Tenerife Spain Visitor Guide

Tenerife Spain is the largest and most visited island of the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean.  Whether you are looking for sun and beach, nature and adventure, culture and history, or fun and entertainment, Tenerife has something for you.

One of the main attractions of Tenerife is its coastline, which boasts over 400 km of beaches with different types of sand and water. You can enjoy the lively and popular beaches in the south, such as Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos, or the quieter and more natural ones in the north, such as Playa de las Teresitas and Playa de Benijo. You can also discover stunning volcanic beaches with black sand, such as Playa de la Arena and Playa Jardín.

El Duque Beach Tenerife Spain

Another highlight of Tenerife Spain is its natural beauty and diversity, which is influenced by its volcanic origin and its subtropical climate. The island has four national parks and several nature reserves that protect its unique flora and fauna.

Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak and the third-highest volcano in the world, is the largest national park in the Canary Islands. A visit to the park is one of the must-things to do as offers breathtaking views, unique lunar landscapes, several craters, and spectacular views.

Tenerife also has a rich cultural and historical heritage that reflects its past as a crossroads between Europe, Africa, and America.

You can explore charming towns and villages that preserve their traditional architecture and customs, such as La Laguna, La Orotava, Garachico, and Masca.

Tenerife is also home to numerous museums and monuments that showcase the art, history, and traditions of the island, such as the Museum of Nature and Archaeology, the Auditorium of Tenerife, and the Basilica of Candelaria.

The island is a mecca for water sports enthusiasts, so be sure to take part in surfing, diving, sailing, or whale watching.

You can also experience some adrenaline on the rides and attractions of the theme parks, such as Siam Park, Loro Parque, Aqualand Costa Adeje, or Jungle Park.

There are also a number of colourful festivities and celebrations that take place throughout the year, such as the famous February Carnivals, Easter, or Corpus Christi.

Tenerife is an island of surprises that will captivate you with its charm and with its beauty to create an unforgettable holiday experience.

5 Interesting Facts about Tenerife

  1. Tenerife has the same national flag as Scotland for one very simple reason; they both share the same patron saint St Andrew.
  2. Many people believe that Tenerife was actually the mystical Atlantis before the volcano erupted and brought it up above sea level. This will probably never be proved or disproved, but it's a nice thought!
  3. When you look at the peak of the Teide volcano bathed in glistening snow it's hard to imagine red hot lava spewing out of it but it is still officially classed as active even though it hasn’t erupted since 1909.
  4. If you are a lover of the paranormal you have the best chances of seeing a UFO in Tenerife. There have been more sightings reported here than anywhere else including one in 1976 which lasted for 40 minutes, was witnessed by hundreds, and for which there is still no explanation.
  5. Mystery writer Agatha Christie spent a lot of time on the island and sought inspiration for many of her books from the idyllic surroundings. Several locations around Tenerife are mentioned by name in her novel “The Man from the Sea”.

Top Things to Do and See in Tenerife

 

 

Explore Teide National Park

Mount Teide Tenerife

Teide National Park is the largest and oldest national park on the Canary Islands.  It covers an area of 190 km2 and contains the highest peak in Spain, Mount Teide, which is an active volcano that rises up to 3,718 m above sea level.

The park is a unique geological treasure that showcases a variety of volcanic forms and materials, such as craters, vents, lava flows and petrified rivers. The landscape is shaped by the eruptions of Teide and its predecessor, Las Cañadas volcano, which collapsed 198,000 years ago and formed a huge caldera that surrounds Teide.

The park has a rich biodiversity and hosts many endemic species of plants and animals. It also has a cultural and historical significance, as it was considered a sacred place by the aboriginal inhabitants of Tenerife, the Guanches, who believed that Teide was the home of a powerful god.

Teide National Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007 and welcomes millions of tourists each year. There are numerous amenities available for visitors, including visitor centres, viewpoint sites, and walking paths.

The park features one of the clearest night skies in the world thanks to its elevation, making it a well-liked location for astronomy.

See a Drago tree

Drago Tree Tenerife
Drago Tree Tenerife

For something unusual to visit, go see the famed Drago Tree, which is believed to be over a thousand years old. It is one of the oldest living things in the Canary Islands and can be found in the pretty town of Icod de Los Vinos.

The Drago Tree is revered by the locals and serves as the island's emblem.

With a twisted boot and a crown of leaves at the top, it has an unusual appearance and is well worth visiting.

Visit Los Cristianos

El Duque Beach Tenerife
El Duque Beach Tenerife

Los Cristianos is a popular beach resort located on the south coast of Tenerife. It was once a poor fishing village, but now has a ferry port, two stunning beaches and attracts holidaymakers from all over Europe.

The resort offers lots of amenities, such as shops, supermarkets, bars, restaurants, hotels and apartments and a lively nightlife with many cabaret bars and clubs.

It also has a long promenade that connects it with the neighbouring beach at Las Americas.

Los Cristianos is also a great place to enjoy all kinds of water activities, such as whale and dolphin watching, surfing, sightseeing cruises, deep-sea fishing and scuba diving. The harbour is the departure point for ferries to other islands, such as La Gomera.

Los Cristianos is a charming town with golden sand beaches and a near-perfect all-year-round climate.

Have Fun at a Theme Park

Siam Park Tenerife
Siam Park Tenerife

Tenerife is a paradise for theme park lovers, as it offers a variety of attractions for all the family. Whether you are looking for water slides, animal encounters, adrenaline rides or cultural experiences, you will find a theme park that suits you.

One of the most popular is Siam Park, a water park that recreates the historic Kingdom of Thailand. It includes incredible architecture and landscapes such as the famed Tower of Power, the Dragon, and the Wave Palace.

Another must-see theme park is Loro Parque, a zoo that hosts a variety of animals, such as dolphins, orcas, penguins, gorillas and tigers. It also has shows, exhibitions and conservation projects that educate and entertain visitors.

Other theme parks that you can enjoy include Jungle Park, a tropical rainforest with birds of prey and big cats; Aqualand in Costa Adeje, a water park with dolphin shows and fun slides; and the Pyramids of Güímar, an ethnographic park that explores the mysteries of ancient cultures.

Explore the Dramatic Los Gigantes Cliffs

Los Gigantes Tenerife
Los Gigantes Tenerife

Los Gigantes cliffs are a stunning natural wonder on the western coast of Tenerife. They are huge basalt walls that rise up to 600 metres above sea level, forming a dramatic contrast with the blue water and the green vegetation.

The cliffs are a result of volcanic activity and erosion, and they host a variety of protected wildlife. They are also a popular destination for tourists who want to admire their sheer beauty, you can also go on boat trips and view them from the sea.

Los Gigantes cliffs were considered a sacred place by the Guanches, the original inhabitants of Tenerife, who called them the "Wall of Hell" or the "Wall of the Devil". They are a unique sight that you should not miss on your holiday in Tenerife.

Visit the Hidden Village of Masca

Masca Tenerife

Masca is a picturesque village in the Teno mountains, on the western side of Tenerife. It was once a Guanche settlement, but now it has only 90 inhabitants who live in traditional stone houses surrounded by lush vegetation and spectacular views.

Masca is a hidden gem and makes for a perfect day out to enjoy its natural beauty and tranquillity. The village offers stunning views of the valley and the sea, as well as the island of La Gomera. One of the main attractions is the hike from Masca to the bay of Masca, a challenging but rewarding trail that goes through a spectacular gorge.

Whale and Dolphin watching

Whale Watching

One of the best locations in Europe to watch whales and dolphins in the wild is Tenerife. Bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales live permanently on the island; in addition, sperm whales, orcas, and blue whales make yearly excursions to the area.

Taking a boat tour to see these incredible animals up close is one of the most popular water activities you can do in Tenerife.  Luckily, there are numerous guided whale and dolphin-watching boat trips to choose from.

Most tours take place on either a catamaran, yacht, or cruiser boat.

Whichever boat trip you choose, you will enjoy a memorable experience that will allow you to admire the beauty and intelligence of these fascinating marine creatures.

You will also learn more about their behaviour, ecology, and conservation from the knowledgeable guides and crew. And you might even have the chance to swim in the crystal-clear water or see other attractions, such as the cliffs of Los Gigantes or the bay of Masca.

Visit Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz Tenerife
Puerto de la Cruz Harbour

Puerto de la Cruz is a delightful harbour town located on the north of the island,  it is full of quaint streets, quality shops and graceful plazas – not to mention the beautiful garden beach, which provides stylish relaxation beneath the sun.

The geographical location of Puerto de la Cruz is a major attraction for visitors to the region, as the area is located at the foot of the La Orotava Valley on the North West coast of Tenerife. This area is rich with vibrant vegetation, despite the fact that it receives less rainfall than other resorts in the northern part of the island.

Much of the beauty of Puerto de la Cruz lies in its traditional outlook, historically, this was developed to connect the wealthy citizens of La Orotava with the New World – allowing the townspeople to export sugar, wine and dye colourings.

In stark contradiction to many other areas of Tenerife, the harbour still boasts a traditional look and feel. Local vendors serve the traditional foods of the Canaries from booths by the water’s edge, allowing visitors to sample the fresh bounty of the sea. Tourists and locals alike while the hours away, watching colourful fishing boats floating on glimmering seas of aquamarine.

Depending upon the time of year during which you make your visit, you’ll be able to partake in the fiestas and carnivals at the harbour. Right across Tenerife, fishermen hold celebrations in honour of their patron saint La Virgen del Carmen around the 16th of July – a tradition held since the 18th century.

For a pleasant stroll head through the old town, with its bustling, narrow streets. here, you will find beautiful colonial architecture as well as buildings that date back to the times when the town was used as a popular Victorian spa destination for ladies.

Other local attractions include the Lago Martianez beach, a sea-water-filled pool complex and the banana plantation and the botanical gardens.

The Gastronomy of Tenerife Spain

Gofio
Gofio

Tenerife's gastronomy is a mix of traditional Canarian dishes, Spanish recipes, and influences from African and South American cuisine. The island's gastronomy is varied and delicious using natural fresh produce of the finest quality.

Some of the best traditional Canarian dishes include gofio, honey, and potatoes, which can be consumed alone or mixed in a wide variety of dishes.

The island produces a variety of its own produce such as bananas, tomatoes, cucumbers, bubandos (a variety of courgette), pumpkins, chard, watercress, yams, potatoes, aubergines, cabbages and kidney beans.

The most typical local dishes come from crops grown locally such as potatoes, beans, tomatoes, bananas, avocado, papayas, corn and cocoa. Cheese wine and tobacco are traditional on the islands too.

Some of the most popular ingredients used in Tenerife's gastronomy include fish such as vieja (sea bream), bocinegro (black bream), sama (sea bream), salema (sea bream), cherne (grouper), tuna and mackerel. The morena or moray eel is also a dish that no visitor should miss.

The Canary Island cheeses are soft, cured or semi-cured especially made from goat's and cow's milk.

Some of the best dishes eaten in Tenerife Spain include Pollo al salmorejo (spiced chicken), Spiced Pork Adobo de Cerdo (spiced pork), Almogrote (cheese spread), Bienmesabe (almond cream) and Principe Alberto (almond cake).

Michelin-starred restaurants in Tenerife Spain

Nub: This first-class restaurant is located in the Laguna Gran Hotel in San Cristobal de la Laguna. Chefs Andrea Bernardi and Fernanda Fuente Cardenas serve a fusion of Italian, Canarian and Chilean flavours. Website: http://www.nubrestaurante.com/ 

Txoko: Run by one of Spain's great chefs, Martin Berasategui Txoko is located at the 5-star Ritz Carlton Abama Hotel in Guia de Isora. Website:  http://www.ritzcarlton.com/

Abama Kabuki: Another world-class restaurant located within the Ritz Carlton Abama Hotel in Guia de Isora. Chef Ricardo Sanz has created a menu that fuses Japanese and Western cuisine superbly well. Website: http://www.ritzcarlton.com/

El Rincón de Juan Carlos: A delightful family-run restaurant located in the striking coastal town of Acantilado de Los Gigantes. This Michelin-starred eatery is run by Juan Carlo and his brother Jonathan. Website: http://www.elrincondejuancarlos.com/erdj/en/

Getting to Tenerife and the Public Transport

Tenerife Ferry Boat
Tenerife Ferry Boat

Tenerife is well connected to the rest of the world by different means of transportation. Here are some of the best ways to get to Tenerife and move around once you are there:

- By plane: Tenerife has two international airports: Tenerife North (TFN) and Tenerife South (TFS). You can find direct flights to Tenerife from many cities in Spain and Europe, as well as some destinations in Africa and America.

- By ferry: Tenerife has two main ports: Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Los Cristianos. You can take a ferry to Tenerife from other Canary Islands, such as Gran Canaria, La Gomera, La Palma, or El Hierro. You can also take a ferry from the south coast of Spain, from the ports of Cadiz or Huelva.

- By bus: Once you are in Tenerife, you can use the public bus service (called guaguas) to travel around the island. There are regular buses that connect the main towns, tourist resorts, beaches, and attractions. You can buy single tickets or use a prepaid card (called bono bus) that offers discounts and transfers⁵.

- By Tram: Another option to move around Tenerife is to use the tram service (called tranvía) that operates in the metropolitan area of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and La Laguna. There are two tram lines that cover 15 km and have 27 stops. You can buy single tickets or use a prepaid card (called ten+) that offers discounts and transfers.

Recommended Places To Stay In Tenerife

For a five-star experience, Bahía del Duque is a standout choice. Nestled in Costa Adeje, this upscale resort mirrors a colonial village, featuring lush gardens, multiple pools, and direct access to the beach.

Hotel Jardín Tropical provides a mid-range tropical oasis in Costa Adeje. With its distinctive architecture, lush landscaping, and a variety of dining options, it offers a comfortable stay for guests seeking elegance without the high price tag.

In the heart of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey combines history and modern luxury. This four-star hotel, set in a beautifully restored mansion, offers refined accommodations, a spa, and proximity to the city's cultural attractions.

For budget-friendly travellers, Hotel Silken Atlántida provides contemporary comfort in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. With its sleek design, rooftop pool, and central location, it offers affordability without sacrificing style.

Set against the backdrop of Mount Teide, Parador de las Cañadas del Teide offers a unique experience in Teide National Park. This mountain lodge, operated by the Spanish Paradores chain, provides rustic charm, breathtaking views, and a tranquil escape for nature enthusiasts.

 

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