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The Best Things to Do in Tenerife in 2022

Have you already booked your hotel and flights? Well, now it is time to think about all the fun activities that will make your holidays unforgettable! We have selected a few fun things to do in Tenerife that won’t leave you disappointed.

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN TENERIFE

Check out this top ten list of the must-see touristic attractions in Tenerife that you just can’t miss! It is important to plan your trip beforehand so you will have enough time to see the most important parts of the island! You can buy most of the tickets and excursions in Civitatis.

1. Visit Teide National Park

Mount Teide in Tenerife

Teide National Park is located in the center of the island of Tenerife; it was established in 1954 and included Las Cañadas and Mount Teide. Teide is the highest mountain in Spain, it is an active volcano that rises 3,718 meters. In addition, this volcano is the third highest in the world.

You can reach it by car, bus or take a half-day excursion! There is a cable car that will take you to the top, from which you will be able to see breathtaking views of the whole park and Tenerife. However, keep in mind that the cable car closes on windy days, and you should check if it is open before going! Don’t get too sad if it is closed, the park itself is very beautiful and you can take a walk on one of the trekking routes.

Check out excursions and tickets to Teide.

2. Walk down the Masca valley and return by boat

Masca Valley in Tenerife

The descent of the Masca valley is one of the most recommended activities on the island of Tenerife! In fact, it is the second most visited natural enclave of the island after Teide.

Masca valley allows you to admire huge volcanic walls molded by erosion and go through a unique gorge that flows between the famous cliffs of Los Gigantes.

The valley is closed at the moment for construction. However, the government is planning to open it soon. In order to protect the fragile environment, they are planning to collect fees for visiting the valley, including a bus to Masca village, tour guides, and a boat trip.

3. Visit the Anaga Forrest

The view of Teide from the Anaga forrest

Tourists that only come to the South of Tenerife will be very surprised that the north of the island is incredibly beautiful and green.

Tenerife is strongly influenced by winds that blow from the Atlantic, loaded with humidity. Together with the mountains of the island, these winds produce horizontal rain. This phenomenon makes Anaga so special, there is no such other place on the island. It is cool there even in summer, and the humidity makes the forest beautiful throughout the year.

I recommend renting a car and just going around it while stopping at every viewpoint that you find!

4. Enjoy the sunset on the Playa de Benijo beach

Playa de Benijo beach in Tenerife

While exploring the forest of Anaga, make sure to go to Playa de Benijo. It is a breathtaking beach with rocks that stick out of the water. 

You can have a whole beach day there! However, keep in mind that it is a naturist beach, so don’t be surprised if you see a couple of nudists!

You can also eat some local dishes, fish, and seafood in a nearby restaurant that has spectacular views of the beach. After that, make sure to stay for the sunset. The beach looks even more stunning in the evening!

5. Have a glass of wine while admiring the cliffs of Los Gigantes

Los Gigantes viewpoint Tenerife

On your way to Masca, make sure to stop at this amazing viewpoint Mirador Archipenque and have a glass of wine or a cold beer. 

I know it is just a viewpoint and a lot of people only spend a few minutes there to take some pictures, but you are on holiday! Just stop for a moment, have a drink, and just enjoy this glorious view!

6. Visit Garachico and the natural pools of El Caletón

Garachico is a small coastal town in northern Tenerife. It is best known for its natural pools, with water that is entering and leaving the Atlantic Ocean constantly.

Making a walking route is the best way to discover Garachico. Historic churches, San Miguel castle, and typical architecture attract tourists to this town. If you are lucky to visit during one of their holidays, you will see the typical decorations that make this town even more colorful!

It is important to note that Garachico was the main commercial port of Tenerife. However, in 1706 the eruption of the volcano buried a large part of the town and the port, making it unusable at the time.

7. Visit the iconic Las Teresitas beach

Las Teresitas beach in Tenerife

While visiting the capital of the island, Santa Curz de Tenerife, make sure to check out Las Teresitas beach. It is an iconic beach, and pictures show up in all the articles about Tenerife!

Even though it doesn’t look that impressive when you are on it, you must go up the mountain to a viewpoint and take some awesome selfies!

8. Take a walk in Puerto de la Cruz

Even though Puerto de la Cruz is a popular touristic destination, it has kept its charm and authenticity.

Get lost in its small streets full of typical colorful houses. Lay down on one of the volcanic black sand beaches with beautiful views of Teide. Have a blast in the swimming pools of Lago Martiánez. Take your tastebuds on a journey to one of the amazing restaurants. Explore the fauna of Tenerife in the botanical garden and get to know the animals of the world in Loro Park. The activities are endless!

9. Get crazy in the world-known theme parks

Siam Park Tenerife

Visit Siam Park – the best water park in the world according to Trip Advisor. It will be a perfect way to spend a hot day and have a blast in the water! Sometimes in the summer, the park is open at night, making it a completely new experience!

Get to know the animals from different parts of the world in Loro Parque. According to TripAdvisor, it is the best zoo in the whole of Europe!

10. Try the local food in a Guachinche

Guachinche local Canarian food

You have to try the local food and the best place to do it is in a Guachinche! Guachinche is a typical Canarian restaurant. These restaurants are country-style and serve the best Canarian dishes and local wine.

My favorite one is El Cordero, which is based on an old banana plantation! They specialize in grilled meats and other typical dishes. Live music always helps to set the mood!

EXPLORE WHAT TO DO IN TENERIFE

Making a top 10 list of the best things to do in Tenerife is a hard task! There are so many amazing things on this island! And people come here for different reasons… That’s why I have divided all the activities into separate sections, they should help you plan your perfect holidays here in Tenerife!

theme parks in tenerife

Theme Parks

Tenerife hosts the number one water park in the world – Siam Park and the number one zoo in the world – Loro Park!

And even if you have already visited both of these parks, there is a list of theme parks that are still waiting for your visit!

tenerife nightlife

Nightlife

Are you a fan of music and dancing? Then Tenerife is a perfect place for you! 

Dance in one of the clubs full of tropical palm trees and hot Latin music. Enjoy drinks that are almost free, and prepare yourself for a night that you will never forget! Or maybe never remember?

activities in tenerife

Activities

Whether you came to Tenerife with your family, your couple, or with friends, you will always find something to do here!

Tenerife offers a lot of water sports and activities, you can see dolphins and whales, and if you like extreme sports you can even try windsurfing.

There are also a lot of hiking treks, and even professional cyclists come to train on this beautiful island.

places to visit in tenerife

Places to Visit

A lot of places in Tenerife are included in the UNESCO world heritage site list due to their exceptional nature or architecture.

Teide is one of the most popular tourist attractions, it is the highest mountain in Spain and also an active volcano.

There are a lot of old fisher villages or small towns in the mountains with local wineries and breathtaking views.

tenerife carnival

Carnival

The Carnaval de Tenerife is the second biggest carnival in the world after Rio de Janeiro!

Colorful costumes, loud music, and a luminous parade are just a small part of all the fun during this festival!

tenerife festivals

Festivals

Are you a fan of music? Tenerife hosts various music festivals during the summer and attracts the biggest stars from all over the world!

From reggaeton to electronic music, there is something for every taste! And isn’t it great to know that the weather will be perfect during these outdoor festivals!

restaurants in tenerife

Restaurants

It is not only time for you to try out the traditional Canarian food in one of the guachinches but also to taste the local wines and Spanish tapas in the local wineries.

And if you are a true gourmet lover, we have even made a list of restaurants awarded with Michelin stars!

THINGS TO DO IN TENERIFE SOUTH

Most of the activities for tourists are based in the south of Tenerife because it is a lot more popular! You can find the main theme parks, and there are also a lot of water sports. 

Nightlife is also more active in the south, and you can find bars and clubs that are open every day of the week! There are also loads of restaurants on every corner, so you will be able to have a different meal every day.

THINGS TO DO IN TENERIFE NORTH

If you prefer activities in nature, then the north of the island is for you! Most of the nature parks are based in the north of the island, where you can find the Anaga forest and the natural black sand beaches.

If you want to try the traditional food and local wines, you will also have to go to the north as most of the locals live in that part of the island.

HOW TO PLAN WHAT TO DO IN TENERIFE

There are many activities and places to see in Tenerife, and therefore it is important to plan everything beforehand. Don’t forget that you are on holiday and it is important to have some balance between rest and activities!

A good idea would be to do some sightseeing in the morning and then relax on the beach during the second half of the day! If you plan to visit some tourist attractions in the north, check out the beaches there as well or maybe there are some nice restaurants for your lunch or dinner?

Don’t go out to a party the night before an excursion! Trust me, it won’t be fun driving on these curvy mountain roads while you are feeling sick from a hangover…

If you are going to the north of the island or to the mountains, don’t forget to take some warmer clothes. It’s crazy how much the weather can change during a 30-minute drive!