10 essential things to see in Tenerife

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is a destination full of contrasts. From volcanic sand beaches to lunar landscapes, charming towns, and a vibrant local culture. If you’re planning a visit, here’s a list of 10 essential things to see in Tenerife to make the most of your trip.

Picture credit: Wojciech Portnicki

 

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Anaga, an enchanted forest

Anaga Rural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is a natural treasure in northwestern Tenerife, boasting a unique landscape of laurel forests, endemic biodiversity, and contrasts between green peaks and rocky coasts.

Immerse yourself in its laurel forest, one of the best-preserved in Europe. This ancient ecosystem, covered in moss and giant ferns, will transport you to a fairy tale, to the planet’s green past.

Anaga is a “hotspot” of unique biodiversity, home to the largest number of endemic species in Europe, including the European wood pigeon and numerous invertebrates. You’ll be amazed by its varied landscapes, from deep ravines and towering cliffs to isolated black sand beaches. The contrast between the lush vegetation of the peaks and the rocky coast is simply spectacular.

Be sure to visit its spectacular viewpoints, such as Cruz del Carmen, Pico del Inglés, or Jardina, which offer breathtaking views. You can also cross the Fairy Tunnel, a magical road between rocks and vegetation.

Anaga is ideal for hiking, with trails for all levels, from the easy Path of the Senses (1.3 km) to the Old Road to Pico del Inglés or El Pijaral (the latter requires a permit).

On the coast, you’ll find pristine beaches of black volcanic sand like Benijo or Almáciga, perfect for enjoying the sun and the sea. Also, discover traditional hamlets like Taganana or Chinamada, where the local architecture and cuisine are preserved.

Practical tips: Wear appropriate footwear, warm clothing, bring water, and respect the environment. Visit the Cruz del Carmen Visitor Center for information.

Anaga is a must-visit destination for nature and adventure lovers! It combines nature, culture, and relaxation, perfect for exploring the wildest side of Tenerife.

 

La Laguna, World Heritage Site

San Cristóbal de La Laguna, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, is a must-see in Tenerife.

La Laguna is a pioneering city, the first non-fortified Spanish city with a checkerboard layout, which served as inspiration for American cities like Old Havana. Its historic center is unique, a true architectural gem with cobblestone streets, stately homes with wooden patios and balconies, and colorful facades that will transport you back centuries.

Its architectural heritage is remarkable: the Cathedral of La Laguna, with its impressive sacred art; the Church of the Conception, with a tower offering panoramic views; and palaces such as the Salazar Palace and the Lercaro Palace, which houses the History Museum. La Laguna has a vibrant university atmosphere as the home of the University of La Laguna, giving it a youthful feel with a multitude of cafes, bookstores, and a lively nightlife.

As the former capital of the Canary Islands, it has a rich cultural and religious legacy. Its pedestrianized center is ideal for strolling and exploring its charming squares and corners on foot. You can also enjoy its gastronomy and shopping, with craft shops, restaurants serving Canarian cuisine, and the nearby guachinches (food stalls) where you can try delicious homemade food.

La Laguna is a journey into the history and culture of Tenerife, with a vibrant atmosphere that blends past and present. A destination with soul!

 

Teno Rural Park

Teno Rural Park, located in the northwestern corner of Tenerife, is an ancient and diverse natural area, ideal for exploring the wildest side of Tenerife, as it is one of the first areas of the island to emerge.

Its geological landscapes are unique, shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity, with ravines, ridges, and towering cliffs, such as the Los Gigantes Cliffs. The biodiversity is exceptional, hosting varied ecosystems, from laurel forests to coastal vegetation, home to endemic flora and fauna.

The picturesque village of Masca is a jewel of the park, with its stone houses and the famous Masca Ravine Trail (reservation required and a round-trip hike). The park offers an extensive network of well-marked trails for all levels, ideal for exploring its diverse landscapes. Popular routes include the one leading to Punta de Teno Lighthouse, the leafy Monte del Agua, or Teno Alto, a peaceful hamlet where you can savor local cheeses.

Traditional hamlets like Teno Alto and El Palmar preserve rural architecture, shepherding, and goat cheesemaking, offering an authentic experience. The Los Gigantes Cliffs, volcanic formations up to 600 meters high, are visible from the park or on boat trips.

Finally, Punta de Teno, with its westernmost lighthouse, offers unparalleled sea views and sunsets, ideal for finding peace and quiet.

Teno combines nature, adventure, rural culture, and peace, making it an essential destination for discovering the wild essence of Tenerife.

 

Masca Hamlet

The Masca hamlet, in Teno Rural Park, is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful areas of Tenerife. It’s a must-see if you’re looking for spectacular scenery, an authentic traditional experience, and the opportunity to take one of the island’s most iconic and challenging hikes.

This hamlet retains a traditional charm with its stone and wood houses, evoking a true journey into the rural past.

Masca is famous for hiking the Masca Ravine, a challenging 5 km route (about 3-4 hours) that descends from the hamlet to a black sand cove in the sea. It’s important to note that advance booking is currently required.

The TF-436 road to Masca is an adventure in itself: winding and offering incredible views from its various viewpoints, such as Cherfe. This place is ideal for those seeking tranquility, offering a complete escape from the hustle and bustle and a deep connection with Canarian nature.

Tip: Wear appropriate footwear, reserve a spot for the trail, and drive with caution.

Masca is a gem for nature and authenticity lovers!

 

Los Gigantes Cliffs

Located on the west coast of Tenerife, the Los Gigantes Cliffs, part of the Teno Rural Park, are imposing volcanic walls with heights of 300 to 600 meters.

Known as the “Wall of Hell” by the Guanches, they plunge into the Atlantic, offering a breathtaking natural spectacle. You can admire the cliffs from the Archipenque Viewpoint, Los Guíos Beach, or on boat trips from the marina for an unforgettable view.

Additionally, in the area, you can enjoy whale watching activities, as the deep waters are ideal for seeing pilot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat during boat trips.

Water Adventures: Go kayaking, paddleboarding, scuba diving, or snorkeling to explore underwater caves and the rich marine biodiversity. Also enjoy natural pools like Charco de Isla Cangrejo.

Los Gigantes combines spectacular nature, adventure, and relaxation, perfect for lovers of the sea and unique landscapes. Don’t miss it!

 

Teide National Park

You can’t visit Tenerife without exploring Teide National Park. With a unique volcanic landscape, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it will transport you to another planet.

It’s also home to Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain, offering spectacular views and the option to take a cable car ride while admiring the Roque Cinchado and Roques de García, iconic rock formations that defy gravity. Stargazing is unparalleled, with dark and clear skies perfect for seeing a blanket of stars, and it will allow you to explore flora and fauna adapted to extreme conditions, including endemic species of great scientific interest.

We have a special page for Mount Teide, which you can access by clicking here: Teide

 

Orotava Valley

The Orotava Valley is one of Tenerife’s jewels. It stretches from the coast to the foothills of Mount Teide, offering spectacular panoramic views of the ocean, villages, diverse crops, and mountains. The combination of the blue Atlantic with the green of the valley and the majestic silhouette of Mount Teide in the background is simply breathtaking.

Charming villages with traditional architecture: The valley is home to three main municipalities with a rich historical and architectural heritage.

La Orotava, with its historic center, is a Historic-Artistic Site and a Site of Cultural Interest. It is famous for its stately homes with carved wooden balconies, interior courtyards, and steep cobblestone streets.

Don’t miss the Casa de los Balcones (House of Balconies), the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción (known as the “Cathedral of La Orotava”), and the Liceo de Taoro (Taoro Lyceum). Every year, its streets are decorated with carpets of flowers and volcanic sand for the Corpus Christi festivities.

Puerto de la Cruz is a coastal town with a unique charm that combines history, beaches, and a lively atmosphere. Stroll through its cobbled old town, visit the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia, or relax on Playa Jardín, designed by César Manrique, with its black sand and lush gardens. Enjoy its promenade, bars, and restaurants overlooking the Atlantic, ideal for immersing yourself in local life.

Los Realejos, with a more local atmosphere, offers coastal and mountain landscapes, as well as being famous for its fireworks tradition and its two main churches, Santiago Apóstol and La Concepción, which compete in festivities.

Also take the opportunity to explore the coast, with the routes along Rambla de Castro or take a dip at Socorro Beach.

Thanks to its orientation and the influence of the trade winds, the valley enjoys a pleasant climate and lush vegetation, with palm trees, dragon trees, and a wide variety of flowers that make it lush.

It is also the gateway to Mount Teide: from here, some of the most picturesque roads lead up to the National Park, offering spectacular views that change as you gain altitude.

The area is also a paradise for lovers of local gastronomy and wine, with authentic “guachinches” (small restaurants) where you can sample home-grown wine and homemade food, and an outstanding selection of restaurants, especially in La Orotava.

In short, the Orotava Valley invites you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty, history, culture, and traditions of Tenerife, offering a serene and authentic counterpoint to the vibrant life of other areas of the island.

 

Cueva del Viento, in Icod de los Vinos

If you’re looking for a fascinating underground adventure in Tenerife, your destination is the Cueva del Viento.

This geological wonder, located in the municipality of Icod de los Vinos, is not just a cave, but one of the largest volcanic tubes in the world. Exploring its depths is an experience that immerses you in the geological history of the island in a unique way.

With more than 18 kilometers of explored galleries, the Cueva del Viento is a labyrinth of passageways that formed some 27,000 years ago. As you explore it on a guided tour, you’ll marvel at the various lava formations: waterfalls, lava stalactites and stalagmites, side terraces, and “lakes” of petrified lava.

It is a tangible testament to the intense volcanic activity that gave rise to the island, offering a very different perspective from the outside landscape. The visit is a living lesson in volcanology, where expert guides will transport you through the geological ages.

Learn more at this link: Museums of Tenerife Cueva del Viento

Although the Cueva del Viento is the centerpiece, Icod de los Vinos is also home to the iconic Drago Milenario, a monumental dragon tree that represents Tenerife’s longevity and natural wealth. The presence of this ancient specimen complements the narrative of the island’s antiquity that the cave reveals, offering a contrast between underground and terrestrial life.

In short, while Icod de los Vinos and the Drago Milenario are attractions in their own right, the Cueva del Viento stands out as one of Tenerife’s most outstanding and unique experiences for geology and adventure lovers.

 

Costa Adeje

Costa Adeje, in the south of Tenerife, is the epicenter of sun-filled tourism, with golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Relax on the exclusive Playa del Duque or the family-friendly Playa Fañabé, perfect for sunbathing or practicing water sports such as jet skiing or paddleboarding. From the port of Puerto Colón, you can embark on exciting excursions to watch dolphins and whales.

But if you’re looking for adrenaline and top-notch water fun, don’t miss Siam Park, considered one of the best water parks in the world, with impressive slides and attractions for all ages.

In addition, the Costa Adeje area offers a wide selection of high-quality restaurants, luxury shops, and a lively promenade, ideal for enjoying the warm climate year-round.

 

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Here you’ll find a fascinating blend of history and modernity, with historic buildings coexisting with contemporary architecture and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. The city is ideal for shopping lovers, with a wide range of offerings, from large shopping centers to local boutiques and traditional markets.

Enjoy Santa Cruz’s cultural and artistic life. Don’t miss the avant-garde Tenerife Auditorium, the diverse museums such as the TEA (Tenerife Espacio de las Artes) and the Museum of Nature and Archaeology, and important events such as the famous Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival, declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest.

Relax on Las Teresitas Beach, one of the island’s most iconic beaches, with its golden sand brought from the Sahara and palm trees. García Sanabria Park, a green oasis in the heart of the city, invites you to stroll among fountains and sculptures. The Nuestra Señora de África Market, “La Recova,” is also a perfect place to immerse yourself in the local flavors and aromas, with fresh produce and a lively atmosphere.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is also an important seaport, with a lively harbor atmosphere and the constant arrival of cruise ships that give it an international touch.

 

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From the majesty of Mount Teide to the historic charms of San Cristóbal de la Laguna, the wild nature of Anaga, and the vibrant Santa Cruz, every corner of the island offers a unique experience, perfect for adventurers, culture lovers, and those looking to relax by the sea.

Plan your trip and be amazed by the magic of Tenerife!