10 things to do in Tenerife

Where is Tenerife? Tenerife (the Canary Islands), is located between the parallels 28 and 29 North and the meridian of 16 and 17 West, slightly north of the Tropic of Cancer. The island is just over 300 km from the African continent and 1300 km from the Iberian Peninsular.

This incredible island is known for its holiday’s resorts, Blue flag beaches, and “Tenerife nightlife”; but the island’s natural landscape and great climate offer a wide variety of things to do in Tenerife. With volcanoes, Spain’s highest mountain peak, water sports, whale watching, natural parks, and caves. Tenerife, Spain, is a great weekend destination for the adventurous.

Still wondering what to do in Tenerife? Then take a look below. Today in our post we are gonna tell you 10 things to do on holiday in Tenerife.

Mount Teide National Park

Heading the list of things to do in Tenerife is a journey to the rooftop of Spain. A unique landscape of craters, volcanoes, and rivers of petrified lava, surrounding the impressive silhouette of Teide Volcano that stands at 3,718m above sea level. So, imagine having a bird’s eye view on one of the most beautiful places on Earth. High above the clear blue waters, green fields, and rocky mountains, paragliding allows you to experience the island of Tenerife from a new perspective.

Or if you want you can hike and take a cable car to the base of the final cone summit where you will enjoy the breath-taking views of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and La Palma. Also if you dare yourself to visit the mouth of the volcano, you’ll need to apply for a permit beforehand from the national park’s office in Orotava.

Things to do in Tenerife: Visit the Siam Park

Chosen as the best water park of 2015 by Tripadvisor users, Siam Park is an exuberant Thai-themed garden located in the south of Tenerife. In spite of being very crowded, the great diversity of attractions and slides offered makes the visit worthwhile.

It is also the largest water park in Europe and hosts the largest artificial waves in the world (more than three meters), as well as an artificial beach, a circuit of rapids and an island with sea lions. Admission costs € 34, € 23 for children.

Siam Park is well known as one of the best Tenerife attractions for families.

Explore the Cave of the Wind

At 3km from the center of Icod de Los Vinos, there is another place that we recommend you to visit: Cueva del Viento.

It is a volcanic cavity, shaped like a tube, created by lava from the first eruptions of the Pico Viejo volcano about 27,000 years ago. Although the visitable stretch is only 200m, the explored galleries extend 18km underground (it is the 5th volcanic tube in the world, after 4 in Hawaii).

Visits are made in small guided groups and tickets must be purchased online. The activity includes a projection, specialist guide, helmets, lanterns, transportation to the cave in 4 × 4 and a small walk in the woods (about 2 hours in total).

Taste local food

If you go on holiday to Tenerife, in addition to bananas, there are several foods and typical dishes that you should make sure to try. An irresistible classic is the wrinkled potatoes, small boiled potatoes accompanied with mojo picón sauce and green mojo sauce. A basic ingredient in many dishes is the gofio (a mass of flour of different cereals), which can be taken directly with milk or in dishes such as the Gofio Escaldón.

Do not miss the Ropa Vieja, the Roasted Cheese with mojo, the Rabbit with the salmorejo, the Canarian Potaje, the Tuna in adobo or the Composed Garbanzos. You will find all these dishes in the famous guachinches, restaurants or typical taverns of Tenerife.

Stroll through the historic center of La Laguna

San Cristóbal de La Laguna was the former capital of Tenerife and de facto capital of the Canary Islands until 1833.

The glorious past of this town, the cradle of the Canarian aristocracy and illustration for centuries, is still easily recognizable in its streets and buildings, which they are largely preserved as they were in the fifteenth century.

In fact, its historic center was declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1999 as a unique example of a colonial city, inspiring large Latin American cities such as Lima or Cartagena de Indias.

Obviously, this is one of the best things to do in Tenerife. A must-do.

See the Dragon Tree

While this tree is found in other places around the world, such as the Azores and Morocco, the one located in the town of Icod de Los Vinos in Tenerife (the “Drago Milenario”) is supposedly the oldest of its kind, estimated to be about 1,000 years old. It’s also noted for its size at 60 feet tall.

This tree is the national symbol of the island.

Things to do in Tenerife: Visit Los Gigantes Cliffs

Cliffs of the giants: these impressive cliffs are one of the best attractions of the island ever, with a height ranging from 500 to 800 meters.

The Guanches (ancient settlers) called this spot as the “Wall of Hell”, and it certainly is a fearsome view to behold.

At this place, besides being amazed by its scenery, you can also practice different water sports such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, paddle-boarding.

Head to the Beaches

Tenerife has over 400km of coastline which lends to a great variety of beaches, 10 of which have been awarded the Blue Flag Status.

Playa de las Teresitas in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is sheltered manmade beach made with sand imported from the Sahara Desert, popular with both locals and holidaymakers.

But if you’re looking for beaches away from the main tourist resorts, go to Playa Bollullo, Playa del Pozo or Playa el Puertito.

For those with a keen interest in water sports, El Medano beach on the South coast of Tenerife is one of the world’s best beaches for windsurfing and kite surfing lovers. Undoubtedly, one of the best beaches in Tenerife.

Walk through the Barranco del Infierno

If you like hiking, another nice route you can do in Tenerife is Barranco del Infierno. It is a fairly simple path in the Special Natural Reserve of Barranco del Infierno, within the municipality of Adeje, which is completed in about 3 hours (round trip 6.5km).

The road is dotted with viewpoints with magnificent views and ends in a small waterfall. Access is restricted to 300 people per day, so it is advisable to make a reservation.

Whale and dolphin watching & Scuba diving and diving

Tenerife is one of the best ways to watch whales and dolphins in their natural environment. Bottlenose dolphins, Sperm whales, Pilot whales, and Risso dolphins are all resident in the waters around the Canary Island with other species such as the Killer Whale among others.

In addition, the island has numerous diving centers for users of any level, offering from initiation courses to expert dives or simply boat trips for sea lovers. Snorkeling surrounded by turtles or exploring underwater caves is more than possible on the rugged coasts of Tenerife.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our post. Take home an unforgettable experience from your Tenerife holidays – see the island from above! Do not hesitate to contact us for further information about Tenerife. We’ll be glad to help you.