The island of Tenerife, located in the Canary archipelago, is the closest thing to enjoying a tropical island in Europe. The reason? Mainly because of its climate. In few places on the European continent you can enjoy a swim on the beach in the middle of January, as if it were summer.
But Tenerife has also become one of the most important holiday destinations in the world for the quality of its beaches, its numerous natural attractions, the beauty of its villages and its gastronomy.
To all this, we must add the presence of Mount Teide, the highest inactive volcano in Spain, whose ascent is an obligatory excursion for every tourist who visits the island. From its summit, you will enjoy the best panoramic view of Tenerife, and on the clearest days, you will even be able to see the rest of the islands that make up the Canary Islands archipelago.
The volcanic nature of the island is present throughout its extension, with a very characteristic and special relief.
Tenerife is the ideal place to spend your holidays if you are looking for sun and beach, but also if you like mountaineering, adventure sports or scuba diving. It is curious how an island that you can cross in an hour by car can bring together so many different attractions.
Teide National Park
The Teide volcano is the hallmark par excellence of the island of Tenerife and one of the best places to see in Tenerife. Its silhouette, visible from practically anywhere on the island on a clear day, seems to take care of it from above, like a great giant of rock and sand.
A visit to Teide offers options for everyone, and it’s not necessary to be an experienced hiker to reach its summit.
Along the ascent, you have the possibility of taking a cable car that will make the climb much easier. The trails leading up to the crater of the volcano are not particularly difficult, so if you are in good shape, it is not a difficult route.
You also have the option of taking an excursion that, as well as access to the cable car, both up and down, includes transport to and from the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, an official guide and access to the Science and Legend exhibition, located in the Visitor Centre.
Finally, don’t forget that during the excursion you will ascend above 3000 metres of altitude and although you are in the Canary Islands, this means a significant drop in temperatures, so we recommend that you wear several clothes to be prepared. In addition, since October 2013 Teide has become the first World Heritage Site to be designated as a Starlight Tourist Destination, being one of the best destinations for stargazing, where you can spend full moon nights and even see the Milky Way.
Lagos Martianez
It is no exaggeration to say that the Lagos Martianez are the most spectacular set of artificial lakes in Europe.
It is a set of enormous pools, whose location, right next to the sea, makes them look like a continuation of the ocean on land.
This tourist complex, perfect for enjoying the climate of Tenerife in an ideal environment, is located in the town of Puerto de la Cruz, in the north of the island. All the huge pools that make up the lakes allow swimming and also, in their surroundings, you will find endless palm trees, sun loungers, beach bars and all kinds of services and amenities designed for you to spend an unforgettable day on holiday.
These, the largest artificial lakes in the Canary Islands, have an area of more than 100,000 square metres and are the ideal place to visit with the family.
Los Gigantes Cliffs and Puerto Santiago
Traditionally known by the island’s inhabitants as ‘the wall of hell’, these rocky walls, formed by volcanic rock, reach 600 metres in height at their highest point.
Their enormous magnitude makes them visible from almost anywhere in Puerto de Santiago, but the best place to see their imposing figure is undoubtedly the Mirador de Archipenque.
From Puerto Santiago, you also have the possibility of hiring an excursion to see whales and dolphins, as its surroundings are the best point on the island to see up to twenty different species of cetaceans.
In fact, the view of the cliffs from the sea is, if possible, even more epic.
And if you are a lover of adventure sports, you can also rent a kayak to enjoy the spectacular panoramic view from the heart of the ocean.
Finally, also in Puerto Santiago, you can take the opportunity to swim in some fantastic natural pools by the sea.
La Orotava
The historic centre of this particular balcony city has been declared a National Historic-Artistic Site and is made up of different buildings that are well worth visiting.
Some of the most recommendable to visit are the Casa de los Balcones, built in the 17th century in the classical architectural style of the island.
The Town Hall Square, the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, the Casa Lercaro, the Liceo Taoro and especially the Jardines del Marquesado de la Quinta Roja, are other recommended places to visit in the area.
Our recommendation to not miss anything of the wonderful Orotava and discover in detail all its history, art and traditions, is that you hire a Free Tour through the internet and visit all its monuments accompanied by a specialised guide.
Drago Milenario de Icod de los Vinos
In the beautiful town of Icod de los Vinos, popularly known as the City of the Dragon, you will find one of the symbols of the island of Tenerife.
The famous Drago Milenario is one of the oldest trees on the planet. With a height of approximately 18 metres and a crown diameter of around 20 metres, botanical specialists estimate that it is around 700 years old.
You can enjoy the view of this ancient tree from the Plaza de San Marcos in Icod de los Vinos, but the best thing to do is to enter the Parque del Drago, which will allow you to immortalise your visit with a photo and enjoy the rest of the plant species in the botanical garden.
The municipality of Icod de los Vinos is also a town with many other attractions. Its particular charm is reproduced in the various small squares, old mansions, small palaces, museums, wine cellars and cobbled streets.
As in the Orotava region, you can take a Free Tour to discover all the places of interest in this beautiful town.
Finally, don’t miss the famous Cueva del Viento, the fifth largest volcanic tube on the planet, only behind those located on the island of Hawaii.
Loro Parque
An excursion especially recommended if you are travelling with children, but equally enjoyable for adults.
Loro Parque is one of the most important zoos on the planet, with more than 400 species of animals, including penguins, dolphins, orcas or sea lions, as well as birds of all kinds.
Its aquatic shows are famous all over the world and it is possible to enjoy the acrobatics of these animals in a huge pool.
At the ticket offices of this particular zoo, you have the possibility of taking guided tours of the enclosure, where you can learn a multitude of facts about the life of its animals.
Loro Parque is located in the town of Puerto de la Cruz, in the north of the island, and in addition to its shows and numerous species of animals, it has several themed restaurants to round off an unforgettable day with a good meal.
Siam Park
Can you imagine jumping down a 50-metre free-fall slide, crossing a huge fish tank full of sharks and landing in a spectacular pool after sliding several metres above the water?
There’s a reason why Siam Park is recognised as one of the best water parks on the planet. Moreover to its spectacular giant slide, the park has a host of different attractions, including a huge pool with waves up to 3 metres high and a fantastic artificial beach.
The best option to enjoy all the attractions without waiting in long queues is with the Fast Pass, which we can assure you is well worth it, especially if you visit at the weekend.
Siam Park is an ideal plan for a family holiday, but if you think that only children are going to have fun in its spectacular facilities, it’s simply because you don’t know it yet.
Los Cristianos Beach
Tenerife is one of the most important sun and beach holiday destinations in Europe.
Los Cristianos beach is located in the south of the island, in the tourist town of Arona.
Although it is not a wild beach, if there is one thing that makes Playa de los Cristianos stand out, it is its complete range of activities. In it, you can enjoy all kinds of water sports and its surroundings bring together a large number of restaurants and beach bars, where you can taste delicious Canarian cuisine in a fantastic environment.
In addition, the beach is very quiet and family-friendly, with very little waves and a large stretch of sand to relax under the Tenerife sun.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
If you want to spend a different day during your holidays, enjoying urban tourism, the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the perfect place. As it is not a particularly large city, you can visit it in a day and you will even have time to do some shopping if you wish.
Its most emblematic monuments and places are: the church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, the Recova market, the Guimerá theatre, the Masonic temple, the Palmetum, the Castle of San Juan, the Maritime Park and the Tenerife auditorium, the work of the famous architect Santiago Caratrava.
The best way not to miss any of these recommendations and also to learn about the history and traditions of the city is to take a Free Tour, in which you will also be advised about the best restaurants to try the local cuisine.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a lively city, where it is possible to enjoy numerous concerts and theatrical shows any day of the year.
San Cristóbal de la Laguna
From the island’s capital, we move on to a city that was also the capital of Tenerife in the past and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.
San Cristóbal de la Laguna is the perfect example of an old colonial city. It has a beautiful cathedral, numerous typical Canarian courtyards and the first university founded on the island.
One of the most characteristic features of this beautiful city are its colourful houses, most of which still have their old wooden balconies, as is the case of the Casa Alvarado-Bracamonte, one of the obligatory stops among its streets.
During your walk through the city, you will discover old palaces, small churches, convents and other buildings that are hundreds of years old.
As a curiosity, Carrera Street is the only street in the entire city with a curve in its layout and owes its name to the fact that it used to be the scene of the famous ribbon races held on horseback.
Parque Rural de Anaga
Parque Rural de Anaga is the great green lung of the island of Tenerife, and visiting it is a perfect plan to do in Tenerife. Throughout its more than 14,000 hectares you will discover a lush subtropical laurel forest, which turns any day of hiking into a magical experience.
Anaga is like a fairytale forest, which if you wish, you can visit on a guided tour to discover its most beautiful and interesting places.
If you prefer to visit the park on your own, we recommend that you complete the Sendero de los Sentidos and Bosque de los Enigmas routes, both starting at the Cruz del Carmen viewpoint.
Declared a Biosphere Reserve, its valleys and deep ravines are home to all kinds of fauna and flora rich in endemic species.
Some of its trails lead to the sea, forming natural beaches where you can refresh yourself and recover your strength with a good swim.
Playa de las Teresitas
Located in the town of San Andrés, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it contrasts with most of the beaches on the island due to the colour of its sand. The reason is that it is not really a natural beach, but because 270,000 tons of sand were brought from the Sahara desert to form it.
On that same sand today, it is still possible to relax and have a drink in one of the beach bars, surrounded by a spectacular natural environment.
Las Teresitas is a beach with calm waters, ideal for spending a fantastic day with the family and has all kinds of services such as showers, parking, toilets and a sun lounger and parasol area.
The natural swimming pools of Tenerife
Tenerife is world famous for its volcanic sand beaches and its enviable climate all year round. But there is an even more attractive option than its beaches for enjoying a good swim in the ocean water: its natural pools.
Popularly known among the locals as puddles, they are characterised by their crystal-clear waters and spectacular natural beauty.
Some of the most beautiful and recommendable natural pools on the island are: the natural pools of Bajamar, those of La Jaquita in Alcalá, Charco de Isla Cangrejo in Puerto Santiago, Charco del Viento in La Guancha, the natural pool of Jóver, Charco de los Chochos in Los Silos and El Caletón in Garachico. If you opt for the latter, you will also enjoy the opportunity to visit our next recommendation, the last one on our list.
The town of Garachico
The municipality of Garachico was for several centuries the most important commercial port on the island of Tenerife. However, in 1706 the eruption of the Arenas Negras volcano buried a large part of the town, causing the port to disappear and most of the ships that travelled to Tenerife had to choose another destination for their moorings.
As a result of the same eruption, Garachico has one of the most attractive natural swimming pools on the island, popularly known as El Caletón.
It is also a town set in a marvellous natural setting and stands out for the beauty of its historic centre.
Its streets hide treasures as beautiful as the Ermita de San Roque or the Plaza de la Libertad, scattered among numerous colourful houses.
Frequently Asked Questions Tenerife
What places should you not miss in Tenerife?
If you don’t have much time to visit the island, the places you shouldn’t miss in Tenerife, apart from its beaches and natural pools, are: the Teide National Park, La Orotava, The Parque Rural de Anaga, Icod de Los Vinos and San Cristóbal de la Laguna.
What to do in Tenerife with children?
Among the most popular plans to do with children in Tenerife, the Siam Park, the best water park on the planet, Playa de las Teresitas or the Parque Rural de Anaga, which has trails suitable for children.
Where to eat in Tenerife?
The best place to eat authentic traditional Canarian food in Tenerife is in the guachinches. These peculiar food houses are a mixture between a home and a restaurant, where you can enjoy the best delicacies of the island’s gastronomy.
When is the best time to travel to Tenerife?
The best time to travel to Tenerife, considered high season, is during the winter months, although one of the main characteristics of the island is its fantastic climate all year round. Can you imagine, for example, spending Christmas Day on the beach or celebrating New Year’s Eve at over 25 degrees?
Which is better, Tenerife North or South?
It all depends on how you want to approach your holiday. If you are looking for a few days of sun and beach, the south is the best option. In the north you will find greener landscapes, more cultural plans and a more temperate climate.
What is the best way to get to Tenerife?
The best way to get to Tenerife is by plane, as it has its own international airport. However, if you wish, you can also access all its charms by boat.
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