Explore Tenerife
Plan Your Trip to Tenerife: Best of Tenerife Tourism
Essential Tenerife
Tenerife’s top outdoor adventures
- Parque Rural de Anaga300Starting in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, drive a half hour to Anaga Rural Park. It’s home to one of the world’s last remaining laurel forests, known as Laurisilva. This subtropical wonderland has lush canopies, deep valleys, and viewpoints of the rugged shore. There’s hiking for all levels, too, as well as those with accessibility needs. Make sure to ask a guide where the moss-covered walls are and snap an Instagram photo (or ten).
- Los Gigantes753Ever seen Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher? Well, the Acantilados de Los Gigantes, which jut dramatically from the sea, are Tenerife’s version. Cruise by the bluffs in a kayak or paddleboard, which you can rent at the port nearby. Around the 2,500-foot cliffs, you’ll often see dolphins, colorful fish, and sea turtles pop their heads above the surface. Or, take a whale-watching tour to spot bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales out at sea.
- Volcan El Teide13,677You can’t miss Tenerife’s towering epicenter, El Teide volcano. The trek to this 12,000-foot peak (the tallest in Spain) spans 11.6 miles via the Montaña Blanca trail. If you’d rather rest your legs (I don’t blame you), ride the cable car eight minutes to the top of this lunar-like beast. Tip: Consider the elevation if you have breathing difficulties, and keep an eye on the weather as storms tend to move quickly in these parts.
- Refugio de Altavista874In Teide National Park, stay at Altavista Refuge, the park’s only shelter. (There are beds and a fireplace to keep warm in the cabin.) You can also camp here, but you’ll need to get a permit at the park’s visitor center. On a clear night, the stargazing is spectacular. In fact, it’s a designated starlight reserve for its minimal light pollution and clear night skies—trust me, it’s worth it.
- Cueva del Viento2,789Fun fact: The Wind Cave was formed by an eruption nearly 30,000 years ago. Now, the underground system is one of the longest volcanic tubes in Europe, stretching 11 miles near the town of Icod de los Vinos. Highlights include stalactites and stalagmites, roughly 30 animal species unique to the cave (creepy crawlers, beware), and a steady breeze that gave the cave its name. Don’t forget to pack a jacket as it’s colder underground.
- Playa del Duque5,746Tenerife has more cobblestoned streets than bike paths, however, cyclists will be happy pedaling along the paved, generally flat Costa Adeje Promenade. Just north of Playa de las Americas, this six-mile waterfront stretch passes plenty of restaurants, shops, and beaches—Playa del Duque is a favorite—where you can take a break along the way. Tip: It’s best to go in the morning (around 8 a.m.) when the weather is cooler and there is less pedestrian traffic.
- Finca Las Margaritas Banana Experience231Bananas are an important product in Tenerife and a cornerstone of the island’s history. In fact, bananas are its largest export, dating back to the 15th century. You’ll see the palm-like plantations everywhere, and you can tour one at Finca Las Margaritas on the southern coast. With a guide, you’ll peruse the crops, learn about their history, do a banana taste test (yum!), and take home some locally-made goodies like banana jam.
Explore Tenerife by interest
Spend the day at sea
Raise a glass
For the architecture buff
Tenerife, after dark
See nature do its thing
Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Tenerife
In the words of those who've been there before ...
What is the best way to get there?
Flying:
There are two airports on Tenerife, Tenerife South (Reina Sofia) near Los Cristianos and Tenerife North (Los Rodeos) by La Laguna. Buses connect the airports to the main cities.
Do I need a visa?
If you’re visiting Tenerife from overseas, check here to find out if you need a visa.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring. Tenerife’s warm climate makes it an attractive destination all year round. Easter and summer are the busiest times, due to families taking advantage of the school break, so if you want fewer crowds, aim for spring or fall. Spring temperatures are typically in the low and sit somewhere around 70 Fahrenheit (21.1 Celsius).
Car
Having your own vehicle is ideal for getting to the more remote corners of the region. There are a number of rental companies on the island, or, for the best price, book before you leave home.
Bus
TITSA, the island’s public transport system is cheap and reliable. If you plan to make multiple trips, it's worth buying a plastic Ten+ Travel Card, which gives you discounted fares on almost all bus routes. You have to swipe your card when you board and when you get off. The same card can be used by several users.
More information here.
Taxis
Taxis are plentiful, safe, and reliable. You can hail them on the street or call ahead.
Are there local customs I should know?
- We recommend staying at one of the most popular hotels in Tenerife, which include:
- Some of the most popular restaurants in Tenerife include:
- Tenerife is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:
- We recommend checking out these popular tours when looking for something to do in Tenerife:
- If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Tenerife between March and May, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between March and May.