When you think about what to do in Tenerife, you should know the possibilities are endless. Tenerife might not be a place you’ve heard of but, I’m sure you’ve heard of the Canary Islands; same same.
The Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the coast of northwestern Africa, were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. They then became part of Spain in the 15th century after the Spanish conquest, bringing a blend of European and African influences you can still experience to this day.
Just recently, Ciara and I spent four unforgettable days in the Canary Islands, specifically in Tenerife. Comprised of seven main islands, Tenerife stands out as the best destination due to its diverse landscapes, unique attractions, and vibrant culture. Don’t believe me? Read on!
Why Visit Tenerife?
Short answer: sandy beaches, cheap drinks, amazing weather, even more amazing landscapes, and crystal clear and warm waters. It should be no surprise that, of all the Canary Islands, Tenerife stands out as a top destination.
And, as the largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife offers a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and unbeatable weather. With its sunny climate, warm and clear waters, affordable prices, and amazing hospitality, Tenerife truly has it all!
Perfect Weather
When Ciara and I visited Tenerife, we had four straight days of sunshine; that’s par for the course here. The island enjoys an average of 300 sunny days a year, much like my beloved home state of Colorado does. Plus, temperatures rarely dip below 18°C in winter or rise above 30°C in summer. Areas like Playa De Las Americas and Costa Adeje are popular for their almost guaranteed sunshine, making them ideal for beach lovers. The north side of the island, while slightly cooler and greener, still enjoys plenty of sunny days, offering perfect hiking opportunities for exploring more lush landscapes.
Affordability
Also, despite being a prime tourist destination, Tenerife offers excellent value for your money. Accommodation ranges from budget-friendly hostels and apartments to luxurious resorts, ensuring that there is something for every budget. Ciara and I “splurged” and stayed at Dreams Jardín Tropical Resort & Spa, a 5-star resort, for just over $100 a night! And with dining out being so affordable, you’ll find endless restaurants options offering delicious local cuisine at reasonable prices.
Crystal Clear Waters
The waters surrounding Tenerife are another major draw for visitors. The clarity of the water is exceptional, making it a haven for snorkelers and divers. The underwater visibility can reach up to 30 meters in spots, revealing a vibrant marine world filled with colorful fish, dolphins, and even the occasional whale! Ciara and I saw all these in one day on our excursion day (more on that later).
Lastly, it’s an easy and hassle-free destination since it’s part of the EU. That means you won’t need to go through customs to get here!
Where to Stay in Tenerife
Choosing where to stay or what to do in Tenerife largely depends on your vacation goals. If you’re looking for relaxation and beach time, the south side of the island is perfect. For hiking and jungle-like adventures, consider the west and north sides ideal.
For Relaxation:
For beach lovers, I’d recommend Playa De Las Americas and Costa Adeje. These areas are packed with tourist attractions and facilities, ensuring you have everything you need for a perfect holiday. As I mentioned earlier, Ciara and I stayed at the Dreams Jardin Tropical Resort & Spa in Costa Adeje.
This resort had everything: a fantastic pool deck, a massive breakfast spread, and breathtaking views. Plus, we were treated to live music every night and morning, adding magic to the overall experience!
For Adventure
If you’re looking for a bit more adventure, consider staying in Los Gigantes. Here, you’ll be close to the Teno mountains. This area is packed full of hiking trails like the Barranco de Masca or Masca Ravine Trail, a 5.3mi (8.5km) round-trip trail in an exotic, wild, and hard-to-reach location. Book reservations to hike here early as it’s a requirement!
What to do in Tenerife
If you’ve read some of my other posts like hiking the most beautiful lake in Switzerland or riding a scooter across a Greek island with nothing more than a backpack, then you know I don’t just tell you what to do in an area. Instead, I’ll tell you about the things I did on my vacation so you can make up your mind on whether my activities sound interesting to you. So, without further ado:
Day 1: Discover Masca and a Black Sand Beach
When Ciara and I got to the island, we weren’t really sure on what to do in Tenerife. Our first day was marked by a bit of dreary weather reminiscent of a typical day in Stuttgart. Nevertheless, we were bound to make the most of it. So, we made Masca our first stop.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its stunning views and as the starting point for the Barranco de Masca, or Masca Ravine Trail. The journey to Masca is an adventure in itself, with winding roads offering glimpses of the island’s rugged beauty.
Pro tip: take public transportation to Masca. If you choose to drive, you’re going to spend a long
time looking for parking in the only small parking lot. If I had to guess, there’s maybe only 20-25
parking spaces at Masca.
When visiting Masca, plan on spending about an hour and half. You’ll probably want to walk down to the small village once you see it. So, be sure to wear a solid pair of shoes (i.e., no flip flops). The stones leading to the small village within Masca have been traversed for many years. Thus, the stone path is rather slippery in places.
At the bottom of the path, Ciara and I enjoyed fresh papaya that a local was preparing on the spot. As juices dripped from our hands, we engorged in the juicy fruit as we sat under a cafe umbrella. It was a pretty wonderful way to kick off a four-day weekend!
After admiring the beauty once more, we pressed on to Playa de las Arenas, a black sand beach on the north side of Tenerife. The composition of black sand is different than white in that it’s not as fine.
This allowed us to kick off our shoes and walk barefoot without fear of having sandy feet! As we strolled along, we counted the number of Gallot’s lizards we saw; they were everywhere!
We finished the night near our hotel at a restaurant called The Ginger Pig Bar and Kitchen. Serving the best fish and chips on the island, it’s no wonder they have a 4.7/5 rating on Google!
And, they had loads of craft beers. I was in heaven!
Day 2: Stroll the Boardwalks and go Stargazing
On our second day, Ciara and I had more of a game plan for what to do with our time in Tenerife. We started the day lounging at the hotel pool, reading books and drinking piña coladas. After that, we explored Tenerife’s boardwalks, where beers cost less than $2!
Walking from Playa de El Bobo to Playa de la Pinta, our wallets enjoyed the juxtaposition of budget-friendly drinks in a resort paradise. It was a contrast neither of us expected! These boardwalks are lined with countless souvenir shops and restaurants, making it a lively and entertaining stroll.
Tenerife also boasts some of Spain’s best beaches, ranging from sugary white sands to black volcanic shores. Ciara and I spent a portion of each day lounging at Playa de El Bobo or Playa de la Pinta. I’d say Playa de la Pinta, with its calm waters and numerous restaurants, is perfect for families. If you’re looking for a more natural experience, Playa de los Morteros offers waves and fewer amenities, ideal for those seeking tranquility.
Pro tip: Public drinking is not allowed in Tenerife, so be sure to enjoy your drinks within licensed establishments to avoid fines. The boardwalks offer a plethora of bars and restaurants, providing the perfect setting for a relaxed afternoon.
After walking the boardwalk for a few hours, we settled at Playa de El Bobo and took a well-deserved siesta. As the sun fell lower in the sky, we decided to venture inland to a restaurant serving traditional Canary cuisine. This was Ciara’s idea, not mine, and it failed miserably lol. To this day I’m not sure what we ate but, it wasn’t very good. And we drove almost an hour to eat it!
To end the night on a high note, we drove a bit further up Mount Teide to stargaze from the hood of our rental car. Tenerife offers some of the best stargazing in Europe due to its remote location and minimal light pollution.
Mount Teide, standing at 3,718m, provides a perfect vantage point for observing the Milky Way. With no moon and very little light pollution, Ciara and I could see thousands of stars like they were within reaching distance. It was a perfect ending to an amazing day.
Pro tip: Bring warm clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly at high elevations. You can join a guided tour or drive up yourself for an unforgettable night under the stars.
Day 3: Book an Excursion Adventure
Our third day in Tenerife was all about adventure. After another delicious breakfast at the resort, we set off to find a vendor selling anything that would get us onto the water.
Organized excursions are a must-do when in Tenerife. As we wandered, we discovered that adventure vendors were everywhere, offering everything from jet ski rides to full-day catamaran trips. We opted for a catamaran tour to Los Gigantes, the highest cliffs in Europe. These 600m cliffs offer unparalleled views, making for an unforgettable experience.
While the rock formations were truly magnificent, seeing dolphins and whales was the real highlight. As Ciara and I stood on the catamaran cruising north, we spotted fins clear off in the distance! The catamaran got closer and sure enough, we were encroaching on a pod of dolphins. It was something I never thought I’d see!
As we docked near Masca beach, the skipper suggested we all dive into the crystal-clear water. I didn’t hesitate for one second! Not only that, but you know I had to bring my snorkel gear in with me! No trip to Tenerife is complete without snorkeling. The island’s rich marine life, including dolphins and whales, makes for an exciting underwater adventure.
Pro tip: Purchase snorkeling gear before your trip to avoid overpriced and subpar “souvenir” equipment. Also, private, hard-to-reach beaches offer the best snorkeling experiences, with clearer waters and more marine life.
After about thirty minutes, we were called back on to the boat to head back to Playa de las Américas. But again, much to our surprise, more fins in the water. This time, it was a pod of whales! Pilot whales to be specific.
Turns out, the waters around the island are home to a resident population of pilot whales. These whales are there year-round, making Tenerife one of the few places in the world where you can see pilot whales so reliably. The deep waters between Tenerife and La Gomera create a perfect habitat for these magnificent creatures, allowing for excellent whale-watching opportunities almost any time of the year.
In conclusion
Deciding what to do in Tenerife can lead to a bit of analysis paralysis, trust me. But at the same time, a visit to Tenerife in the Canary Islands guarantees a tropical beach vacation like no other. With delicious food, breathtaking sights, cheap beer, and perfect weather, Tenerife caters to all types of travelers. The friendly locals and adventure vendors enhance the experience, ensuring you make the most of your stay.
To summarize, Tenerife is a top destination for anyone looking to explore the Canary Islands. With its diverse activities and stunning landscapes, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re lounging on the beach, exploring Masca, or snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, Tenerife promises an unforgettable adventure.
Plan your visit to Tenerife today and discover why it’s the best Canary Island to visit. Let the island’s charm and beauty captivate you, just as it did for Ciara and me.
