Things to do in Tenerife: Attractions and places to visit

1. El Teide National Park

Impressive lunar and crater landscapes can be discovered in Teide National Park. Characteristic are the innumerable rock formations, which give the landscape its unmistakable face. As no trees grow in the national park, it almost looks like a moon landscape and has already served as a backdrop for several film adaptations. Here is also the Pico del Teide, with 3.718 meters the highest elevation of all Spain. The cable car takes you up to an altitude of 3,555 metres. If you want to get directly to the crater, this is only possible on foot with a special permit.

2. Loro Parque

For families with children, the island offers a variety of water and leisure parks. The most visited is definitely the Loro Parque. This popular park can be found in Puerto de la Cruz. What a lot of people don’t know: The park was once founded as a parrot park by a German. Today, however, you can discover many more attractions in the park. It’s not for nothing that Tripadvisor has already awarded it the title of “best zoo in the world”.

Loro Park is divided into several theme areas, including Jungle Land and the Thai village. In addition, visitors are offered numerous performances and show interludes. In addition to an aquarium with interesting sea creatures, it is not least the lovingly designed parks that make Loro Park so special.

3. Siam Park

Not only the Loro Park is worth a visit, also the Siam Park should not be missed. It has already been awarded several times as the best water park in the world and is therefore a worthwhile excursion destination for all water rats. On an area of 18.5 hectares you will find various water slides in Europe’s largest water park, as well as amusement rides, which offer plenty of thrills. The five restaurants, on the other hand, serve specialities from around the globe to cater for your physical well-being. The whole park is built in the Thai style and offers numerous great photo motives.

4. Los Gigantes

Los Gigantes is the most westerly town on Tenerife and is known primarily for its impressive cliffs. The “cliff of the giants” rises up to 450 meters high from the Atlantic and is thus the second highest steep coast of Europe. The best view of the cliffs is during a boat trip. These are offered regularly in the high season. With a little luck you can even watch whales and dolphins during such a boat tour.

The town of Los Gigantes has just 3,000 inhabitants and in recent years has become one of the most popular holiday resorts on the Canary Islands. This is not least due to the fantastic climatic conditions. Los Gigantes captivates with up to 300 sunny days a year. No wonder, as the Canary Island is called the “Island of Eternal Spring”.

5. The Mercedes Forest

The Mercedes forest proves that Tenerife is also an ideal destination for active holidaymakers. This is located in the Anaga Mountains in the northeast of the island. Numerous well signposted hiking trails cross this forest, which is mainly overgrown with laurel trees.

The forest with its mosses and ferns, which is often covered with fog, is surrounded by an almost mystical atmosphere. No wonder that the Mercedes forest is also called “fairytale forest”. If you know only the desert-like landscape in the south of Tenerife, you will discover with the Mercedes forest a great contrast to this.

6. Playa de las Teresitas

There are countless dreamlike beaches on the Canary Island. But one of the most beautiful is the Playa de las Teresitas near San Andrés, that was artificially filled with sand and planted with palm trees. Here, one feels like in paradise; Caribbean flair is guaranteed. The beach is about two kilometres long and is located in the northeast of the Canary Island. An essential advantage of this beach: In San Andrés you will find only a few hotel complexes, so that the beach is not yet hopelessly overcrowded.

7. The Dragon Tree

Legend has it that the Drago Milenario is 1,000 years old. Although this cannot be clearly proven, this dragon tree is one of the highlights on the Canary Island. The 17 metre high tree has a trunk circumference of six metres and is therefore the largest model in the world. This dragon tree is one of the most visited sights of Tenerife and was already worshipped by the Guanches. You will find the tree in a lovingly landscaped park, which invites you to stroll.

8. Day trip to La Gomera

The second smallest island of the Canary Islands La Gomera can be seen from Tenerife with good visibility with the naked eye. Thus, it is advisable to also visit the island once within the scope of a day trip. Deserted black volcanic beaches, a cloud forest in Garajonay National Park and lush vegetation await you on the island of La Gomera.

One of the most famous cities on La Gomera is San Sebastian, from where Columbus started his voyage of discovery to India. But the undisputed landmark of the small island is the Garajonay National Park. Ferns up to two meters high and laurel trees dominate the picture of this national park and make it look like an enchanted jungle.

9. The Masca Gorge

If you would like to take part in a guided hike and are physically fit, the hike through the Masca Gorge is an impressive experience. Equipped with plenty of provisions and sturdy footwear, you start in the small mountain village of Masca and then hike down the gorge until you reach the sea. Here you can refresh yourself in the Atlantic Ocean.

During the hike, where a little climbing experience can be quite helpful, you will be able to enjoy fantastic views. One should plan at least four hours for this hike. Those who are very experienced also dare to go back up again; but this is really only suitable for those who are absolutely trained. For all others there is a ship waiting at the bottom of a guided excursion, which brings you safely back to the next port. With a little luck you can even watch whales and dolphins during this cruise.

Most of the excursion ships pass the impressive cliffs of Los Gigantes. If you decide for a hike through the Masca gorge and a subsequent boat trip, you can discover two of the most popular sights of Tenerife in one day.

10. Whale and dolphin watching

Whale and dolphin watching on the Canary Island is possible all year round due to the moderate temperatures. As already mentioned, the coastal section off Los Gigantes is particularly suitable for such exploratory trips.

addition to Los Gigantes, the excursion boats also depart from Playa de las Americas and Costa Adeje.

Tenerife is known worldwide as one of the best places for whale watching. Beside the pilot whale you will surely get dolphins in front of your lens during your observation tour. A day on such an excursion boat promises you some relaxing hours, because also the physical well-being is usually taken care of. Some providers even offer swimming stops, so that you can end your day completely relaxed.

Best time to visit Tenerife

We recommend the following months as best time to travel for exploring the attractions and acivities of Tenerife:

March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November

You can find more information about the weather, including all climate data, on our climate page for Tenerife.