13 of the best things to do in Tenerife

1. Take the cable car up Mount Teide

Teide National Park is home to volcanic Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak. The snowy white of its summit contrasts with the tongues of black lava petrified on the slopes.

The 'La Rambleta' cable car runs from the base station at an altitude of 2,356m (7,730ft) to a lookout point at 3,555m (11,663ft), taking eight minutes to make the thrilling climb. Tickets for the return trip are €41 per adult and €20.50 per child.

The national park itself is full of dramatic volcanic rock formations, with good drive-through views, but it’s worth stopping off at one of the two visitor centres to learn about the geology, flora and fauna, and take a self-guided walk along one of the clearly marked and well-signposted trails.

2. Track whales through the waves

The calm, clean water of the straits between Tenerife’s south coast and its sister island, La Gomera, is populated by hundreds of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, making it one of the best spots in Europe for whale- and dolphin-watching.

Sightings of these species are virtually guaranteed, plus there’s a chance of getting a glimpse of another 20 or so migratory dolphin and whale types, in addition to rays, sharks and turtles.

A range of different boats and catamarans offer whale-watching cruises – some have glass panels in the bottom, others submarine TV links, and some stop for a swim in the sea.

3. Swim in a natural saltwater pool

As Tenerife’s volcanic lava sizzled into the sea many millions of years ago, it very conveniently formed several natural swimming pools. Today, they are some of Tenerife’s most spectacular – and safe – places to swim.

The best are located on the north coast. Watch the sunset from the water at Mesa del Mar or marvel at one of the most beautiful corners of the island at Charco de La Laja.

For open-air swimming of another kind, check out the seawater leisure pools at Lago Martiánez, designed by Lanzarote local, César Manrique.

4. Get artsy at Tenerife Espacio de las Artes

Speaking of artists, Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s art gallery is a treasure trove of masterpieces, inside and out. Part gallery, part library and part events space, the Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (known as TEA) is a unique spot to admire art works from emerging Spanish artists.

The building – a collaborative design by Swiss architects Herzog and de Meuron and Canarian Virgilio Gutiérrez – is a creation in itself, with its striking mix of concrete and glass paying homage to the island’s volcanic landscape.

Art expert or not, a free guided tour here is a top thing to do in Tenerife.

5. Splash about at Siam Park

Thai-themed waterpark Siam Park in Costa Adeje is one of the biggest and best in Europe, and it’s a must if you’re yearning for an adrenaline rush.

Water-coaster Singha will whip you back and forth 14 times in its 240m length, the Dragon will plunge you into pitch darkness before a laser display, and you can reach speeds of 80km/h while dropping 28m down the Tower of Power before you shoot through an aquarium of sharks and rays.

Scaredy-cats will be okay too, with a range of tamer family rides and relaxing activities, from a lazy river to sea lion island. Tickets start from €42 per adult and €30 per child.

6. Spice things up with Canarian mojo sauce

If you like a little spice, then go searching for some mojo. These sauces originated in the Canary Islands, and there are two main types: green and red.

Base ingredients of olive oil, salt, peppers, garlic and paprika are mixed with cumin, coriander or other spices. Green mojo is most often served with fish, and red with meat, but both come with the iconic dish papas arugadas (wrinkled potatoes), which have been boiled in seawater. Fried cheese is often served with mojo too.

Finish with a barraquito – a coffee with a few drops of grappa, condensed milk and cinnamon.

7. Walk through a lava tunnel at Cueva del Viento

Lava tubes are formed after a volcanic eruption, and north-eastern Tenerife is home to the largest in Europe and the sixth largest in the world (the other five are in Hawaii).

For a Tenerife activity you won’t forget, pop on a helmet with a headlight and take a tour of the 17km-long (10 miles) ‘Cave of the Winds’, which was shaped by lava flows from volcano Pico Viejo. Stout shoes are necessary, and even though there are handrails and steps, you’ll want to watch your step.

It’s worth it to walk inside the volcanic rock, experiencing total darkness, hearing about how the island was formed, and about the fossils of extinct megafauna (specifically giant rats and lizards) that have been found here.

8. Step back in time in San Cristóbal de La Laguna

Whether you’re a history buff or just want to boost your Instagram with photos of pretty architecture, a day trip to San Cristóbal de La Laguna is one of the best activities to do in Tenerife.

Once the island’s capital city, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, and its historical centre is a fascinating 16th-century time capsule. Colonial-style mansions with ornate wooden balconies line the cobbled streets, leading to palm-fringed plazas, cute churches and a grand cathedral.

Nowadays, it’s also a hub of boutique shops, galleries and traditional tapas bars that are worth exploring.

9. See the spectacular Tenerife Carnival

Some say Carnival in Tenerife is second only to Rio de Janeiro, and it’s definitely one of the most raucous in Europe. Costume and colour transform the streets of the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife for up to three weeks in the run up to Lent each year.

Carnival ‘krewes’ march through the streets in costume, Carnival Queens (child, adult and even senior citizen versions) are elected, and visitors can join in too, encouraged to participate in the fancy dress and dancing.

Each year a theme is announced, with the last decade seeing everything from Bollywood and cartoons to flower power and the 1980s. Stay up to date here.

10. Enjoy a cosmic afternoon

The Museum of Science and the Cosmos, on the outskirts of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, is whizzy and interactive enough that kids won’t get bored easily.

They can play in the ‘Microcosmos’ room, get lost in a hall of mirrors, get a bird’s eye view of the island and see a show at the planetarium. While most of the signs are in Spanish, a lot of the interactive elements are self-explanatory (or you can download a guide to your phone – there’s a QR code to the page at the entrance).

Alternatively, experience the real thing – Tenerife is one of the best places in the world to get a clear view of the night sky. The Teide Observatory is home to GREGOR, the largest solar telescope in Europe.

You can see a lot with the naked eye, but some rural hotels also have their own small telescopes for some DIY stargazing.

11. Hike to Masca, Tenerife’s lost city

Some have compared Masca to Machu Picchu, and while likening the hamlet and gorge to the Peruvian icon may be over-egging things a little, this spot in the island’s wild northwest is still pretty spectacular.

The village is one of Tenerife’s prettiest, with clusters of small, white houses nestled in verdant vegetation between the Masca and Madre del Agua gorges. This was one of the last refuges of the Canaries’ original Guanche people during Spain’s conquest of the islands in the late 15th century.

Restaurants here serve local specialities made from fresh ingredients and there are craft shops selling traditional goods if you’re seeking a unique souvenir. A hike in the gorge showcases seven million years of geology.

12. Get a closer look at the island’s fauna and flora

Looking to tick off some of Tenerife’s wildlife wonders? Jungle Park near Los Cristianos is home to a multitude of furry friends.

You can meet lemurs, servals, sea lions, orangutans and penguins, and see the zoo’s resident birds of prey in action in their exhibition show. There’s also an 800m toboggan track if that’s your bag. Prices start from €31 per adult, €26 for 5- to 10-year-olds, and €14 for under 5s.

To see some of the island’s best flora displays, head over to Jardín Botánico in Puerto de la Cruz. The sub-tropical garden is a paradise of giant palms and pineapple plants and is home to a 200-year old fig tree. Entry costs €3.

13. Try Tenerife’s volcanic wine

If you thought Tenerife's food was a highlight, you’ll want to add wine tasting to your things to do list, too.

A product of the island’s volcanic soil and sea air, Tenerife has been making wine since Shakespeare’s time. These days there are more varieties on offer than the sweet white malvasía that the Bard wrote about, including rosés and reds made from the native listán negro grape.

Valle de La Orotava and Tacoronte-Acentejo are two premier wine regions in the island’s north, where vineyards carpet the countryside with lush, laden vines. Book a tour at one of the local wineries to taste the grape juice in all its glory – Bodegas Monje is a great place to start.

*Please note: All prices correct as of 7 February 2025.