Tenerife is a very rich region where you won’t have time to get bored: beaches, volcanoes, forests, charming towns… The challenge is to make choices!
Here’s our selection of 18 must-see attractions in Andalucia, to help you plan your stay.
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
1. Teide’s volcanic landscapes
Why it’s a must
Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see on Tenerife. We were really impressed by these volcanic landscapes. The Teide volcano is the highest point in Spain at 3,718 meters above sea level. It dominates a varied, colorful and fascinating landscape: petrified lava flows, strangely shaped rocks and vast expanses. The atmosphere is unique, especially if you get up there early, before the other tourists arrive.
Our favorite stops
- All the way in the park
- Les Roques de García and its rock formations
- Minas de San Josek with its unimaginable colors
- Llano de Ucanca with rocks and volcano
- Los Azulejos and its colors
- There’s also the Teide cable car, but we were less inspired by it.
See our complete guide to Teide Park (coming soon).
2. Anaga cliffs and forests
Why it’s a must
The Anaga massif, in the north-east of Tenerife, offers a striking contrast with the arid landscapes of the island’s south. We were enchanted by the beauty of this subtropical forest. It’s a relic of the Tertiary era, and the trails in the heart of the headland take you into the fairytale world of this vegetation. But she’s often shrouded in mist!
And when you leave the forest to the north or south, you discover magnificent landscapes of green mountains plunging into the sea.
Places not to be missed
- Pico del Inglés viewpoint
- Forest trails with century-old laurel trees
- Benijo beach
- Almáciga beach
- The beach and village of Igueste
- …
See our complete guide to Anaga Park (coming soon).
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)
3. Architecture of San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Why it’s a must
San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an architectural gem. We were charmed by the harmony and beauty of this historic city. Strolling along its streets, we particularly enjoyed the colorful facades and religious buildings.
The city is full of life and charm. It’s well worth a visit of at least half a day.
Monument not to be missed
- La Laguna Cathedral
- La Concepción Church and Tower
- Nava Palace
- Casa de los Capitanes
- …
See our article on San Cristobal attractions.
4. Small historic towns (Candelaria, La Orotava, Garachico…)
Why it’s a must
Tenerife is full of charming historic towns that are well worth a visit. We enjoyed strolling around and discovering the charm of these places steeped in history: colorful buildings, Canarian-style balconies, patios and gardens…
La Orotava, for example, seduced us with its preserved colonial architecture and typical wooden balconies. And as we strolled along the cobbled streets of Garachico, we were transported back in time to this ancient port city rebuilt after a volcanic eruption. These towns bear witness to Tenerife’s rich history.
Historic towns not to be missed
- La Orotava, for its architecture and gardens
- Garachico, for its natural pools and lava-filled reconstruction
- Candelaria and its impressive basilica
- Icod de los Vinos, with its dragon tree in the heart of town
- …
See our selection of the most beautiful towns and villages.
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.
5. Whale and dolphin watching
Why it’s a must
Imagine sailing off the coast of Costa Adeje when suddenly a horde of small whales appears from the waves! How can you not marvel at the beauty of this aquatic ballet and rediscover your inner child? Like us, you’re likely to come across cetaceans on your whale-watching tour, especially whales. From leisurely catamaran excursions to more dynamic motorboat trips, there’s a wide range of options for exploring the Atlantic Ocean at your own pace. We opted for the gentler, more relaxing ecological catamaran cruise. This activity allows us to discover cetaceans in their natural habitat and to raise awareness of the animal cause.
The towers
- For most tours: Departure and return at the port of Puerto Colón, on the south coast (but also in Los Gigantes and other towns).
- Allow around 3 hours for this type of outing.
- Some excursions include swimming.
- Some cruises include drinks and snacks.
- Some tours include a free carry-over if you didn’t see any cetaceans on your first trip.
- Book your sea excursion to see the island’s dolphins and whales!
6. Charming villages (Masca, Vilaflor…)
Why it’s a must
Tenerife is full of picturesque villages nestled in spectacular scenery. We were really charmed by the authenticity and tranquility of this place (if you go sooner or later).
For example, Masca, perched in the Teno mountains, is undoubtedly the most famous of them all. The setting is grandiose, surrounded by breathtaking cliffs.
Villages not to be missed
- The village of Masca and its hiking trails
- Igueste in the Anaga massif
- Vilaflor, the island’s highest village
- …
See our selection of the most beautiful towns and villages.
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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7. Magnificent beaches (Teresitas, El Medano…)
Why it’s a must
Tenerife offers a wide variety of beaches to suit all tastes, from fine sand to pebbles, flat expanses to cliffs…
Teresitas beach, with its golden sand imported from the Sahara, is a veritable tropical paradise on the outskirts of Santa Cruz. El Médano, meanwhile, attracts water sports enthusiasts thanks to its constant winds. Exploring the coastline, you can discover secluded coves and fascinating volcanic black sand beaches. Whether you’re looking for excitement or peace and quiet, Tenerife has a beach to suit every taste.
Beaches not to be missed
- Teresitas beach
- El Médano beach
- La Playa de las Americas
- La Arena beach
- Benijo beach
See our selection of Tenerife’s most beautiful beaches (coming soon)
8. Hiking (Barranco del Inferno…)
Why it’s a must
Tenerife is an excellent destination for hikers. The island offers a diversity of trails that criss-cross the coastline, mountains and forest.
One of the best-known hikes, the Barranco del Infierno, or “Ravine of Hell”, offers a unique experience with its steep rock faces and lush vegetation. But you can find trails for all levels. Hiking offers not only superb panoramic views, but also the opportunity to discover Tenerife’s endemic flora and fauna.
Hikes not to be missed
- The Barranco del Infierno
- Chamorga-Bermejooque trail in Anaga
- The climb to Teide peak
- The Masca hike
- The sensory trail in Cruz del Carmen
- …
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9. Cliffs (Los Gigantes, Punto de Teno…)
Why it’s a must
Tenerife’s spectacular cliffs offer breathtaking panoramas. We were amazed by the power of these geological formations.
Among the must-see sights: Los Gigantes, with its impressive cliffs plunging sheer into the ocean. We also loved Punta de Teno, on the other side of these stone giants, with its lighthouse and red rocks.
Cliffs not to be missed
- Los Gigantes cliffs
- Punta de Teno lighthouse
- The cliffs of Anaga
- …
10. Secret places (lunar landscapes…)
Why it’s a must
Tenerife has many hidden treasures worth discovering. We were fascinated by these lesser-known places, which added a touch of mystery to our exploration of the island. The lunar landscapes, formed by the erosion of volcanic rock, create surreal settings. Venturing off the beaten track, we discovered caves, strange rock formations and secret viewpoints. These places offer a unique experience and an escape from the tourist crowds.
Places not to be missed
- The lunar landscapes of Teno Alto
- Benijo beach
- The small town of Tegueste
- …
See our list of secret places to discover (coming soon)
11. Natural pools (Los Abrigos…)
Why it’s a must
Tenerife’s natural pools offer a different bathing experience from the beaches. We were seduced by these lagoons carved out of volcanic rock by the sea.
Los Abrigos is home to a number of charming natural pools, ideal for lounging. These natural pools let you enjoy the benefits of the ocean in an inspiring setting.
In Garachico, we also recommend visiting the pools at high tide, when the waves crash against the rocks.
Exploring the coastline, we discovered many similar formations, some well developed, others wilder.
Natural pools not to be missed
- Los Abrigos natural pools
- El Caletón in Garachico
- Piscina Punta del Hidalgo
- Bajamar’s swimming pools
- …
See our selection of the most beautiful natural pools (coming soon).
12. Remarkable trees (Dragon Tree, Puerto de la Cruz Gardens…)
Why it’s a must
Tenerife is home to some unforgettable specimen trees, which delighted us, as we are fascinated by these witnesses to history. We were impressed by the majesty and longevity of these giants.
The thousand-year-old Icod de los Vinos dragon tree is undoubtedly the most famous, with its massive trunk and characteristic shape. But we also loved strolling through the Puerto de la Cruz botanical garden, with its remarkable collection of exotic and endemic species.
Trees not to be missed
- The thousand-year-old dragon tree of Icod de los Vinos
- Puerto de la Cruz Botanical Gardens
- The laurels of the Anaga forest
- Palmetum in Santa Cruz
- The Canary Island pines of Teide National Park
- …
Discover our selection of Tenerife’s most beautiful gardens (coming soon).
13. Water sports and thrills (kayaking, diving…)
Why it’s a must
Tenerife, with its crystal-clear waters and mild climate, is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. We were thrilled by the variety on offer on the island. Kayaking lets you explore the coast and discover inaccessible coves. Surfing and windsurfing spots, particularly at El Médano, attract enthusiasts from all over the world. But you can also opt for parasailing or coasteering.
By taking part in these activities, we were able to appreciate the beauty of the island from a unique perspective and feel the energy of the ocean.
Activities not to be missed
- Kayaking in Los Gigantes Bay
- Surfing at El Médano
- Paddle at Los Cristianos
- Jet-skiing at Playa de las Americas
- …
HAVE FUN IN TENERIFE: activities
14. Amusement parks
Why it’s a must
Tenerife boasts a number of amusement parks for young and old alike. We enjoyed these moments of relaxation and entertainment, which are the perfect complement to a stay on the island.
Loro Parque, famous for its animal shows and parrot collection, is a star attraction.
Amusement parks not to be missed
- Siam Park, Costa Adeje’s water park
- Aqualand Costa Adeje
- Jungle Park in Los Cristianos
- Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz, a well-known zoo. Find out more about the conditions.
- Forestal Park Tenerife, the adventure park in the trees
- …
See our selection of the best theme parks (coming soon).
15. The capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Why it’s a must
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island’s capital, is a dynamic city offering a blend of modernity and tradition. From one neighborhood to the next, the experience varies greatly.
We particularly enjoyed the Tenerife auditorium, designed by Santiago Calatrava. This architectural masterpiece dominates the waterfront.
We also loved the parks and gardens (like the Palmetum), museums and urban beaches.
Not to be missed in the capital
- Tenerife Auditorium
- Palmetum
- García Sanabria Park
- Mercado Nuerstra Senora de Africa
- Casa del Carnaval
- …
See all attractions in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (coming soon).
16. Surprising places (Pyramids of Güimar, Cueva del Viento, vineyards…)
Why it’s a must
Tenerife has many surprises in store for curious visitors. We were fascinated by unusual places that added an unexpected dimension to our exploration of the island.
Among our discoveries, the pyramids of Güímar, whose origin remains a mystery, intrigue archaeologists and visitors alike.
We also learned about winegrowing on this island with its steep terrain and Cueva del Vento, a lava tube where we could take a walk.
Surprising places not to be missed
- The pyramids of Güímar
- The vineyards of the Orotava Valley
- The Tacoronte-Acentejo wine route
- Cueva del Viento, one of the world’s largest lava tubes
- …
17. Star gazing
Tenerife, with its clear skies and high altitudes, is also an ideal place for astronomical observation. Teide National Park, recognized as a Starlight Reserve. It offers exceptional conditions for star gazing. You can join guided observation sessions. See options.
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.
18. Changing islands: excursion to La Gomera
If you have the time, an excursion to the neighboring island of La Gomera is the perfect complement to a stay in Tenerife. We were charmed by the wild, unspoilt character of this neighboring island, with its laurel forests, valleys and rock formations.
Just take the ferry for 1 hour.
Know more about spending 1 day in La Gomera from Tenerife (coming soon).
Frequently asked questions
Free Attractions in Tenerife
- Enjoy the beaches and natural pools
- Hiking
- Visit villages and historic centers
- Explore all the free places in Teide National Park
- Explore all the free places in Anaga Rural Park
Things to do in Tenerife without a car
- Enjoying the beach at your seaside resort
- Take a guided tour, especially to Teide National Park
- Take a boat trip if you’re staying in one of the southern seaside resorts.
See our ideas around Costa Adeje.
Romantic activities in Tenerife
- Stargazing in the Teide National Park Reserve
- Sunset cruise
- Stroll through the Maquesa de la Orotava Gardens
Tenerife’s most visited places
- Teide National Park, especially the cable car
- The Lis Gigantes cliffs
- Loro Parque zoo
Things to do in Tenerife when it’s too hot
- Climb the mountains
- Descend into underground caves, such as the Cueva del Viento lava tube
- Visiting museums
Things to do in Tenerife when it rains
- Move to a different part of the island, as it rarely rains on the whole island
- Visiting museums
- Descend into underground caves, such as the Cueva del Viento lava tube
- Explore the historic centers, which retain their charm in the rain
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
