The Top Things To See And Do In Tenerife

Perhaps the most picturesque of the Canary Islands, off the African coast, is Tenerife – famous for its bustling Playa de las Américas beach, adrenaline-pumping Siam Park waterpark and year-round sunshine. Here’s our guide to the top 10 unmissable things to do on the island.

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See Los Gigantes Cliffs

On the west coast of the island are the Los Gigantes. These giant cliff formations stretch to a height of 800m (2,624ft). The rocky cliffs are an incredible and inspiring view for visitors, whereas the surrounding area offer views of 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 as well as from around the world. It has a large collection of native tools and carvings, and is a world reference in regard to preservation of mummies. The conservation work done by the museum has paid off; visitors have a unique chance to discover the largest existing collection of the Guanche aboriginal culture of Tenerife, before the arrival of the first European conquerors.

Tenerife Auditorium Adan Martin

The Tenerife Auditorium, created in an avant-garde architectural style, frequently hosts talks, exhibitions and music events that attract diverse crowds. Many people have come up with interpretations regarding the shape of the auditorium: some say it resembles an old Spanish helmet. The first level has a large open space with a terrace restaurant, ticket offices and restrooms. Enjoy the great view from the terrace and be sure to have a camera at hand.

Hike Masca Mountain and Valley

Masca Hike is one of the most popular hikes on Tenerife. It begins at the village in the northwest side of the island and goes all the way to the rocky beach below. The length of the trail is about 7km (4.3mi), and a guide can be arranged by local companies, or you can explore on your own, by heading 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.

Explore Teide National Park

In the midsts of central Tenerife, Teide National Park is a protected Unesco World Heritage Site centered on the 3,718m (12,198ft) 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 unbeatable 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 a must to see 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 Tenerife and the surrounding islands.

Whale and Dolphin Watching at Playa de Las Amèricas

The warm waters surrounding Tenerife are home to more than 28 species of whales and dolphins, making it a popular attraction for visitors of all ages. There are daily boat trips departing from Los Cristianos and Los Gigantes and Las Americas every day. The price of the boat trips differs according to the service and availability of drinks and food. Some boats are even decorated like pirate ships. Trips are on average three hours long, during which you will be able to see several dolphin and whale species in their natural habitat.

The Pyramids of Güímar

The Pyramids of Güímar natural complex 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 their mysterious appeal and historical ambiguity. They definitely stand out in the national park filled with reed ships, ancient artefacts and tranquil grounds.

Visit Siam Park Waterpark with the Family

Above Los Cristianos, Siam Park is a relatively new attraction that has gained enormous popularity with tourists. It’s full of water rides, an enormous wave pool complete with a gold sand beach and a mile-long lazy river to chill by. If you want to experience thrills and spills, go on the Tower of Power, a 100ft (30m) near-vertical slide that will bring you through an amazing aquarium full of ocean residents. Siam Park is dedicated to a Thai theme and is Tenerife’s biggest theme park.

Sea Kayaking and Canoeing Trip at Playa de los Cristianos

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 from the coast. Don’t be scared of having a go at these activities – a professional guide will be on hand to make sure you’re safe and take you through the whole fun experience.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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