This is a guide with what we think are must-sees from Tenerife. Before reading note that all prices were last updated in Summer 2023, and they might have changed since then. Read the comments or go to the official pages for the most recent prices. If an activity doesn’t show prices it means that it is free.
We have also created a map with all the Must sees in this article. Each one goes on its own layer.
1. Mount Teide
Mount Teide is the highest point in all of Spain with an altitude of 3,715 m (12,188 ft). And the highest point above sea level in the islands of the Atlantic. It is still somehow active as you can see and smell smoke coming out at the top.
In order to summit this Volcano you will need a permit, which can be acquired here. (Note that you will need to reserve between 2 and 4 months in advance and select a 2-hour window).
Credit: Volcanoteide.com
Now, To get to the top there are 2 options:
Walking To the Top:
The most famous trail starts at 2.200 meters of altitude, (There are many that are longer and more challenging, even starting at sea level). This main trail starts in the Sendero de Montaña Blanca, although there are only about 10 parking spots available. There is a bigger parking in Mirador El Tabonal Negro. The entire trail from the start of the trail to the peak is about 9 km (one way) and it takes between 4h 30 min and 5h 45 min depending on your level of fitness.
Cable-car ride:
Fortunately for some, there is an option to get very close to the summit (3,555 meters) just within an 8-minute Cable-car ride. The cable car can be taken one or both ways. There is a trail from the Cable Car station all the way to the top which is 614 meters, but it takes most people about 30 to 40 minutes due to its difficulty.
The prices for the Cable car are:
Residents get 50% OFF these prices.
Note that you will need the permit, no matter if you walk or take the cable car. The only activities that include the permit to summit El Teide are some guided tours like this one.
2. Sand Beaches
Most beaches in Tenerife are full of boulders, but there are some really nice beaches with black and yellow thin sand. We have an entire article covering parking spots, how to access them, and some live cameras so that you can look at the weather before going to these beaches.
The article can be found here:
3. Anaga Natural Park
Anaga is a Natural Park in the Northeastern part of the island. Due to the high humidity and constant rain in the area, it has a very dense forest that looks like is out of a fairytale book. There are many hiking routes. In case you just want to do a short one to walk inside the forest the best and shortest trail is the “Trail of the Senses“.Which starts in the parking lot of “Mirador Cruz del Carmen” another main attraction from the park.
Lastly, you might want to visit the Fary Tunnel (Tunel De Las Hadas) which is a cut on the road surrounded by trees and the Viewpoint “Pico del Inglés“
4. Punta De Teno
Punta de Teno is the Westernmost point in Tenerife, it has a beautiful lighthouse, (although the access to it is currently closed), pristine waters, and a relaxing environment.
The road to access Punta de Teno by car is only available before 9 A.M. or after 8 P.M. Monday to Thursday (during winter, hours are 10 A.M to 7 P.M .) Every other day you will have to take the 369 line which costs 1 EUR each way and that runs about every hour from 9 A.M. departing from the Buenavista Station. The last bus to come back changes depending on the season, but generally is at 6:25 P.M. You can check the entire schedule here.
5. Los Gigantes
Los Gigantes are some massive cliffs on the Southwestern part of the island. Although they stretch throughout the entire cost the town where you can see them is called Puerto Santiago.
Mirador Archipenque (Google Maps pin on click) is the best spot to see the cliffs, but if you want to stay for a while there is a small beach right next to the harbor called Playa de Los Guios and a Natural Pool.
Note that parking is very limited so you may need to park on the paid harbor parking lot.
6. Masca
One of the most famous cliffs from Los Gigantes is Masca Cliff (Barranco De Masca), which is surrounded by even bigger cliffs that make it look like a valley. There is a small town (Masca) located on this with restaurants and great views.
Even though it is part of Los Gigantes cliffs, it takes about 35 minutes to get there from Puerto Santiago, as you need to climb up 1.100 meters and then descend 500 meters through a steep and winding road.
Once in Masca, there is a trail that goes down to the nearest beach, (Masca Beach). In order to take his trail you will need to reserve a time spot. The total time of the trail is 3 hours to go down and 4 to come back up (5 km each way). You can learn more about this activity and book a time here.
7. Natural Pools
Tenerife is full of Natural Pools. These are swimming pools that are close to the shore and filled with seawater (sometimes from the tides and others have pumps that fill them up). Many of theme are protected and have man-made structures to keep the water in, and to prevent big waves from coming. Others are completely natural.
We have created and article that contains a guide to the best natural pools on the island.
8. Siam Park
Siam Park is not a typical activity that you will see recommended on Tralei. But being labeled as the Best Aquatic park in Europe we had to make room for it on this post. Found in Costa Adeje, Siam Park opens all year round. Parking cost 5 EUR, but you can park for free and even get a free bus ride from certain locations (see here) using the Siam Mall Parking lot and the Siam Park Free Shuttle from Costa Adeje.
The Pices to get into the park are the following:
Residents get 50% OFF these prices.
9. La Orotava
La Orotava is a picturesque town on the north of the island. Full of colorful houses with wooden balconies and streets paved with stones. The best way to visit La Orotava is to park in this free parking lot and walk around the town in this order:
10. Puerto de La Cruz
Puerto De la Cruz is one of the most known cities in Tenerife. It used to be the main tourist attraction until the 90s before the highway to the south was built, making Costa Adeje the new tourist core. The main attractions in puerto de la Cruz are:
11. Extra (Arco del Tajo)
Arco Del Tajos is a naturally formed arch that looks like something you would see in the desert in Arizona but is actually just on the way through the Main Highway (TF-1). It’s not a Tenerife must but it is a nice stop as it only takes 3 minutes to walk from the parking lot located here.
Beware that some people have reported car windows being broken on the parking lot and belongings being stolen from their cars so please don’t leave any valuables inside your car.
12. Extra (Drago Milenario)
This huge tree, located in Icod de Los Vinos has recently been estimated to be 700 years old, (although it was before believed it was 3000 years old, that’s why it is called millennial Drago).
Its location and the little touristy offer of the area make it a bit hard to visit, but as the arch is a great stop if you are on the way to somewhere else.
To see the tree you can see it from a viewpoint outside the park on the main square (where the picture has been taken) or you can enter the park to see it (5 EUR admission fee)
Loro Parque & Whale watching
These are two very well know and marketed experiences on the island, you will see everywhere around the island that Loro Parque, a big private zoo in Puerto de la Cruz is the “must” of the Canary Islands. So why isn’t it a part of our mus-see listing Tenerife? Simply because we don’t like promoting this kind of activity on this blog, we prefer promoting animal visits in their environment and respecting them and their habitat, that is why we also do not promote whale and dolphin watching as, of right now, the activities are massified and boats get very close to whales and dolphins disrupting them.
Thank you for reading our list of must sees from Tenerife!
If you think we forgot to mention anything, don’t hesitate to write in the comment section!
