In the heart of the Atlantic lies Tenerife, a magical natural haven, a sanctuary where spring is eternal and the sun shines for over 3,000 hours of the year. This volcanic gem, with an average annual temperature of 23°C, invites you to escape the winter blues and step into a spring that lasts all year round.
We’re Guacimara and Pedro, born in Tenerife, and through our Tenerifelicidad project we’ve embarked on a journey around the world in a campervan, with no set return date, and starting with a six-month tour of the Canary Islands.
Why choose Tenerife as your holiday destination?
From its idyllic or wild beaches to its deep green mountain sides, passing through the stunning lunar landscape of Teide National Park, in Tenerife you’ll feel as if you’re in a thousand places at once.
But Tenerife is much more than simply a natural spectacle; it’s a real feast for the senses. Embrace its authenticity through local products such as its honey, cheese and fish, and delight in its cuisine, with six Michelin Star restaurants at your fingertips. The island also celebrates its traditions and local festivals, such as its carnival, considered the second best in the world after Rio.
The character and warmth of the locals will make you feel at home on this safe and friendly island. The accommodation options, ranging from 3 to 5 star hotels to welcoming guesthouses and rural places to stay, guarantee an escape for all tastes. Its modern road network also makes it easy for you to explore the 400km of coastline and 70km of beaches, including two wonderful World Heritage Sites: Teide National Park and the city of La Laguna.
In Tenerife, every moment is an adventure. From exciting outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, surfing and paragliding, to some downtime on the idyllic white, sandy beaches or the wild beaches of volcanic sand.
So, here are our Top 10 unforgettable experiences on the island.
These are your must-sees in Tenerife. Hurry up, they’re waiting for you!
Exploring Teide National Park
When you climb Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide, you’ll step into a surreal world of lunar landscapes and breathtaking views. The feeling of being at the top, surrounded by clouds and volcanic rocks, is impossible to describe.
Some impressive facts about this majestic volcano:
- It’s the third highest volcano in the world, measuring from its base on the ocean bed.
- It casts the world’s largest shadow over the sea.
This park will treat you to a unique experience that will stay with you forever.
You may also be interested in: The prettiest natural pools in Tenerife
Stargazing
You can also discover Tenerife’s beautiful star-studded sky from the Park, at the Teide Observatory, one of the best astronomy sites in the world, due to its altitude and the unpolluted skies.
Here is one of the best stargazing experiences on Mount Teide.
Visiting the city of La Laguna
Visit the old town in this World Heritage Site city, with its colonial architecture and traditional charm. Admire the colourful facades of the houses and stroll through its cobbled streets full of life and history.
The Tacoronte-Acentejo wine route
Explore the winegrowing culture of Tenerife with a visit to the Tacoronte-Acentejo wineries, where you can taste some high-quality local wines and learn about the production process.
Whale and dolphin watching
Embark on a thrilling marine adventure in Tenerife and enjoy the experience of spotting whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. As you sail through its waters, you can admire the majesty of these cetaceans and the grace of the dolphins playing in the waves.
This offers you a unique opportunity to connect with the sea life and delight in the island’s natural beauty from a completely different vantage point. In these waters you can see pilot whales and rorquals, common and bottlenose dolphins, as well as sea turtles and many other species.
This is one of the recommended activities for whale and dolphin spotting in Tenerife.
Hiking routes
Step into the luxuriant nature of the island, hiking along such iconic trails as the impressive Masca route, where the cliffs and ravines are truly breathtaking. Or succumb to the mysterious charms of the Sendero de los Sentidos (Path of the Senses) in Anaga, where you’ll be surrounded by the laurel forest and its sounds for a truly special experience. Every step on these routes is a chance to connect with the natural beauty of Tenerife and create some amazing memories.
You may also be interested in: A campervan road trip around the most authentic parts of Tenerife
Kayaking alongside the Los Gigantes cliffs
Soak up the spectacular views of the Los Gigantes cliffs from a kayak. As you paddle through crystal-clear waters, you’ll witness the majesty of these rock formations that rise up from the ocean.
The cliffs, soaring to a height of 600m, will take your breath away, and you’ll be able to explore caves and the sea life in its natural habitat. This fantastic experience will immerse you in the natural beauty of the island and provide you with unforgettable memories of your holiday in Tenerife.
This is our favourite activity for kayaking alongside Los Gigantes.
Visiting Siam Park
Enjoy a day full of thrills at this amazing water park, winner of the Travellers’ Choice Award for the world’s best water park for the last seven years running. There’s fun in store with every attraction, whether you’re riding the dizzyingly high water coaster, surfing the world’s biggest artificial waves or relaxing on its white sandy beach. With its luxuriant Thai theme and exciting attractions, Siam Park is a great day out for anyone looking for fun and thrills under the Tenerife sun.
Canary Island cuisine
The food in the Canary Islands is a unique culinary experience that you can’t afford to miss out on during your stay in Tenerife. At the traditional restaurants known as “guachinches” you can savour delights such as papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes), served with different types of mojo sauce. Sancocho, a fish and potato dish, is another delicious option to draw you into the islands’ traditions.
And to finish off, you could try gofio, an ingredient handed down through the generations, a kind of toasted flour that’s used in a variety of dishes, such as escaldón, as well as in desserts such as gofio mousse.
And don’t forget to try a barraquito, Tenerife’s speciality coffee!
Joining in the fun at the Santa Cruz Carnival
If you’re coming to the island in February, you can enjoy the vibrancy and colour of the streets of Santa Cruz during its iconic carnival, recognised as the second best carnival in the world, after Rio de Janeiro.
Its processions of floats and troupes, the carnival queen election gala with all the amazing costumes and the infectious music in the streets form a truly wonderful spectacle, a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you can soak up the culture and joy of Tenerife.
These experiences will enable you to explore the diversity and beauty of Tenerife, but you’ll find more information on the Tenerife Council website and in our blog.
