Many people believe Tenerife is just about beach resorts and sunny weather.

I thought the same.

I pictured black sand beaches, a couple of relaxing swims, and not much else.

Instead, I ended up hiking through volcanic landscapes that looked like Mars, watching dolphins jump next to our boat, walking through a tropical butterfly garden, and standing above the clouds at sunset with a volcano behind me. Tenerife was much more diverse and surprising than I ever imagined.

This guide shares the best things to do in Tenerife, from famous spots like Mount Teide to surprises like picking your own pearl from a living oyster. Every suggestion comes from my own experiences or things I wish I’d had time for, so you can plan a trip that’s much more than just beaches.

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Nature & Volcano Experiences

Watch Sunset Over the Clouds at Teide National Park

Cost: Free if you drive there, otherwise, you can also go with a tour
Time needed: 2-3 hours (plus driving)
Best time: Late afternoon, arrive 1-2 hours before sunset

This was the highlight of our entire trip.

Drive up to Teide National Park in the late afternoon. As you ascend, you literally rise above the clouds.

Then, as the sun sets, you watch it sink into a sea of clouds with Pico del Teide volcano standing tall in the foreground.

The way the light hits the volcanic rocks, turning them gold, then red, then purple, is unforgettable.

The temperature drops quickly, so bring extra layers. Standing there as the sky changes color and the clouds glow below you feels magical.

Where to watch: exact GPS Location

Pro tip: Combine with a hike at Roques de García earlier in the day, have lunch/dinner at Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide, then stay for sunset.

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Hike Through Mars-Like Landscapes at Roques de García

Cost: Free
Distance: 4.3 km circular trail
Time needed: 1.5-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Walk through a landscape that looks like another planet.

Red and brown volcanic rocks, dramatic formations jutting from the ground, zero vegetation, Pico del Teide looming in the background. This is what I imagine Mars looks like.

The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. Even if you’re not in top shape, you can walk the first 30 minutes and turn back. The views are great from any spot along the way.

Where: Teide National Park, start at Mirador de los Roques parking lot
Best combined with: Sunset watching, lunch at Parador restaurant

Read my complete guide: Best Hikes in Tenerife with GPS / Teide Complete Guide

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Climb Teide Mountain by Cable Car (Teleférico)

Cost: €27-38 (varies by season)
Time needed: 2-3 hours total
Book ahead: Essential—sells out weeks in advance

Take the cable car (teleférico) to 3,555 meters altitude on Pico del Teide.

The views from up there are incredible. You can see other Canary Islands on clear days, the entire north and south coasts, the crater. At the top, short trails let you explore the summit area (full summit requires additional permit).

We tried to book this, but it was canceled two days before because of the weather. We couldn’t get tickets again. It was frustrating, but that’s how it goes; the weather controls everything.

Book at: Official Teleférico del Teide website
Weather dependent: Can be canceled last minute
Pro tip: Book stargazing tours as backup—they’re often more reliable than cable car

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Experience Stargazing Under Teide’s Dark Skies

Cost: €60-100 for guided tours
Time needed: 3-4 hours (evening)
Book ahead: Yes, if you want to go with a tour. I recommend tours as they have telescopes and make the experience much more interesting.

Teide National Park is one of the best stargazing spots in the world.

The high altitude, clear skies, and lack of light pollution make this a fantastic place to see stars, planets, and the Milky Way. We didn’t get to do this in Tenerife because our cable car was canceled and we ran out of time, but we did it later in Gran Canaria. It was absolutely amazing.

Guided tours provide telescopes, expert explanations, and transport. Some tours combine sunset + stargazing.

Book at: I like this one from GetYourGuide or this one on Viator
Bring: Very warm clothes—it’s freezing at night even in summer

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Take a Quad Trip Through Teide’s Volcanic Terrain

Cost: €100-150 per person
Time needed: 3-4 hours
Book ahead: Recommended, here is the one I’ve seen on site

We saw quad groups driving through Teide and I wished so badly we’d booked this.

It looks incredible to explore the volcanic landscapes on a quad bike, stop at viewpoints, and go places regular cars can’t reach.

Many tours offer sunset quad trips, which combine adventure with the special evening light at Teide.

Book at: GetYourGuide
Requirements: Valid driver’s license

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Hike the Dramatic Masca Trail

Cost: Free (unless taking guided tour)
Distance: 10+ km
Time needed: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to hard

One of the most spectacular hikes in Tenerife.

Start from Santiago del Teide and hike through changing landscapes, with views of Teide, then mountains, then the ocean.

The final approach to Masca village from above is breathtaking, with steep cliffs on both sides and the village clinging to the mountainside.

Stop at Mirador Cruz de Hilda for smoothies and ice cream with incredible views.

There is also the option of going down from Masca towards the Ocean. But the logistics are way more complicated for that. I recommend going with a guide. They will take care of your permit and the boat waiting for you at arrival.

We didn’t do this in Tenerife, but we did a similar guided hike in Crete, and loved it! It’s definitely worth it!

Read my complete guide: Best Hikes in Tenerife with GPS

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Explore the Ancient Dragon Tree in Icod de los Vinos

Cost: Free to see from outside, small fee to enter park
Time needed: 30 minutes
Location: Icod de los Vinos (north)

See the Drago Milenario—an 800+ year-old dragon tree that’s become the symbol of Tenerife.

It’s massive: 18 meters tall with a 20-meter diameter trunk. You can see it from outside the park (free), but entering gives you access to gardens with other endemic Canary Island plants.

Dragon trees look unusual, almost like something from a Dr. Seuss book. This one is said to be the oldest in existence.

Combine with: Butterfly park next door (highly recommended)

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Walk Among Butterflies at Mariposario del Drago

Cost: ~€10-15
Time needed: 1 hour
Location: Icod de los Vinos

This was one of the best things we did in Tenerife.

Walk through a tropical greenhouse with hundreds of butterflies flying around you—all colors, all stages of development. They land on you, flutter past your face, rest on flowers right next to you.

Kids love it, but honestly, adults love it too. The greenhouse is beautifully maintained with tropical plants, making it a sensory experience.

Pro tip: Go slow, be quiet, let the butterflies come to you

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Water Activities & Coastal Experiences

Take a Boat Trip to See Whales and Dolphins

Cost: €80 per person (includes food and drinks)
Time needed: 3 hours
Departure: Los Gigantes (best option, as it’s the most impressive coast of the island)
Book ahead: Recommended to make sure you book a respectful trip, preferably on a sailing boat

We saw so many dolphins and small whales on this trip.

The boat leaves from Los Gigantes, which has the island’s most impressive coastline with dramatic cliffs that drop straight into the ocean. The captain knows where to find marine life, and we spent time just watching them swim and jump.

The trip included food, drinks, and a swimming break. It was unforgettable.

I’m careful about recommending this because marine animals are sensitive to boats. If you decide to go, choose operators who keep a respectful distance.

Alternative: Kayaking tour (see below) disturbs animals less.

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Kayak Along the Coast to See Hidden Coves

Cost: €25-50 per person; we booked this one for its great reviews and it was perfect
Time needed: Half day (4 hours total including setup)
Difficulty: Need basic fitness and ability to get in/out of kayak

Kayaking lets you see hidden coves and get close to marine life without the noise of boat engines.

We did this with a group of about 15 people. The instructor was great, explaining the difference between river and open-water kayaking. We saw dolphins and sea turtles (from a respectful distance).

You should know how to kayak, or at least be in decent shape, since you’ll use your arms a lot. Getting in and out of the kayak in the water takes some upper body strength.

Book at: Local operators in Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos; We took this one, which included a snack and the photos.

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Swim in Natural Volcanic Pools at Garachico

Cost: Free
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Location: Garachico (north coast)

The natural pools in Garachico were formed from the 1706 volcanic eruption that destroyed the original town.

Lava flowed into the ocean and created these pools carved into volcanic rock. They are like natural swimming pools filled with seawater. It’s a unique Canarian experience.

Warning: Only swim when the ocean is calm. When there are waves, it’s dangerous because water crashes over the rocks. We saw the pools but were too cautious to swim.

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Relax on Black Sand at Playa de Fañabé

Cost: Free
Location: Costa Adeje (south)
Facilities: Restaurants, loungers, showers

This was the first beach we visited in Tenerife, and it completely changed my opinion about black sand beaches.

We arrived at golden hour and the sand looked beautiful—glowing warm in that light. The beach is long, well-maintained, with calm water and good facilities.

Black sand can get hot, so bring water shoes or sandals. Honestly, the black sand beaches in Tenerife are beautiful.

Best time: Golden hour (late afternoon) for photos

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Discover the Secluded Playa de Castro

Cost: Free
Location: North coast (near Puerto de la Cruz)
Access: Hundreds of steps down through palm trees

We saw this beach from Mirador San Pedro at sunset and wished desperately we had time to visit.

You need to go down hundreds of steps surrounded by palm trees to reach this secluded beach. From above, it looked like paradise and had a completely different feel from the beaches on the south coast.

Best for: People seeking quiet, unique beach experiences, photographers

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Visit the Famous Playa de las Teresitas

Cost: Free
Location: Near Santa Cruz (north)
Features: White sand (imported from Africa), palm trees, mountain backdrop

This is maybe the most famous beach in Tenerife.

Long stretch of white sand (imported from the Sahara), palm trees, mountains framing it, calm waters. It’s beautiful and has facilities.

Our honest opinion: We were disappointed by the cruise ships docked so close to the beach. It felt less idyllic than we expected. We preferred Playa del Duque in Costa Adeje, which has a nicer setting and great restaurants.

But many people love Las Teresitas. Worth a quick stop if you’re nearby.

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Cultural & Town Experiences

Wander the Colonial Streets of La Orotava

Cost: Free
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Location: La Orotava (north)

My favorite town in all of Tenerife.

You’ll find colonial architecture, wooden balconies covered in flowers, cobblestone streets, and pastel-colored buildings. It feels like stepping back into the 17th century. Every corner is picture-perfect, but more importantly, it’s truly beautiful.

Walk the 1km route from Calle San Francisco through the historic center. Don’t miss Casa de los Balcones (see below).

Pro tip: Visit in the morning when light is best for photos

Read my complete guide: Best Towns & Villages in Tenerife

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Admire the Balconies at Casa de los Balcones

Cost: Free to see exterior, small fee to enter
Time needed: 30-45 minutes
Location: La Orotava

Casa de los Balcones is a 17th-century house that’s become the symbol of Canarian architecture.

The wooden balconies are covered in flowers, the interior courtyard is stunning, and inside you can see traditional Canarian crafts—embroidery, lacework, textiles. It’s beautifully preserved.

Even if you don’t go inside, the exterior alone is worth seeing.

Combine with: Walking tour of La Orotava, lunch at a local restaurant

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Explore the Authentic Village of Garachico

Cost: Free
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Location: Northwest coast

Garachico was the most authentic town we visited in Tenerife.

It was rebuilt after a 1706 volcanic eruption destroyed the original town. It’s small, peaceful, with hardly any tourists. Natural pools, local artisan markets, traditional architecture, slow pace.

I wish we had planned to stay two nights here. The atmosphere is completely different from the south. This feels like the real Tenerife.

Best combined with: Swimming in natural pools, lunch at a local restaurant

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Discover Masca Village’s Dramatic Setting

Cost: Free (unless doing paid tour)
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Access: Challenging mountain drive or bus from Santiago del Teide

Masca is a tiny village that clings to a mountainside and offers dramatic valley views.

Even if you don’t hike, it’s worth visiting just to see the setting. Drive up (challenging road) or take the bus, walk around the village, find viewpoints above to see the valley.

Pro tip: Arrive early before tour groups

Combine with: Masca Trail hike if you’re up for it

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Stroll Through Puerto de la Cruz’s Waterfront

Cost: Free
Time needed: Half day
Location: Puerto de la Cruz (north)

The biggest city in the north, with actual local life mixed with tourism.

Walk the waterfront promenade, visit the natural pools at Lago Martianez (€7 entry), explore the street art neighborhood at C. Mequinez, stop at Café Alba for lunch with bay views.

It’s not a must-see, but if you’re nearby, it’s a pleasant way to spend half a day.

Skip this if you’re short on time. Instead, prioritize La Orotava and Garachico.

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Food & Wine Experiences

Eat at a Traditional Guachinche Restaurant

Cost: €30-50 for two people with wine
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Location: Mostly in the north

Guachinches are rustic, family-run restaurants that serve home-cooked Canarian meals.

This is the best way to eat in Tenerife. Try ropa vieja (shredded beef stew), garbanzas (chickpea stew), and of course wrinkly potatoes with red and green mojo sauce.

The challenge is that they’re hard to find in tourist areas, especially in the south. Ask locals, search online, and be ready to drive a little.

Worth it: Absolutely. Authentic, affordable, delicious.

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Taste Canarian Wines in La Orotava Valley

Cost: €20-40 per person for tours/tastings
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Location: La Orotava and Valle de La Orotava DO

The Valle de La Orotava is one of the most important wine regions in the Canaries.

Visit Bodegas Tajinaste for tastings and tours. The volcanic soil gives the wines unique flavors, so they’re unlike anything you’ve tried before.

We didn’t do this (ran out of time) but it’s high on my list for next visit.

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Learn About Banana Cultivation at a Plantation

Cost: ~€25 per person
Time needed: 1.5 hours
Location: Near Puerto de la Cruz
Book ahead: Essential—sells out days in advance

A guided walk through an active banana plantation with the owner is one of the best things to do in Tenerife.

You learn about banana cultivation, sustainable living, see 15 types of aromatic plants, and taste banana liqueur. It’s educational, interesting, and you get incredible photos with banana trees and ocean backdrop.

Pro tip: Book as soon as you know your dates, the places are limited (we went on site trying to get in without booking in advance, and there was no place left, we had to come back on another day).

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Pick Your Own Pearl at La Perla Workshop

Cost: €30 + price of jewelry
Time needed: 1 hour
Location: Costa Adeje area, La Perla Workshop

This is a unique experience where you pick your own pearl from a living oyster.

My husband picked one randomly. We learned about pearl quality (shape, size, color), and I made a necklace with it. The pearl was valued at €90; the experience cost €30 plus the necklace price.

It’s a bit touristy, but honestly, it was fun and now we have a unique souvenir.

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Gardens & Nature Parks

Walk Through the Jardín Botánico (Botanical Garden)

Cost: €3
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Location: Puerto de la Cruz
Hours: 9h-18h

Created in 1788, this is the 7th oldest botanical garden in Spain.

There are over 4,000 plant species from around the world, including tropical plants, palm trees, and exotic flowers. The garden is peaceful, beautiful, and educational. It was originally created to help plants from Spanish colonies adjust before being sent to mainland Spain.

Perfect for a relaxing morning or afternoon break from hiking and beaches.

Best combined with: Lunch in Puerto de la Cruz, visit to nearby beaches

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Discover Endemic Plants at Jardín Histórico Sitio Litre

Cost: ~€5
Time needed: 1 hour
Location: Puerto de la Cruz

A historic garden with a focus on orchids and endemic Canary Island species.

This garden is smaller and more intimate than the main botanical garden, but it’s beautifully maintained. If you love gardens and plants, visit both. If you have to choose one, the main Jardín Botánico is more impressive.

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Hike Through Pine Forests at La Quinta

Cost: Free
Distance: 5 km circular
Time needed: 2 hours
Location: Near Taucho, Adeje (south)

This was our warm-up hike on day two, and it showed us that Tenerife had plenty of surprises in store.

Walk through open pine forests, see wildflowers even in winter, reach the spectacular Boca del Paso viewpoint high above Costa Adeje. Not crowded, great views, accessible.

Read our complete guide: Best Hikes in Tenerife with GPS

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Unique & Unexpected Experiences

Visit the Museum of History at Casa Lercaro

Cost: €5
Time needed: 1 hour
Location: La Orotava

A stunning 16th-century mansion housing the History Museum.

Even if you’re not usually interested in museums, the building itself is worth seeing for its colonial architecture, beautiful courtyard, and period furniture. It helps you understand La Orotava’s history and importance.

Combine with: Walking tour of La Orotava

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Experience the Corpus Christi Festival (May/June)

Cost: Free
When: Variable (May or early June), check out the dates here
Location: La Orotava (most famous)

If you visit in May or early June, try to catch the Corpus Christi festival.

During the festival, the streets of La Orotava are covered in huge flower carpets with elaborate designs made entirely from flower petals. It’s incredible to see, and the festival has been celebrated for centuries.

Check dates: They change yearly based on the Catholic calendar

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Attend a Local Market or Artisan Fair

Cost: Free to browse
When: Weekends in various towns
Best places: Garachico, La Laguna, Puerto de la Cruz

We stumbled upon a local artisan market in Garachico and it was one of the best moments.

You’ll find handmade goods at reasonable prices, local crafts, and a genuine atmosphere. If you come across a market, stop and check it out. This is where you can find unique souvenirs and meet locals.

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Watch Cultural Celebrations in Town Squares

Cost: Free
When: Various throughout the year
Where: Most towns have regular celebrations

We witnessed a cultural celebration in Garachico, with people marching through streets, singing, traditional costumes.

We didn’t know exactly what the celebration was, but it was beautiful to watch. Tenerife has a strong tradition of local festivals, so if you’re lucky enough to see one, take the time to enjoy it.

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Activities We Didn’t Do (But Should Be on Your List)

Descend Masca Gorge to the Beach

Cost: €60-100 with boat pickup
Time needed: Full day
Difficulty: Hard
Book ahead: Essential

The famous descent from Masca village through the gorge all the way to the beach.

We didn’t do this, but we heard it’s incredible, similar to Samaria Gorge in Crete.

Tours include the hike down and a boat pickup from the beach, since you can’t hike back up the same day.

The photo is actually from the Masca Beach, taken during our sailing tour. This would be the final point of your hike if you decide to make it!

Book at: GetYourGuide

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Explore Anaga Rural Park’s Laurel Forests

Cost: Free (hiking)
Time needed: Half to full day
Location: Northeast Tenerife

Lush green forests completely different from the rest of Tenerife.

Ancient laurel trees (laurisilva), mist, hiking trails through fairy-tale landscapes. We ran out of time for this but it’s high on the list for next visit.

Best trails: Sendero de los Sentidos, various circular routes through the forest

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Visit Siam Park (If You Have Kids)

Cost: €40+ per person, book in advance if you decide to go
Time needed: Full day
Location: Near Costa Adeje

We skipped this because it’s not really our thing, but if you’re traveling with kids, it’s said to be one of the best water parks in Europe.

Just a heads up: Reviews say it’s always crowded with long lines. Think about whether that’s worth it for your family.

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A video to inspire you

Images speak louder than words, so besides all my photos, I also made a video with our favourite moments.

Watch it here or on Youtube. And if you enjoy it, make sure to follow me over there too! It helps a lot!

Practical Tips for Planning Your Activities

Book in advance:

• Teide cable car (weeks ahead)
• Banana plantation tours (days ahead)
• Stargazing tours (weeks ahead)
• Masca Gorge descent (months ahead)

Can be spontaneous:

• Most hikes
• Beach visits
• Town exploring
• Restaurant meals (except fancy places)

Budget wisely:

• Free activities: Most hikes, beaches, towns, sunset watching, natural pools
• €25-50: Kayaking, museums, gardens, butterfly park, pearl workshop
• €80+: Whale watching, Teide cable car, guided tours, wine tastings

Time allocation:

• Teide: Full day minimum
• Hiking: Plan 1-2 days just for trails
• North towns: Full day to see La Orotava + Garachico + one other
• Beaches: Can be combined with other activities

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Final Thoughts

The best things to do in Tenerife kept surprising me throughout my trip.

I arrived expecting just beaches and a volcano. I left after seeing butterflies land on me, watching sunsets over the clouds, hiking through landscapes that looked like Mars, eating in family-run restaurants where hardly anyone spoke English, and discovering colonial towns that felt frozen in time.

Don’t just stay at the beach resorts. Rent a car, drive up north, hike at Teide, eat at Guachinches, wander through the streets of La Orotava, and watch whales jump in the Atlantic.

That’s the Tenerife I want to return to.

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FAQ