Things to do in Tenerife: The Ultimate Guide

If you can drag yourself away from the pool for a day, you’ll be delighted to discover the diverse range of things to do in Tenerife. As the largest and most populated Canary Island, Tenerife hosts some of Spain’s biggest carnivals, best hotels and the country’s largest mountain, Mount Teide. It is no wonder the island welcomes over 5 million tourists each year.

From exciting family outings to exploring the natural volcanic wonders or from evening showbiz to cultural visits in quirky villages, there really is so much to do in Tenerife. To help you plan your trip we’ve put together an ultimate guide to activities, sites and all things Tenerife.

Contents for things to do in Tenerife:

• • Top Things to do in Tenerife
    1. Mount Teide
    2. Diving and snorkelling
    3. Relax at Playa del duque
    4. Visit Garachico and the rock pools
    6. Spot dolphins and whales
    7. Visit the hilltop village of Masca
    8. Cueva del Viento
    9. Tenerife Carnival
  • Walking in Tenerife
  • Watersports in Tenerife
  • Things to do in Costa Adeje
  • Things to do in Tenerife for couples
  • Things to do in Tenerife for families
  • Places to visit in Tenerife: Tenerife Resorts
  • Tenerife excursions and activities
    1. Drago Milenario Tree
    2. Piramides de Guimar
    3. Lago Martianez
    4. Auditorio de Tenerife
  • Nightlife in Tenerife
  • Museums in Tenerife
  • Golf courses in Tenerife
  • Tenerife Beaches
  • Tenerife Food
  • Events in Tenerife
  • Practical information
    1. Best time to visit Tenerife
    2. Where to stay in Tenerife

Top things to do in Tenerife: Tenerife Attractions

1. Mount Teide National Park

Mount Teide is the highest mountain in Spain and third largest volcano in the world. The Impressive volcano of 3,718m above sea level, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site not to be missed. Indescribable views await when you climb to the top of Mount Teide. A cable car can take you to 1,200m, but the real treasures can be discovered when you take the footpaths higher (although permission is needed). On certain days the peak can be cloudy, however still a wonderful experience souring high in the sky above this magnificent island. The national park itself, covering 18,900 hectares, has out of this world moon style landscapes, an impressive lava canal and a fascinating wide crater.

Cable Car: Open 9am-4pm, admission €27 for adults and €13.50 for children

Tours: Jeep safaris, stargazing tours, designated hiking trails.

2. Diving and snorkelling in Tenerife

Tenerife is shaped by its volcanic past and this does not exclude its underwater world; in fact, Mount Teide continues for 3,782m below sea level. Dramatic volcanic columns teem with marine life and the clear warm waters welcome many marine species including turtles and dolphins; this whole new view of Tenerife is one not to miss. Several dive centres are dotted around the island or you can simply pack a snorkel and peak underwater from one of Tenerife’s many beaches.

Best places to snorkel in Tenerife: El Puertito, Playa de Las Vistas, Playa del Duque.

Best Places for scuba diving in Tenerife: Los Gigantes, Los Cristianos and Puerto de La Cruz

3. Soak up the sunshine at Playa del Duque

Tenerife is home to a range of luxurious hotels and superb beaches in which to relax and soak up the sunshine. Located in Costa Adeje, Playa del Duque is a sheltered bay protected from wind and rough seas. The stunning beach is a favourite for sun worshippers with its rich golden sands and clear turquoise waters. The beach has blue-flag status, so is kept beautifully clean and remains relatively uncrowded.

Sunbeds are around €10, although this can change seasonally.

4. Visit the unique town of Garachico

Located in the north west, Garachico is a hidden Tenerife gem. It was once the wealthiest town in Tenerife, famous for exporting wines and other local produce until a volcanic eruption in 1706 unfortunately engulfed the town in lava. The volcanic eruption has formed lava style rock pools which fill with crystal clear waters, making an excellent spot for swimming. Nestled between cliffs, Garachico is full of Spanish charm, including colonial buildings, monasteries and local restaurants serving the best of Tenerife cuisine.

Getting there: Easily accessible for day trips via road or local buses

5. Spot dolphins and whales

Tenerife is one of the top 3 whale and dolphin watching destinations in the world. Resident species of pilot whales and bottle-nose dolphins make Tenerife their home all year round. Thanks to the wonderfully warm waters and wealth of ecosystems, a huge array of species can be spotted off the coast of Tenerife. It is a magical experience speeding along sparkling waters watching whales pop up for air.

Getting there: boats usually leave from Los Cristianos port, which is easily accessible by car.

Frequency: tours leave several times a day.

6. Visit Masca

Masca is a tiny hamlet hidden within a mountainous ravine on Tenerife’s west. A small collection of rural houses, stone walkways and quaint restaurants make up this hilltop village. A visit to Masca brings local tales and legends and an authentic experience of Tenerife culture. Masca may be difficult to reach, but the scenic journey makes it well worth it.

7. Cueva del Viento

Cueva del Viento is a complex underground maze created by lava. The lava tube contains 3 levels of passageways and extends over 17km making it the 5^th longest in the world. Uncover ancient fossils of the giant lizard and rat and delve in to the beauty of lava stalactites, lava cascades and lava lakes, as well as archaeological remains of the Tenerife Guanches.

Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9am – 7pm; Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday 9am –  4.30pm

Admission: adults €20; children €8.50

8. Tenerife Carnival

The Carnival de Santa Cruz is held every February in Tenerife’s capital. Often considered the 2^nd largest international carnival behind Rio de Janeiro, Tenerife Carnival is a spectacle of festivities, parades and celebration. The carnival includes street festivities, an opening parade and fancy dress which continues night after night until Ash Wednesday when Entierro de la Sardina takes place. For more annual events, visit our post Events in Tenerife.

Walking in Tenerife

With its many trails and tracks, walking in Tenerife is a rewarding experience. With diverse volcanic landscapes, laurel forest and coastal trails there’s something for all levels. For avid hikers the annual Tenerife Walking Festival takes place in May, where walkers from across the globe come to experience the best of Tenerife’s routes in a sustainable way. Be it Mount Teide National Park, Punta del Hidalgo or the Anaga Mountains there’s plenty to uncover on foot.

Watersports in Tenerife

Due to its fabulous weather and diverse coastline, Tenerife is fantastic for watersports including: Parascending, jet skiing, sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, surfing, water skiing, diving, banana boating, kayaking, fishing, rafting, stand-up paddle boarding, you name it and Tenerife is sure to have it.

Things to do in Costa Adeje

As Tenerife’s most luxurious resort, Costa Adeje is the capital of designer shopping, upmarket dining and fashionable bars. There is so much do in Costa Adeje including designer shopping in Centro Ceomercial Plaza del Duque, relaxing on Playa del Duque and catching thrills at Siam Park. There are several beaches, waterparks, shopping malls, golf courses and much more to entertain, as well as a wealth of restaurants in which to simply wine and dine. Each Thursday and Saturday from 9am – 2pm is Costa Adeje market where you can browse souvenirs and bargains. With its coastal location there are several boat tours, boat charter and sailing trips that operate form Costa Adeje.

Things to do in Tenerife for couples

Stargazing in Tenerife is an exceptional experience. Away from light pollution and urban areas Tenerife’s night skies are some of the best in Europe. In fact, 83 out of the 88 recognised constellations can be seen, as well as meteor showers. For the best stargazing head to Teide National Park.

With its jaw dropping views over Tenerife and Mount Teide, Mirador de Humboldt is a wonderful place for couples to enjoy evening cocktails, relaxed dining and remarkable sunsets.

Things to do in Tenerife for families

For families, a visit to Tenerife’s Siam Park is an unmissable experience. Get family thrills in the lost city or dose up on adrenaline by soaring down the 28m power waterslide. For those that prefer the quiet life, the Mai Thai River is the perfect ride to gently float away. This huge aqua theme park is full of activities for both families and couples alike. Alternatively, Aqualand is another superb water park with a range of exciting slides, tubes and flumes, ready to excite. For a unique experience, several horse riding excursions take place including horse treks and pony strolls, an enjoyable day out for families.

Siam Park: Located between Costa Adeje and Playa de Las Americas the park runs a free bus service. Open: 10am – 5pm; Admission: €34 adults, €23 children. Official website here.

Aqualand: Adults €26 and children €18. Open from 10am – 6pm

Places to visit in Tenerife: Tenerife resorts

Tenerife excursions and activities

1. Drago Milenario Tree

The most famous tree in Tenerife, Drago Milenario is the largest and oldest existing tree in the Canary Islands. Measuring 20m circumference at its trunk and 16.4m in height, the tree is an impressive sight. Surrounding the tree is a natural park with a lovely picnic area and ancient burial grounds of Tenerife’s Guanches.

2. Piràmides de Güímar

A complex of 6 pyramids built from lava stone. The origin of the pyramids is heavily disputed but were only discovered in the 1990’s. Within the Ethnographic park is a museum, auditorium and outdoor routes.

3. Lago Martianez

Lago Martianez is an open-air swimming complex in Puerto de La Cruz. Designed by Canary Islands’ artist César Manrique, the 100,000 square metre complex centres around an artificial lake with gardens, restaurants, bars and relaxing terraces.

4. Auditorio de Tenerife

Tenerife’s own Sydney Opera House, this auditorium in Santa Cruz is an architectural masterpiece housing many superb performances.

Nightlife in Tenerife

Sophisticated beach clubs include Playa de Las America’s Papagayo Beach Club and those located in Costa Adeje such as Monkey Beach Club, Kaluna Beach Club and La Terrazza del Mare. For a more laid-back venue with live music and entertainment visit St Eugens Bar in Costa Adeje, Bulls Head Pub in Arona and The Dubliner in Playa de Las Americas. For tasty tapas don’t miss Los Reunidos in Santa Cruz and Restaurant Embrujo & Bodegon in Playa de Las Americas.

Tenerife Museums

Golf Courses in Tenerife

Tenerife Beaches

From volcanic black beaches to pristine golden shores, Tenerife is packed with jaw dropping beaches. Visit the pristine sands of Playa del Duque, the extraordinary Playa de Las Teresitas and the black sands of el Bullollo, as well as Playa de La Tejita with its mountainous backdrop. Visit our post for a guide to beaches in Tenerife.

Events in Tenerife

Be it bustling Carnival or local Romerias, there is always something going on in Tenerife. Including Tenerife walking festival, religious festivals, fiesta de San Juan and many more. For a full guide to events visit our post Events in Tenerife.

Tenerife Food

Typical food of the Canary Islands tends to be grilled meat, fresh fish and Mediterranean style salads. Tapas has also made its way to the island in recent years. Here is a list of local dishes of Tenerife:

• Papas Arrugadas – Boiled potatoes served with chilli pepper garlic sauce,
• Churros de Pescado – Tapas dish battered fish.
• Chopitos – Small fried cuttlefish
• Conejo en Salmorejo – Rabbit meat marinated and sautéed with garlic, white wine and a range of herbs and spices. Can also be served as chicken.
• Cherne – Grouper fish
• Cazuela de Pescado – Fish casserole served with catches of the day
• Rancho Canario – Soup containing meat, chick peas, potatoes and vegetables.
• Queso de Cabra – Cheese made form goat milk.

Practical Information

Tenerife Weather averages: Best time to visit Tenerife

What time is it in Tenerife?

Tenerife follows the same time zone as the UK so there is no time difference.

Tenerife currency

As part of Spain the Euro is the only accepted currency in Tenerife.

Tenerife flight time

4 hours 30 minutes from London

Where to stay in Tenerife: Best hotels in Tenerife

Have you been to Tenerife? We’d love to hear your stories, get in touch in the comments below.