Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, and as Spain's most-visited island it draws several million travellers a year. The island's incredible natural diversity is captivating: from the 3,718-metre Teide volcano through the subtropical laurel forests to the black and golden sandy beaches, everything can be found within a few dozen kilometres. On the "island of eternal spring" the weather is pleasant all year round, while the northern and southern coasts offer markedly different landscapes and moods. Here are the 10 best Tenerife sights you shouldn't miss.
1. Teide volcano (Spain's highest point)
At 3,718 metres, Teide is Spain's highest peak and the tallest mountain of the Atlantic archipelago, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Teide National Park's moon-like lava formations, crater landscape and above-the-clouds panorama offer an unforgettable experience. You can reach the summit by cable car up to the 3,555-metre station, and from there, with a permit, reach the crater on foot. It's worth going up at sunrise or sunset, when the island's shadow is cast onto the ocean, the so-called Teide shadow.
2. Loro Parque
This zoo and botanical garden near Puerto de la Cruz is known as one of the world's best zoos and a multiple TripAdvisor award-winner. In the park, besides parrots, penguins, sea lions, gorillas and jaguars, the world's largest parrot collection can be seen. Loro Parque runs serious conservation programmes, among other things, it successfully breeds endangered parrot species. The visit takes at least 4–5 hours; it's worth arriving early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
3. Siam Park
Located in the town of Adeje, this water park has repeatedly won the title of the world's best water park, and it's impressive in size too. Built in Thai style, the park offers giant slides, a wave pool, a lazy river and an artificial beach that creates a tropical atmosphere with its white sand and turquoise water. The Tower of Power slide sends you through an aquarium where sharks and rays swim around you. It's a full-day programme, it's worth buying a combo ticket together with Loro Parque.
4. Los Gigantes cliffs
On the island's western coast, these 600-metre-high basalt cliffs rising steeply from the sea are one of Tenerife's most spectacular natural formations. The cliffs are best admired from a boat or a kayak, from the Los Gigantes harbour, excursion boats depart regularly on which you can also spot dolphins and whales. There's also a viewpoint at the top of the cliffs, reachable by car. Sunset at the foot of the cliffs is especially dramatic, the basalt turns orange-red in the twilight light.
5. Masca valley
Hidden in the heart of the Teno mountains, the village of Masca and its gorge valley are Tenerife's best-known hiking route. The village itself is built on a steep hillside, a settlement of just a few dozen houses, to which the winding mountain road is an experience in itself. The Masca gorge hike starts from the village and leads to the sea, the roughly 4.5-kilometre route takes 3–4 hours and requires prior online registration. The hike is moderately difficult: good shoes, plenty of water and physical fitness are needed.
6. Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The island's capital is a lively port city on the eastern coast, the centre of local culture and gastronomy. The city's February carnival is one of the world's largest carnivals, the second biggest in the whole world, right after Rio's. The Auditorio de Tenerife, Santiago Calatrava's futuristic concert hall, is the city's iconic building, standing along the coast. The shopping streets, the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África market and the García Sanabria park are all worth exploring.
7. La Laguna (UNESCO World Heritage)
San Cristóbal de La Laguna, known to locals simply as La Laguna, is the island's former capital, whose colonial-style old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. The colourful-fronted houses, the cobbled streets and the historic churches follow the pattern of Latin American colonial cities, no wonder it's regarded as a town-planning model for Havana. The university town is full of vibrant cafés and tapas bars, and conveys the local atmosphere more authentically than the touristy southern coast. La Laguna is reachable directly from Santa Cruz by the tram line.
8. Anaga mountains
On the island's north-eastern tip, the Anaga Rural Park is the last refuge of the ancient laurel forests (laurisilva), preserving an ecosystem that has survived since the Tertiary period. Among the mist-shrouded, moss-covered trees, the hiking trails are a nature lover's dream, the Sendero de los Sentidos (Path of the Senses) is the best-known, easy-to-walk route. From the Cruz del Carmen viewpoint, on a clear day, the island of La Gomera can also be seen. Anaga differs markedly from the dry southern part of the island, here a subtropical rainforest atmosphere greets you.
9. Playa de las Américas
On the island's south-western coast, this resort centre is Tenerife's liveliest tourist hub, drawing guests with its beaches, nightlife and entertainment options. The golden sandy beaches of Playa del Camisón and Playa de Troya are among the island's most pleasant. Restaurants, bars and shops line the promenade, the selection ranges from local Spanish cuisine to international fare. Neighbouring Costa Adeje offers a more elegant alternative, with premium hotels and a calmer atmosphere.
10. Icod de los Vinos (the ancient dragon tree)
The chief attraction of this small town on the northern coast is the Drago Milenario, a Dracaena draco (dragon tree) estimated to be 800–1,000 years old, the symbol of the Canary Islands and Tenerife. The tree is 16 metres tall, the circumference of its trunk exceeds 6 metres, and it's best admired from the botanical garden laid out around it. Icod de los Vinos is also famous for wine production, it's worth tasting the malvasía wine at the local cellars. The town's old centre is quiet, charmingly authentic and avoided by the tourist crowds.
Practical tips
- Weather: The southern part of Tenerife is sunny and dry, the northern part cloudier and wetter, it's worth planning programmes on both coasts. In the Teide National Park, the altitude means the temperature can be just 5–10 °C, so a warm layer is essential.
- Transport: Car rental is strongly recommended for exploring the island, the TITSA buses cover the main routes, but reaching the hidden gems (Masca, Anaga) is far more convenient with your own car. The southern and northern motorways are in good condition.
- Money-saving option: The combo ticket for Loro Parque and Siam Park offers a significant discount over individual tickets. The natural sights, Anaga, Los Gigantes, Masca, are free; only the approach costs money.
- eSIM tip: Spain is an EU member, so with an EU subscription roaming is free under EU rules. If you plan a longer stay or need a lot of data, a local eSIM plan may offer a larger allowance at a better price.
- Safety: Tenerife is a safe destination, but on the beaches and in the tourist centres, watch your valuables. On mountain hikes always tell someone where you're going, bring plenty of water and stick to the marked routes, rescue operations do occur in the Masca gorge with unprepared hikers.