Warning: reading the following article will make you want to drop everything and immediately head to Tenerife. Continue reading at your own risk of a great adventure.
Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is located just off the northwest coast of Africa. As a result of its location, the island is filled with diverse landscapes, including lush forests, volcanic mountains, sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs. Tenerife is one of the most beloved destinations in the Canary Islands, thanks to its vibrant mix of culture, history, and outdoor activities. Its mild climate throughout the year makes it ideal for trips outside of the peak season and a chance to soak up some much-needed Vitamin D in the winter months. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an active adventure, you can design your own Tenerife road trip with ease.
1. Teide National Park
Let’s get the most obvious choice out of the way first, as we can’t imagine opening this list of the best places to visit in Tenerife any other way. Teide National Park is home to Mount Teide, a volcano that serves not only as Spain’s highest peak, but as the highest point above sea level in the islands of the Atlantic. At 3,555 meters, it’s safe to say you’re guaranteed an incredible view. On a clear day, you can see as far as the neighbouring Canary Islands. To get to the summit, you can take one of the many great walking trails or opt for the Teide Cable Car.
There are plenty of natural sights aside from Mount Teide, such as Pico Viejo, which is located in the west with crater views. Or the unusual Roques de García rock formations, including the iconic Roque Cinchado column. In the south of the park, a traditional shepherd’s hut now houses the Juan Évora Ethnographic Museum.
Finally, Teide National Park is a renowned stargazing destination due to its high altitude and low light pollution. It might just be one of the best places to see stars in Europe. You can join a guided stargazing tour to view constellations, planets, and other celestial wonders with telescopes and expert guidance. Or, if you’d prefer a private viewing, just head to a high-altitude viewpoint after sunset—there are several accessible spots along the park’s roads.
2. La Laguna
Second on this list of the best things to do in Tenerife is visiting La Laguna. La Laguna’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with charming colonial architecture, lively streets, and historic churches. One such church is the Cathedral of San Cristóbal, a candy-coloured building that took over 300 years to complete due to numerous natural disasters.
Stroll along pedestrian-friendly streets with vibrant bars, delicious restaurants, and shops. While here, don’t miss Casa de los Capitanes and the beautiful courtyards of Convento de Santa Catalina.
Spend an afternoon at the Museum of the History of Tenerife, known locally as Casa Lercaro. Located in a stunning 16th-century mansion, this museum offers a deep dive into the history and culture of Tenerife. The exhibits cover everything from the indigenous Guanche people to the island’s colonial period, making it a must-see for history buffs. Follow this with a stroll through the charming museum gardens.
3. Garachico
On the northern coast of Tenerife, you’ll find the delightful town of Garachico. Known for its distinctly Canarian culture, it is filled with quaint squares and winding streets. Take a stroll around Plaza de la Libertad, lined with charming cafes and historic sites like the Church of Santa Ana and the Convent of San Francisco. It’s an ideal area for relaxing, people-watching, and sampling local treats.
Garachico is also a popular Tenerife road trip destination for its natural pools. Formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, these natural seawater pools are a must-visit. The pools are surrounded by lava rocks, providing a unique and scenic swimming experience, complete with stunning coastal views.
Finally, tick some cultural pursuits off the list with a visit to Castillo de San Miguel. This small fortress was built in the 16th century to defend Garachico from pirate attacks. It’s now a historical site with exhibitions on the town’s history and volcanic past. The views of the coastline from the castle’s vantage points are impressive, making it a lovely spot for Instagram photos.
4. Masca Village
Let’s head to Tenerife’s most beautiful village, Masca. Surrounded by steep cliffs and lush scenery, Masca is a small mountain village with much to offer. The village is situated at an altitude of 650 meters in the Macizo de Teno mountains, which stretch to the northwestern tip of Tenerife. Keep in mind that the narrow roads can be challenging for larger motorhomes, so consider taking a smaller car or shuttle from a nearby camping area.
Spend time exploring this cosy village, which is filled with traditional Canarian houses and small artisan shops selling local crafts, honey, and jams. Stop by one of the rustic cafes to enjoy a coffee or sample local specialities like barraquito (a layered coffee drink) with views of the mountains.
If you like to stay active on holidays, one of the best things to do in Tenerife is to hike the Masca Gorge Trail. This famous trail descends through a dramatic gorge from the village, offering incredible views of rugged cliffs and lush vegetation. It’s a challenging but rewarding hike that eventually leads down to the beach. Many hikers take a boat ride back to Los Gigantes after reaching the ocean to get a different perspective.
5. Cueva del Viento
You’re going to lava this one — apologies for the terrible pun! Cueva del Viento is one of the world’s largest volcanic tube systems, formed by ancient lava flows from Pico Viejo. We highly recommend taking a guided tour through a section of this incredible underground labyrinth, where you’ll see lava formations, fossil remains, and unique geological features. Keep in mind that tours have limited space, so this is definitely one to book ahead of time!
Head to the Cueva del Viento Interpretation Centre before your tour, where you can learn about the cave's volcanic origins, history, and ecosystem. The centre provides an overview of Tenerife’s geological formation and prepares visitors for what they’ll see inside the lava tube, making it a great introduction to the experience.
Once you’ve had your fill of Cueva del Viento (if that’s even possible), it’s time to explore the surrounding area. The area around Cueva del Viento is rich in natural beauty, with several hiking trails that offer views of Tenerife’s northern landscapes, lush forests, and volcanic terrain. Take time to explore these trails and spot the unique flora and fauna of the region.
6. La Orotava
The next stop on your Tenerife road trip should be La Orotava, located in the north of the island. La Orotava’s old town is filled with colonial architecture, colourful mansions, and cobbled streets. Visit iconic sites like Casa de los Balcones, a 17th-century mansion with beautiful wooden balconies and a museum dedicated to local crafts. You’ll also come across beautiful churches like the Iglesia de la Concepción, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
A true highlight of La Orotova is the botanical garden nestled behind the Town Hall. This peaceful oasis features exotic plants from around the world. You’ll find it easy to unwind surrounded by lush greenery, palm trees, and rare flowers.
Looking to continue this greenery trend? Head to the Victoria Gardens, known locally as Jardines del Marquesado de la Quinta Roja. These tiered gardens offer stunning views over La Orotava and the surrounding valley. The intricate landscaping, fountains and pathways make it a lovely place to wander.
7. El Médano
Our list of the best things to do in Tenerife wouldn’t be complete without some watersports! We’re on an island, so taking a dip in the sea at some point is almost mandatory. El Médano is home to one of the loveliest beaches in Tenerife, popular with families, locals, and adrenaline junkies. Playa de la Tejita is one of Tenerife’s most beautiful beaches, known for its golden sand and views of the Montaña Roja (Red Mountain). It’s quieter than the main beach, making it a perfect spot to unwind, sunbathe or swim.
There are a handful of popular surfing beaches around El Médano, such as La Jaquita, which is ideal for beginners in the summer months. The windy conditions of the area also make it a paradise for windsurfing and kitesurfing, which could be a great way to leave your comfort zone this holiday!
Aside from the long sandy beaches and watersports facilities, El Médano is home to great bars and restaurants. Enjoy some freshly caught seafood and plenty of other local delicacies.
If you’re keen to get your walking boots dirty, hike one of the most iconic landmarks in Tenerife. Montaña Roja is a volcanic red mountain located beside El Médano. The moderate summit hike provides fantastic panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding area. It is particularly gorgeous when the landscape is bathed in vivid colours during sunrise and sunset.
8. Santa Cruz de Tenerife
It’ll come as no surprise that this list of the best destinations in Tenerife includes the capital, Santa Cruz. This coastal city is brimming with fun things to do and incredible restaurants to try. Head to the Auditorio de Tenerife, which is one of Tenerife’s most iconic landmarks. This striking, modernist building was designed by architect Santiago Calatrava and is situated right on the waterfront.
Art appreciators, we’re finally getting around to you! TEA is a contemporary art centre that features rotating exhibitions of modern art, photography, and multimedia. The building itself is an architectural marvel with open spaces and natural light, and it also houses a library and café. You’ll find no better spot to discover the local and international art scene.
Just a short drive from the city centre, Playa de Las Teresitas is a golden sand beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying Tenerife’s sunshine. Unlike the island’s typical black-sand beaches, Las Teresitas has imported sand from the Sahara, giving it a unique appeal. Enjoy cold refreshments surrounded by palm trees and gentle waves hitting the shore.
9. Los Gigantes Cliffs
This is one of the island’s major tourist attractions. Known as the ‘devil’s wall,’ these sheer rocky cliffs are located on Tenerife’s western coast. These breathtaking cliffs rise 600 meters above sea level, like Playa de los Guios. Take a boat tour to see the cliffs from the water. Several tours depart from the nearby marina and take you along the coastline, offering stunning views of the cliffs rising dramatically from the ocean. You might even spot some dolphins or whales on the way!
Finally, head to Playa de los Guios. Located at the base of the cliffs, this gorgeous beach offers a great spot to relax and take in the magnificent views. Stroll along the coastline and enjoy the breathtaking backdrop of the towering cliffs. You’ll find plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby to enjoy fresh seafood with a view.
10. Anaga Rural Park
Last but certainly not least, we’ve got one final addition to the best places to visit in Tenerife. This park is a lush green wonderland with beautiful laurel forests and panoramic views of the Atlantic. The mountains were formed due to a volcanic eruption about 7 to 9 million years ago, making it the oldest part of the island. Drive along the narrow mountain roads for breathtaking viewpoints and park near visitor areas to explore trails.
While here, hike the Sendero de los Sentidos (The Path of Senses). This accessible, short trail takes you through lush laurel forests with a range of diverse flora and fauna around you.
Head to the Village of Taganana while in the region. This traditional village is surrounded by dramatic mountains and valleys and offers a glimpse of rural life in Tenerife. Given its small size, you can easily explore it in an afternoon.
With these ten great destinations in Tenerife, you get to sample all the best things about this island. Immerse yourself in the culture, history, architecture, and natural beauty of Tenerife during your holiday, and we have no doubt you’ll be hurrying to return quickly.
Tenerife’s size and terrain make it ideal for a road trip, so why not hire a motorhome in Spain for your holiday?
