Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, is a year-round favorite holiday spot for tourists from across the globe. It is not only a place to enjoy beautiful scenery, extreme sun rays and ocean waves, great bars and restaurants; but Tenerife is attractive for its natural resources and secluded getaways. Below is an extensive guide to top ten activities in Tenerife, including both unique and more touristy things to see and do on the island.
Los Gigantes Cliffs
Los Gigantes is a secluded resort located in the west of the island. Be prepared to be blown away by the incredible, untouched nature of this place. The resort is famous for the giant cliff formations that hang above to a height of 800 meters. These rocky cliffs offer an incredible and inspiring view for the visitors, whereas the secluded area offers a shiny brown and gold shimmering sand and aquamarine waters.
The Museum of Nature and Man in Santa Cruz de Tenerife contains many important artefacts related to the history of the Canary Islands. It has a large collection of native tools and carvings, as well as well-preserved mummies from around the world. The conservation work done by the museum has now paid off, since visitors have a unique chance to discover the largest existing collection of the Guanche aboriginal culture of ancient Tenerife, before the arrival of the first European conquerors.
The Malizia Show at Piramide de Arona is a great live performance that will captivate attention of both adults and children alike. The Malizia Show presents an incredible blend of traditional Hispanic cultures, and offers a mixture of flamenco opera and dance performance which is powerful and thought provoking. You do not need to speak Spanish in order to understand, as the language of body movements is conveyed perfectly without words. The visual interpretation of the storyline is easily followed on the stage thanks to the hard work and skilled passion of artists, which is visible through their excellent performance. The Malizia Show is not only the best show in Tenerife island, it is undoubtedly one of the most unique performances in the world.
The Tenerife Auditorium is an iconic modern art sculpture, created in an avant-guard architectural style. The venue frequently hosts talks, exhibitions and music events that connect different people. Many people have come up with different interpretations regarding the shape of the auditorium: some even think that it resembles an old Spanish helmet. The first level of the auditorium has a large open space with a terrace restaurant, ticket offices and restrooms. A pleasant view awaits you from the terrace, and the whole area provides excellent photo opportunities, as well as a chic place to rest and enjoy the views.
Masca Hike is one of the most popular hikes on Tenerife. It begins at the village in the north-west side of the island and goes all the way to the rocky beach below. The length of the trail is about seven kilometers, and is arranged by many local companies, or you can explore the natural sight on your own feet while going downhill from Masca to the beach, where you can take a boat to Los Gigantes. Hikers will be rewarded with some great scenery along the way.
Located on a vast area of central Tenerife, Teide National Park is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site centered on the 3,718 meter Mount Teide, the highest mountain in Spain. Teide National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the country, and is an important cultural and historical part of the Canary Islands, offering unbeaten views and hiking routes. Its diverse volcanic landscape, pine forests and green valleys are breathtaking. At the very least a quick drive through the Teide National Park is required to admire the beauty of this part of the island. Also, take the cable car to the top and you will be rewarded with a heaven-like view of the Tenerife and the surrounding islands.
The warm waters surrounding Tenerife are home to more than 28 species of whale and dolphin, making it a popular attraction for visitors of all ages. There are daily trips on the boats departing either from Los Cristianos or Los Gigantes. The prices of the boat trips differ according to the service and availability of the drinking buffet and food. Some boats are even decorated like pirate ships. The trip is around three hours in duration, during which you will be able to observe several dolphins and whales in their natural habitat, swimming around.
Boats depart from Los Cristianos, Los Gigantes Marina or Las Americas two to three times a day, between 9am-4pm
The Pyramids of Guimar is a natural complex that consists of a collection of six free-standing pyramids built in the 19th century outside of the town of Güímar. They are impressive, especially since they were built without mortar. the Pyramids of Güímar have become a popular tourist site, due to its mysterious appeal and historical ambiguity. Anyhow, they definitely stand out in the national park filled with reed ships, ancient artefacts and tranquil grounds.
Located right above Los Cristianos, Siam Park is a relatively new attraction that has gained enormous popularity with tourists. It is best visited during hot summer weather with family and children, as it provides water rides, an enormously huge wave pool complete with gold sand beach and a mile-long lazy river for you to chill and have fun showcasing your favorite bathing suit. If you want to experience thrills and spills, go on the Tower of Power, a 100 foot high near-vertical slide, which will bring you through an amazing aquarium full of ocean residents. Siam Park is dedicated to Thai theme and is Tenerife’s latest and biggest theme park.
Tenerife is a great place if extreme and active sports are your thing. A sea kayaking or a canoeing trip is a great alternative to discover the island and its coastal parts. Don’t be scared of embarking on such extreme activities, since all trips are done with the help of a professional canyoning guide, who will guide you through this unique and majestic experience. By Valeria Nikonoa
