Things to do & places to visit in Tenerife, Spain

Tribal Terenife still shows influence from the aboriginal Gaunches people. Visitors clamber to conquer Mount Teide (Spain’s tallest peak) and to stretch out on the sands of Los Gigantes. Squawk hello to the playful parrots of Loro Park, or brave the petrifying drive to beautiful Masca Valley. For a true taste of Terenife, sample fresh farmhouse cheese and local bananas. A piece of delicate calado canario lace makes a special souvenir.

Tenerife island in , Spain. Timezone: Atlantic/Canary, current date and time: Thursday, May 16, 2024, 2:45.

Top things to do (16)

• Volcanos
• Gardens
• National Parks
• Water Parks
• Historic Sites
• Fountains
• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Architectural Buildings
• Valleys
• Geologic Formations
• Zoos
• Bodies of Water
• Mountains
• Religious Sites
• Beaches
• Nature & Wildlife Areas

Top places to visit (23 attractions)

1. 4.5 Volcan El Teide (13.6k reviews)
   - Highest peak in Spain
   Volcanos
   
   
   If you want to go with the cable car on Teide volcano, the ticket is around 38 euros for a return trip. The cable car reaches 3500m. You can also reach the peak, if the weather is good and have a special authorization. From the cable car viewpoint you can enjoy some nice views over the park, seeing the old vocano (there is information about the development of the volcano) The temperatures are low on Teide, so I would recommend to dress acordingly. See more..
   
2. 4.5 Lago Martiánez (6.451 reviews)
   - Perfect place when waves are high
   Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Water Parks
   
   
   The Costa Martianez Tourist Complex, also known as Lago Martianez, is a leisure and entertainment zone comprising seven artificial seawater swimming pools and a large lake, as well as gardens, terraces, islands, viewpoints, solaria, cultural spaces, bars and restaurants. It currently constitutes the symbol and main tourist attraction of Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, the most traditional and prestigious tourist city on the Canary Islands. The Costa Martianez Complex is the pride of Puerto de la Cruz and all of Tenerife. The quality and beauty of its facilities provide the visitor with the most suitable environment for bathing and relaxing and, thanks to the Canary Islands’ privileged climate, can be enjoyed at any time of the year. See more..
   
3. 4.5 Teide National Park (5.847 reviews)
   - A must visit
   Spent 1-2 hours Mountains • National Parks • Geologic Formations • Volcanos
   
   
   Strange volcanic rock formations and spectacular scenery distinguish this park, which surrounds Mount Teide, an active volcano and the highest peak in Spain. See more..
   
4. 4.5 Playa del Duque (5.707 reviews)
   - Prettiest beach in Costa Adeje
   Beaches
   
   
   Beautiful Beach Great beach with lots of cafes and a shopping centre near by. There were lots of people seeking tho he’s on the beach, but we didn’t mind. We bought a big towel off someone and others were selling mojitos, massages, sun glasses. They weren’t particularly pushy, just calling out what they were selling. There was even someone selling doughnuts and someone else selling fruit. The water was lovely and clear and there was plenty of places to just lay down with towels rather than rent Sun beds. See more..
   
5. 4.5 Botanical Gardens (Jardin Botanico) (4.872 reviews)
   - Great garden, well labelled, needs some refreshments
   Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Gardens
   
   
   We always visit Botanic Gardens at the places we visit. Some disappoint, some delight. This one was in the delightful category. It is set out as a formal garden with rectangular beds around a central pond and fountain. The plants are well cared for and each is labelled. Some of them were planted in the 18th century and are by now huge. Others are up to date modern cultivars, for example some very big variegated Monsteras. I was particularly impressed with the tree ferns, varied selection and very large. The entrance fee of three euros and reductions for kids, students and pensioners is super value. I only wish there had been a small kiosk selling drinks and ice cream etc. See more..
   
6. 4.5 Monkey Park (4.231 reviews)
   - Day trip to monkey park
   Thursday: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Zoos
   
   
   Visited here for few hours with older kids found it really enjoyable kids loved interacting with animals . We had great pics taken with parrots 13 Euros for two photos thought was reasonable . We really enjoyed it for few hours would say it’s good for all ages would highly recommend. See more..
   
7. 4.5 Playa de las Vistas (3.141 reviews)
   - Brilliant
   Beaches
   
   
   Fantastic apartment .we had a sea view was beautiful everything you need to hand is minuites away brilliant location. Staff were lovley and helpful we will definitely be returning Book a sea view room with own sunbeds well worth it See more..
   
8. 4.5 Masca Valley (2.795 reviews)
   - Must see location
   Valleys
   
   
   Have been before a few times and have settled on using buses which this year was problematical. We travelled from Los Cristianos via Adeje and Santiago de Teidi. Late buses and an a large crowd for the return trip from the valley meant no room on the smaller mini bus but we eventually escaped. No taxis available. I suspect this was a post covid one off problem. If you want hassle free then take a booked trip or hire a taxi at a price. The Valley itself is well worth the trip. Stunning views and plenty of walks. The area is very scenic. See more..
   
9. 4.5 Playa de Fanabe (2.270 reviews)
   - Lovely beach & sunbeds
   Beaches
   
   
   Went here several times & always found a space. Sunbeds are under an "umbrella" with a small table. There was a bar nearby with a few tables if you needed a drink. We also use to leave our towels on the sunbeds & go for a walk in the local shops or restaurants. The price at the time we went was €9 per bed & you could stay as long as you wanted. Someone used to come round & collect the money. There was usually some background music from the nearby bar which we enjoyed also. See more..
   
10. 4.5 Mercado Municipal Nuestra Senora de Africa (1.906 reviews)
    - Worth a visit at any time
    Thursday: 7:00 AM - 2:30 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    This is worth a visit even if the market is not open, just to see the architectural beauty of the buildings. The market was just closing before Christmas when we visited so we did not make any purchases. But it was fascinating to see the beautiful building. I hope to go back when the market is open! See more..
    
11. 4.5 Playa El Medano (1.743 reviews)
    - Small, quiet with good restaurants
    Beaches
    
    
    First time to Tenerife and El Medano was recommended to us. It is a lovely little town/resort, which has retained its 'Spanishness'. There are only a couple of larger hotels and developments seem to have been sensibly restricted. This is a great place for doing nothing/very little apart from walking n the sun/getting a sun bed on the beach and eating in the many good restaurants and cafes. The exception to this is the kite and windsurfing, El Medano has the ideal conditions for these if you want to do more than just relax. These surfers also give the place a good vibe. The town seems to suit the more mature traveller and families.We went for a week looking for relaxation and to escape the building work going on in our home and El Medano was the perfect place for us to relax in the sun. See more..
    
12. 4.5 Orotava Valley (1.267 reviews)
    - Repeat visit to a beloved area - the town of Orotava
    Valleys
    
    
    We love visiting this town only a short drive from Puerto de la Cruz. We enjoy visiting the Victoria Gardens which are immaculately kept and taking in the spectacular views from this hilly area. There are many places of interest, traditional buildings with wonderful balconies, many domes, and churches as well as flowers and trees. There are plenty of restaurants but we have a favorite - Cafeteria Venezia where the tapas are delicious and resonably priced. See more..
    
13. 4.5 Tenerife Auditorium (Auditorio de Tenerife) (1.208 reviews)
    - An iconic building of the Santa Cruz cityscape
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
    
    
    Auditorio de Tenerife is avant-guarde, in its’ architecture and its’ programme. An open space, communicative, that connects with everyone: jazz, opera, dance, rock, pop… See more..
    
14. 4.5 Piscinas Naturales El Caleton (1.198 reviews)
    - Unmissable
    Beaches
    
    
    These pools are extraordinary and well worth seeing. In winter the sea is very rough and some of the paths constructed round are closed. But still well worth exploring. It helps to read first how they were formed after the eruption in the 18th century. Unmissable. See more..
    
15. 4.5 Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria (1.055 reviews)
    - Lovely
    Historic Sites • Religious Sites
    
    
    Took the 102 bus to Santa Cruz, then boarded the 122 to the Basilica. Lovely day out, bus journey comfortable. 16.50 euros return altogether for both journeys for 2 people. Too much history to write about this place but take a trip if possible. Lovely little town for a day out, black sand on beach, will definitely visit again if we return to Tenerife. See more..
    
16. 4.5 Las Montanas de Anaga (1.030 reviews)
    - Fabulous scenery but badly sign-posted walks!
    Mountains
    
    
    Cruz del Carmen has an information centre with staff who speak many languages so it is not difficult to make your requests, but once on the path, the free map is not so helpful and often the signposts are non-existent. However, the scenery is absolutely stunning, so even if you get lost, it's still a fabulous place. We arrived by bus from La Laguna, but if you drive, you will need to get there early as the car park fill up quickly. A small cafe sells food and drink (tuna pasties are highly recommended!). See more..
    
17. 4.5 Playa El Bollullo (995 reviews)
    - Beach and path down closed
    Beaches
    
    
    Lovely walk round the coast and through banana plantations from puerto de la Cruz, took about 40 mins. Got there on 26th Feb, life guard at top, work going on on the cliffs leading down to beach, car park closed and path fenced off with permanent sign saying access prohibited. Beach Churinguito looked very much closed up so no we settled for a coffee in the top bar/ restaurant which had lovely views out over. Public footpath round also stopped here. See more..
    
18. 4.5 Taganana (531 reviews)
    - Beautiful village accessible by public bus from Santa Cruz de Tenerife
    Historic Sites
    
    
    We took the public bus from Santa Cruz de Tenerife up to Taganana village. The bus only cost a few euros per person and the views on the journey were spectacular. Taganana village was pretty and peaceful and we spent about an hour just wandering around. Then we walked from Taganana village along the main road down to Almaciga beach where we had lunch. Overall a great day trip and very affordable if you take the public bus which runs every few hours (timings are available on Google maps). See more..
    
19. 4.0 Playa de las Teresitas (4.582 reviews)
    - Beach day
    Beaches
    
    
    Visited here when staying in Puerto Cruz, it was about a 40 min drive each way and easy to find. Plenty of free parking close to the beach Lots of space when we visited and its a very big beach you'd need a huge amount of people for it to be full or busy. Very well organised with a bar/cafe,toilets and showers at equal distance points all along so you're never far from the facilities. The food was surprisingly good and good value for a beach cafe, recommend the chefs salad and my husband enjoyed his chefs burger which was very generously filled. Very cheap to rent beds and a parasol, think it was €6 per couple per day. There was also cabana beds to rent. Lovely sea and mountain views. Definitely recommend See more..
    
20. 4.0 Park Las Aquilas Jungle Park (2.936 reviews) from $32.12
    - A good day out
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    
    
    Es la única jungla de Europa de vegetación salvaje, con 75.000 metros cuadrados acoge a más de 400 animales y más de 100 especies diferentes. No podrás olvidar los 2 increíbles shows, de leones marinos, y de aves rapaces. Disfruta del feeding de los pingüinos de Humboldt, mapaches y coatíes. Águilas, halcones, buitres, marabús, grullas, ibis, flamencos, cisnes, cigüeñas, loros, guacamayos, cotorras, tucán, casuario y un sinfín de aves exóticas que aportan, si cabe, un toque más artístico a nuestro pequeño paraíso con sus habilidades. Orangutanes, titís, cocodrilos, suricatas, coatís, emúes, mapaches, servales y muchos más… Vive experiencias únicas caminando por el Aviario de vuelo libre, caminando entre lémures y el Gran Jardín de Orquídeas. La gran novedad para 2023 será la llegada en marzo de un grupo de nutrias asiáticas. Desde nuestro restaurante a la carta "La Palapa" podrá disfrutar del espectáculo de leones marinos en directo mientras degustas nuestra oferta gastronómica. See more..
    
21. 4.0 Playa Jardin (2.749 reviews)
    - Beautiful beach with massive strong waves.
    Beaches
    
    
    Visited in January with two kids 11 and 12. Waves were massive and very scary. Red flag and two lufe guards but still some people went playing in the waves. We played far up from the waves and still you felt how easy it is to fall and get swept away. Saw some parents not paying close attention and small kids got scared. So be careful. Beach is beautiful, black soft sand and gorgeous view. We walked from northern Puerto de la Cru, approx 30 min and great walk through the city. See more..
    
22. 4.0 Los Cristianos Harbour (2.682 reviews)
    - Great to Ferry Watch
    Bodies of Water • Beaches
    
    
    Great place to watch the Ferries coming in & out. Loved my Pickie of Armas with the crane looking like it's fitted to the top of it The crane is working on the sea wall, strengthening it, & is going to be there for sometime, visible from much of Los Cristianos. Normally loads of smaller fishing boats & booze cruise boats using the harbour, but their numbers are drastically reduced in these uncertain times, even The Ragnarock has been sitting there for over 6 months & hasn't moved. Luckily the 3 different ferries keep the harbour busy with their trips to La Gomera La Palma & El Hierro. See more..
    
23. 4.0 Fountain Las Americas (2.082 reviews)
    - Very pretty !!
    Fountains
    
    
    The fountain show at 9 PM is one of the major attraction in South Tenerife. It's really very attractive. Beside fountain there are a lot of bar and restaurants on the upper level which are very popular with tourists. This entire area remains very crowded in the evening. Worth seeing... See more..