Most visitors see the beaches of the south and Mount Teide, and then fly home. But Tenerife is much more than that: green forests, old towns, black sand beaches, natural pools and some of the best local food in the Canaries. I was born here and grew up between Punta del Hidalgo and La Laguna, so these are the things I tell my friends to do.
Quick answer: do not miss Mount Teide, the Anaga mountains, the old towns of La Laguna and Garachico, a lunch at a guachinche in the north and a boat trip to see whales and dolphins. If you have time, swim in a natural pool on the north coast.
Top things to do in Tenerife at a glance
| What | Where | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Teide and the national park | Centre of the island | Half a day to a full day |
| Anaga Rural Park | North-east | Half a day to a full day |
| San Cristóbal de La Laguna | North-east | Half a day |
| La Orotava and Puerto de la Cruz | North | A full day |
| Garachico and Icod de los Vinos | North-west | Half a day |
| Los Gigantes and whale watching | West | Half a day |
| A guachinche lunch | North | A long lunch |
1. Mount Teide
The highest mountain in Spain and a landscape of lava, craters and coloured rock that looks like another planet. Drive up, stop at the Roques de García and take the cable car if the weather is good. The summit needs a permit, so read my full Mount Teide guide before you go.
2. The Anaga mountains
Anaga, in the north-east, is my part of the island. It is a protected rural park of steep green ridges, ancient laurel forest and tiny villages, with the Atlantic on both sides. Stop at the Cruz del Carmen viewpoint, walk a short forest trail, drive down to the village of Taganana and finish at the black sand beaches of Benijo and Almáciga.
Local tip: the roads in Anaga are narrow and full of bends. Go early, drive slowly and bring a jacket, because it is often cooler and misty in the forest.
3. La Laguna, the old capital
San Cristóbal de La Laguna is a UNESCO World Heritage city and the place where I grew up. Its colourful old houses, wooden balconies and pedestrian streets are lovely to walk around, and as a university city it has a young, lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings.
4. La Orotava and Puerto de la Cruz
La Orotava is one of the most beautiful old towns in the Canaries, with historic mansions and carved wooden balconies looking over a green valley. Below it, Puerto de la Cruz is the classic town of the north coast, with Playa Jardín, the Lago Martiánez pools and a pleasant old harbour.
5. Garachico and the Dragon Tree
Garachico is a small, charming town that was partly buried by a volcanic eruption centuries ago. The lava created the natural pools of El Caletón, perfect for a swim when the sea is calm. On the way, stop in Icod de los Vinos to see the famous Drago Milenario, an ancient dragon tree that is one of the symbols of the island.
6. Los Gigantes and whale watching
On the west coast, the cliffs of Los Gigantes drop hundreds of metres straight into the sea. The water between Tenerife and La Gomera is home to pilot whales and dolphins all year, and boat trips leave from Los Gigantes, Puerto Colón and Los Cristianos.
Local tip: choose a company that follows the official rules for watching whales responsibly, with small boats that keep their distance from the animals.
7. Eat at a guachinche
A guachinche is a simple, family-run place in the north where you drink the house wine and eat home cooking. It is one of the most authentic experiences on the island. See my list of the best restaurants and guachinches and my guide to what to eat.
8. Beaches and natural pools
Golden beaches like Las Teresitas, wild black sand beaches like Benijo and natural sea pools in Punta del Hidalgo, Bajamar and Garachico. Read my full guide to the best beaches in Tenerife.
9. Surf, kitesurf and the sea
Take a surf lesson in Las Américas, try kitesurfing in El Médano or go snorkelling and diving along the south coast. See where to go in my surf guide.
10. Carnival
If you visit in February or March, the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is one of the biggest street parties in the world, with costumes, parades and music for days.
Good to know before you go
- Rent a car: most of these places are much easier to reach with your own car.
- Check access rules: some popular trails and roads, such as the Masca ravine or the road to Punta de Teno, have closures, bookings or restricted access at times. Check official information before you go.
- North and south have different weather: if it is cloudy where you are, it may be sunny on the other side of the island.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Tenerife?
A week is ideal to combine beach days with Teide, Anaga and the towns of the north. With four or five days you can still see the highlights if you rent a car.
What is the most beautiful part of Tenerife?
For many locals, the Anaga mountains in the north-east and the Teide National Park in the centre. They are completely different from each other and from the resorts in the south.
Is Tenerife good for families?
Yes. Calm beaches in the south, water parks, boat trips and easy walks in the national park make it one of the best islands for families.
Opening times, prices and access rules change. Check official information before you go.
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