14 Best Things to Do in Tenerife, Spain | First Timers Guide
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It is a common misconception that Tenerife is just one big beach resort. In reality, this island is incredibly diverse, boasting microclimates, historic cities, volcanic craters, and prehistoric rainforests.
I was born in Tenerife and now return every year with Carol, which means I’ve seen a very different side of the island than most visitors.
Depending on where you go and what you choose to do, you can have completely different holidays. To help you plan, here are our 14 best things to do in Tenerife, packed with the practical, local insights you need for a smooth trip.
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1. Go whale and dolphin watching
3. Swim in volcanic natural pools (charcos)
4. Explore the capital: Santa Cruz de Tenerife
5. Experience an authentic Guachinche
6. Walk the historic streets of San Cristóbal de La Laguna
7. Discover the misty forests of Anaga Rural Park
9. See the ancient Dragon Tree in Icod de los Vinos
10. Visit the town of Garachico
11. Explore Mount Teide National Park by day
12. Go stargazing on Mount Teide by night
In a hurry? Plan your trip to Tenerife now!
We’ve gathered top-rated recommendations for transport, accommodation, services, and tours below:
- Southern luxury: Bahia del Duque (9.0/10)
- Northern charm: Hotel Botanico y Oriental Spa Garden (9.3/10)
- In the capital: Hotel Emblemático Hi Suites (9.4/10)
1. Go whale and dolphin watching
The southwest coast of Tenerife, specifically the waters off Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje, is one of the premier spots in Europe for marine life. A resident colony of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins live here year-round, so sightings are almost guaranteed.
Our top recommendation is to avoid the largest, cheapest boat tours. They tend to be crowded and noisy. Instead, look for smaller, eco-certified vessels. They provide a much quieter, more respectful experience for the animals and a far better view for you.
This is our favourite tour, which we highly recommend to spend the most amazing time in the water! If you aren't renting a car, this tour also offers pick-ups from the south of Tenerife.
2. Visit Los Gigantes cliffs
Los Gigantes are massive volcanic cliffs that plunge up to 600 meters straight into the Atlantic Ocean. They are truly an iconic sight.
There are two great ways to experience them:
Drive to the town of Puerto de Santiago, which offers unique views of the cliffs. However, for the best photo opportunity, head to the Mirador Archipenque viewpoint.
The second way is booking a kayaking excursion or a boat trip to get a completely different perspective from the base of the sheer rock faces.
3. Swim in volcanic natural pools (charcos)
Tenerife’s coastline is dotted with charcos, natural pools formed by cooling lava. They offer a unique, beautiful alternative to hotel pools.
We actually saved our top natural pool recommendations on our Google Maps list with over 100 locations in Tenerife, including local food spots, beaches, stargazing spots, historic towns, and so much more. It will save you hours of research!
Tenerife: 100+ Best Locations
Discover the top food spots, landmarks, towns, beaches and more with our custom Google Maps list for Tenerife. Over 100 filtered locations for less than €3.50, literally less than the price of a coffee!
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4. Explore the capital: Santa Cruz de Tenerife
It is a gorgeous, walkable city filled with historic squares, local architecture, and excellent shopping.
It makes for a wonderful half-day or full-day trip. When you visit, focus your time around the Auditorio de Tenerife, the bustling shopping street of Calle Castillo, and the grand Plaza de España.
5. Experience an authentic Guachinche
You cannot truly experience Tenerife without eating at a Guachinche. These are simple, rustic, family-run establishments located primarily on the northern side of the island. Originally opened by local farmers to sell their own wine alongside a few homemade dishes, they offer massive portions, low prices, and incredibly authentic food.
If you are not renting a car, eating at an authentic guachinche will be extremely difficult, but not impossible. You can get taxis, but you will need to plan ahead and map out which ones you want to try.
When you go to one, make sure to order papas arrugadas, mojo and queso asado for a more authentic experience. Our top recommendation is Guachinche Toni y Virginia, which offers incredible, traditional food paired with stunning views.
We have included additional guachinches on our Google Maps list.
6. Walk the historic streets of San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Right next to Santa Cruz is La Laguna, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with a historic centre that is entirely pedestrianised, making it exceptionally relaxed to explore on foot.
Because La Laguna sits at a much higher altitude than the coastal resorts, it is frequently much cooler, breezier, and sometimes misty. Always pack a light jacket or sweater when visiting.
Since they’re side-by-side, it makes great sense to combine La Laguna and Santa Cruz into the same day trip.
Planning your trip? Check out our complete guide, Flying Into Tenerife South Airport: Everything You Need to Know, to ensure a smooth arrival.
7. Discover the misty forests of Anaga Rural Park
If you think Tenerife is entirely dry and volcanic, Anaga will completely change your mind. Located in the northeast, this ancient mountain range is home to lush, green laurel forests.
For a rewarding, easy walk that doesn't require specialised hiking gear, navigate to the Cruz del Carmen Visitor Centre and walk the Sendero de los Sentidos (Path of the Senses). It is a short, beautifully maintained loop trail that gives you the full experience of the damp, mossy forest.
If you’d rather do a guided experience, we highly recommend this tour.
8. Splash into Siam Park
Siam Park has repeatedly been voted the best water park in the entire world, and it completely lives up to the hype. It is massive, beautifully landscaped with lush tropical plants, and offers everything from adrenaline-pumping slides to a giant wave pool with an artificial white-sand beach.
Because of its global reputation, it gets incredibly busy. To make your day stress-free, always buy your tickets online in advance to skip the main ticket booth queues. If your budget allows, an all-inclusive ticket will make your day stress-free with unlimited skip-the-line rides.
Before booking your Siam Park tickets, check this guide: SIAM PARK: Everything You NEED to Know! (2026 Guide)
9. See the ancient Dragon Tree in Icod de los Vinos
Icod de los Vinos is a charming northern town famous for cobblestone streets, wine cellars, and its most iconic resident: the Drago Milenario (the thousand-year-old Dragon Tree). It is the oldest and largest tree of its kind in the world.
Carol and Max in front of the Drago Milenario in Icod de los Vinos, Tenerife
If you have extra time in Icod, look into booking a tour at Cueva del Viento, one of the longest volcanic lava tube systems in the world. Tickets are around €25 for adults, must be bought online in advance, and include an expert guide and safety gear.
10. Visit the town of Garachico
Very close to Icod sits Garachico, widely considered one of the prettiest towns on the island. In 1706, a major volcanic eruption sent lava flowing down the cliffs, destroying the town.
The town was beautifully rebuilt using the hardened lava. Today, it is famous for its historic architecture and its unique natural rock pools, El Caletón. Bring your swimwear just in case, and take a peaceful stroll through Plaza de la Libertad and past the small Castillo de San Miguel.
For the best things to do in northern Tenerife, check out this guide Tenerife North: 5 Unique Things to Do This Summer
11. Explore Mount Teide National Park by day
No first-time trip is complete without visiting Mount Teide National Park. Driving up from the coast is a fascinating experience; you will pass through lush pine forests before emerging above the clouds into a dry, vast lunar landscape that looks like the surface of Mars.
The two best areas to explore the unique lava formations on the crater floor are Las Cañadas and the Roques de García. If you wish to ride the cable car (teleférico) up toward the peak, you must book your tickets online weeks in advance, as they sell out daily.
Tenerife: 100+ Best Locations
Discover the top food spots, landmarks, towns, beaches and more with our custom Google Maps list for Tenerife. Over 100 filtered locations for less than €3.50, literally less than the price of a coffee!
Instant delivery. Compatible with any device.
12. Go stargazing on Mount Teide by night
Because the national park sits at a high altitude above the cloud layer and is completely free from light pollution, it is a certified international “Starlight Destination”. It offers some of the clearest views of the night sky on the planet.
You can simply drive up yourself after dark, pull into any safe roadside viewpoint inside the crater, and look up. However, for a truly memorable experience, consider a guided stargazing tour where the guide will walk you through the constellations.
13. Snorkel with sea turtles and rays
Tenerife's year-round warm waters host a rich variety of marine life, including green sea turtles and various species of rays.
While you can technically snorkel on your own, it can be quite challenging for first-timers because the animals generally do not stay right against the shoreline, and coastal currents can be powerful.
If you prefer to go independently, Playa del Puertito and Abades are your best options.
14. Try canyoning in Tenerife's ravines
For travellers seeking a unique, active adventure, Tenerife's dramatic volcanic ravines (known as barrancos) offer world-class canyoning.
Because it requires specialised ropes, helmets, and safety gear, this must be done with an authorised local guide. There are two main types of experiences perfect for beginners:
Wet canyoning: An adrenaline-filled route involving sliding down natural waterfalls and pools
Dry canyoning: A route focused on navigating spectacular, dry volcanic rock arches and formations.
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog, and if you have additional questions about Tenerife, do not hesitate to drop them in the comments section below!
