethics, weather fallback, and shorter days. |
| Without a car | Separate | Requires bus/tram/taxi detail and base-specific routes. |
| Monthly things to do | Separate by month/season | Weather, sea, events, hiking, crowds, and Teide conditions change by month. |
FAQ: Things To Do In Tenerife
What is the number one thing to do in Tenerife?
For most first-time visitors, the number one thing to do in Tenerife is Teide National Park. It shows the volcanic heart of the island and works for road trips, viewpoints, short walks, photography, and stargazing. Even after years here, I still think Teide is the place that explains Tenerife fastest.
Is Tenerife better for beaches or activities?
Tenerife is better when you mix both. The beaches can be excellent, but the island is more interesting when you also include Teide, Anaga, old towns, food, viewpoints, and a west-coast route. Beach-only Tenerife is pleasant; mixed Tenerife is the one people remember.
What should I do in Tenerife if I only have three days?
Do one Teide day, one beach or west-coast day, and one north/Anaga or town day. Do not try to include every famous place; you will spend too much time in the car, and your holiday photos will start looking suspiciously like dashboards.
What are the best things to do in Tenerife south?
The best south Tenerife activities are easy beach days, Costa Adeje and La Caleta promenades, whale watching from the southwest, Los Gigantes, El Medano, La Tejita, Siam Park for families, and Teide access from the south road. The south is practical and sunny; just do not mistake practicality for the whole island.
What are the best things to do in north Tenerife?
The best north Tenerife places are La Laguna, Anaga, Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, Garachico, Icod de los Vinos, black-sand beaches, natural pools when the sea is safe, and the north routes into Teide. The north is greener, moodier, and more local, which is exactly why I love sending curious visitors there.
Do I need a car in Tenerife?
You do not need a car for every Tenerife trip, but a car makes Teide, Anaga, Masca, wild beaches, viewpoints, and flexible route days much easier. Without a car, choose your base carefully and use tours or taxis for harder places. The island is not impossible by bus, but it is less forgiving when you improvise.
Is Tenerife good for families?
Yes, Tenerife can be very good for families if you choose the right base and beaches. Prioritise calmer swimming beaches, shade, food, toilets, shorter drives, pool time, and weather fallback plans. Children do not care how impressive your itinerary looks if they are hungry and the beach has no shade.
Is Tenerife good for young adults?
Yes. Young adults can choose nightlife around Playa de las Americas, water sports in El Medano, hikes and road trips with a car, surf lessons, boat trips, Teide sunset or stargazing, and social beach towns. My only advice: let Tenerife be more than nightlife, because the island is much better than your next morning headache.
What should I avoid in Tenerife?
Avoid overpacked route days, unsafe swimming on rough beaches, natural pools in bad sea conditions, Masca without current access checks, Teide without warm clothing, and animal activities that do not respect wildlife. Also avoid the very common Tenerife mistake of driving for hours to “quickly see” something.
What is the best month for things to do in Tenerife?
Tenerife has things to do all year, but the best month depends on your goal. Winter is strong for sun escapes, spring and autumn are excellent for hiking and road trips, and summer is hotter and busier but good for beach-focused holidays. There is no perfect month for everyone; there is only the month that matches your version of Tenerife.
Final Local Verdict
After 10 years living in Tenerife, my honest answer is this: the best things to do in Tenerife are not just the places with the most search volume. They are the places that make sense together.
Choose Teide for the volcanic island, Anaga for the green island, a good beach for the Atlantic island, Los Gigantes or Masca for the dramatic island, and La Laguna, Puerto de la Cruz, Garachico, Santa Cruz, or La Orotava for the lived-in island. That is when Tenerife starts feeling like a real place, not just a holiday background.
If you remember one thing: do fewer places better. Tenerife rewards route order, weather awareness, early starts, local food stops, and respect for fragile landscapes much more than a rushed checklist. The island is too good to experience through a car window, a half-charged phone, and the quiet panic of being late for your next pin.
