Tenerife Unveiled: Beyond the Beaches - Volcanic Peaks, Whale Watching Secrets, and the Island's Dramatic Beauty
Tenerife is one of those places where every day feels like a new adventure. From the rugged landscapes to the golden beaches, there’s something for everyone on this island. It’s hard not to fall in love with the vibrant energy that fills the air as soon as you arrive. Whether you're after sun, sea, or a bit of culture, Tenerife has got it all.
One of the first things you'll notice about Tenerife is the towering presence of Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak. You’ll probably want to take a cable car up to the top, and let me tell you, the views are absolutely breathtaking. The landscape up there feels almost otherworldly, with craters and volcanic rock stretching as far as the eye can see. If you’re into hiking, there’s plenty of trails to explore too – just be prepared for some steep climbs, but trust me, the reward is worth it.
If you're more into relaxing by the beach, you’ve got plenty of options. The Playa de las Americas area is perfect if you're looking for a lively vibe, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops all within walking distance of the beach. But if you're after something a bit quieter, Playa de los Cristianos is a little more chilled, with calm waters and a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for a day of unwinding in the sun.
Tenerife’s charm isn’t just in its natural beauty – there’s a real cultural buzz in places like La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s an absolute gem, full of cobbled streets, colourful buildings, and cafes where you can just sit and watch the world go by. It’s the perfect place to soak in some local culture, especially if you're a fan of history and charming, historic towns.
Another hidden gem is Garachico, a quaint little village that feels like it's been stuck in time. It’s surrounded by volcanic rock pools where you can swim, and the cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings make it a dreamy place to spend an afternoon.
You won’t be disappointed with the food either – Tenerife is known for its fresh seafood, and there’s nothing better than sitting by the sea with a plate of grilled fish and a glass of local wine. And for something a little different, try papas arrugadas – small, salty potatoes that are a local delicacy.
Tenerife is the perfect destination for a bit of everything – adventure, relaxation, history, and mouthwatering food. You’ll definitely want to go back time and time again.
Top Things to Do and See in Tenerife
Explore Teide National Park
Teide National Park is the largest and oldest national park in the Canary Islands. It covers an area of 190 km2 and contains the highest peak in Spain, Mount Teide, 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, the 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 annually. Numerous amenities are 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
For something unusual to visit, 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 locals revere the Drago Tree, which 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
Los Cristianos is a popular beach resort located on the south coast of Tenerife. It was once a poor fishing village, but now it has a ferry port and two stunning beaches, attracting holidaymakers from all over Europe.
The resort offers many amenities, such as shops, supermarkets, bars, restaurants, hotels, and apartments, as well as a lively nightlife with many cabaret bars and clubs.
It also has a long promenade connecting it with the neighbouring beach in Las America.
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
Tenerife is a paradise for theme park lovers, as it offers a variety of attractions for all the family. Whether 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 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 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
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 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
Tenerife's gastronomy combines traditional Canarian dishes, Spanish recipes, and African and South American cuisine influences. 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 various dishes.
The island produces various products, such as bananas, tomatoes, cucumbers, bubandos (various courgettes), 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 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 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
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 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.