Tenerife is full of varied excursions, from volcanoes and ancient forests to picturesque villages and seaside outings. We’ve explored every facet of the island and selected for you the best activities not to be missed. Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast, a nature lover or just looking to relax, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for!
Use our practical tips and our many photos to plan your ideal getaway. See our selection of the best excursions in Tenerife to make your choice!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Our 3 favorite excursions in Tenerife
Before discovering our detailed opinions on each of the selected excursions, here are our 3 favorites:
- Teide National Park by day, a breathtaking volcanic landscape – Check photos, photos and availability
- Dolphin watching off the south coast – see photos, photos and availability
- Discover the Anaga Rural Park and its primeval forest – Check photos, photos and availability
1. Teide National Park by day
Why do we recommend this tour?
Teide National Park is Tenerife’s must-see excursion. We were impressed by the diversity of volcanic landscapes as soon as the road crosses the sea of clouds. The ochre, reddish and black colors of the rocks create an almost unreal atmosphere.
The park offers many options, from a simple flat walk to a hike to the top of the volcano. You can also discover the area in a comfortable car or on a quad bike, as you wish. We recommend you come early in the morning for the best light conditions and to avoid the crowds.
What you will see
- The Mirador Llano de Ucanca, our favourite viewpoint, overlooking the vast desert plain, the Roques de García and the volcano in the background.
- The Roques de García and the famous Roque Cinchado, spectacular rock formations that can be circumnavigated on a 3.5km circular hike.
- Minas de San José, a former mining area with a lunar-like landscape of smooth, stony, coloured surfaces
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day to explore the park at your own pace. Each stop can last from 15 minutes to over 1 hour, depending on how much you feel like walking. The Roques de García loop takes between 1h and 1h30.
See our complete guide to the park to choose your stops, if you’re doing the tour on your own with a rental car.
If you don’t want to drive,
Book your excursion to Teide: by bus, car or quad!
See all options and availabilities
2. Dolphin watching off Tenerife
Why do we recommend this tour?
The waters off Tenerife are home to dolphins and pilot whales all year round. We had a wonderful experience meeting them from the south coast. Embark on a catamaran or speedboat for a few hours at sea, to observe these cetaceans in their natural habitat.
Some excursions also include a swim in secluded coves accessible only by sea. After this outing, you can relax on the golden beaches of Costa Adeje.
What you will see
- Dolphins and whales in the open sea (no guarantee, animals are wild)
- Tenerife’s south coast seen from the ocean
- Isolated coves accessible only by boat (depending on the excursion chosen)
How much time should I allow?
Allow around 3 hours for this type of outing. Departures are mainly from the port of Puerto Colón on the south coast, but also from Los Gigantes and other coastal towns. Many tours offer transfers from your hotel.
Book your dolphin and whale watching excursion!
See all options, prices and availability
WHERE TO STAY IN Tenerife
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Tenerife
- Our favorite: Hotel Corales Beach
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best hotels for families
- Best hotels in Seaside
- Best adults-only hotels
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
Select by city:
3. Anaga Rural Park
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Anaga massif is home to one of Europe’s oldest forests, a unique ecosystem of mosses and ferns. We were fascinated by the atmosphere in this primeval forest.
The road through the park offers spectacular views of the cliffs and sea. At Mirador Cruz del Carmen, an information center explains the ecological wealth of the site. Numerous trails start from this point, ideal for immersing yourself in nature.
What you will see
- A fairytale-like primitive forest, populated by mosses
- Vertiginous cliffs plunging into the ocean
- Breathtaking views along the way
- The Mirador Cruz del Carmen and its information center
How much time should I allow?
Allow half a day to a full day, depending on the number of hikes you wish to undertake. The road itself is well worth a visit, with regular stops to admire the views and walk through the forest.
See our guide to Anaga Park to choose your stops, if you’re doing the tour on your own with a rental car.
If you don’t want to drive,
Explore the Anaga forest on a guided tour!
See all options, prices and availability
4. Masca and its gorges
Why do we recommend this tour?
Masca is a tiny village perched in the Teno mountains, nestled in the heart of breathtaking gorges. We advise you to come early in the morning to avoid the stress of the winding road and to find a parking space easily. The access road itself is one of the most spectacular in the Canary Islands: every hairpin bend offers a new perspective on the mountains and valleys.
Several tour combinations are available:
- some associate Masca with Teide or the cliffs of Los Gigantes.
- others take you hiking in the gorge (good physical condition required)
We loved the contrast between the traditional stone houses clinging to the mountainside and the vastness of the surrounding landscape.
What you will see
- A village of character with stone houses clinging to the mountainside
- Vertiginous gorges in the heart of the Teno mountains
- One of the Canaries’ most spectacular roads, punctuated by hairpin bends and panoramic ocean views.
How much time should I allow?
Allow half a day for the village tour and photo stops along the way. If you choose to hike the barranco, you’ll need to plan for a full day. Beware, the road is steep, winding and sometimes narrow. Find out more about Masca.
If you don’t want to drive,
discover Masca on a guided tour:
in combination with Teide, hiking or the cliffs of Los Gigantes!
See all options, prices and availability
5. Northwest of Tenerife: Garachico, Icod de los Vinos and La Orotava
Why do we recommend this tour?
The north-west of Tenerife brings together three stages that complement each other perfectly. Garachico is a beautiful historic town that was reborn after the devastating eruption of 1706. The natural pools of El Caletón, formed by lava, offer a unique bathing experience in pools of crystal-clear water at low tide. We were also charmed by its well-preserved historic center, with its churches, ancient buildings, forts and monasteries.
At Icod de los Vinos, you’ll discover the Drago Milenario, a thousand-year-old tree that has become a symbol of Tenerife.
As for La Orotava, its cobbled streets and colonial heritage are a delight. A number of guided tour combinations make it possible to combine these three stages in a single day.
What you will see
- The natural pools of El Caletón in Garachico, formed by lava
- The historic center of Garachico, once Tenerife’s main port
- The Drago Milenario in Icod de los Vinos, an emblematic thousand-year-old tree (including the banana museum and its beautiful church in the main square).
- The colonial town of La Orotava: La Casa de los Balcones with its elaborate wooden balconies, the Concepción church and the Victoria Gardens with their views of the sea.
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day to combine the three cities. La Orotava takes between 1 and 2 hours to visit. For Garachico and Icod de los Vinos, allow 1h30 and 30min to 1h respectively. Find out more about attractions in La Orotava, our article on Garachico and attractions in Icod de los Vinos.
Discover northwest Tenerife on a guided tour:
See all options, prices and availability
OUR TIPS TO RENT A CAR IN Tenerife
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
6. San Cristóbal de La Laguna, UNESCO city
Why do we recommend this tour?
San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a true architectural gem. We were charmed by the harmony and beauty of this historic city. As you stroll through its streets, you’ll discover colorful facades and religious buildings that bear witness to centuries of history. The atmosphere is peaceful, far from the hustle and bustle of seaside resorts. We particularly liked the contrast between the city’s colonial heritage and its vibrant student life.
What you will see
- A historic center listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Colorful facades and remarkable religious buildings
- Harmonious, well-preserved colonial architecture
- Majestic churches with treasures inside
How much time should I allow?
Allow half a day to a full day to explore the historic center. You can easily combine this visit with Anaga Rural Park on the same day.
See our article on attractions in San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
Accessible by car or bus.
7. Teide National Park by night
Why do we recommend this tour?
If you’ve already discovered the Teide by day, come back at night for a completely different experience. The park is recognized as one of the world’s best sites for astronomical observation, thanks to its high altitude and absence of light pollution. We marveled at the clarity of the starry sky above the volcano.
Guided tours allow you to observe the constellations through professional telescopes, accompanied by explanations from specialized guides. A suspended moment not to be missed if you get the chance.
How much time should I allow?
Allow an entire evening for this excursion. Organized tours usually include transportation, telescope viewing and explanations by a guide. Remember to pack warm clothes: temperatures drop considerably at altitude at night.
Book your night out at Teide to watch the stars!
See all options, prices and availability
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in the Canaries a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
If you’d like to be notified when our guide to the Canaries is published, please subscribe:
8. Excursion to La Gomera
Why do we recommend this tour?
La Gomera, Tenerife’s neighboring island, is well worth a day’s exploration. Accessible by ferry, it offers a complete change of scenery. We appreciated its authentic character, untouched by mass tourism. The island is home to Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, whose laurel forest is a relic of the Tertiary era.
The deep valleys, the agricultural terraces carved into the mountainsides and the small, characterful villages make up a landscape of great beauty. It was also here that Christopher Columbus made a stopover on his way to the Americas.
What you will see
- Garajonay National Park and its UNESCO-listed laurel forest
- Impressive rock formations
- Colorful houses
- Deep valleys
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day for this excursion. The ferry ride from Los Cristianos takes about 1 hour. Organized excursions from Tenerife include transport, guide and visits to the island’s main sites.
If you’re organizing on your own, book your ferry, and make sure you have the right to take your rental car to this other island.
Book your day trip to La Gomera from Tenerife!
See all options, prices and availability
9. Siam Park
Why do we recommend this tour?
Siam Park, located in Costa Adeje, is recognized as Europe’s best water park. Its spectacular slides, artificial wave beach and Thai ambience create a unique experience. It was a day full of thrills and spills!
This park is ideal for families and adrenaline seekers alike. And if you’re looking for other theme parks on the island, Tenerife has several to choose from. See our list of the best theme parks in Tenerife.
What you will see
- Spectacular slides and water attractions for all levels
- An artificial wave beach in a Thai-inspired setting
- Relaxation and dining areas in the park
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day to enjoy all the park’s attractions. Ticket packages including lunch, drinks and towel are available.
Find out more about the park.
Book your ticket to Siam Park!
See prices, photos and availability
10. Loro Parque
Why do we recommend this tour?
Loro Parque, located in Puerto de la Cruz in the north of Tenerife, is one of Europe’s most famous zoos. It houses an impressive collection of parrots from all over the world, as well as orcas, dolphins, gorillas and many other species.
The park is also involved in conservation and research programs. Families will particularly appreciate this excursion, which combines fun with the discovery of biodiversity.
But don’t forget to read about the zoo’s conditions so you can make an informed choice about visiting.
What you will see
- The world’s largest collection of parrots
- Animal shows (orcas, dolphins, sea lions)
- Aquarium, penguin planet and numerous themed enclosures
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day to enjoy the park and the various shows. Combined transfer and entrance tickets are available from the island’s main tourist areas.
Book your ticket for Loro Parque (transfer included)!
See prices, photos and availability
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
11. Canyoning in Tenerife
Why do we recommend this tour?
Thrill-seekers will find Tenerife an exceptional playground for canyoning. The island’s many barrancos (ravines) lend themselves perfectly to this activity. Abseiling, water jumps and passages through narrow gorges make up the program. Supervised by professional guides, these outings are accessible to all levels of difficulty. An original way to discover Tenerife’s volcanic interior, far from the usual beaches and tourist trails.
This is canyoning with little water compared to other destinations.
How much time should I allow?
Allow between 3 and 5 hours depending on the route chosen. Excursions generally include equipment, certified guides and transport from your accommodation.
Book your canyoning trip in Tenerife!
See all options, prices and availability
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Tenerife?
Tenerife’s climate makes it a pleasant destination all year round. The months of September-October and April-May offer particularly favorable conditions: mild temperatures, moderate tourist numbers and more attractive rates. The sea is still warm in September-October, ideal for water sports. Find out more about when to go to Tenerife.
Do I need a car for excursions in Tenerife?
Renting a car will give you the autonomy you need to explore the island at your own pace. This means you can visit the sites at the quietest times of day, and enjoy unhindered access to Teide National Park, traditional villages and scenic routes. Traffic on the island is generally easy, with the exception of some steep mountain roads, notably to Masca and Icod de los Vinos. If driving isn’t your thing, there are a number of guided excursions available from the main tourist areas. Find out more about car hire in Tenerife.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO tenerife
- Best of
What to do in Tenerife
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
The most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful roads
Amusement parks
Best excursions in Tenerife
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Tenerife
How to get around
How to rent a car in Tenerife
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Where to stay in Tenerife
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 1 week – 10 days
- The must-dos
Dolphin watching in Tenerife
Teide National Park
Anaga Rural Park (coming soon)
La Orotava
Garachico
Village of Masca
Pyramids of Güimar
