Tenerife is more than just Europe's year-round sun guarantee. It's an island where you can hike volcanic craters at sunrise, spot whales and dolphins in the Atlantic, explore ancient lava caves, and relax on golden-sand beaches, all within easy reach from major cities across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

Tenerife received over 7.38 million visitors in 2024, with continued growth into 2025, making it the most visited Canary Island. The archipelago as a whole welcomed a record 18.39 million tourists in 2025, up 3.48% year-on-year.

For travellers seeking reliable warmth without the long-haul journey, Tenerife offers average temperatures that hover around 22-26°C even in January, and summers that stay comfortably under 30°C, making it ideal for families, couples, and outdoor lovers who want consistent sunshine without scorching heat. 

Prefer to watch instead? Check out our 2-minute video highlighting the best of Tenerife. Looking for more detail? Keep reading for in-depth guides, local tips, and ways to save on your booking.

In this guide, you'll find 16 of the best things to do in Tenerife, from summiting Mount Teide to swimming in natural rock pools, plus practical tips on how to book your trip for up to 30% less than Booking.com and Expedia.

Tenerife Travel Essentials

Visa Requirements and Entry

Tenerife is part of Spain in the Schengen Area, so most international visitors need a valid Schengen visa to visit. Apply at least 3 months before your trip through the Spanish consulate or authorised visa centres in your home country. Tourist visas allow stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Flights and Getting There

There are no direct flights from most international destinations to Tenerife, but typical journeys take 7-9 hours with one stop via Madrid, Barcelona, London, or other major European hubs. Emirates, flydubai, British Airways, and various European carriers all offer connecting flights with a total travel time of around 8 hours on average.

Best Time to Visit

Tenerife enjoys year-round sunshine, but the best time to visit depends on your goals. December to March offers 22-26°C warmth perfect for escaping cold winters, while May to September brings the driest, clearest weather for hiking and beach time. Avoid August if you dislike crowds, as this is the peak European summer holiday season.

Payment Methods and Currency

The currency is the Euro, and 1 USD is approximately €0.87 (as of June, 2026), though you should check current rates before travel. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted across Tenerife, including at most restaurants, shops, and attractions. American Express is less common. 

However, smaller rural restaurants, markets, and rural accommodations may only accept cash in Euros, so carry €50-100 in cash for incidental expenses. ATMs are widely available in all towns and tourist areas.

Getting Around the Island

Car rental is recommended for exploring beyond resort areas and costs €25-50 per day depending on the season. The bus network operated by TITSA is extensive and connects all major towns, with single tickets costing €2-5 and day passes costing €10-15. Taxis are widely available, and metered fares from airports to resorts cost €40-80.

Connectivity and SIM Cards

SIM cards are available at Tenerife airports and supermarkets from carriers like Movistar, Vodafone, and Orange, with tourist SIMs costing €10-20 and including 10-20GB of data. Wi-Fi is free in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants.

What to Pack

Pack light layers year-round and bring a light jacket for Teide summit evenings. Bring sturdy walking shoes for hiking and sandals for beaches. High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are essential as UV levels are high even in winter.

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16 Best Things to Do in Tenerife

1. Hike (or Take the Cable Car) Up Mount Teide

Tenerife's defining feature is Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak at 3,718 metres and the third-tallest volcano in the world. The UNESCO-listed Teide National Park receives over 4 million visitors annually, and hiking, or even just viewing, this volcanic giant is non-negotiable for any Tenerife itinerary.

The cable car takes you from 2,356 metres to 3,555 metres in just 8 minutes, offering panoramic views of the entire Canary archipelago on clear days. For the adventurous, a free permit (which you should apply for 2-3 months ahead via the official park website) grants access to the final 163 metres to the true summit.

Sunrise or sunset visits offer the most dramatic lighting and fewer crowds, and winter months from December to February bring snow to the summit, creating a surreal contrast with the island's palm-lined beaches below.

The park is about 45-60 minutes by car from Puerto de la Cruz or Costa Adeje, and guided tours from the south cost €40-70 per person, including cable car tickets. Book your cable car ticket online in advance because it sells out weeks ahead in peak season, and bring warm layers since summit temperatures can drop to 5°C even in summer.

2. Visit Masca Village

Perched on a dramatic clifftop in the Teno Mountains, Masca is Tenerife's most photogenic village. Its whitewashed houses cling to razor-sharp ravines, and the surrounding landscape feels more Andean than Canarian.

The Masca Gorge hike is a 5-kilometre, 3-4 hour trek that descends from the village to Masca Beach, passing through one of the world's most dramatic canyons. Even if you're not hiking, the village itself offers stunning mirador viewpoints, traditional Canarian restaurants, and artisan shops.

It's about 45 minutes by car from Los Gigantes, and the final approach involves narrow, winding roads, so drive carefully or join a guided tour. Visit early morning before 10am to avoid crowds and midday heat, and note that the gorge hike is closed periodically due to rockfall risk, so check the official Tenerife tourism website before planning your trek.

3. Swim in Natural Rock Pools at El Caletón

El Caletón, near Garachico in north Tenerife, is a network of volcanic rock pools filled with crystal-clear seawater. Formed by lava flows from the 1706 eruption of Mount Teide, these pools offer a calm, natural alternative to the ocean's waves.

The pools are free to access, safe for families with shallow areas for kids, and offer stunning views of Mount Teide on clear days. Facilities include showers, toilets, and waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood.

The best time to visit is mid-morning for the best light and fewer crowds, and you should avoid weekends in summer when locals flock here. It's about 40 minutes from Puerto de la Cruz or 1 hour from Costa Adeje, and you can combine this with a visit to the nearby San Marcos beach, a black-sand cove with a charming fishing village and traditional Canarian restaurants.

4. Whale and Dolphin Watching in the Atlantic

The channel between Tenerife and La Gomera is one of the world's best locations for spotting resident pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. Over 30 marine species inhabit these waters year-round, thanks to the nutrient-rich Atlantic currents. If you're lucky, you might also spot sperm whales, orcas (seasonal), loggerhead turtles, or flying fish. 

Boat trips depart from Los Cristianos, Puerto Colón, and Los Gigantes, ranging from 2-4 hours, and most include snorkelling equipment, refreshments, and marine biologist guides.

The best time is year-round, but the calmest seas occur from May to October, and morning departures offer the best wildlife sightings. This is one of the best things to do with children in Tenerife, and works in every season.

Trips cost €35-65 per person for 3-hour catamaran excursions, or €100+ for private charters. Choose smaller boats with a maximum of 20 passengers for better wildlife encounters, as larger party boats focus on music and drinking rather than wildlife.

5. Spend a Day at Siam Park

Siam Park, located in Costa Adeje, consistently ranks as the world's best waterpark. This Thai-themed aquatic wonderland features 18 slides, a massive wave pool, and a 2.5-metre artificial beach, all powered by solar energy.

The Tower of Power is a 28-metre vertical drop through a shark tank, and the Thai-graded waves at Siam Beach, plus the Amazon River lazy river, make it ideal for families and thrill-seekers alike.

Visit on weekdays in shoulder season from April to May or September to October to avoid queues. Admission is €42 for adults and €28 for children, and you should book online 7 days ahead for a 10% discount. Arrive at opening time at 10 am to secure sunbeds and hit the biggest slides before queues build, and rent a locker for €7 to store valuables.

6. Visit Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz

Loro Parque, in Puerto de la Cruz, is a 13.5-hectare animal and botanical park that doubles as a conservation centre. Home to over 4,000 birds, including 350 parrot species, plus gorillas, tigers, and dolphins, it's one of Tenerife's most established attractions.

The daily parrot shows included in admission are genuinely impressive, and the park's conservation work, particularly with endangered macaws, adds ethical weight to your visit.

Morning visits when the park opens at 9:30 am let you see animals at their most active. Admission is €36 for adults and €24 for children, and combo tickets with Siam Park are available for €71 for adults. Allocate at least 4-5 hours to see the entire park, as the orchid house and penguin enclosure are often overlooked but worth the detour.

7. Explore or Hike Anaga Rural Park

Anaga Rural Park, in northeast Tenerife, protects 14,000 hectares of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Its laurel forests date back to the Tertiary period over 20 million years ago, making them among Europe's oldest ecosystems.

The Sendero de los Sentidos or Path of the Senses is an easy 1.5-kilometre loop with interpretive panels, while the Pico del Inglés hike offers panoramic views for moderate hikers. Over 100 marked trails exist for all fitness levels.

The park is best visited year-round, but the clearest views occur from November to March, and you should avoid summer midday heat. It's about 30 minutes from Santa Cruz de Tenerife or 1 hour from Puerto de la Cruz. Download the official Anaga app for offline trail maps, and note that fog can descend rapidly at higher elevations, so carry a physical map as backup.

8. Visit the Pyramids of Güímar

The Pyramids of Güímar are six step-pyramid structures built from volcanic stone. Their origins remain debated, with some attributing them to ancient indigenous Guanche people, while others suggest 19th-century agricultural terraces.

The site includes a museum, an ethnographic park, and two restored pyramids open for climbing, and guided tours included in admission explain the ongoing archaeological research.

Visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak sun. Admission is €10 for adults and €5 for children, and audio guides are available in 9 languages. Combine this with a visit to the nearby Güímar town, known for its traditional Canarian architecture and local cheese producers.

9. Relax on Playa de las Teresitas

Playa de las Teresitas, near Santa Cruz, is Tenerife's most famous beach, a 1.5-kilometre crescent of golden sand imported from the Sahara in the 1970s. Palm trees line the promenade, and calm, shallow waters make it ideal for families.

The beach is free to access, well-maintained, and offers numerous chiringuitos or beach bars serving fresh seafood and cocktails. The nearby San Andrés village adds cultural charm.

The best time to visit is on weekdays in shoulder season, as weekends in summer are packed with locals. It's 15 minutes from Santa Cruz or 45 minutes from Costa Adeje. Rent sunbeds and umbrellas early for €8-12 per set as they fill quickly, and note that the northern end of the beach is quieter and less crowded.

10. Drive the TF-134 Coastal Road

The TF-134 coastal road, stretching from Icod de los Vinos to Buenavista del Norte, is one of Spain's most scenic coastal drives. The road clings to dramatic cliffs, passes through banana plantations, and offers endless ocean viewpoints. This is Tenerife's answer to the Amalfi Coast without the Italian price tag.

Stop at Los Silos, a fishing village with natural rock pools and traditional seafood restaurants. The best time to drive is late afternoon for golden light and fewer tour buses.

Rent a car from Tenerife South or North airports, and note that the full drive takes 2-3 hours without stops, so allow a full day to explore. The road is narrow and winding, so drive slowly and pull over at designated miradores for photos, and avoid driving after dark if you're unfamiliar with the route.

11. Explore Cueva del Viento Lava Cave

Cueva del Viento, near Icod de los Vinos, is one of the world's largest lava tube systems. The 18-kilometre cave network formed 27,000 years ago during a Teide eruption, and guided tours take you 160 metres underground into a surreal volcanic world. The 90-minute guided tour includes helmets, headlamps, and expert geological explanations, and you'll walk through ancient lava formations, underground lakes, and bat colonies.

The best time to visit is year-round, as cave temperature stays a constant 15°C, so bring a light jacket. Admission is €17 for adults and €10 for children, and you must book online at least 2 days ahead due to limited daily capacity.

Wear sturdy shoes as some sections involve uneven ground and low ceilings, and note that the cave is not suitable for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia.

12. Visit the Basilica of Candelaria

The Basilica of Candelaria, on Tenerife's east coast, is the Canary Islands' most important Catholic pilgrimage site. Giant bronze statues of Guanche kings guard the plaza, and the basilica houses the revered statue of the Virgin of Candelaria, patron saint of the Canary Islands.

The basilica is free to enter, and the surrounding plaza offers stunning ocean views. The adjacent museum explains the island's indigenous Guanche history and Catholic conversion.

Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer tour groups. It's 20 minutes from Santa Cruz or 40 minutes from Costa Adeje. Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered to enter the basilica, and combine this with a visit to the nearby Candelaria beach for a seaside lunch.

13. Walk Through La Laguna

Most visitors to Tenerife never make it to La Laguna, which is a shame because it's one of the most architecturally interesting cities in the Canary Islands. San Cristóbal de La Laguna was founded in 1496 and served as Tenerife's original capital; its historic centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.

The old town is compact and entirely walkable. Baroque churches, colonial mansions, coloured balconies, and independent cafés and bookshops fill the streets. The cathedral is worth going inside, and the central market is a good place to pick up local cheese, mojo sauces, and Canarian wine.

Get there from Santa Cruz by tram (around 15 minutes) and allow 2-3 hours to wander properly.

14. Go Wine Tasting in Tacoronte-Acentejo

Tenerife's oldest wine region, Tacoronte-Acentejo, produces volcanic wines unique to the Canary Islands. The DO or Denominación de Origen covers 14 municipalities in north Tenerife, where Listán grapes grow in black volcanic soil at 500-1,500 metres altitude.

Family-run bodegas offer tastings of Listán Negro red and Listán Blanco white varietals, often paired with local cheese and cured meats. The Negramar grape, almost extinct elsewhere, thrives here.

The best time to visit is harvest season from August to September for the most authentic experience. Tastings cost €15-30 per person, and many bodegas require advance booking.

Visit Bodega El Lomo or Bodega Monje, both of which welcome walk-ins and offer excellent value, and designate a driver or join a guided wine tour from Puerto de la Cruz.

15. Experience Tenerife's Carnival

Tenerife's Carnival, centred in Santa Cruz, rivals Rio de Janeiro's in scale and spectacle. The festivities run for two weeks in February or March with dates varying annually, culminating in the Burial of the Sardine and the election of the Carnival Queen.

Street parties, parades, costume contests, and live music transform the entire city into a non-stop celebration. The main parade or Coso Apoteosis draws over 200,000 spectators.

The best time to visit is the final weekend of Carnival for the biggest events. Attendance at street parties is free, while VIP grandstand seats for the main parade cost €40-80. Book accommodation 4-6 months ahead as hotels fill fast and prices triple during Carnival week, and if you can't visit during Carnival, the Museo del Carnaval in Santa Cruz offers year-round exhibits.

16. Try Papas Arrugadas and Mojo in a Guachinche

No Tenerife trip is complete without eating like a local, and the best place to do that is a guachinche. These are informal, family-run restaurants, often attached to working wineries, that traditionally served wine alongside simple home-cooked food. They're found mainly in the north of the island, open seasonally, and rarely appear on tourist maps.

The food is exactly what you want: papas arrugadas (wrinkled salted potatoes) with red and green mojo sauces, carne fiesta (marinated pork), fresh goat's cheese, and local Canarian wine poured without ceremony. Prices are very low compared to resort restaurants.

Finding a guachinche requires a bit of local knowledge; ask at your hotel or look for handwritten signs on the road through Tacoronte, La Victoria, or La Matanza in the north.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best thing to do in Tenerife?

Teide National Park is the non-negotiable. Spain's highest peak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a landscape that looks nothing like what most people expect from a beach holiday destination. Combine it with the cable car to 3,555 metres, and the Roques de García walk at the halfway point. The Masca Gorge hike is the second-best single-day activity on the island.

2. How many days do you need in Tenerife?

7 days is enough to cover the highlights across both sides of the island: two or three days in the south for beaches and Siam Park, a day on Teide, a day in the north for Garachico, Icod, and Puerto de la Cruz, and a half-day in Anaga. Ten days allows a day trip to La Gomera and more time in the wine country. Four days in one resort area misses the best of the island.

3. What is Tenerife known for?

Tenerife is best known for Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its year-round warm climate, and the resort areas of Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas. The island also has significant natural diversity, from black-sand volcanic beaches to ancient laurel forests in the Anaga Rural Park, making it popular for both relaxation and outdoor activities.

4. When is the best time to visit Tenerife?

Tenerife is genuinely a year-round destination, with average temperatures between 20-28°C throughout the year. The south stays drier and sunnier in most seasons. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the best combination of comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower hotel prices. Summer is peak season, especially July and August, when the beaches are busy, and prices are highest.

5. Is Tenerife expensive?

Compared to other popular European destinations, Tenerife is moderately priced. A guachinche lunch with wine costs around €15-20 per person. Resort restaurants run €25-50 per person for dinner. Siam Park tickets are around €36-40 for adults booked online. Tenerife's hotels vary widely; budget guesthouses start from around €60 per night, while five-star beachfront properties run €250-500+. Booking through CoinBooking can reduce hotel costs by up to 30% compared to Booking.com and Expedia.

6. What is the best way to book cheap flights and hotels in Tenerife?

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