The largest of the autonomous Canary Islands, Tenerife is a dream holiday destination for many travelers. Whether you’re a solo adventure seeker, trying to pick your next family holiday, or simply looking to unwind and revitalize yourself before returning to the world, this place has a little something for everyone.

But is it worth using your hard earned vacation time here when you have an entire world of options? Here, we have a small travel guide of the top things you can do around the island. It will never be dull while you are here and Tenerife will make sure to give you an unforgettable experience.

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What Can You Do in Tenerife?

Kayak along the Los Gigantes Cliffs

This natural landmark can be found along the western coastline of Tenerife. You can get up close to the base of the cliffs by kayaking and see them towering from the ocean.

Guided tours like Teno Activo make it fun and energetic. You’re enjoying the outdoors and getting a history of the cliffs and surrounding area and town of Los Gigantes. You’re not required to stay in the kayak the entire time during the 2-hour tour. Take a break and jump into the water for swimming. Or just simply sit back and enjoy the peaceful sound of the water.

Visit the Loro Parque Zoo

Located in Puerto de la Cruz, this zoo and wildlife park is a fun and educational experience. It’s filled with a wide variety of mammal, avian, and floral and fauna. View the rainforest habitats, subtropical landscapes, aquarium, and home to the unique museum containing the largest collection of porcelain-crafted parrots. These animals are all well looked after by the staff and trainers. Loro Parque also focuses its time on helping to support global conservation efforts and sustainability practices.

Highlights include the largest known habitat of Penguins in the Penguinarium, mirroring almost the exact Arctic-like conditions from which they hail. See the bright colors and different kinds of smells from the plants and fauna in the Orchidarium. You have several outdoor performances showcasing orca whales, sea lions, dolphins, and real live parrots. Especially take time to see AquaViva, where you can see the fluorescence and colors of dozens of jellyfish.

Stroll UNESCO World Heritage Site San Cristóbal de la Laguna

One of the most popular towns in all of Tenerife. This city is alive with vibrant culture and with its colorful colonial-era architecture, cobblestone streets, local Canary Island cuisine, and historic charm. You can take a guided walking tour or explore on your own but there are plenty of sites you can see.

Start at Plaza del Adelantado, the heart of La Laguna’s community. Everyone passes through here and you can be surrounded by the locals, old buildings, and even a historic chapel at one end of the square. Walk over to Casa Salazar and see their version of what a palace was like here in the mid-17th century. The open spaces and mix of wood and stone architecture complement an elegant design.

The city is also filled with many religious landmarks. There is the Santa Catalina monastery and Cathedral of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, where you can find patron saints, impressive paintings, painted glass, and other religious items to pique your curiosity. Finish up at the market where you can find all the fresh cheeses, produce, desserts, and other local eats for those looking to expand their palate.

Hike Anaga Rural Park

Located in the mountains of the northeastern part of Tenerife, this UNESCO Biosphere reserve feels completely untouched by the modern world. It’s been shaped over centuries and is one of the oldest parts of the island. What you’re going to see is just how deep green it is because of the cool and wet climate. Come early enough in the morning and see the dense mist making it eerily spooky as you walk the trails over dirt and wooden log steps.

Its highlight has to be the subtropical laurel forest. The trees and shrubbery are so thick with wrapped branches around each other that it feels enclosed from the sun and gives you a completely different from anywhere else you have been. It’s almost a fantasy setting which is why one one of the trails has been nicknamed “the enchanted forest“. There are so many different trails and loops you can take at different levels of hiking or those that are kid-friendly that just hit you overlooking the landscape of the island and ocean coastline from the top.

Enjoy the Day at Siam Park, World Renown Waterpark

This water kingdom is an award-winning water park in Tenerife and is considered one of the best in the world. Inspired by Thailand, the entire park is structured to look like you’re in a Thai village with water tube slides, lazy rivers, waterfalls, the floating market, caves, private cabanas, a kid’s water playground, and tropical gardens and vegetation.

The only problem you might have here is the long wait time, both inside the park and outside. It’s immensely popular as a family-friendly stop as it’s located in Costa Adeje, where there are many luxury resorts and hotel accommodations. This means you will have a lot of tourists come to spend part of their trips which might affect your day and overall enjoyment here. So you may want to consider purchasing a fast pass to maximize your time.

Take a Boat Out for Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour

Thanks to the mild temperatures all year round in Tenerife and that there is a large protected marine area between here and the neighboring island of La Gomera, dolphins, and whales are abundant here in the blue sea. This means it is well worth the price to book your leisurely dolphin and whale tour onboard one of the many catamarans, yachts, and even Viking-themed boats to watch these marine mammals in their natural habitat.

The most common species you are going to be able to view here are known as ‘pilot whales’. They are smaller, dive deep, and have made the waters of Tenerife almost their permanent home. These whales are the curious and playful type which means they won’t be afraid to come near the boat to a degree, which is why this is such a popular activity.

Larger whales such as the Orca, sperm, and humpback may pass through during the migration season, making the peak time to see more diversity in the summer. You can also catch sightings of the bottleneck dolphins that are also spread out throughout the coast.

Most boat tours depart from popular Costa Adeje, but you can also find them in Puerto Colón and Los Gigantes.

Catch the Sunset at Teide National Park

The park surrounds Mount Teide, with a peak that is the highest point in Spain and still a very active volcano. Don’t worry about volcanic activity though as it may be active, it’s also constantly monitored. You can even take a cable car just below the summit for breathtaking panoramic views. But the volcanic landscapes make it all so interesting and worth visiting as another UNESCO World Heritage site.

One of its main attractions is the unusual number of rock formations scattered throughout the park. Particular interest should be paid attention to spots like Roque Cinchado and Roques de Garcia. These are some of the most popular sites and will always draw a crowd throughout the day. The rock formations are ideal for photographers and social media influencers to showcase their experiences from the lookout points.

So watching the sunset here is a perfect way to end your day. The bright colors seem even more vivid here in the wide open spaces. Stay after and enjoy stargazing as the altitude and usually clear skies mean you can enjoy the night even more.

Honorable Mentions

Pyramids of Güímar – You wouldn’t expect to find pyramids here, but these structures made out of volcanic stone are a lesser-known attraction in Tenerife. Theories of their construction range from ancient civilizations to astrological significance or simply clearing the way for the agricultural community to use the land. The area has been turned into an ethnographic park by famous Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl with museum exhibits and a botanical garden. There is enough to see and walk the grounds it will only take a few hours.

Candelaria’s Basilica – In Tenerife, this place is a significant religious landmark. Many on the island make pilgrimages here to the small coastal village to honor the patron saint of the Canary Islands. The basilica’s interior has numerous murals, stained-glass windows, and an altar to the saint. What you may find interesting is the outside in the large plaza, where here you can see a line of statues representing the native Guanche kings in contrast to the Catholic influence.

Beaches, Beaches, Beaches – Of course, you can always have a very lazy and relaxing vacation where you get to chill out and enjoy the beautiful beaches here. You have the opportunity not only to enjoy the golden sandy beaches of Playa de Las Teresitas and Playa del Duque but to enjoy the black sand beaches of Playa de Benijo and Playa de la Arena as well. Notice the differences between the imported sand and the that created by the volcanic activity of Tenerife.

So Should You Go to Tenerife?

Of course, you should! Forget the mainland, Tenerife caters to all types of travelers. It’s the combination of unique culture, world-class attractions, landscapes, weather, and activities that it such an appealing travel destination. You won’t go wrong picking the Canary Islands as your next big trip and coming to Tenerife.