Tenerife is the most popular member of the Canary Islands, which I can confirm! Beautiful mountains, beaches, and settlements characterize this Spanish island.
The island is one of Spain’s main tourist destinations and the site of one of the world’s largest carnivals. Distant travelers are fascinated by the island’s duality: the massive, dark mountains and sandy beaches. Together with neighbouring Gran Canaria, it is one of the most popular Spanish destinations.
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Tenerife attractions
Teide
Tenerife’s largest natural attraction is this 3,718-meter-high mountain, visible from almost everywhere as it sits in the center of the island. Although it’s an active volcano, it last erupted in 1909.
The Earth’s 3rd largest volcano can be approached on foot and by cable car (with a bit of walking), but a permit is required. The Teleférico del Teide cable car starts from an altitude of 2,356 meters and goes up to 3,555 meters.
The highest parking lot below the peak (about 2,200 meters high) can be reached by main road from both north and south. From here, you can hike up to the Altavista refuge. The altitude and the sulfurous smell from the volcano make climbing difficult, so make sure you’re in good physical condition before attempting it!
Cable car prices, opening hours, and all information can be found here.
Puerto de la Cruz
What makes this city worth choosing is its typical Spanish atmosphere. It’s also a good starting point for climbing Teide, with a beautiful winding road leading to the base of the mountain.
Although it’s a well-developed resort town, its architecture, culture, and food have retained the Tenerife style. All this is reflected in the palm-lined seafront promenade, shopping streets, and old churches.
Its most famous attraction is Loro Parque, a world-renowned zoo and amusement park, especially known for its parrot collection.
Another popular site is Lago Martiánez, a unique, man-made lagoon complex designed by the famous Spanish architect César Manrique. Here, swimming pools, palm trees, and decorations made of volcanic rock create a unique environment on the beach.
El Sauzal
This small town is located between Puerto de la Cruz and the northern airport, along the main road, and it’s definitely worth stopping!
The town is also known as a continuous viewpoint, as there’s a beautiful panorama from almost everywhere.
Icod de los Vinos
This small town is home to the world’s largest dragon tree, which only grows on a few tropical islands. This specimen is over 500 years old.
It’s worth taking a short walk in the town; the Plaza de La Pila is considered the most beautiful square on the island.
The world’s largest volcanic cave, the Cave of the Winds (Cueva del Viento), is also located here. Underground labyrinth passages on three levels form it, where visitors can admire the cave’s geomorphological beauty. According to speleologists, at 18 kilometers long, it’s one of the largest in the world. Tickets and opening hours can be found here.
Garachico
It’s worth stopping in this village between Puerto de la Cruz and Masca.
The village was destroyed by a volcano in 1706, creating interesting pools on the shore that were occupied by water. The rocks between the pools have been paved, so you can walk among them.
Los Gigantes
One of Tenerife’s spectacular natural wonders is located on the west coast.
The impressive cliffs, from which the city gets its name, are 500-800 meters high and descend steeply into the Atlantic Ocean.
The city has a small, volcanic sand beach called Playa de los Guios. Due to the proximity of the cliffs, the beach is particularly protected from larger waves.
Masca
The former pirate village nestles among the steep rocks of the Teno Mountains and is a must-see attraction.
The village was once a secluded, hard-to-reach mountain settlement; an asphalt road was only built to it in the 1970s. Thus, it has preserved the old style quite well.
It’s interesting not only because of the village itself but also because of the road leading there! A steep serpentine road with many turns leads there, and two cars can barely fit side by side. Because of this, I recommend taking a bus from Santiago del Teide so you can enjoy the scenery all the way.
From the village, an approximately 8 km hiking trail leads through a gorge to the seaside. It’s a difficult hike and there’s a fee. You can book a time slot online here.
Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos
These two neighboring cities in the south are the island’s holiday center. It’s a real resort area with many hotels, apartments, and entertainment options.
Its best beach is Playa de Las Vistas, with promenades lined with all kinds of shops and restaurants.
If you want a passive holiday, this is the place to come, as there are several excursion options in the area that you can do with children as well.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The capital of Tenerife is extremely charming, and it’s worth taking a look around if you’re in the northern part!
However, it’s best known for its carnival, which is the world’s 2nd largest such event after Rio. The street parade is the main element of the carnival, during which the city’s population pours into the streets and celebrates in carnival costumes with music and dance.
Take a walk on Rambla de Santa Cruz street, which with its huge trees, seating areas, cafes, and shops is a favorite of both locals and tourists.
Next to the Rambla is the city’s bullfighting arena. Since bullfights were banned years ago, the arena is now mainly used for concerts and other performances.
Playa de las Teresitas
The most beautiful beach in the northern part is located a few kilometers from the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
It’s a golden sand beach, as the shore was filled with Saharan sand back in the 1970s. The bay is surrounded by mountains, so the view from the water is fantastic. On a clear day, you can see Teide in the distance.
The beach is protected by an artificial reef, so the water is usually calm and wave-free, which is ideal for young children. Palm trees and tropical plants line the beach, giving you a Caribbean feel.
The most beautiful view of the beach is from the road running along the hillside (Mirador Las Teresitas). If you’re driving, definitely go up here because the view is wonderful.
Anaga National Park
When I was in the southern part and checked out of my accommodation, the receptionist insisted that I shouldn’t miss Anaga in the northern part. This is a large forested area with huge laurel forests and valleys cut through it.
I can only recommend that you drive from the capital or San Andres (from Teresitas beach) to the Cruz del Carmen visitor center, from where you can take short and long hikes to the surrounding areas. You won’t be disappointed by the sometimes eerie hiking trails among the laurel trees!
Turning off Route 12 towards Benijo, we find several beaches on the coast, but be prepared for colder water than in the south and more frequent winds. However, we’re greeted with a great view from below.
