What to do in Tenerife: places, attractions, beaches, restaurants, hotels, museums
General Information about Tenerife
Tenerife is the largest and most populous of Spain’s Canary Islands, covering an area of 2,034.38 km² and home to 965,575 inhabitants as of April 1, 2025 :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}. Lying in the Atlantic Ocean off northwestern Africa, it boasts dramatic volcanic landscapes crowned by Mount Teide (3,718 m), Spain’s highest peak.
A major global tourist magnet, Tenerife welcomed over 7,384,707 visitors in 2024 alone :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. The island’s warm climate year-round, sandy beaches, lush northern laurel forests and UNESCO World Heritage–designated Teide National Park make it a favorite for sun-seekers, hikers and families alike.
Why Visit Tenerife?
With an average of 300 sunny days per year, Tenerife offers unbeatable beach weather from January through December. Whether you crave adrenaline-pumping water sports, world-class stargazing atop Teide or authentic Canarian cuisine in mountain villages, you’ll find variety that’s hard to match.
The island’s infrastructure is superb: an international airport (TFS), smooth highways and well-served bus routes make exploring every corner—from the desert-like south to the lush Anaga mountains—an absolute breeze.
Historical Highlights & Stories
Originally inhabited by the Guanches—Tenerife’s indigenous people—the island was conquered by Spain in 1496 under Alonso Fernández de Lugo. Many pre-Hispanic stone carvings and cave dwellings still dot the rural north, hinting at a deeply rooted native culture.
Over centuries, Tenerife became a key stop on trans-Atlantic routes between Europe, Africa and the Americas. Pirate raids, shipwreck legends off the rugged west coast and the historic wine trade have all left their mark on the island’s rich tapestry of tales.
Top 10 Must-See Places in Tenerife
1. Mount Teide & National Park
Spain’s tallest mountain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Teide offers lunar-like volcanic vistas. Ride the cable car to 3,555 m or hike one of 85 trails across lava fields studded with endemic flora.
2. Masca Village
Tucked between towering ravines in the Teno Mountains, Masca’s whitewashed homes cling to verdant hillsides. The 12 km Masca Gorge hike down to the sea is a bucket-list adventure.
3. Los Gigantes Cliffs
These 600 m sea cliffs are among Europe’s highest. Boat tours from the nearby harbour offer dolphin- and whale-watching against the cliff backdrop.
4. Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The island’s vibrant capital blends modern architecture—like the Auditorio—with historic plazas and the famed Carnaval, the world’s second-largest street party.
5. San Cristóbal de La Laguna
A UNESCO World Heritage old town, its cobblestone streets, colorful mansions and historic university exude colonial-era charm just 10 km from the airport.
6. Anaga Rural Park
Mist-shrouded laurel forests, vertiginous trails and hidden beaches define this Biosphere Reserve—perfect for hikers seeking off-beat serenity.
7. Garachico
This historic port town—rebuilt after a 1706 lava flow—features natural seawater pools, baroque churches and a pretty town square.
8. Cueva del Viento
Europe’s longest lava tube system (over 18 km) offers guided tours through subterranean tunnels formed by ancient eruptions.
9. Puerto de la Cruz
One of Tenerife’s oldest resort towns, it charms with pastel villas, the Lago Martiánez salt-water pools and a mellow seaside promenade.
10. El Médano
Wind-surfers’ paradise on the southeast coast, with miles of golden dunes and a skateboard-vibe town centre full of cafés and boutiques.
Top 10 Attractions
1. Siam Park
Europe’s best waterpark (TripAdvisor #1 in Canary Islands) with 28 rides, a man-made beach and Asia-themed décor.
2. Loro Parque
Renowned animal theme park and aquarium, famous for its killer whale and parrot shows.
3. Teide Cable Car
A 8-minute ride taking you from 2,356 m to 3,555 m for panoramic island views.
4. Whale & Dolphin Watching
Daily boat excursions off Los Gigantes; over 20 species frequent the waters.
5. Güímar Pyramids
Six stepped pyramids of uncertain origin; the on-site ethnographic museum digs into local legends.
6. Museum of Nature & Man
Santa Cruz museum showcasing Guanche mummies, zoology and archaeology.
7. Teatro Guimerá & Auditorio
Historic opera house in La Laguna and ultra-modern Auditorio de Tenerife in Santa Cruz, both architectural highlights.
8. Botanical Gardens (Puerto de la Cruz)
Founded 1788, hosts over 2,000 tropical species in tranquil shaded paths.
9. Submarine Safari
Dive to 30 m below sea level in a glass-bottom sub to view marine life without getting wet.
10. Starlight Tours
Teide’s clear skies host nightly astronomy excursions; telescopes available for public use.
Top 10 Restaurants
1. El Rincón de Juan Carlos (Los Gigantes)
Two-Michelin-starred modern Canarian cuisine with ocean vistas.
2. Restaurante Régulo (Guachinche, Tenerife North)
Family-run “guachinche” serving authentic stews and local wine in a rustic setting.
3. Abama Kabuki (The Ritz-Carlton Abama)
Innovative Spanish-Japanese fusion by Michelin-starred chef Ricardo Sánchez.
4. La Cúpula (Bahía del Duque)
Elegant beachfront dining with Mediterranean-Canarian tasting menus.
5. El Taller de Seve Díaz (Santa Cruz)
Contemporary tapas bar focusing on seasonal Canary Island produce.
6. Kazan (La Laguna)
Casual bistro spotlighting local cheeses, charcuterie and craft beers.
7. Mesón El Monasterio (Los Realejos)
Converted cliff-side monastery with panoramic terrace, hearty Canarian dishes.
8. Tago Mago (Adeje)
Fusion of Mediterranean and Japanese influences in a stylish space.
9. Guachinche Casa Tomás (Tacoronte)
Local vinoteca offering simple grilled meats and homemade wines since 1955.
10. La Vieja (La Orotava)
Atmospheric café-restaurant in a restored 17th-century manor, known for its desserts.
Top 10 Five-Star Hotels
1. The Ritz-Carlton Abama
Cliff-top luxury resort with Michelin-starred dining, private beach and sprawling spa.
2. Gran Hotel Bahía del Duque
Canarian colonial-style palace set in tropical gardens beside Playa del Duque.
3. Royal Garden Villas & Spa
Ultra-private villas with plunge pools, gourmet restaurant and personalized butler service.
4. Hotel Botánico & The Oriental Spa Garden
Five-star oasis in Puerto de la Cruz with renowned Asian-style spa gardens.
5. Sheraton La Caleta
Contemporary beachfront property with multiple pools and oceanfront restaurant.
6. Iberostar Grand Hotel Mencey
Elegant city center retreat in Tenerife’s capital, blending historic grandeur and modern luxury.
7. Royal Hideaway Corales Beach
Adults-only cliff-edge hotel with infinity pools and Michelin-star dining at Le Chique.
8. Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife
Vibrant south-coast music-themed resort with live shows, large pool complex and spa.
9. GF Victoria (Adults Only)
Modern adults-only in Costa Adeje with swim-up rooms and gastronomic buffet.
10. Gran Tacande Wellness & Relax
Secluded five-star spa hotel with ocean views, sauna caves and gourmet dining.
Top 10 Four-Star Hotels
1. Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey
Boutique-style in historic building with refined decor and central location.
2. Hotel Colón Guanahaní
Tropical garden resort near Playa del Duque with luxury spa.
3. H10 Atlantic Sunset
Clifftop adults-only with infinity pool and sunset bar.
4. Hotel Rural Orotava
Charming countryside retreat in La Orotava valley.
5. Hotel Laguna Nivaria
Modern in colonial La Laguna, great breakfast buffet.
6. Hotel Andorra
Stylish beachfront in Puerto de la Cruz with rooftop terrace.
7. Sol Tenerife
Budget-friendly in Playa de las Américas with multiple pools.
8. Hotel Adonis Plaza
Central Los Cristianos location, simple modern rooms.
9. Hotel Mediterráneo
Urban stay near Santa Cruz shopping district.
10. Hotel Puerto Palace
Overlooking Puerto de la Cruz harbour with sea views.
Top 10 Three-Star Hotels
1. Hotel Zentral Center
Smart urban rooms in Santa Cruz with rooftop pool.
2. Hotel Blue Sea Interpalace
Comfortable stay steps from Playa del Duque.
3. Laguna Park 1
Great budget option near Los Cristianos beach.
4. Hotel Diamante Suites
Spacious apartments in Costa Adeje.
5. Hotel RF Astoria
Quiet residential location in Costa Adeje.
6. Hotel Andorra
Central beach access in Puerto de la Cruz.
7. Hotel Adonis Plaza
Convenient for ferry terminal and shops.
8. Hotel Puerto Palace
Sea-view from most rooms in Puerto de la Cruz.
9. Sol Tenerife
Great value, pools and nightly entertainment.
10. Hotel Mediterráneo
Strategic location for exploring Santa Cruz.
Top 10 Museums
1. Museum of Nature & Man (Santa Cruz)
Guanche mummies, biodiversity exhibits and archaeology.
2. Museum of Science & the Cosmos (La Laguna)
Interactive astronomy and physics displays near the university.
3. TEA Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (Santa Cruz)
Cutting-edge contemporary art museum and cultural centre.
4. Casa Lercaro (La Orotava)
16th-century manor now housing Tenerife cultural history exhibits.
5. Museum of Industrial Archaeology
Steam engines, sugar-mill machinery and mining heritage in La Laguna.
6. Casa del Carnaval (Santa Cruz)
Behind-the-scenes look at floats and costumes from the famous festival.
7. Casa de los Balcones (La Orotava)
Canary Island architecture and craft workshops in a 17th-century mansion.
8. Seed Bank of the Canary Islands
Conservation centre for endemic plant species—guided tours available.
9. Military History Museum (Santa Cruz)
Fort history, weaponry and naval artifacts in an old garrison building.
10. Marciano González Museum (Valle Guerra)
Ethnographic displays and local crafts in a restored rural estate.
Top 10 Beaches
1. Playa de Las Teresitas
Golden Saharan sand, calm waters and palm-lined promenade.
2. Playa de El Médano
Windsurfing hotspot with laid-back town vibe.
3. Playa Jardín (Puerto de la Cruz)
Black volcanic sand gardens designed by César Manrique.
4. Playa de los Cristianos
Bustling beach with cafes, water taxis to Los Gigantes.
5. Playa del Duque
Upscale resort beach with fine sand and calm seas.
6. Playa Benijo
Remote black-sand cove at Anaga’s rugged northeastern tip.
7. Playa Bollullo
Unspoiled black sand beach nestled in banana plantations.
8. Playa de la Tejita
Wide golden shore backed by the Montaña Roja nature reserve.
9. Playa de las Américas
Lively strip of beaches, bars and nightlife on the south coast.
10. Playa del Socorro
Popular with surfers, rocky outcrops and fine dark sand.
Sport in Tenerife
Football reigns supreme: CD Tenerife plays at the Estadio Heliodoro Rodríguez López (capacity 22,000) and competes in Spain’s Segunda División.
Watersports are huge in El Médano (windsurfing, kitesurfing) and Los Cristianos (scuba diving). The island also boasts world-class golf courses in Adeje and Abama, paragliding launches above Masca and cycling routes gaining popularity for training camps.
Hiking fanatics flock to trails in Teide National Park and Anaga Rural Park—routes range from easy coastal walks to multi-day mountain treks.
Cost of Living in Tenerife
Tenerife remains more affordable than mainland Spain. A one-bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz rents for around €650–€800 per month; smaller towns drop to €500–€650.
Utilities run about €80–€120 monthly. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs €10–€12, while a mid-range three-course dinner is €25–€35 per person. Public transport monthly pass is €45, and groceries for one average €200–€250 per month.