Tenerife is the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands which offers a diverse range of activities for visitors. From volcanic landscapes to golden beaches and cultural experiences there are many things to do in Tenerife for all ages.
Visit Teide National Park
Located in the centre of Tenerife, Teide National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site home to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak at 3,718 metres. The park’s lunar-like landscape features unique geological formations created by volcanic activity. Visitors can plan day trips to Mount Teide which include a cable car ride that ascends 1,200 meters in just 8 minutes overlooking breathtaking volcanic landscapes. The park is also a Starlight Reserve which provides some of the best stargazing conditions in Europe.
Explore Los Gigantes Cliffs
Situated on the western coast of Tenerife, the Los Gigantes cliffs, known locally as ‘Acantilados de Los Gigantes’, are a spectacular natural formation rising up to 800 metres from the sea. These sheer rock faces, formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, can be viewed from boat tours departing from the nearby marina or from several vantage points in the town of Los Gigantes.
Visit Some of the Best Beaches in Tenerife
Tenerife’s beaches offer a diverse range of experiences for visitors. Playa de las Teresitas is a popular urban beach near Santa Cruz whilst Playa de la Tejita near Montaña Roja offers a more secluded, natural setting. El Bollullo is another secluded option in the north with striking black sand and turquoise waters whilst Playa del Duque is a popular tourist beach near Costa Adeje. Playa del Médano on the south-east coast is ideal for water sports and beachside dining.
For more dramatic scenery, you can head up the south-west coast to Playa de los Gigantes which impresses with its towering cliffs and opportunities for whale-watching and diving. Those in search of seclusion will appreciate the wild beauty of Playa del Benijo in Taganana with its views of the Anaga rocks. Playa de Masca is a remote gem of a beach on the north coast which is only accessible by hiking or boat.
Visit Loro Parque
Located in Puerto de la Cruz on Tenerife’s northern coast, Loro Parque is a world-renowned zoo and marine park. It was originally established as a paradise for parrots but has since evolved into a diverse wildlife sanctuary and conservation centre. The park showcases a wide array of animal species in carefully designed habitats. Highlights include the world’s largest indoor penguin exhibit, a state-of-the-art aquarium with an underwater tunnel and impressive enclosures for gorillas, tigers and other endangered species. True to its roots, Loro Parque maintains an extensive collection of over 350 parrot species, contributing significantly to global parrot conservation efforts.
Marine life shows are a major attraction, featuring performances by orcas, dolphins and sea lions. These shows combine entertainment with educational content about marine conservation. The park also offers educational presentations and feeding demonstrations throughout the day, providing insights into animal behaviour and conservation. Loro Parque is committed to research and conservation, running various projects through its foundation. This commitment is evident in the park’s design and educational approach, making it more than just a tourist attraction.
Visit Siam Park
Located on the island’s south coast, Costa Adeje is one of the most popular holiday resorts in Tenerife. Its most popular tourist attraction is Siam Park which is one of the world’s best waterparks. It is themed around Thai culture with stunning architecture and lush tropical. Siam Park boasts an impressive array of water attractions, ranging from family-friendly slides to adrenaline-pumping rides for thrill-seekers.
Its crown jewel is the Tower of Power, a near-vertical 28-metre drop slide that sends riders through an aquarium filled with sharks and rays. Other notable attractions include the Mai Thai River, a long lazy river with exciting rapids sections and the Wave Palace, which generates artificial waves up to 3 metres high.
Discover the Parque Rural de Anaga
Occupying the northeastern tip of Tenerife, the Anaga Rural Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a verdant wonderland. This ancient laurel forest, dating back to the Tertiary period, is home to numerous endemic species. The park offers over 60 official hiking trails of varying difficulty, with trailheads accessible from various points in the region.
Tour the Historic La Laguna
San Cristóbal de La Laguna, located in the northern part of Tenerife about 10 km from Santa Cruz, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was the original capital of Tenerife. Its grid pattern became the model for many colonial towns in the Americas. The town boasts over 600 buildings of historical significance, including the Cathedral of La Laguna and the Church of the Conception.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera, particularly off the southwestern coast, are home to a permanent colony of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. Over 20 species of cetaceans can be spotted here throughout the year. Many tour operators offer trips from ports in Los Cristianos, Puerto Colón, and Los Gigantes, often with marine biologists on board to provide educational insights.
Explore the Pyramids of Güímar
Found in the town of Güímar on the eastern coast of Tenerife, about 26 km south of Santa Cruz, the Pyramids of Güímar are a complex of six step pyramids that have puzzled researchers since their discovery. Some theories link them to ancient civilizations, while others suggest a more recent agricultural origin. The site’s museum presents various hypotheses and explores connections with other pyramid-building cultures.
Experience Carnival of Santa Cruz
Held annually in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island’s capital city, the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is second only to Rio de Janeiro in size and spectacle, attracting over a million visitors annually. The festival, dating back to the 18th century, features elaborate costumes, street parties, and parades throughout the city. The highlight is the election of the Carnival Queen, who wears a costume that can weigh up to 80 kg.
Visit Aqualand Costa Adeje
Located in Costa Adeje in the south of Tenerife, Aqualand Costa Adeje is one of the island’s popular water parks. It offers a variety of water slides and attractions suitable for all ages, including the Tornado, a high-speed funnel slide, and the Crazy Race, a multi-lane racing slide. The park also features a dolphinarium where visitors can watch dolphin shows and even swim with these intelligent marine mammals.
Explore Las Águilas-Jungle Park
Situated in Arona, about 15 minutes from Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas, Las Águilas-Jungle Park is a zoological and botanical garden. The park is home to a diverse collection of animals including tigers, lions, penguins, and various bird species. One of its main attractions is the birds of prey show, featuring eagles and falcons demonstrating their flying skills. The park also offers lush jungle-like walking trails and a Tibetan bridge.
Visit La Casa del Vino La Baranda
Located in El Sauzal in northern Tenerife, La Casa del Vino La Baranda is a wine museum housed in a 17th-century farmhouse. Visitors can learn about Tenerife’s long history of wine production, explore the vineyard, and taste local wines. The museum also includes exhibits on the island’s agricultural history and offers stunning views of the north coast and Mount Teide.
Tour Bananera Jardines del Atlántico
Situated in the Orotava Valley in northern Tenerife, Bananera Jardines del Atlántico is a working banana plantation open to visitors. The tour provides insights into banana cultivation, a significant part of Tenerife’s agriculture. Visitors can walk through the plantation, learn about the different stages of banana growth, and taste freshly picked bananas. The site also offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Experience Camel Park
Located in Arona in southern Tenerife, Camel Park offers visitors the unique opportunity to ride camels in a scenic setting. The park provides guided camel treks through the countryside, allowing visitors to experience the island from a different perspective. In addition to camel rides, the park features a small farm with other animals and offers insights into local rural life.
Relax at El Lago Martiánez
Situated in Puerto de la Cruz on the northern coast of Tenerife, El Lago Martiánez is a complex of saltwater pools designed by the renowned Canarian artist César Manrique. The complex features seven pools, including a large central lake, surrounded by sunbathing areas, gardens, and restaurants. With its stunning architecture and ocean views, El Lago Martiánez offers a unique swimming and relaxation experience that blends art with nature.
