What to do in Tenerife: the best sights and activities

Tenerife is a diverse island with so many fun things to do and discover. Curious about what you can do during a vacation in Tenerife? In this article, we’ll share the best sights on this Canary Island, such as the impressive El Teide volcano and various historical highlights. But we’ll also share tips for unique activities, such as whale watching, kayaking along the rugged cliffs of Acantilados de los Gigantes, and marveling at one of the clearest starry skies on Earth. Get inspired for an unforgettable vacation in Tenerife with our personal tips!

1. Go to the top of the Teide volcano

The Teide volcano is without a doubt one of the most impressive sights on Tenerife and a must-visit during your stay on the island. This active volcano is the highest peak in Spain and offers a magnificent view of Tenerife’s landscape. But there’s more to it than just a stunning view. The volcano is also home to Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The flora and fauna there are incredibly unique and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Thanks to the unique climate, the altitude, and the volcanic formations, the landscape is simply spectacular.

Climbing the Teide volcano

There are two ways to climb Mount Teide: on foot or by cable car to the La Rambleta mountain station. Do you want to reach the summit of El Teide without too much effort? Then the cable car is a great—and incredibly beautiful—option, one we definitely wouldn’t have wanted to miss. When you step out of the cable car cabin, you’ll be at an altitude of 3,555 meters and can enjoy the view of the impressive landscape of the largest national park in the Canary Islands.

2. Pay a visit to Santa Cruz 

As the capital of Tenerife, Santa Cruz has a lot to offer. The city is rich in history, culture, and architecture, and there are a number of beautiful sights to see. Visit the impressive Auditorio de Tenerife, a modern building designed by the famous architect Santiago Calatrava. Stroll through the charming streets and discover local shops, cafés, and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious Canarian cuisine. The most beautiful sights in Santa Cruz are:

• The Palmetum de Santa Cruz Botanical Garden
• The largest city park in the Canary Islands: Parque García Sanabria
• Tenerife’s ‘Opera House’: Auditorio de Tenerife
• The Casa del Carnaval carnival house

Visit the Palmetum in Santa Cruz

A visit to the Palmetum in Santa Cruz is a must for nature lovers. This 12-hectare botanical garden features an impressive collection of more than 600 species of palm trees from around the world. The park was built on a former landfill site on a hill. It offers stunning views of the city of Santa Cruz and the Atlantic Ocean. Take a relaxing stroll through the park’s various themed sections, such as the Canary Islands, Madagascar, and Southeast Asia. In addition, various events and exhibitions are organized throughout the year, including guided tours, workshops, and concerts.

Take a walk through Parque García Sanabria 

If you’re looking for a beautiful place to take a walk and relax, Parque García Sanabria is a great choice. Located in the heart of Santa Cruz, this park is also known as the ‘Central Park’ of the Canary Islands. Here, you can truly unwind amid the hustle and bustle of the city. The park features beautifully landscaped gardens with a wide variety of plants, flowers, and sculptures. There are also several restaurants where you can stop for a bite to eat and a drink. A favorite is Strasse Park, located on the edge of the park. Here, you can enjoy a variety of Canarian specialties. Various events are also organized throughout the year in Parque García Sanabria, such as music and dance performances, art exhibitions, and markets. 

See Tenerife's 'Opera House': the Auditorio de Tenerife

The Auditorio de Tenerife is a striking and impressive building in Santa Cruz designed by famous architect Santiago Calatrava (also known for Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències in Valencia). Inspired by a sailboat, the building is located on the coast overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The auditorium is home to the Symphony Orchestra of Tenerife and offers a varied program of music and dance performances, theater and film throughout the year. You can take a guided tour here to learn more about the building's history and architecture. From the Palmetum, you also have a magnificent view of the Auditorio de Tenerife. 

Celebrate Carnival in Santa Cruz

Did you know that Santa Cruz hosts the second-largest carnival in the world every year? The Santa Cruz Carnival takes place every year, seven weeks before Easter, so the exact date varies from year to year. Carnival in Santa Cruz is celebrated with a large-scale and colorful festival. The event begins with the election of the carnival queen, followed by numerous processions and parades in which participants and spectators wear extravagant costumes and dance to music. There are also contests, concerts, and other cultural events. The Santa Cruz Carnival is considered one of the most spectacular carnivals in the world. Are you planning to visit the island early in the year? Then it’s a great idea to go during Carnival!

Tip: Would you like to learn more about the carnival in Santa Cruz? The Casa del Carnaval is open to visitors year-round.

3. Eat Canarian tapas at one of the many tapas bars 

If you’re looking for a delicious culinary experience in Tenerife, you should definitely try Canarian tapas! There are countless tapas bars scattered across the island where you can enjoy delicious local appetizers. Traditional tapas in Tenerife include Canarian cheeses (especially goat cheese), papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes), mojo (a spicy sauce), and gofio (kneaded into a kind of bread). Pair these bites with a good glass of local wine, and you’ll have a delicious and authentic dining experience.

Our favorite hotspots in Tenerife: 

• Picatostes Tapas Bar in Santa Cruz
• Strasse Park on the edge of Parque García Sanabria
• Parador de Cañadas del Teide Hotel and Restaurant (on the edge of Teide National Park)
• Bodega El Lomo and Bodegas Monje for a wine tasting
• Muelle Viejo Seafood Restaurant in the coastal town of Alcalá
• Starfish Restaurant at the Royal Hideaway Resort in Adeje

4. Go to the Anaga natural park 

A visit to the Anaga Natural Park should not be missed during your trip to Tenerife. Located in the northeast of the island, this park is one of the most pristine areas of Tenerife. The park has a unique ecosystem with a wide variety of plants and animals. Hiking and hiking are popular activities in Anaga Rural Park as the park offers several routes. These hiking trails have breathtaking views of the sea and mountains. Among other things, enjoy the natural beauty of Anaga at:

• The Mirador de Jardina Lookout
• The Sendero de los Sentidos Hiking Trail
• The Mountain and Viewpoint (Mirador) Pico del Inglés

Mirador de Jardina 

If you are looking for spectacular views of Tenerife, then you should definitely visit the Mirador de Jardina viewpoint. Located about 1,000 meters above sea level in the north of the island, this viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Orotava Valley and the surrounding mountains. On a clear day, you can even see the nearby islands of La Palma and La Gomera. The viewpoint is easily reached by car or on foot via several hiking trails. 

Sendero de los Sentidos

Another highlight of the Anaga Natural Park is Sendero de los Sentidos (the Path of the Senses). This path is specially designed for hikers to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings while stimulating their senses. The path is about 1.5 kilometers long and features different elements that stimulate the senses, such as aromatic plants, different textures and sounds of nature. The path is good for both adults and children.

Pico del Inglés

Mount Pico del Inglés, with its height of 1,076 meters, is one of the highest points on the island. The trail to the top is quite steep and challenging, but the view from the top is absolutely worth it. From the top you can enjoy a panoramic view of the island, the sea and the surrounding mountains. Do you find this a little too strenuous? Then you can also go to the Mirador Pico del Inglés (the viewpoint over the mountain Pico del Inglés). The viewpoint can be reached by car. If you are looking for a nice view without the challenge of the full hike, Mirador Pico del Inglés is a good option. When we were there it was very foggy, which gave a very mysterious atmosphere. If you are here in clear weather, then you are in luck. The view here is one of the reasons why the island is also called the Hawaii of Europe. 

5. Enjoy wine tasting at a traditional bodega 

One of the best things to do in Tenerife is a wine tasting at a traditional bodega. Wine in Tenerife is a true discovery for lovers of fine wines. Thanks to the volcanic landscape, the variations in elevation, and the favorable climate, unique grape varieties are grown in Tenerife that offer a special taste experience. During a visit to a bodega in Tenerife, you’ll not only learn about the rich history of local wine production, but you’ll also discover everything there is to know about the different grape varieties and the production process. We have two great tips for wine tasting in Tenerife:

• Bodega El Lomo
• Bodegas Monje

Wine Tasting at Bodega El Lomo

During the tasting, we sampled various white and red wines. To help us identify the flavors of the wine, we used ingredients such as apple, grapes, lemon, and cheesecake. For example, by tasting a piece of apple first, you can better recognize the malic acidity in a particular wine. A fun and interactive way to enjoy a wine tasting! In addition to the different wines, we also sampled various traditional specialties from Tenerife at Bodega El Lomo. It was a truly enjoyable and, above all, delicious experience!

6. Head to the UNESCO city of La Laguna 

Historic towns—we love them! And as it happens, the island of Tenerife is a true paradise when it comes to authenticity and colonial grandeur. One of the island’s historic gems is the UNESCO city of La Laguna. The city is known for its beautiful architecture and has a rich history. La Laguna was the first city founded in the Canary Islands in the 15th century and served as the capital of Tenerife until the 19th century. The city is filled with charming cobblestone streets, historic churches, and impressive mansions. There are many delightful shops, cafés, and restaurants where you can enjoy local specialties and buy souvenirs. The highlights of La Laguna are:

• The church you can climb: Iglesia de la Concepción
• The neo-Gothic-style Cathedral of San Cristóbal de La Laguna
• The mansion and historic landmark Casa Salazar

7. Stay at one of the beautiful resorts on Tenerife's beaches

Tenerife offers many beautiful beach resorts, including the lively Playa de las Américas with its many amenities, the quiet and natural Playa de las Teresitas with its golden sandy beach and crystal-clear water, the beautiful seaside resort of Costa Adeje, and the charming and picturesque village of Los Gigantes with its imposing cliffs and cozy little beaches.

Hotel Recommendation: Adeje

The Hard Rock Hotel in Tenerife is highly recommended because of the many amenities it offers, including several swimming pools, restaurants, bars, a spa, and a fitness center, as well as an extensive entertainment program and live music. The hotel also features a unique and eye-catching rock music-themed decor. In addition, the hotel is situated in a beautiful location in southern Tenerife, close to the beaches and the lively seaside resorts of Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas, as well as many restaurants and shops. 

Hotel Recommendation: La Laguna

Casa Rural La Asomada del Gato We can personally recommend this place in La Laguna because of its charming, historic atmosphere, its cozy rooms, and its beautiful courtyard garden. The property is housed in a distinctive 18th-century building. The property is located in the heart of La Laguna’s historic center, so you can easily stroll into the charming city with its colorful streets and historic buildings.

Tip: Looking for more inspiration on where to stay in Tenerife? Be sure to check out our article full of Inspiration for small-scale hotels in Tenerife's most charming villages!

8. Visit the historic town of La Orotava 

In addition to La Laguna, the historic town of La Orotava is a true cultural treasure. La Orotava is a charming and historic town in the Orotava Valley of the same name. This valley is a surprisingly green area with views of the Teide volcano. The picturesque town is the jewel of the north coast and the valley. The historic center of La Orotava is so well-preserved that it almost feels like a museum. This is thanks to all the beautiful squares, cozy cafés, and the old mansions and palaces dating back to the 16th century. Highlights in La Orotava include:

• The Church of San Augustin
• The Jardines del Marquesado de la Quinta Roma Park
• The Hijuela del Botánico Historic Garden
• The old mansion with wood-carved balconies, Casa de los Balcones

9. Go kayaking along the rugged cliffs of Acantilados de los Gigantes 

Are you looking for adventure during your Tenerife vacation? Then go kayaking along the rugged cliffs of Acantilados de los Gigantes and discover the coastline from a different perspective. During this excursion you will paddle past impressive rock formations and enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to kayaking, there are also paddle boarding options. 

10. Spot whales and dolphins in the Atlantic Ocean

Hop aboard a boat and get ready for one of the most unforgettable experiences of your vacation in Tenerife: whale and dolphin watching in the Atlantic Ocean. Tenerife is one of the best places in Europe to see these impressive marine mammals. During this excursion, you’ll have the chance to spot various species of whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, in particular, are seen year-round along the west coast. May and June offer the best chances of seeing cetaceans.

Since 2021, Tenerife has been recognized as the first destination in Europe to be designated a ‘Whale Heritage Site.’ This means that the local community celebrates, respects, and protects cetaceans and their habitats. A great company to book this excursion with is Freebird Catamaran. During our catamaran trip, we spotted several pilot whales—so cool! 

Discover Tenerife with a local guide

There is so much to see and discover in Tenerife that it’s a good idea to explore the island with a guide. Exploring the island with a local guide offers many benefits, such as discovering hidden gems not listed in travel guides, learning about local history and culture, sampling authentic food and drinks, and saving time and reducing stress by letting the guide handle the navigation. We explored the island with Darío López Estévez from Tenerife 100 Cultures. An incredibly enthusiastic guide with a lot of knowledge of the destination. Absolutely recommended! 

For even more tips and inspiration for a vacation to Tenerife, please visit the website of the tourism office of Tenerife Check it out. But be sure to also read our articles about Tenerife:

• Celebrating Carnival in Santa Cruz, Tenerife: an incredible experience
• Discover the UNESCO City of La Laguna: The Best Tips and Hotspots
• Where to Stay in Tenerife? Charming Villages and Boutique Hotels

Your customized trip to Tenerife

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