Culturally, geographically, and spiritually, Tenerife is a unique destination. There is nowhere else in Europe where you can transition from cliff-clasped, black-sand beaches battered by Atlantic waves to whale-visited bays, mountain wineries, and quaint villages that remain as charming as they were 500 years ago.
While you might arrive with a list of places to explore, some of your best experiences will likely stem from unexpected encounters: Strolling through vineyards and banana plantations sloping down to the ocean; enjoying a casual lunch with locals at a quaint guachinche (rural pop-up restaurant); or savoring freshly caught fish in an old-town plaza at twilight.
Tenerife is often known as a party island; nonetheless, if you explore beyond the bustling southern resorts, you will find surprises. As you delve deeper into the wild mountains and enchanting laurel forests of the north, it becomes clear that this island offers endless possibilities for discovery.
La Laguna
Best for historic strolls
La Laguna is a captivating place. The former capital of Tenerife showcases a remarkably preserved, UNESCO-listed historic center filled with churches, convents, and pastel-painted colonial mansions that dazzle in vibrant shades of blue, lemon, green, violet, and orange – all crowned by an impressive cathedral. This lively city boasts one of the island’s most dynamic marcha (nightlife) scenes, making La Laguna comparable to Havana in the Canaries.
This is no coincidence. Established in 1496, La Laguna features 16th- to 18th-century Canarian mansions that inspired countless towns across the Americas. On Calle San Agustín, the architectural treats stand in line, awaiting their photo opportunities, including the stunning Casa del Montañés. Down the same street, discover the Museo de la Historia de Tenerife, a delightful 16th-century mansion filled with fascinating artifacts. For authentic Canarian cuisine prepared with organic ingredients, stop by Tasca 61.
Parque Nacional del Teide
Best for volcanic landscapes
All attention is drawn to Teide as soon as you arrive on the island. Viewed from the airplane, this perfectly-formed volcano – Spain’s highest peak at 3,715 m (12,180 ft) – appears to dominate the entire island. The stunning sight only intensifies as you approach its dark summit, often shrouded in clouds.
The volcano forms the centerpiece of the 189-sq-km (73-sq-mile), UNESCO-listed Parque Nacional del Teide, located in the heart of the island. The journey here is awe-inspiring, transitioning from Canarian pine and laurel forests to a barren, desert-like landscape of surreal, rust-red rock formations that glow in the sunset. This park is not just beautiful, as its dramatic scenery has been featured in films such as Clash of the Titans (2010). Scientists cherish its Martian landscapes. NASA’s Perseverance Rover, designed to search for extraterrestrial life on Mars, underwent training here due to the climate and terrain similarity.
This national park is a hiker’s paradise, offering trails ranging from leisurely walks through twisted lava formations at Roques de García to more challenging hikes up the frozen lava flows of Pico Viejo. For the ultimate trek, consider the full-day climb to Pico del Teide (online reservations are recommended). Reaching the summit allows you to enjoy breathtaking views of La Gomera, La Palma, and El Hierro emerging from the Atlantic; alternatively, a cable car ride is available for a more relaxed experience.
Nevertheless, it is under the stars that the park truly shines. This Starlight Destination features some of the darkest, clearest skies in the northern hemisphere, making 83 out of the 88 recognized constellations visible on calm nights. With the naked eye, you can even appreciate the misty band of the Milky Way. For a deeper exploration of the cosmos, consider using one of the massive telescopes at the Observatorio del Teide or participating in one of the tours provided by Volcano Teide Experience.
La Orotava
Best for Canarian tradition and wine tasting
Transporting you back to the early days of Spanish colonization, the 16th-century La Orotava nestles in a lush valley in the mountainous north, with Teide towering in the background. Its charming cobbled streets and flower-filled plazas radiate warmth, and the atmosphere remains decidedly Canarian (void of tourist traps).
To truly experience the town, meander along the architecturally impressive Calle San Francisco, lined with beautifully preserved 17th-century mansions adorned with intricate balconies. The highlight is undoubtedly the Casa de los Balcones, featuring a lovely courtyard cafe for a quick coffee pause before heading to nearby Casa Lercaro with its baroque wooden gallery and palm-studded courtyard.
La Orotava is not just about checking off attractions; it’s about immersing yourself in local culture. Relax at one of the traditional tascas (bars) for drinks, tapas, and games of dominoes, or buy artisanal gofio (toasted grain flour) at La Maquina. Visitors may also organize vineyard tours and tastings (try Bodegas Tajinaste), and then enjoy a meal at a nearby guachinche for a simple yet delicious local feast paired with island wine. For an enchanting stay, consider a charming boutique hotel in a 17th-century mansion such as Hotel Victoria.
This region, known as the Orotava Valley, is Tenerife’s agricultural heart, with its slopes blanketed in banana plantations and vineyards. The wines produced here are predominantly refreshing whites, crafted from the Listán Blanco grape, utilizing the traditional braided vine technique called cordón trenzado. It is also an excellent area for hiking, featuring numerous trails that wind through fragrant Canarian pine forests, offering stunning panoramic views down to the coast.
Garachico
Best for old-school Canary charm
For a true taste of authentic Canarian life, most locals will point you toward Garachico on the north coast. This charming town, shaped by the swelling Atlantic waves, offers historic streets filled with character and is enriched by its painful past. In the 17th century, it thrived as a hub for wealthy merchants exporting Malmsey wine until a devastating volcanic eruption in 1706 obliterated its port and inundated the town under lava. Over the centuries, Garachico has also endured floods, storms, fires, and locust plagues, which have shaped its resilient spirit.
Today, Garachico serves as a quaint base for exploring the northern coastline, revealing old-world charm through cobbled lanes, beautifully maintained 16th- and 17th-century colonial mansions, convents, monasteries, and churches. Stroll along the waterfront where fishermen cast their lines for a glimpse of the majestic Castillo de San Miguel, which houses a museum that immerses visitors in the town’s storied history. Surrounded by palm trees and Indian laurels, nearby Plaza Libertad is a hub of activity, with children playing and locals enjoying drinks and dominoes in cafes. If swimming is on your agenda, the natural lava pools at El Caletón are highly recommended.
For stunning coastal views, consider visiting Mirador de Garachico, offering a bar with local wines alongside inventive dishes featuring Canarian ingredients. In the heart of the town, guests can unwind at the lovingly-restored Hotel La Quinta Roja, a charming 16th-century mansion.
Los Gigantes
Best for diving and cliff drama
Gracing Tenerife’s western coast, where towering cliffs plunge dramatically into the vibrant Atlantic, Los Gigantes presents a stunning contrast with far fewer tourists compared to the busier southern resorts. This laid-back, low-rise town offers a seafront promenade, dusky volcanic sands of Playa de la Arena, and picturesque sunsets framing La Gomera.
The cliffs themselves, the breathtaking Acantilados de los Gigantes, rise a staggering 600 m (1,960 ft) above the crashing waves. For spectacular viewpoints, make your way to the end of Calle Tabaiba, where a natural lookout point awaits.
To truly appreciate the cliffs, consider kayaking or paddleboarding with Teno Activo. The submerged areas teem with marine life, making this a premier diving destination. At Los Gigantes Diving Centre, divers explore the depths where stingrays, barracuda, and turtles glide through volcanic arches and caverns.
In 2021, Tenerife’s west coast earned the title of Europe’s first UNESCO Whale Heritage Site. Its mild climate transforms it into one of the leading global locations for whale watching. Tours led by conservation-focused organizations, such as CB Marítima Acantilados, offer a reliable opportunity for immersive encounters with pilot whales, dolphins, and, with a bit of luck, even blue whales or orcas.
Puerto de la Cruz
Best for black-sand bays and botanical gardens
Stretching along a rocky coastline and dotted with volcanic beaches, Puerto de la Cruz is among Tenerife’s most enticing resorts, thanks to its laid-back atmosphere, vibrant cafe culture, plazas, and parks. Once famous for its Victorian-era spas, the town retains that leisurely charm today, featuring a scenic boardwalk for leisurely strolls, a luxurious spa enveloped in tropical gardens at Hotel Botánico, and the stunning Jardín Botánico, which showcases a wide variety of Canarian plants, flowers, and a rare collection of palms, along with an impressive 200-year-old Australian Moreton Bay fig tree.
To immerse yourself in the town’s heritage, start your exploration at the bronze statue of the fisherwoman located at Playa del Muelle, where La Cofradía de Pescadores serves up fresh seafood delicacies. Close by sits the grand, palm-fringed central square Plaza Charco (“Puddle Plaza”), known for its history of flooding during storms. From this lively square, navigate the labyrinth of narrow streets in La Ranilla’s old fishing district, which has transformed into a trendy area boasting bars and restaurants, such as Agora, where you can enjoy drinks and tapas on a charming terrace.
For beach enthusiasts, Playa Martiánez is a standout, offering its arc of dark sand and gentle waves, which are perfect for surfing. Also, for a more stylish swimming experience, check out the sprawling saltwater pools at Lago Martiánez, designed by the renowned Spanish artist, architect, and sculptor César Manrique.
Parque Rural del Teno
Best for mountain highs
Majestic mountains rise above orchards, terraces, and valleys at the northwestern tip of the island, where the dramatic volcanic cliffs of Parque Rural de Teno dominate the landscape. This less-touristed region exudes a primordial beauty, boasting extraordinary biodiversity alongside laurel and beech tree forests, as well as strawberry trees that attract the endangered laurel pigeon and spotted lizard.
At the rocky headland of Punta de Teno, where a solitary lighthouse stands, visitors can feel the raw power of nature, with Atlantic waves crashing upon a black-sand beach while jagged mountains stretch out into the distance. Sunsets in this area are breathtaking. Note that access is restricted (private cars are prohibited during daylight hours and weekends), but you can reach this scenic spot by taxi, bike, or bus 369 from Buenavista del Norte.
The twisting TF-436 road leading to Masca builds anticipation for the stunning village, which clings dramatically to a mountaintop, overshadowed by a striking rock formation. Be sure to treat yourself to cactus-flavored ice cream with palm honey from a local cafe before embarking on one of Tenerife’s most spectacular hikes down the Barranco de Masca ravine, leading to the ocean – provided you possess a permit.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Best for carnival and culture
Often overshadowed by coastal attractions, the capital city, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, pulsates with energy. A visit to the city during the February Carnaval reveals its vibrant spirit with endless fiestas, dazzling costume parades, and lively Latin dancing, making it second only to Rio de Janeiro in exuberance.
Culturally, Santa Cruz stands out with numerous historic sites, including Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, built in 1498 after the city’s conquest, featuring beautifully crafted Mudéjar-style wooden ceilings. Yet, the city’s contemporary highlights are equally captivating. The strikingly angular and light-filled Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (TEA), designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog & de Meuron, hosts an exciting array of exhibitions dedicated to emerging Spanish artists. Beyond that, the iconic Auditorio de Tenerife, resembling a crashing wave, is renowned for its architectural brilliance and acoustics. If you’re unable to attend a concert, consider a guided tour or enjoy a drink in the lobby cafe.
Lastly, enjoy wandering through the city’s parks, plazas, and streets, where you may stumble upon a sculpture by Henry Moore or Joan Miró, relax with a beverage on a cafe terraza in Plaza Candelaria, or gather provisions at Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África. The market is a culinary delight, filled with fresh produce, fish, wine, and local cheese, providing an authentic glimpse into the island’s daily life, particularly in the morning as locals enjoy churros and coffee.
