Tenerife is an island with a wide variety of landscapes: volcanoes and lava fields, rock formations, charming towns, beaches, natural pools…
Here’s our selection of 25 of Tenerife’s most beautiful landscapes to discover during your visit.
We hope these beautiful photos of Tenerife will convince you to explore the island!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
1. Roques de Garcia – Tenerife’s magnificent landscape
A must-see, located in the heart of the Teide National Park. The Roques de Garcia are spectacular rock formations, the most famous of which, the Roque Cinchado, defies the laws of balance. We loved the shades of ochre and red, with Mount Teide in the background. But visit early so you can park and take your photos easily. This is one of Tenerife’s must-see sites.
2. Masca and its Valley
The Masca Valley is one of the most breathtaking spots on this volcanic island.
You can admire it from the viewpoints, stroll through the village or venture down the barranco to the sea. Once again, we recommend visiting early in the morning, before the tourists arrive, to take full advantage of the unique atmosphere of the place, especially as the mountain road has some narrow passages!
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.
3. Punta de Teno – photogenic!
We fell in love with Punta de Ten: on one side the lighthouse surrounded by red rocks, on the other the impressive cliffs of Los Gigantes.
But beware, the road is not always open to vehicles. Sometimes you have to take the shuttle.
4. Anaga Park
Anaga Park is one of the island’s natural wonders, a labyrinth of rocky peaks and primeval forest. The region offers a surprising contrast to the rest of Tenerife. Explore every nook and cranny to admire the many viewpoints!
5. Los Gigantes cliffs
To the west of the island, the cliffs of Los Gigantes rise several hundred metres from the ocean.
For those who love dramatic landscapes, this is the place to be!
You can admire them from the Mirador in town or from Los Guios beach.
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 adults-only hotels (coming soon)
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
- Best hotels for families (coming soon)
Select by city:
- Best hotels in Costa Adeje
- Best hotels in Puerto de La Cruz
- Best hotels in Los Gigantes
- Best hotels in Santa Cruz
- Best hotels in Laguna
- Best hotels in Playa de las Americas
- 5-star hotel in Los Cristianos (coming soon)
6. Piscinas Los Abrigos
For a change from the classic beaches, Tenerife also offers magnificent natural swimming pools(see our favorites).
We particularly liked Los Abrigos, with its clear waters and calm. A refreshing experience!
7. Minas de San José
If you dream of exploring lunar landscapes, visit the Minas de San José. We return to Teide National Park, but on the other side of the volcano, to explore this surprising and colorful area.
8. Playa de Las Teresitas
Las Teresitas is one of Tenerife’s most spectacular beaches, with golden sand imported from the Sahara. We particularly liked the view from the mirador, with its contrasting colors: golden sand, turquoise water and black mountains.
This is one of Tenerife’s most beautiful beaches (list to come).
9. Old town of Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz is one of the island’s most charming towns. It was one of the Canary Islands’ first tourist centers. The place is unique, with colonial mansions, shady squares, colorful houses and lots of street art.
10. Teno Alto
If you prefer authenticity to touristy areas, Teno Alto is an unspoilt hamlet. The road is winding and isolated, but you’ll discover traditional houses and fascinating rock formations. A jewel off the beaten track.
HAVE FUN IN TENERIFE: activities
11. Orotava Botanical Garden (Puerto de la Cruz)
The botanical garden is one of the most beautiful on the island. This is no mere pleasure garden. It was created in the 18th century as an acclimatization garden.
Around the main walkways, you’ll discover century-old trees, exotic plants and magnificent collections of palm trees.
As tree lovers, we were not disappointed!
12. San Cristobal de la Laguna
This historic town is less well known to tourists, but in terms of heritage, it was one of our favorite discoveries on the island. The streets in the center are superb, with typical Canary architecture, and the Cathedral is well worth a visit.
Find out more about La Laguna’s attractions.
13. Whale and dolphin watching
To admire the island of Tenerife from the sea, we recommend a whale-watching tour. In this way, you can both observe these majestic animals and contemplate the cliffs and Mount Teide from the ocean.
See our favorite tours (coming soon).
14. La Orotava
We love preserved historic towns. One of our favorites in Tenerife is La Orotava. It’s not overrun with tourists, but it’s well worth a visit, with its typical wooden balconies, gardens and sea views. We particularly enjoyed strolling through the Victoria Gardens.
15. Barranco del Infierno
If you like hiking, the Barranco del Infierno is a unique experience not to be missed. This spectacular gorge offers an accessible hike leading to views of the gorge and a waterfall. Access is limited, so book early! Find out more.
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!
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16. El Medano and Montana Roja
El Medano and Montana Roja form one of the island’s most distinctive landscapes. Red Mountain dominates the bay, where windsurfers have a field day.
It’s an ideal place for water sports and geology enthusiasts.
17. Playa del Benijo
Another beautiful beach in the north of the island is Benijo. Lined with spectacular rocks and volcanic black sand. It’s at the very end of the road, but the view is worth the detour!
18. Anaga Forest
We mentioned the Anaga massif at the start of this article. In addition to its spectacular views, it is covered by a primeval laurel forest.
It is often shrouded in mist, offering a mysterious atmosphere unique to the Canaries.
And, even if the weather isn’t clear, the experience of walking through the heart of this forest is well worth the effort.
19. Playa Roques de la Bodegua
For a different kind of scenery, we recommend a visit to this wild beach. The volcanic rocks create strange formations and the black sand contrasts beautifully with the foam of the waves.
20. Icod de los Vinos millennium dragon tree
If you want to see a living natural monument, we recommend a visit to the thousand-year-old dragon tree at Icod de los Vinos. This majestic tree is surrounded by a pretty garden and offers a unique insight into the flora of the Canary Islands. It’s really impressive!
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21. Pyramids of Güimar
One of Tenerife’s most intriguing archaeological sites is the Güimar pyramids. These stone structures of mysterious origin are surrounded by an ethnobotanical garden. An excellent surprise for history and botany lovers.
22. Garachico and its natural pools
Garachico, the former capital of Tenerife, is a town that won us over with its historic charm and natural surroundings. It was rebuilt after a volcanic eruption in the 18th century.
We loved the combination of the few historic buildings with the view of the cliffs and lava formations. By the sea, this creates natural pools. You can swim here at low tide, but we recommend the show at high tide when the waves create splashes and whirlpools.
23. Palmetum de Santa Cruz
Palmetum is an urban oasis and an ecological success story.
This botanical garden specializing in palm trees was created on a former landfill site. Today, it’s a peaceful place with breathtaking views over the city and the ocean.
24. Playa del Duque
Playa del Duque beach is less wild than the others mentioned in this article, but its elegant setting with blue umbrellas and golden sand makes it one of the most beautiful beaches on the south coast. A perfect place to relax.
25. Santa Cruz and its auditorium
And we finish with a bit of contemporary architecture. The capital Santa Cruz is home to the Santiago Calatrava-designed auditorium. Its slender white forms, reminiscent of a wave or a bird’s wing, make it an emblematic monument on the island.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO tenerife
- Best of
What to do in Tenerife
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful roads
Amusement parks
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track (coming soon)
- 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 (coming soon)
Teide National Park
Anaga Rural Park (coming soon)
La Orotava (coming soon)
Garachico
Village of Masca
Pyramids of Güimar
