TOP-20 best things to do
in Tenerife

What is it?
A mountainous area covered with carpets of laurel trees and declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO

Why should you go?
Spread over 37,000 acres in the northeastern part of the island, the enchanted Anaga forest is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Tenerife, especially if you love hiking. With its dramatic peaks and cliffs, deep ravines, and lush vegetation, this natural paradise invites you to explore its numerous trails to enjoy the breathtaking landscape and unspoiled beauty. As a bonus, you will find a beautiful gold-sand beach on the south side of the mountain range.

Specialization
Nature & Recreation

Perfect for
Hikers, nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts

What is it?
A protected area with volcanic rock formations and spectacular scenery surrounding Spain's highest peak, Mount Teide

Why should you go?
Teide National Park, lying right in the middle of the island, is the most visited national park in Spain, and it's easy to see why it is so attractive. When you reach it, you will see a unique landscape of craters and rivers of petrified lava, topped by the impressive silhouette of the active Teide volcano. In addition to a number of hiking trails, the park houses a cable car, which is the easiest way to get to the summit of Mount Teide to enjoy breathtaking views.

Specialization
Nature & Recreation

Perfect for
Hikers, nature lovers, photographers

What is it?
One of Tenerife's most scenic hillside villages, hidden away in a remote gorge in Teno National Park

Why should you go?
Masca is probably the most famous village, or hamlet, in Tenerife. Despite its tiny size, it is one of the best places to visit in Tenerife, boasting a mix of stunning natural beauty, traditional Canarian architecture, and incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. You can enjoy a leisurely walk through the village's narrow streets and try Canarian cuisine at one of the small restaurants or explore the rocky Masca Gorge Trail.

Specialization
Nature, Architecture & Sightseeing

Perfect for
Nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, foodies, hikers

What is it?
A Thailand-themed water park featuring a number of exhilarating rides and the largest wave pool in the world

Why should you go?
If you are planning an unforgettable family vacation, a trip to Siam Park should be included in your itinerary as one of the most fun things to do in Tenerife with kids. This large, impressive water park, set against a backdrop of spectacular Thai architecture, is going to delight children and adults alike. You will find every water attraction you can imagine, from relaxing river rides to thrilling free-fall slides and the world's largest wave pool.

Specialization
Entertainment

Perfect for
Families, kids of all ages

What is it?
A small resort town on the west coast of Tenerife famous for the huge sea cliffs that surround it

Why should you go?
Acantilados de Los Gigantes, or 'Cliffs of the Giants,' are among the best attractions in Tenerife. These vertical walls of basalt, reaching heights of almost 2,000 feet, are undoubtedly some of the most dramatic cliffs you can see on our planet. There are several options for enjoying them, from hiking trails to boat tours, helping get a closer look at the fantastic scenery. It is also an ideal spot for diving, kayaking, and whale and dolphin watching.

Specialization
Nature & Recreation

Perfect for
Outdoor enthusiasts, water sports lovers

What is it?
The ancient capital of the Canary Islands, listed as a World Heritage Site

Why should you go?
Situated in northern Tenerife, La Laguna gives you a chance to travel back in time to the 15th and 16th centuries as you wander the historic streets of this charming city. You can admire churches built in volcanic stone, historical mansions with wooden balconies, and lovely, colorful houses along the cobbled roads shrouded in a mysterious fog because of the humidity. In addition, this town is perfect for shopping and trying the best local dishes.

Specialization
Sightseeing

Perfect for
History buffs, architecture enthusiasts, foodies

What is it?
The island's capital, largest city, and cultural center hosting an annual UNESCO-listed carnival

Why should you go?
The buzzing city of Santa Cruz is definitely worth a day trip or even a longer visit, whether you are a culture enthusiast, beach lover, or a partygoer. It offers a fascinating blend of striking modern and historic buildings, beautiful gardens, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife. If you happen to be there in February, do not miss the famous carnival. Otherwise, check out other unique attractions and amazing restaurants, one of which — La Cueva — is situated in a cave.

Specialization
Sightseeing & Entertainment

Perfect for
Everyone

What is it?
A series of natural swimming pools formed as a result of the volcanic eruption back in the early 18th century

Why should you go?
Taking a dip in the beautiful Garachico pools is one of the must-try activities in Tenerife. These natural pools, filled with clear turquoise waters and surrounded by black volcanic rocks and cliffs, create an inviting setting for a unique and picturesque swimming experience. Besides bathing in the pools, take some time to explore the charming village of Garachico, wander through the labyrinth of cobbled streets, and enjoy local ice cream beneath a shady palm tree.

Specialization
Nature & Recreation

Perfect for
Couples, families

What is it?
A lively, upbeat resort known for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches with golden sands

Why should you go?
The tourist capital of Tenerife, Playa de las Américas, offers plenty of sun, fun, sports, and entertainment. This area is packed with restaurants, shops, bars to drink a cocktail, beaches with golden sand shipped in straight from the Sahara Desert, and hotels to stay in if you do not want to drive back to your accommodation. During the day, you can enjoy surfing, jet skiing, and other water sports. At night, it is time for wild dancing and partying around the clock.

Specialization
Entertainment

Perfect for
Young adults, water sports enthusiasts

What is it?
A zoo housing the largest collection of parrots and the biggest indoor penguin exhibition in the world

Why should you go?
A visit to Loro Parque, situated on the outskirts of Puerto de la Cruz, is one of the most exciting things to do in Tenerife. The park boasts a diverse collection of animals, such as different parrots, penguins, sea lions, orcas, white tigers, lions, and many more. In addition to its animal exhibits, Loro Park offers a variety of live shows, including the Dolphin Show and the phenomenal Killer Whale Show.

Specialization
Animals

Perfect for
Kids, families, animal lovers

What is it?
A botanical garden in Icod de los Vinos containing a 1,000-year-old dragon tree and a variety of other native plants

Why should you go?
El Drago Milenario, the oldest and largest specimen of a dragon tree, has become one of the symbols of Tenerife. The park created around this tree is among the island's top attractions. In addition to the unique 52-foot-tall dragon tree, Parque del Drago features other noteworthy plants endemic to Tenerife and the Canary Islands and provides a great experience for anyone thinking about what to do in Tenerife to explore its natural beauty.

Specialization
Nature

Perfect for
Nature lovers

What is it?
A complex of lava tubes formed around 27,000 years ago and considered one of the largest volcanic caves in the world

Why should you go?
Caving is one of the most fun and unusual things to do in Tenerife, and Cueva del Viento ('Cave of the Wind') is the best place to have such an experience. Created by eruptions of the Pico Viejo volcano, this huge labyrinthine network of underground passages invites you on a journey into the interior of the earth. You will explore a section of the cave, admire its fascinating geological features, and even see fossils of already extinct vertebrates.

Specialization
Nature & Geology

Perfect for
Anyone interested in geology, volcanology, and natural history

What is it?
A protected natural area with a hiking trail leading through the ravine to the highest waterfall in Tenerife

Why should you go?
The Barranco del Infierno ('Hell's Gorge') is a staggering sight and one of the best places for hiking on the island. The area offers a hike over deep gorges, caves, and spectacular waterfalls and gives a chance to see different types of flora and fauna. If hiking is not your thing, you can experience the thrills of paragliding and fly across the Barranco del Infierno, enjoying some of the best views of the island.

Specialization
Nature

Perfect for
Hikers, nature lovers

What is it?
A zoological and botanical park famous for daily shows featuring exotic birds and birds of prey

Why should you go?
A visit to Las Águilas Jungle Park is one of the best things to do in Tenerife for families to keep children and adults alike entertained for hours. This place, consisting of 19 acres of jungle, is more than a usual zoo. In addition to its extensive collection of animals, including crocodiles, orangutans, and big cats, it contains walking trails with tunnels and rope bridges and provides amazing falconry shows featuring eagles and hawks.

Specialization
Animals

Perfect for
Families with kids of all ages, animal lovers

What is it?
Six terraced pyramids built from lava stone and looking similar to the Aztec temples in Mexico

Why should you go?
Located a bit off the beaten track, Güímar Pyramids Ethnographic Park is a very different place from the mass tourist spots in Tenerife. The origin of the group of pyramids, as well as their purpose, is unclear, which makes this archeological site one of the most curious and mysterious attractions on the island. The site also includes a museum and several botanical gardens, such as the Poisonous Garden, with more than 70 poisonous plant species.

Specialization
Ethnography, Architecture & Nature

Perfect for
History buffs, archaeology enthusiasts, botany lovers

What is it?
A popular resort area in the southwest of Tenerife boasting beautiful beaches with soft, golden sands

Why should you go?
Packed with idyllic beaches and incredible restaurants, Costa Adeje is a haven for a couple's retreat, but it is also a great destination for many other types of travelers. As quite possibly the most varied part of the island, it offers plenty of activities, from dolphin-watching outings to tuk-tuk sightseeing tours. You can enjoy snorkeling, play golf with stunning coastline views, or splash and have fun in the Aqualand water park.

Specialization
Recreation & Entertainment

Perfect for
Couples, families

What is it?
A historic house and a museum featuring ornately-carved balconies and samples of typical Canarian handicrafts

Why should you go?
Built in the 17th century in La Orotava, La Casa de los Balcones invites you to travel back in time to experience Canary Islands traditions and customs. From the outside, it is an architectural gem, with majestic balconies decorating the front of the building and set around a picturesque courtyard. Inside, it shows examples of Canarian crafts, such as lacemaking, and features several rooms that have been restored to their original condition.

Specialization
History, Architecture & Culture

Perfect for
History buffs, architecture enthusiasts

What is it?
The oldest botanical garden in the Canary Islands boasting major collections of tropical and sub-tropical plants

Why should you go?
If you are looking for a quiet green space to take a stroll in a fairytale setting, Tenerife's Botanical Gardens, located in Puerto de la Cruz, is the best option. This beautiful garden, dating back to the 18th century, is filled with bright colors, lovely scents, and some of the purest air on the island. You can admire imposing centuries-old trees and climbing plants with unique flowers, rest from the bustling streets of resort cities, and capture Insta-worthy photos.

Specialization
Nature

Perfect for
Nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat

What is it?
Wine-tasting tours focusing on unique winemaking traditions, artisan vineyards, and family-run wineries

Why should you go?
The island's volcanic soil and subtropical climate are great for winemaking, and vineyard and winery tours are among the must-try activities in Tenerife. Several grownup excursions of this kind are available across the island, but the Tenerife Wine Experience is the most popular one. You will be taken through small vineyards and family-owned wineries, experience the island's rich history and culture of winemaking, and sample some of its unique, high-quality wines.

Specialization
Wine Culture

Perfect for
Couples, groups of friends, wine enthusiasts

What is it?
The westernmost end of the island notable for its impressive rock formations and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean

Why should you go?
If you are looking for the best spot to watch the sunset in Tenerife, head to Punta de Teno. This rugged and picturesque headland, marked by a historic candy-cane-colored lighthouse, is a place with much more sunlight than any other area of the island — and the most unforgettable sunsets with the stunning setting of the cliffs and the ocean breaking against them. Get there to have a romantic evening and check out the lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the surrounding unspoiled nature.

Specialization
Nature

Perfect for
Couples, nature lovers, hikers, photographers