Do you want to discover the Canary Islands, and want to know why you should go to Tenerife rather than another?
If you’re looking for a travel destination that combines a diversity of landscapes, a year-round sunny climate and a multitude of activities, then you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we share with you the reasons why we love this land.
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
Is Tenerife worth visiting? Quick answer
Yes, Tenerife is well worth a visit. Of all the Canary Islands, choose Tenerife if you want to discover spectacular volcanic landscapes dominated by the majestic Teide. You can explore unique volcanic formations, black sand beaches, lush forests and historic towns. Hiking and nature lovers will be particularly happy on this island! There’s no shortage of attractions.
Reason 1: for the volcanic landscapes
Of all the Canary Islands, Tenerife offers the most spectacular volcanic scenery (along with Lanzarote). In the center of the island, Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak at 3,715 meters, majestically dominates the landscape. This national park offers breathtaking panoramas:
- A huge volcanic crater 17 km in diameter
- Strangely shaped rock formations sculpted by lava
- Black lava fields contrast with colored rocks
- Reddish volcanic cones
- Volcanic cliffs plunging into the ocean
- Natural pools carved out of volcanic rock
- Visit the lava tunnels
Whether you’re a geology enthusiast, a photographer or simply in search of unique landscapes, you’ll be dazzled by the diversity of volcanic panoramas offered by this island.
Find out more about Teide National Park (coming soon).
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.
Reason 2: for sunny weather all year round
If you’re fleeing the vagaries of the weather and looking for a warm, sunny climate, Tenerife (like all the Canary Islands) is the ideal destination. With pleasant year-round temperatures and few seasonal variations, you can look forward to sunny days conducive to all kinds of activities, whether it’s the beach, hiking or simply relaxing in the great outdoors.
Little rain will disrupt your stay, even in winter.
So, if you need your Vitamin D fix, this is a great option for you.
Expect it to be a little colder if you’re hiking early at altitude…
Choose when to go with our article on the best period (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)
Reason 3: for the beaches
Like all the Canary Islands, Tenerife has many beautiful beaches, each with its own character. You’ll find a wide variety of beaches:
- Playa de las Teresitas – long beach of golden sand imported from the Sahara
- Playa El Médano – with its volcano
- Playa del Duque – elegant beach with turquoise waters
- Playa Jiménez – with its black sand
- Playa del Camison – full of charm and golden sand
- Playa de Los Guios – under the cliffs of Los Gigantes
- Playa de Benijo – wild beach surrounded by spectacular cliffs
- …
See our article on Tenerife’s most beautiful beaches (coming soon).
Reason 4: for the variety of towns and villages
Tenerife offers a wide variety of towns and villages, each with its own special charm. Among our favorites:
- La Laguna – UNESCO-listed university town with colonial architecture
- La Orotava – traditional village with wooden balconies and gardens
- Masca – perched mountain village with spectacular views
- Puerto de la Cruz with its colourful houses and street art
- Garachico – small historic port with natural pools
- …
See our list 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!
If you’d like to be notified when our guide to the Canaries is published, please subscribe:
Reason 5: for outdoor activities
The island offers a multitude of outdoor activities to suit all tastes:
Cetacean watching
The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are particularly good for whale and dolphin watching. Excursions depart mainly from Los Cristianos and Los Gigantes.
Book your sea excursion to see the island’s dolphins and whales!
Water sports and activities
The possibilities are endless:
- Diving in crystal-clear waters
- Surfing the Atlantic waves
- Hiking in Teide National Park
- Paragliding over the cliffs
- Mountain biking on forest trails
- Kayak along the spectacular coastline
- Canyoning in the barrancos
For example: Find out more about the extreme sports on offer at Costa Adeje and book your activity now here!
Reason 6: for its natural pools
Tenerife is rich in natural pools, especially in the north of the island, but also to some extent in the south.
If you’ve had enough of beach sand, head for the volcanic rocks.
You can go there at low tide to swim in the clear waters, or at high tide to watch the waves crash. Among our favorites:
- Piscinas Naturales Los Abrigos
- El Caleton in Garachico
- Charco de los Chochos
- …
See our list of Tenerife’s most beautiful natural pools.
Reason 7: for its trees
If you love trees, you won’t be disappointed in Tenerife:
- Tenerife’s laurel forest, l’Esperanza, on the Anaga massif. A primitive forest that already existed in the Tertiary era
- The thousand-year-old draconer of Icod de los Vinos
- The Puerto de la Cruz botanical garden with its magnificent century-old trees
- Palmetum de Santa Cruz
- …
See our list of Tenerife’s most beautiful gardens and trees (coming soon).
Reason 8: for theme parks
If you’re coming with the family, Tenerife has a wealth of theme parks, especially in the southern half of the island. If that’s what you like, you’ll have plenty of choice. for example:
- Siam Park, one of the world’s best water parks
- Aqualand
- Loro Parque Zoo
- Jungle Park
- …
See our list of theme parks in Tenerife (coming soon).
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
