Teide National Park
The volcanic landscape, frozen lava fields and views of Spain's highest peak make Teide a must-see for your first visit. The park itself can be visited by car or as part of a tour with hotel pickup.
See the private Teide tour →
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Best Things to Do in Tenerife – 25 Attractions Worth Visiting
Tenerife is much more than a beach and a hotel. On one island you can stand amid the volcanic landscapes of Teide, watch whales in their natural habitat, paraglide over the coast, visit world-class parks and experience the green, less touristy north.
This guide collects 25 attractions that are actually worth considering. For each one, we advise who it will be best for and where to check available tickets or trips. You don't have to do the entire list - choose experiences that match the length of stay, age of participants and location of accommodation.
For familiesSiam Park, Loro Park, Aqualand, Jungle Park, Forestal Park and karting.
OceanDolphin and whale cruises, yachts, kayaks, diving and fishing.
AdventureParagliding, jet skis, wakeboarding and water activities.
SightseeingTeide, Anaga, La Laguna, Masca, Garachico and the north of Tenerife.
Tenerife's iconic sights
Teide cable car and trails
Climbing the cable car is not the same as climbing to the very top. Access to some routes may require a separate reservation, and rules vary depending on the route and period. Before leaving, check current announcements and take warmer clothes.
Check the official information of Tenerife ON →Sunset and stargazing
The high altitude and low light pollution provide unique conditions for viewing the night sky. The temperature difference between the coast and Teide can be very large, so a warm layer of clothing is needed even in summer.
Dolphin and whale cruise
The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are home to pilot whales and dolphins. You can choose from large catamarans, smaller yachts and small boats. Wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed, but legal operators know where to conduct sightings responsibly.
Compare catamaran cruises →
Los Gigantes Cliffs and Masca Bay
The vertical cliff walls look most impressive from the deck of a boat. Longer cruises often combine whale watching with a cruise towards Los Gigantes, views of Masca and a swim stop if conditions allow.
Check out the 4.5 hour cruise to Los Gigantes →Private tour of the island
It is a good choice for families, seniors and people who do not want to drive on mountain roads. The route can be tailored to the group's interests: Teide, Anaga, La Laguna, Masca, Garachico, vineyards or the north coast.
See guided tours →Parks and attractions for families
Siam Park
The water park in Costa Adeje offers quiet family zones, a huge wave pool and water slides for adrenaline seekers. During the season, it is best to arrive before the opening and buy a ticket in advance.
Check tickets to Siam Park →Loro Parque
The extensive zoological and botanical park in Puerto de la Cruz is worth planning for most of the day. For people who also want to visit Siam Park, a combined ticket may be a beneficial solution.
Compare parks and tickets →Aqualand and Jungle Park
Aqualand is easily accessible from southern resorts and is especially good for younger children. Jungle Park combines animals, vegetation and walking around a vast area. Both parks can be a quieter alternative to the island's biggest attractions.
Forestal Park
The rope park in the Canary Forest offers routes of various levels of difficulty, obstacles suspended between trees and long ziplines. Age and height requirements depend on the selected circumference.
See Forestal Park tickets →Karting
The professional track in the south of the island has go-karts for a variety of ages and experience levels. This is a good idea for a competition with friends or an attraction for teenagers.
See available go-karts →Costa Adeje and the seaside promenade
Playa del Duque, Fañabé, Torviscas and Puerto Colón can all be combined into one more leisurely day. Many cruises and ocean activities depart from Puerto Colón, and the boardwalk allows you to travel between beaches without a car.
Ocean, sport and adrenaline
Jet ski safari
One- and two-hour trips are led by an instructor along the south coast. Guided tours usually do not require a driving license, but rules apply regarding the age of the driver, passenger and ID.
Compare jet ski safaris →Tandem paragliding flight
You start with a licensed pilot, and no experience is needed to fly. The final route, altitude and time depend on the wind. Before booking, please check weight restrictions and the fitness needed to complete a few steps at take-off.
Compare paragliding flights →Kayaks from Los Cristianos
The kayak allows you to actively see the cliffs of Montaña de Guaza and a part of the coast inaccessible from the promenade. It is possible to spot dolphins or turtles, but when observing wild animals there is no guarantee of a specific species.
See kayaking and water sports →Scuba diving and introductory dives
Those without certification can choose an instructor-led introductory program. Certified divers have recreational diving and courses available. Before participating, you must meet the health requirements specified by the organizer.
Check out diving in Tenerife →
Fishing from a boat
You can book a place on a shared cruise or the entire charter for your group. Fishing species and methods change with the season, and the catch is never guaranteed - part of the experience is being out on the open ocean.
See fishing trips →Wakeboard and other water sports
A short, private wakeboarding session can be a good choice for people who want to try a new activity without committing to it all day. Availability of water sports depends on ocean and wind conditions.
Check out water sports →Important: ocean and air attractions may be postponed or canceled for safety reasons. Don't plan your most important activity for the last day of your stay - leave the opportunity to change the date.
Nature, historic towns and hidden gems
Anaga Mountains
Green mountain ridges, laurel forests and winding roads create a landscape completely different from the dry south of the island. The weather can change quickly, so it's a good idea to bring an extra layer and footwear appropriate for your chosen route.
See the private Anaga tour →San Cristóbal de La Laguna
The historic center of the city, inscribed on the UNESCO list, is best explored on foot. Colorful facades, interior courtyards and local cafes complement a day spent in Anaga or in the north.
Masca, Garachico and Icod de los Vinos
Three different faces of north-west Tenerife: a mountain village and spectacular viewpoints, the historic streets of Garachico and the famous dragon tree in Icod. The route leads along winding roads, so a trip with a driver may be more comfortable.
Explore tours of northern Tenerife →La Orotava and Puerto de la Cruz
La Orotava has preserved traditional Canarian architecture, and Puerto de la Cruz combines the old town, promenade, gardens and dark beaches of the north. This is a good destination for a day without rushing.
The most beautiful beaches and natural swimming pools
Playa del Duque provides comfort and full infrastructure, Las Teresitas offers calmer waters, and Benijo offers the wild landscape of the north. Natural swimming pools are beautiful, but you must always respect the signs and do not enter the water when the waves are dangerous.
See the beach guide →Cueva del Viento
One of the largest volcanic cave systems in the world is located near Icod de los Vinos. The number of places is limited and the tour takes place at specific times, so the visit must be booked in advance with the official operator.
Canarian cuisine, wines and guachinche
Exploring Tenerife does not end with viewpoints. It is worth trying papas arrugadas with mojo, cheeses, local wines and simple dishes in traditional guachinche. A food tour with a driver allows you to taste wines without having to worry about driving back.
See the food tour →How to choose attractions for your stay?
First, book experiences based on availability and weather: cruise, paragliding, private tour or ocean activity. Then complete the plan with parks, beaches and visiting places available without a specific time.
See all attractions Download the Tenerife guideFrequently asked questions
How many attractions should you plan for a week's stay?
For most people, three or four major attractions per week are reasonable. The remaining days should be left for the beach, spontaneous sightseeing and relaxation.
Is it worth buying tickets in advance?
Yes, especially during high season, during holidays and in the case of attractions with limited capacity. This applies primarily to cruises, paragliding flights, private trips and attractions requiring a specific time reservation.
Can Tenerife be visited without a car?
Yes. Many popular parks and tours offer shuttles or depart from southern resorts. When visiting remote parts of the island, a tour with hotel pick-up will be convenient.
Which attractions are best for children?
The choice depends on age. For younger children, parks and shorter cruises are good options, and for older children, Forestal Park, karting, kayaking or scooters as a passenger are also good - always taking into account the requirements of a specific organizer.
Most popular AVEMTO categories
Practical note: hours, age restrictions, transfer policies and availability may vary. Before purchasing, check the current conditions on the website of the selected attraction. Information regarding protected Teide routes must be additionally confirmed with the official Tenerife ON system.