Top 10 Things to Do in Tenerife

📋 Table of Contents

1. 1. Visit Mount Teide — Stargazing on Spain's Highest Peak
2. 2. Whale and Dolphin Watching — The Atlantic Safari
3. 3. Masca — The Hidden Village Between Cliffs
4. 4. Anaga Rural Park — The Ancient Laurel Forest
5. 5. Los Gigantes Cliffs — Kayaking at the Foot of Giants
6. 6. Canarian Gastronomy — Flavors of the Island
7. 7. Unique Beaches — Black Sand to Turquoise Coves
8. 8. Charming Towns — La Laguna, La Orotava, Garachico
9. 9. Paragliding and Surfing — Adrenaline With Ocean Views
10. 10. Volcanic Wine Route — Tasting Among Lava Fields

Tenerife is much more than a sun-and-beach destination. The largest of the Canary Islands hides volcanic landscapes, ancestral forests, marine wildlife, and a culture that surprises every traveller. After exploring every corner of the island, we've put together this selection of the 10 experiences that will make your trip truly unforgettable.

1. Visit Mount Teide — Stargazing on Spain's Highest Peak

Teide National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to one of the most impressive volcanic landscapes on the planet. At 3,718 metres, Mount Teide is not only Spain's highest peak — it's also an unbeatable viewpoint above the clouds.

But the real magic happens after sunset. Tenerife holds a Starlight certification, and the Teide night sky offers visibility conditions rivalling the best observatories. Imagine watching the Milky Way with the volcanic silhouette in the foreground.

📌 Plan Your Visit

Best time: May to October Duration: 3-5 hours From: 35€/person Difficulty: Easy (cable car) → See Teide by Night Experience (4.9★)

2. Whale and Dolphin Watching — The Atlantic Safari

The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are home to a resident population of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. With up to 21 different cetacean species spotted throughout the year, this area is one of the top whale-watching destinations in Europe.

Tours depart from Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje, lasting 2 to 4.5 hours. On a good day, you can see dolphins leaping next to the boat and whales passing calmly just metres away.

🐋 Compare Options

• 🥇 Eco Whale Watching Adeje — 4.9★ 65€
• 🥈 Whale Watching Los Cristianos — 4.7★ 35€

3. Masca — The Hidden Village Between Cliffs

Perched in the Teno mountains at over 600 metres, Masca is Tenerife's most photogenic village. Its traditional stone houses nestle between vertical ravines and the views over the Atlantic are breathtaking.

The famous Masca Gorge trail descends from the village to the coast — a once-in-a-lifetime experience for hikers. Even if you skip the ravine, simply driving the winding road to Masca is already an adventure.

💡 The guided Masca hike (4.9★ — from 50€) includes transport from the south and a boat ride back along the coast.

4. Anaga Rural Park — The Ancient Laurel Forest

In the northeast corner of Tenerife you'll find one of the best-preserved laurel forests in the world. Anaga Rural Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where mist weaves between trees that are centuries old.

Trails suit all levels: from the easy Sendero de los Sentidos (ideal for families) to the more demanding Chinobre route with panoramic views of both coasts. Don't miss the natural pools of Charco de los Chochos to round off the day.

5. Los Gigantes Cliffs — Kayaking at the Foot of Giants

The cliffs of Los Gigantes rise up to 600 metres straight out of the sea. The most exciting way to experience them is from the water — a kayak tour lets you paddle beneath these colossal vertical walls, with the chance to spot turtles and marine life.

The experience is suitable for beginners, lasting about 2 to 3 hours, and includes snorkelling in crystal-clear bays that are only accessible from the sea.

🚣 Kayak Los Gigantes (4.7★ — from 40€) — Includes guide, equipment, and snorkelling stop.

6. Canarian Gastronomy — Flavors of the Island

Tenerife's cuisine is a journey in itself. From papas arrugadas (wrinkly potatoes) with mojo sauces to fresh fish at a guachinche, the island offers a food culture rooted in tradition yet creative in reinvention.

Make sure you try: gofio (toasted grain flour that features in everything from soups to desserts), old cheeses from highland farms, and local wines with personality — all of it at prices that surprise visitors used to Mediterranean Europe's tourist-trap rates.

7. Unique Beaches — Black Sand to Turquoise Coves

Tenerife's volcanic origins have created beaches you won't find anywhere else. The jet-black sands of Playa de la Arena and the dramatic coast of Benijo in the north contrast with the golden stretches of Las Teresitas and the wild coves of the south.

Each beach has its own character: some are ideal for families, others for surfers, and a few are accessible only by boat or trail. The island is home to more than 70 beaches across just 2,034 km².

8. Charming Towns — La Laguna, La Orotava, Garachico

San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage City, is Tenerife's cultural heart. Its colourful colonial streets are filled with museums, cafés, and a university atmosphere that sets it apart from the tourist resorts.

La Orotava enchants with its mansions and traditional balconies, while Garachico — once the island's main port before a volcanic eruption reshaped it in 1706 — now offers natural lava rock pools and an authenticity that's hard to beat.

9. Paragliding and Surfing — Adrenaline With Ocean Views

For thrill seekers, Tenerife is a natural playground. Tandem paragliding from Ifonche or Adeje lets you soar above the south coast with the sea stretching to the horizon — no experience required.

Surfers will find great waves in Las Américas (ideal for beginners), El Médano (kite and windsurfing mecca), and hidden spots in the north for the more adventurous.

🔥 Featured Experiences

• 🪂 Paragliding Tenerife — 4.9★ 70€
• 🏄 Surf Las Américas — 4.6★ 35€

10. Volcanic Wine Route — Tasting Among Lava Fields

Tenerife has five designations of origin and some of Europe's oldest ungrafted vines, having survived the phylloxera plague that devastated the continent. Volcanic soils lend the wines a unique mineral character.

The wine route passes through areas like Tacoronte-Acentejo and the Orotava Valley. You can visit bodegas, taste Listán Negro or Malvasía directly from barrel, and learn about winemaking in a lunar landscape.

🍷 Private Volcanic Wine Tour (4.8★ — from 150€) — Includes 3 wineries + tasting + transport.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Tenerife?

Tenerife enjoys a mild climate all year round, with temperatures between 18°C and 28°C. For hiking and the Teide, spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) are ideal. For beaches, summer is perfect. The south of the island is always several degrees warmer than the north.

How many days do I need to see Tenerife?

A minimum of 5 to 7 days is recommended to enjoy the main highlights without rushing. With 10 days you can explore both the tourist south and the more authentic north, including local gastronomy, charming villages, and hiking trails.

Do I need a car to get around Tenerife?

Hiring a car is highly recommended to reach places like Masca, Anaga, or the vineyards. The tourist south has good bus connections and organised excursions, but a car gives you the freedom to discover the island at your own pace.

Are the experiences suitable for families with children?

Absolutely. Whale watching, the Teide cable car, beaches like Las Teresitas, and towns such as La Orotava are perfect for families. Many activities accept children from age 4 or 5 upwards.

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