Tenerife: The Most Beautiful Island of the Spanish Archipelago - Spain
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Destinations > Europe > Spain > Tenerife: The Most Beautiful Island of the Spanish Archipelago
Tenerife, Canary Islands
One of the main eight islands of the Canary Islands, Tenerife, is considered the most populated island in Spain. With about five million tourists visiting each year, Tenerife is known as the most visited island of the archipelago. This island is also where the famous Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is held each year.
What to do in Tenerife
Other than beaches and seafood restaurants, Tenerife is the home to the third-highest volcano in the world! At 3,718 meters, Mount Teide is considered Spain’s highest peak. The beautiful nature surrounding this island combined with the great weather year round is why this island is the top destination for tourists all over the world. You can relax on the breathtaking beaches, go for a hike at their national park, enjoy fresh plates of seafood, and much more!
We’ve listed some of the top places to visit in Tenerife, so get ready to add them to your list! For an extra special trip that’ll mean more to you than just a vacation, consider picking up the short - but completely packed - Culture and Customs guide before you go! For example, one thing you should know about Spain, and the Canary Islands, is that the people tend to have a mentality to put things off until tomorrow - so you should come with a flexible concept of time! We wouldn’t have been prepared for that without this great little guide!
RELATED: Amazing Day Trips from Tenerife: La Gomera, and El Hierro
Puerto de Guimar
Located on the east coast of Tenerife, the name Puertito de Guimar simply means a small port of Guimar. It was originally founded by fishermen from Guimar, which is a larger part of town a few kilometers away from the coast. This area is not too crowded with tourists and is more of a relaxed town filled with low colorful buildings accompanied by tall palm trees.
At Puertito de Guimar Tenerife, you can find a 700-meter dark lava sand beach called Playa del Cabezo. This beach is safe for swimming as there are rarely waves because of the breakwaters. There are no watersport activities, but along the beach you can find a few good restaurants and cafes to dine in such as the Chibusque Terrace Restaurant. You’ll appreciate their range of delicious fresh fish and shellfish while enjoying the view of the beach in front of you.
Malpaís de Güímar
Also known as the Badlands of Guimar, this unique volcanic landscape is the home to a variety of succulent plants and Lagartos Tizones or the Black and Blue Lizards. This is indeed the perfect place for those who love hiking and nature.
At Malpaís de Güímar, we highly recommend walking the easy 10 kilometers hiking trail along the coast where you will go around an extinct volcano, the Montaña Grande, that erupted about ten thousand years ago!
Following this trail will lead you to the beautiful sea where you get to see a small fishing village. The red sand combined with the black solidified lava will definitely make you feel like you’re on a different planet. Combined with the coastal views and the ocean waves, it really makes you feel alive!
Puerto de la Cruz & Castillo San Filipe
Located on the north coast of Tenerife Island, Puerto de la Cruz is one of the first tourism destinations in the world. The highlight of this location is called the Old Town of Puerto de la Cruz. This beating heart of the city is a must-visit especially at night when it becomes even more alive with some bands playing music around the area. Interested in a flamenco show? Check out the Abaco Mansion on Thursdays. You can book tickets in advance here.
You can also find great boutique restaurants and bars along the narrow streets. A few steps away is the Plaza del Charco - a spot surrounded by palm trees and Indian Laurel. Also acting as the main meeting point in Puerto de la Cruz, you can find even more restaurants and ice cream stalls here.
If you feel like swimming, head on to Lago Martianez, a leisure complex that has a huge artificial lake surrounded by emerald pools and restaurants! Designed in the ’70s by Cesar Manrique, this 100,000 square meters open-air swimming pool complex is a perfect spot for both adults and children.
Other than a leisure complex and bars, you can also find a historical port in Puerto de la Cruz called El Castillo San Felipe Tenerife. Built in the early 16th century, it is said that the fort was constructed as protection against the pirates. Castillo San Felipe Puerto de la Cruz might look slightly forbidding from the outside, but a visit here during the sunset will not disappoint you - so get ready to snap some photos during the golden hour! (Click here to see the camera we personally use)
Photo courtesy of Steph & Lewis of “Book It Let's Go!”
Loro Park
Loro Park Gran Canaria, which directly translates to “Parrot Park” is a 33-acre zoo that houses about 4,000 parrots as well as both aquatic and non-aquatic animals. At this park, you can get a chance to see various species of beautiful and colorful parrots such as the Eclectus Parrot, Hyacinth Macaw, and even the Great Black Cockatoo! Other than that, you can also find dolphins, sharks, western gorillas, sea lions, and jaguars in the zoo.
There are four different shows that you can watch at the park including the Sea Lions Show, Parrot Show, the Dolphinarium, and Orca Ocean. These shows usually last around 30 minutes, so plan your visiting time properly if you want to watch all four!
The Loro Park tickets cost around 38 Euros for adults and 26 Euros for children. However, you can get lower prices if you buy the Loro Parque tickets online! [UPDATE 2020: Loro Park is temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue to check their official website for updates.]
Playa de Benijo
This heaven on earth is located in the north part of Tenerife and in the municipality of Anaga. You’ll also get to see beautiful views along the journey to this remote beach. However, those who are prone to car sickness should be extra prepared as you have to endure a lot of road curves.
Once you’ve arrived, you need to get down a set of stairs to get to the Benijo beach. Do keep in mind that this is considered as a wild beach - this quiet beach is not crowded and there are no sunbeds or bars around. If you are planning to go to this beach, it is highly recommended for you to stay until sunset.
The magical view when the glimmering sea meets the red horizon will leave you in awe! Also, keep in mind that Playa de Benijo Tenerife is also permitted to be a nudist beach, but with how rocky the beach is we would be surprised if you actually saw any nudists out there anyway. We didn't see any when we went in April, but don’t get too stunned if you see some!
Parque Natural de Anaga
One of the pearls of the island, Parque Rural de Anaga Tenerife is a great destination if you want more adventurous activities that will reward you with a spectacular view at the end. Located on the east side of Tenerife, Anaga Rural park was formed by a volcanic eruption 9 million years ago! Today, this place is filled with various species of animals, trees, and vegetables.
The Anaga Rural Park Walks - or the hiking trails - found here are classified from easy to medium difficulty and they generally take less than two hours to complete. So, this place is suitable even for those who are traveling with families!
However, do wear appropriate clothing and bring along your jackets since the journey could be quite windy. The starting point of this adventure is at the mountain village called Chamorga. From there, you can just follow the signs and enjoy the beautiful scenery. At the end of the trail, you’ll be rewarded by a spectacular view of Roques de Anaga - two monolithic rock formations in the middle of the deep blue ocean.
Visit Playa de Benijo and Parque Anaga in one day on this guided tour that also includes a visit to San Cristobal de La Laguna, the only city in the Canary Islands that has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Parque Maritimo Cesar Manrique
This entertainment complex was designed by the architect Cesar Manrique in the city of Santa Cruz and next to the Palmetum of Santa Cruz de Tenerife - a botanical garden filled with tall palm trees. You can even see the Auditorio de Tenerife, a Tenerife auditorium that is famous for its great arched roof from the entertainment complex!
The moment you enter this 22,000 square meters complex, you’ll notice that the whole place is designed with the elements of nature such as volcanic rocks, palm trees, and ornamental plants. There’s even a small beach at the park! Here, you can find a total of three pools, a beautiful artificial waterfall, a hot springs jacuzzi, and a children’s play area.
There are also a number of other facilities in Parque Maritimo Cesar Manrique Tenerife - and we recommend spending more than just a couple of hours here! Actually, you could spend a couple of nights here, or even a week if you're planning on hiking out in Anaga.
Parque Nacional del Teide
Teide National Park is considered as the biggest park on the Canary Islands and is centered on Mount Teide – the highest mountain in Spain. The landscape of the park is no doubt spectacular from every angle – plus it's also been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The volcanic scenery, combined with the frozen lava fields and amazing rock formations will make you feel as if you’re standing on the moon, or even Mars, itself! Try a sunset hike for some spectacular views.
Other than that, you can also find small villages around the area. For an even higher view, take the cable car to get even more breathtaking views of the whole park. However, if you plan to hike here, do keep in mind that you’ll need a Teide National Park Permit to climb the mountain – check out their website here to apply for the permit.
Described by NASA as a window to the universe, Parque Nacional del Teide is rated as the third best place in the world to stargaze. During this stargazing tour, you can gaze at the shiny stars with the prehistoric rock formations and pine forests as your background! Also, if you’re planning to visit Tenerife during the springtime, be sure to look for the Red Burgloss, a unique plant with thousands of tiny red flowers that can grow up to 3 meters high!
Observatorio Astronomico
Other than the sun and beaches, Tenerife is also famous for science and its volcanoes. The Teide Observatory is located on Mount Teide, at an elevation of 2,390 meters above sea level. It first operated in 1964 and focuses mainly on solar observations and robotic astronomy.
At Mount Teide observatory, you can get a guided tour where you’ll learn about the importance of the sky in the Canary Islands. You can also get a chance to observe the sunspots and solar flares through the telescopes as well as explore the inside of a nocturnal telescope!
Acantilados de los Gigantes Tenerife
Translated as Cliffs of the Giants in English, these vertical cliffs surrounding the ocean reach a height of 500 meters! Other than that, a lot of activities can be done at Acantilados de los Gigante, such as whale watching - where you will be on the Los Gigantes boat trip searching for a group of pilot whales swimming freely in the deep blue ocean. Along the tour, the guide will fill you in with endless info about the whales and other aquatic life. You may even see other friendly marine animals – such as dolphins and turtles – swimming around your boat. [Book your experience here]
Another fun activity that you can join is the kayak Acantilados de los Gigantes where you’ll be touring around the cliffs while paddling your kayaks! If you have no experience with kayaks before, don’t worry as the guides will provide you with a double kayak which is suitable for beginners!
Kayaking near the giant cliffs provided for some unique views, including some old trails that people used to hike down in the past - however, when we stopped for a short snorkel experience, the water was colder than we expected!
BONUS TIP: If you are interested in experiencing more sea wildlife, you can also go snorkeling with turtles and kayaking with dolphins near Los Cristianos. You won’t get the view of the giant cliffs, but you’ll likely have a more exclusive/private wildlife experience.
Masca Hamlet
The beautiful Masca Valley Tenerife is a tiny hamlet in the folds of the ancient Teno Massif, west of Tenerife. On your way to this small village, you can stop by Cherfe Lookout Point which offers an amazing view of the whole hamlet.
Once in the remote village, you can find small cottages lined up along the mountain ridges. Even though the area is small, you can take a Masca Tenerife tour that'll help you locate a few valuable treasures such as Casa de Los Avinculados as well as a tiny church that dated back to the 18th century.
The Hamlet of Masca is definitely worth a visit as it is the best example of the natural architecture of the Canary Islands. Plus, this place had also been declared as an ethnographic and architectural site!
HEADS UP: The road to Masca is narrow with many hairpin turns along the mountain edge, so if you don’t feel comfortable driving out there yourself – we recommend having a guide take you. [Reserve a guide here] You can also enjoy the views along the way better – if you’re the driver you’ll need to focus all your attention on the winding roadway rather than the breathtaking scenery.
El Drago
Also known as Drago de Icod de Los Vinos, this magnificent 20-meters tall tree is the oldest living specimen of Dracaena Draco in the world! Located in the northern part of Icod de Los Vinos Tenerife, this Tenerife Dragon Tree had been declared as a national monument back in 1917. It's a type of tree that really doesn't exist anywhere else in the world today.
However, the age of this specimen has been much disputed - some people believed that this dragon tree is about 2,500 years old while other studies suggested that it is not more than 1,000 years old. In fact, some folks even believe that this is the oldest tree on the planet! Due to its huge size, El Drago is visible from the village nearby, but to get a closer view of the park, a small ticket fee is required which will cost you 5 euros.
SEE IT ALL: There is so much to see in Tenerife, it’s hard to fit it all in! This tour lets you visit all the best highlights in one day: Mt. Teide, Masca, El Drago, and on certain days even Los Gigantes! [Book tickets here]
This photo is actually of kayaking at Acantilados de los Gigantes, one of the other highlights above.
Adeje
Adeje is a town that can be found about 60 kilometers southwest of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Other than having the best seaside resort for families, there are actually a lot of Costa Adeje attractions available! For instance, you can find one of the most scenic beaches here called Playa Fanabe – an amazing beach overlooking the blue waters of the Atlantic Sea. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars along the coastline to keep your stomach full.
Besides lying around the beaches, make your Costa Adeje holidays unforgettable by going canyoning! This super adventurous tour will also give you a chance to practice rappelling techniques at the Gula Ravine, one of the most exciting ravines on the island! [Reserve your spot here!]
You can also experience the beauty of the underwater world here in Adeje by going on a snorkeling tour to get close to the turtles, dolphins, and other small marine livings. Kayaking is also available in this town.
Photo courtesy of Karen from “AreWeThereYetKids.com”
Siam Park
Also located in Costa Adeje, this Siamese themed water park is said to be the most thrilling water attraction in Europe! The water park is filled with a variety of slides and rides that both adults and children will enjoy.
There is an area called the Wave Palace where you can dive in and experience the biggest artificial waves in the world!
For kids, they can play in the area called The Lost City where towers, bridges, and 15 water slides can be found.
If you are an adrenaline junkie, do not leave Siam Park without getting on the Tower of Power - a water slide with a height of 28 meters where you’ll be sliding 80 km/h through a huge aquarium full of sharks and rays!
The theme park opens daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Siam Park tickets cost around 38 Euros for adults and 26 Euros for children. For more detailed information about the Siam Park Tenerife prices, log on to their website here. [UPDATE 2020: Siam Park is temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue to check their official website for updates.]
For more information about what to expect from Siam Park with kids, check out “Siam Park: tips for a fantastic visit with kids”.
[editors note: a photo of Jungle Park was not available at the time of publication. If you have a photo of this location and would like it to appear here - with photo credits and/or a link to your site - please let us know!]
Jungle Park
Located close to Adeje and Los Cristianos, the 7.5 hectares Las Aquilas-Jungle Park is home to more than 500 animals. The park consists of several walking paths with tunnels, waterfalls, caves, as well as suspension bridges.
Other than leopards and Bengal tigers, the main star of this place is the two white lions from South Africa – Nanouk and Magda.
The park also has a few shows that demonstrate the hunting skills of falcons and eagles. You can also watch a show where exotic birds - like macaws and hornbills - show off their skills.
Don't miss the attraction called “Bob” where you will be driving a bobsleighs through an 800-meter long jungle crossing track! This ride is similar to the Rodelbahn in Kandersteg, Switzerland. Note: The Bob attraction has an additional fee separate from the Jungle Park admission ticket. It currently runs 4 Euros per ride.
The Jungle Park opens daily from 10.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. The Jungle Park Tenerife Tickets will cost you around 28 Euros for adults and 20 Euros for kids aged 5 to 10. Get your tickets in advance here.
Rancho Canario Soup
A Traditional Dish from the Canary Islands
Must-do Tenerife Spots
Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, surely does have a lot to offer. With not only amazing views of the beach, this island also has a wide variety of fun activities that should be tried – from thrilling water parks to stargazing at Mount Teide. So, don’t forget to apply your sunscreen and make sure you have enough energy as you will be spending most of your time outdoors and participating in these fun Tenerife activities all day long!
One way to make sure you don’t miss the highlights of Tenerife is to book a bus tour to see it all. Check out these popular options:
RELATED: Looking for other places to visit in Spain? Check out 3 Days in Seville: The Perfect Itinerary in the Andalusian Capital
FAQ’s
How can I get to Tenerife from mainland Spain or other countries?
Tenerife is served by two airports: Tenerife North Airport and Tenerife South Airport. You can find flights from major Spanish cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, as well as from other European destinations such as London, Paris, Berlin, and Amsterdam. You can also take a ferry from Cadiz or Huelva in southern Spain, or from Gran Canaria or La Palma in the Canary Islands.¹²
What are the best times to visit Tenerife and what kind of weather can I expect?
Tenerife has a mild and sunny climate all year round, with average temperatures ranging from 18°C in winter to 25°C in summer. However, the weather can vary depending on the altitude and the location on the island. The north tends to be cooler and wetter than the south, which is drier and warmer. The mountainous areas can experience snow and strong winds, especially around Mount Teide, the highest volcano in Spain. The best times to visit Tenerife are spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller.³
What are some of the cultural and historical attractions that I can see in Tenerife?
Tenerife has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, influenced by its native Guanche people, its Spanish colonizers, and its African and Latin American connections. You can explore the colonial architecture, museums, and churches in the historical towns of La Laguna, La Orotava, and Garachico. You can also learn about the Guanche culture and history at the Museum of Nature and Archaeology in Santa Cruz, or visit the pyramids of Güímar, a mysterious site of ancient stone structures. Tenerife is also famous for its festivals and celebrations, such as the Carnival of Santa Cruz, one of the largest and most colorful carnivals in the world, or the Romería de San Benito, a traditional procession of folk music and dance.
(1) Tenerife - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenerife.
(2) Tenerife 2024: All You Need to Go Before You Go - Tripadvisor. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g187479-Tenerife_Canary_Islands-Vacations.html.
(3) Tenerife travel - Lonely Planet | Spain, Europe. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/canary-islands/tenerife.
Enjoying the coast of Puertito de Guimar - April 2018
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