Tenerife is the largest of the seven Canary Islands and also the most visited by tourists. With its stunning black and gold beaches, an active volcano, its unique ecological diversity (plants from around the world can live and thrive in Tenerife’s multiple climatic zones), and its charming cliffside towns, it’s no surprise that this is the island. most popular of the group. Those beautiful features, plus the plethora of things you can do in Tenerife, make this island a destination worthy of a spot on your bucket list.
The Canary Islands are located off the coast of Morocco, but the easiest way to get to Tenerife is generally a two-hour flight from Madrid. If you are heading to Spain, consider adding an island visit before or after exploring the mainland. Or if Tenerife is your main destination, take a few days in Madrid in Barcelona.
Use this list of things to do in Tenerife as a guide to plan your time there or to inspire you for a future vacation on the island.
Hit the beaches
It’s probably not surprising that Tenerife is an ideal beach destination with black and golden sand beaches lining the island. To marvel at the black sand, head to Playa Jardín on the north side of the island in Puerto de la Cruz. There are several bars and restaurants nearby, and on a clear day, you can get a view of the tip of the volcano. Popular golden sand beaches include Playa de las Américas (also popular for its nightlife) on the south side of the island and Playa de las Teresitas in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. At most beaches, you can lie on the sand or rent chairs for several hours for just a few euros.
Eat local cuisine
You’ll find traditional Spanish food in Tenerife, such as tortilla española (Spanish omelette, an omelette with potatoes and onions) and paella (a rice dish usually loaded with seafood), but there are some unique local dishes that you must try.
Wrinkled potatoes (which literally means “wrinkled potatoes”) are small potatoes boiled and salted, sauces usually served with red and green mojo sauce as a side dish or just as a lid. And for dessert, order some churros. You’re probably familiar with sweet, but these are made fresh, not overly soaked in cinnamon, and served with a side of hot fudge sauce for dipping.
Other foods that are typical and common in the Canary Islands are gofio (a type of flour made from wheat or corn that is used in a variety of dishes), papayas, bananas, and wine. Food and drink in Tenerife is typically cheap. For example, a good-sized, sit-down breakfast in a restaurant probably costs no more than 5-10 euros, and a liter of good local wine can cost as little as 10 euros.
Take a walk
Tenerife has many scenic drives through its mountains and along its coast. While there is public transportation and guided tour buses, renting your own car will allow you to explore every corner of the island on your own schedule.
Here are some tips on the spot before hitting the road. Roads can be very narrow and windy, especially in the mountains, and there are not always strong guardrails. The roads are also very steep, which accounts for the several bruised and dented front bumpers you’ll see, caused by cars melting down a steep incline onto a level road, skimming the front of the car in the process. Due to the steep slopes, also be careful on the brakes when going downhill, or downshift to avoid burning the brakes.
That said, when you get behind the wheel, consider some of the following places, a mix of beaches, mountains and historic towns, as destinations or stopping points for your trip.
Summit Mt. Teide
The highest elevation point in Spain, Mount Teide is an active volcano that reaches 12,198 feet. Plan at least half a day to visit Teide National Park, where you can ascend to the top of the volcano by cable car. The Mount Teide cable car is a five-minute ride that offers panoramic views of the volcano and the surrounding national park, and will take you up to about 11,500 feet. (You can also hike the entire way if you are physically prepared to do so, but be careful with the increase in altitude.) If you want to reach the summit of Teide, which is about 650 feet higher than where the cable car drops you off, you will need a permit to climb that last leg. These are available in a limited supply, so you will need to order one several months in advance, even in the off seasons (March to May, October and November). However, you can usually get tickets for the cable car ride a few days in advance.
Once you get off the cable car, there are a couple of short trails around the top to provide different points of view. While a clear day will offer the best views, at 11,500 feet it is above the clouds so you can still enjoy the view on a cloudy day.
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See the dragon tree
Although this tree is found in other parts of the world, such as the Azores and Morocco, the one found in the city of Icod de los Vinos in Tenerife (the »Drago Milenario«) is supposedly the oldest of its kind. which is around 1,000 years old.It also stands out for its size at 60 feet tall.
The tree is instantly recognizable because it is unlike any other tree you’ve probably seen before – its base looks like several thick, intertwined roots that branch out into a broad, dominating crown. When the bark or leaves are cut, they produce a red sap known as dragon’s blood, which gives the tree its name.
Experience local life in Garachico
Located on the north coast, this quaint little town is often not a place for tourists, thus preserving a more authentic culture. Spend at least a couple of hours here eating something and walking around town. You can learn more about the history of the city by visiting the Convento de San Francisco, a former convent that is now a museum. Then, spend some time walking the volcanic coves, natural pools that were formed from lava after a volcanic eruption. If you are prepared for a short walk, return to the city, walk through the Plaza de Libertad and look for a path that goes up a hill; this path leads to a lookout point where you can get great views of the colorful buildings of the city. and the coast
Explore the historic city of La Orotava
La Orotava is one of Tenerife’s oldest cities, and was once home to some of the island’s wealthiest residents, which is evident from the beautiful architecture and mansions. One example is the famous Casa de los Balcones (house of balconies), which as the name implies, is a mansion with beautiful balconies overlooking the cobbled streets below. Another picturesque site to visit in the city is the Jardines del Marquesado de la Quinta Roja, an area of trails through lush and beautiful gardens. There is also a botanical garden where you can see a dragon tree.
Escape to the mountain town of Masca
Tenerife offers so much natural beauty, but the town of Masca on the west side of the island might be the most incredible. The path to get there is half the reason – going through the narrow mountain pass offers incredible views, and you’ll likely see other tourists stopping at the few available shoulders to stop and take some photos.
Once you get to Masca, the views don’t stop. From the souvenir shop and restaurant located on the mountainside, you can stop and enjoy a drink while enjoying the beautiful scenery. There are also some trails to walk further down the town and get a little closer to the unique vegetation of the area.
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Find adventure in Los Cristianos
If you head to this city on the south side of Tenerife, you will probably immediately notice that the climate here is drier and more desert than the lush, tropical north side of the island. Warmer temperatures and sunnier days make this destination popular for water sports and activities. Along Playa de los Cristianos, you will find various companies and opportunities for diving, snorkeling, dolphin and whale watching, fishing, and more. Head to nearby El Médano for windsurfing.
