Last updated: October 2026
8 of the Best Things to Do in Tenerife
Volcanic landscapes, Atlantic beaches, historic towns and mountain trails give Tenerife far more variety than a straightforward resort holiday.
You can spend one day exploring Teide National Park, another beside the sea and the next walking through the forests and valleys of Anaga.
Here are eight things to consider for your Tenerife itinerary, along with some practical guidance for visiting the island’s natural attractions safely.
Tenerife at a Glance
Volcanic landscapes, viewpoints, cable-car access and regulated high-altitude trails.
Golden beaches, black volcanic sand, sea cliffs and Atlantic swimming spots.
Responsible whale and dolphin watching is available from several southern ports.
Anaga, Teide and other protected areas offer routes with very different terrain and difficulty.
1. Explore Teide National Park
Teide National Park sits at the heart of Tenerife and is home to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak.
You don’t have to reach the summit to appreciate the landscape. Scenic roads, viewpoints and walking routes across the volcanic plateau provide plenty to explore at lower levels.
The cable car takes visitors to La Rambleta near the upper slopes, but it does not take you directly to the summit. Access from there to the peak via the PNT-10 Telesforo Bravo trail requires a separate advance permit.
Check current Teide trail permits and restrictions on Tenerife ON →
Visiting Teide?
High altitude, rapidly changing weather and trail restrictions mean this isn’t an ordinary sightseeing walk. Check current access rules, required equipment and weather conditions before setting out.
2. Spend Time on Tenerife’s Beaches
Tenerife’s coastline ranges from pale imported sand to naturally dark volcanic beaches.
- Playa de las Teresitas – a broad sandy beach near Santa Cruz.
- Playa del Duque – a popular beach in Costa Adeje.
- Playa de las Américas – a busy southern resort area with beaches and watersports nearby.
- Benijo – a more dramatic volcanic beach in the Anaga area.
Swimming conditions vary, so pay attention to beach flags, lifeguard advice and Atlantic sea conditions.
3. Explore La Laguna & Garachico
Tenerife’s historic towns offer a very different atmosphere from the southern resorts.
San Cristóbal de La Laguna is a UNESCO World Heritage city with historic streets and architecture, while Garachico on the north coast is known for its old town and volcanic coastline.
Both can work well as day trips if you want to combine sightseeing with a slower-paced look at island life.
4. Go Whale & Dolphin Watching
Waters around Tenerife support resident populations including short-finned pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, with other species also passing through at different times of year.
Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, so choose a trip for the overall experience rather than expecting a specific encounter.
Look for authorised operators displaying Tenerife’s Blue Boat flag and following responsible cetacean-watching rules, including minimum distances and limits on observation time.
Never swim with, touch or feed wild whales or dolphins.
5. See Los Gigantes & Cueva del Viento
The cliffs of Los Gigantes rise dramatically above Tenerife’s west coast and can be viewed from land or from organised boat trips.
Inland, Cueva del Viento near Icod de los Vinos provides a completely different volcanic experience beneath the surface.
Visits to caves and protected volcanic areas may be guided or capacity-controlled, so check current access arrangements before travelling.
6. Visit Puerto de la Cruz & Loro Parque
Puerto de la Cruz is one of Tenerife’s established northern resort towns and offers gardens, waterfront areas, restaurants and access to attractions around the Orotava Valley.
Loro Parque is a large ticketed animal and botanical attraction in the town, with a variety of animal exhibits and landscaped gardens.
If you plan to visit, review the attraction’s current information, facilities and policies before deciding whether it suits your trip.
7. Walk in Anaga Rural Park
Anaga in north-eastern Tenerife is known for steep mountain scenery, deep ravines, laurel forest and coastal villages.
Walking routes range from short forest trails to significantly longer and more demanding mountain routes.
Weather can change quickly between the coast and higher ground, with mist, wind and cooler conditions possible even when the coast is sunny.
Some sensitive trails can require advance authorisation, so check the latest route status and permit information before setting out.
8. Enjoy Tenerife After Dark
Tenerife’s evening atmosphere varies enormously depending on where you stay.
Playa de las Américas is associated with a livelier nightlife scene, while Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos offer plenty of restaurants and bars without necessarily revolving around clubs.
Santa Cruz and La Laguna are better choices if you’re looking for city restaurants, cafés and more of a local urban atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Tenerife
A well-established southern resort area with beaches, hotels and restaurants.
Useful for beaches, ferry connections and easy access to southern attractions.
A northern base suited to travellers interested in scenery, towns and exploring beyond the beach.
Best suited to travellers wanting a city base, shopping, restaurants and access to northern Tenerife.
Planning Hiking or Watersports?
Tenerife offers hiking, cycling, diving, surfing, paddleboarding and plenty of other activities.
Check the activity, altitude and participation conditions before taking part and make sure it falls within the appropriate Sports & Activities level of your travel insurance.
High-altitude routes on Teide may require additional preparation, permits and mandatory equipment beyond ordinary low-level walking.
Explore Covered2Go Sports & Activities Cover →
Before travelling:
Check current passport, entry and destination information using UK Government Foreign Travel Advice for Spain.
Travel Insurance for Tenerife
Whether you’re planning a relaxing resort holiday or a more active trip around the island, consider travel insurance that suits your destination, activities and individual circumstances.
Depending on the policy selected and the circumstances involved, travel insurance may provide cover for certain unexpected events such as eligible emergency medical expenses, cancellation, baggage or travel disruption.
If you’re hiking, surfing, diving, cycling or taking part in another activity, check any relevant activity-specific conditions before participating.
More Canary Islands Inspiration
What Will You Do in Tenerife?
Tenerife can offer far more than a week beside the pool.
From Teide’s volcanic landscapes and Anaga’s mountain trails to Atlantic beaches, historic towns and wildlife trips, there’s plenty to build into a varied island itinerary.
Planning a Tenerife Holiday?
Explore Covered2Go travel insurance and choose cover that suits your destination, trip and planned activities.
This article is for general information only. Trail access, permits, cable-car operation, weather, sea conditions, wildlife sightings and attraction availability can change. Travel insurance and Sports & Activities Cover are subject to eligibility, benefit limits, excesses, terms, conditions and exclusions. Always check current official travel advice, the latest Policy Wording and your Certificate of Insurance before travelling.
