Refreshing natural pools, breathtaking hiking trails, and the towering Teide – all this is Tenerife.
The Canary Island, located west of Africa, offers so much for nature lovers and those who love to stay active. In this article, we’ve summarized our best things to do in Tenerife, along with our highlights and favorite sightseeing spots.
If it’s your first time landing in Tenerife, the initial impression of the south with its concrete blocks and crowded beaches might be misleading. But don’t be fooled – the true Tenerife starts where the all-inclusive tourism ends.
North and South of Tenerife
Generally, Tenerife can be well divided into the north and south. The northern part of Tenerife is lush and green, while the south features rugged cliffs and barren landscapes that resemble the Martian terrain of Fuerteventura.
The temperatures in the north tend to be a bit cooler, and the sky is often covered with thick clouds – in the south, however, the sun shines for several hours daily.
Tip #1: Head quickly to the island’s interior and explore the north from there: Here, far from the all-inclusive resorts, you’ll find the greener, more relaxed Tenerife.
By the way, we often book our rental cars through Check24.de* – here you can specify all your desired options (our tip: always choose without deductible), compare all providers perfectly, and find the cheapest car for your trip. And if something comes up, you can usually cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance. 🙂
In northern Tenerife, you’ll find pristine places. Wild natural beaches surrounded by steep vineyards and lush banana plantations, and forest areas as far as the eye can see. Hike through mystical forests and discover sights that you won’t find on any postcard.
Our best things to do in Tenerife at a glance – roughly from west to east:
Best things to do in Tenerife – Masca
Masca is a small mountain village in the west of the island and attracts many visitors – including us, in search of our Tenerife highlights. Why is that? The Masca Gorge leading to the sea is quite impressive. But first, you’ll have to gain some altitude by bus or car along a series of switchbacks. Once you’re there, you have two options to view the gorge:
From the viewpoint
The first option to view the Masca Gorge is from the “Viewpoint Masca”. Once you arrive in Masca – and if you’re traveling by car and find a parking spot – you can take a short path down past some cafes to a platform for a 360-degree view of the gorge. However, the view from the parking areas above is a bit better as it’s even higher.
From the gorge itself
If you love spectacular experiences, crave a challenging activity, and are experienced, you can make your way down with a helmet. The gorge is ideal for a hike down to the Atlantic coast – a descent of 750 meters. From there, you have two options: 1. hike back up or 2. take a water taxi to Los Gigantes and return to Masca from there.
It’s important to mention that this hike can be quite challenging, especially the ascent back to Masca. Therefore, you should only undertake it if you have experience with ropes and helmets.
Since the hikes are only possible on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays – not during the week – this option wasn’t available for us.
Entry is regulated to 25 places every half hour – being early pays off. Ideally, you should also arrive by bus to avoid the limited parking spots.
+++ Update July 2024 +++
In June 2024, there were only combination tickets for the ascent and descent – the water taxi was not running, and the only option was to hike down and back up the gorge. As of July 2024, the restriction has been lifted, and all options are available again: you can hike only down, only up, or both. (estimated time required: about 8 hours)
✐ Location: Masca
$ Cost: from €29.96 per adult
☼ Info: only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays | 25 places every half hour
All current updates and information about the Masca hike and ticket reservations can be found at this link.
Best things to do in Tenerife – Garachico
Garachico, a picturesque town on Tenerife’s northwest coast, stands out for its rich history, impressive architecture, and charming atmosphere. Once the island’s most important port, Garachico today is a fascinating place that delights visitors with its blend of culture, nature, and tradition.
Plaza de la Libertad: The central square of the town is surrounded by beautiful colonial buildings and invites you to relax. Here you can watch the laid-back hustle and bustle of the locals and soak up the atmosphere.
Another highlight in Garachico is the natural seawater pools. The Piscinas Naturales de El Caletón were created by cooled lava flows and invite you to refresh yourself and enjoy a snorkeling experience in their crystal-clear water.
Best things to do in Tenerife – Pico del Teide
Pico del Teide, Spain’s highest mountain and the symbol of Tenerife, is a must-see for every traveler who doesn’t mind heights (and can snag a ticket in advance). The majestic volcano dominating the Teide National Park offers not only breathtaking views but also a variety of hiking and climbing routes to the summit.
Hiking Trails with Views from Teide
For the athletic ones
Here, the Montaña Blanca trail is recommended, taking about 5-6 hours to reach the summit. The strenuous hike starts at 2,350 meters at the foot of Montaña Blanca (Sendero 7) and leads through an impressive volcanic landscape. Be sure to start early in the morning to experience the sunrise at the summit.
Upon reaching the “La Rambleta” station, continue on the Telesforo Bravo (Sendero 10) for about an hour along the sulfur scent to the peak Pico del Teide “El Pilón”, from where you can see the neighboring islands on a clear day.
For the leisurely ones
For a more leisurely ascent, get a ticket for the cable car “Teleférico del Teide”. In just eight minutes, it takes you to an altitude of 3,555 meters. From the “La Rambleta” station, it’s about 150-200 meters more to the summit via the Telesforo Bravo (Sendero 10), an hour-long hike. However, you need a permit for this. More info below.
Important Info for Climbing Teide | Pico del Teide “El Pilón”
- Permit: To ascend from the “La Rambleta” station, you need a permit. You can either book this for free on the official site, or – if you’re short on time – through an official provider via a guided tour. These providers usually reserve several spots in advance, so you can still get a permit if the regular capacity is full. The access is currently regulated to a maximum of 200 people per day for a 2-hour slot at the crater. Generally, it’s important to book 3 months in advance as the demand is high and often sold out weeks ahead. (!)
- Access: Must show ID and permit
- Cable Car: Tickets for the cable car can be found at this link. Currently, the cable car runs from 9 am to 5 pm every 10 minutes, with the last admission at 4 pm.
- No permit needed: For Mirador de la Fortaleza, Mirador de la Rambleta, Mirador de Pico Viejo at the “La Rambleta” station
Getting to Teide
Getting to Teide is straightforward. You can reach the national park by car from any part of the island in about an hour. However, parking can be an issue as spots fill up quickly, even early in the morning. Public buses also regularly run to the park. Bus line 348 runs from Puerto de la Cruz and line 342 from Costa Adeje directly to Teide.
Teide National Park Admission Fees
Entrance to Teide National Park is free. However, if you opt for the cable car, it costs about €37 per person round trip. A one-way ticket costs €22 per person.
Packing List for Teide
- sturdy footwear
- plenty of water(!)
- sunscreen (also cap/hat)
- warm clothing (it can get quite chilly and windy at higher altitudes)
- headlamp if you start your hike early
A visit to Pico del Teide is an unforgettable experience offering a unique combination of nature, adventure, and spectacular views.
Best things to do in Tenerife – Rambla de Castro
Another one of our Tenerife highlights is Rambla de Castro.
Rambla de Castro, often simply referred to as “El Castro”, is a hidden historical gem on Tenerife. This archaeological site on the island’s north coast offers a fascinating glimpse into the past of the Guanches, Tenerife’s indigenous people.
Rambla de Castro winds along the coast, making it perfect for a small hike. The 2 km path runs past numerous palm trees, offers a stunning view of the beach “Playa de Castro,” and can be easily extended if needed.
Finish off with some papas arrugadas at the Mirador de San Pedro restaurant at sunset, and the day couldn’t end more beautifully.
✐ Address: Camino del Guindaste 3, 38410 Los Realejos, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
$ Prices: free
☼ Opening hours: year-round 24/7
► Info: The atmosphere here at sunset is really lovely <3
Best things to do in Tenerife – San Cristobal de La Laguna
San Cristobal de La Laguna also made it to our list of the most beautiful places in Tenerife. And this despite it being a city, while we usually prefer nature to cities.
San Cristobal de La Laguna is small, bustling, and full of opportunities to enjoy good food. This charming town with colonial flair is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers you a glimpse into the Canary Islands’ past. Just wander through the small center and let the rest happen naturally. We particularly liked the area around Plaza Doctor Olivera.
Here are our 3 San Cristobal de La Laguna highlights:
- Enjoy the coffee culture: La Laguna is known for its vibrant café culture. At Café “El Rincón de Tintín,” for example, you can leisurely enjoy a cup of Canarian coffee and soak up the city’s atmosphere.
- Discover local markets: The farmers’ market Mercado de La Laguna offers fresh, local products and is the perfect place to sample Canarian specialties. Here you’ll find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to traditional sweets.
- Evening tapas tour: The city comes alive in the evening, and a tapas tour is a must. In Calle Herradores, you’ll find numerous tapas restaurants where you can sample Canarian specialties and local wines. We particularly liked the tapas bar La Despensa de la Concepción at Plaza Doctor Olivera.
✐ Location: San Cristobal de La Laguna
$ Costs: /
► Info: Parking is good here
If you’re still looking for suitable accommodation, you’ll find it on Booking*. We mostly book our accommodations through this booking tool – with Genius Level 3, you can often benefit from discounts, and most accommodations can also be canceled spontaneously. It’s always our first option when looking for accommodations.
Best things to do in Tenerife – The Anaga Mountains
The Anaga Mountains are a paradise for those who love hiking and enjoying nature. We did several hikes in this area and were thrilled by the views we had after a few drops of sweat on our skin and several meters of elevation behind us. So beautiful!
The Anaga Mountains are a mountain range stretching from north to south over a width of 5-10 km and almost 20 km in length, glowing in green. There are countless hiking trails here that lead through valleys, gorges, forests, or mountains. With its lush laurel forests, rugged mountain peaks, and breathtaking views, this area offers a unique experience away from the usual tourist paths. To give you a little taste, here are some of our snapshots:
Highlights on Tenerife | Hiking Trails in the Anaga Mountains
- Sendero de los Sentidos: An easy but beautiful hiking trail, perfect for a short hike. It leads through lush forests along several signs with information about the region’s flora and fauna.
- Ruta de las Vueltas de Taganana: A more demanding hike that takes you through the traditional village of Taganana and along the coast. But the spectacular views of the sea and mountains make it all worth it!
- Pico del Inglés: Another great hiking trail leading to one of the highest points in the Anaga Mountains. From here, you have an incredibly beautiful 360-degree view of the entire island.
Highlights on Tenerife | Viewpoints in the Anaga Mountains
- Mirador de Jardina: This viewpoint offers a great view of the La Laguna valley with Teide in the background. Perhaps even at sunrise or sunset when the light is super magical.
- Mirador de Cruz del Carmen: A popular starting point for many hikes and known for its view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. There’s also a visitor center here with information about the region.
But besides these hikes, we’ve compiled our top 3 hiking trails in Tenerife in this detailed article.
Best things to do in Tenerife – Punta del Hidalgo
Punta del Hidalgo attracted us because of the famous natural seawater pools. The Piscinas Naturales de Punta del Hidalgo are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, although it can get a bit crowded here.
Coastal Hikes: The hiking trail from Punta del Hidalgo to Chinamada offers spectacular coastal views and runs through the impressive Anaga mountain landscape. This path is ideal for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Best things to do in Tenerife – Candelaria
Candelaria was the perfect place for us, whether you lean towards hiking or surfing – you’re quickly in the north in the Anaga Mountains area and just as quickly in the south for surfing. And at the same time, Candelaria is also a place where you can work remotely well.
Julian regularly went to the gym here, we enjoyed our coffee while playing backgammon at Dulceria El Rayo Candelaria, and the bar Morgan’s Foodie surprised us with incredibly delicious homemade burgers.
These were our absolute favorites when we think of Tenerife. Are you planning a trip to Tenerife and still unsure about arrival, travel time & climate, and accommodation options? Then feel free to read on. 🙂
Getting to Tenerife
If you’re traveling from Germany, you have several options to get to the island.
Tenerife by plane – the easiest option
There are numerous direct flights to Tenerife from German airports. Our flight was quite expensive for both the outbound and return trip, but we only booked 2 weeks in advance and returned on Easter Sunday, which turned out not to be the cheapest return flight option.
Tenerife by ferry
You can also reach Tenerife by ferry, e.g., from Fuerteventura or Lanzarote, or from the mainland in Spain. Ferries from the mainland are quite expensive and take more than 30 hours, as we found out. If traveling by ferry is an option for you, you can get more information here.
Travel time & climate in Tenerife
We haven’t been to any travel destination on our previous trips where the weather changes so quickly.
You leave the south of the island in bright sunshine, head north, climb several meters in altitude. Flora & fauna change, green increases in color around you, and the temperatures drop by 3-4 degrees in a short time as you climb higher.
Do you have more highlights or attractions in Tenerife that no one should miss? Feel free to share them in the comments! <3
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