Skip to search
List
7 nights

Best things to do in Tenerife

Tenerife bound? Here are the best things to do.

Find the best things to do in Tenerife, from hiking through Teide National Park to relaxing on some of the Canary Islands’ best beaches… 
 

Tenerife has always been a crowd-pleaser. It might have something to do with the Canary Island's year-round sunshine and the fact there’s so much more to do beyond the beach. It’s definitely an island of two halves. On one hand, you can enjoy the peace and quiet of its whitewashed villages, lunar landscapes, and – depending on where you stay – either ebony or ivory sandy stretches. On the other hand, action-packed days out and buzzing nights are just as well taken care of. But what should be top of your to-do list? Here we count down the best of the best activities on this volcanic isle…

When you're ready to get, check out our best Tenerife deals.

Take your pick of beaches

If it’s vast golden beaches you’re after, and plenty of them, you’ve come to the right Canary. And it’s not just any sand. Oh no. These M&S-quality grains were specially shipped in from the Sahara. Let’s face it, there was probably enough to spare. On the island’s south coast, big resorts like Playa de las Americas, Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje are the most popular spots.  Alternatively, you’ll find loads of black-sand coves away from the big towns. Playa de la Arena is a good shout if you prefer your coastlines dark and brooding.
Two children playing on a sandy beach

Hike through Teide National Park 

Holidays aren’t necessarily a time to kick back and do absolutely zilch. Believe it or not, some people like to pack their trainers along with their flip-flops, so they can work up a sweat on trails, rather than next to the pool. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a more of a relaxed ambler, the sci-fi-esque terrain of Mount Teide National Park caters for walkers of all levels. Or, if that sounds too much like hard work, hop on the cable car instead – you’ll be zipped to the summit of Mount Teide, where your camera will be working overtime.
Teide National Park

Go on a whale-watching tour 

It’s not just on dry land where the action takes place in Tenerife. Take a cruise on a Catamaran, and keep your eyes peeled for the resident population of pilot whales… one of the many species who skim the shores. And they’re not the only watery wildlife you’ll spot – if you're lucky, you might just catch a glimpse of bottlenose dolphins. The boat trip from Playa de la Vistas is proof you don’t need a long-haul flight to come face-to-face with some of nature’s more exotic characters.
Whale fin out of water

Swim in the lido at Lago Martianez 

Puerto de la Cruz’s stylish open-air lido features pools, fountains and waterfalls, all wrapped up in tropical gardens. It was designed by the man synonymous with Canarian art and architecture, Cesar Manrique, so you could say it’s the lazy way of experiencing a bit of island culture. Don’t forget your sunnies – the cobalt water is dazzling stuff.
Lago Martianez

Visit the remote mountain village of Masca 

Northwestern Tenerife showcases Tenerife’s rugged side, and a guided tour of Teno Rural Park is the best way to see the beauty of the place. You’ll be taken to remote mountain villages like Masca – it’s only home to about 90 villagers, and their houses look like they’re clinging to the rocky mountainside for dear life. In fact, the village is so cut-off there wasn’t even a road to get into it until fairly recently, and it got the name ‘the forgotten village’. The views stretch over a deep gorge and beyond to La Gomera, and they’re well worth the trip. 

Landscape with Santa Cruz

Spend a day in Santa Cruz de Tenerife 

Joint capital of the Canary Islands, the port city of Santa Cruz has a real buzz about it. Cruise ships and ferries keep things lively down by the harbour, which is flanked by the Auditorio de Tenerife – a vast auditorium that looks like it’s straight from the space age. Wander away from the waterfront, though, and things take on a more traditional vibe in the historic quarter. The Church of the Immaculate Conception is the gem in the city’s crown – you’ll struggle to miss its lofty bell tower – and the Nuestra Senora de Africa marketplace is a must-visit for foodie take-homes. 
Landscape with Santa Cruz
Read to book your break?

Check out all our Tenerife holidays and book things to do in Tenerife.

For more inspiration, check out the best beaches in Tenerife, best things to do in Costa Adeje and how to spot wild dolphins and whales in Tenerife.

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles. ​

Author: Katie Gregory

Last updated: 27.8.2024

Holiday Type

Destination

Show more