THINGS TO DO IN TENERIFE 2026
Things to do in Tenerife
- Explore Mount Teide National Park
- Whale and dolphin watching
- A water adventure at Siam Park
- Animal paradise at Loro Parque
- High-speed thrills
- Scuba diving
- Cruise along the coast
- La Laguna & Garachico
- Dragon Tree – 800-year-old mystery
- Anaga Rural Park – Enchanted forest
- Masca Valley – The secret pirate spot
- See the stars from Mount Teide
- Conclusion: Is Tenerife worth visiting
Things to do in Tenerife
There is a reason millions of travelers visit Tenerife every year, and it isn’t just to sit on a sun lounger. The perfect weather is definitely a huge draw, but it’s the island’s wild, untamed side and incredible landscapes that actually make the trip unforgettable. Whether you want to explore volcanic craters, swim with wild dolphins, or just find a hidden black-sand beach to relax on, Tenerife always has something new to show you.
To help you figure out exactly what deserves a spot on your itinerary, we’ve put together a guide to the absolute best things to do in Tenerife.
Mount Teide National Park – Spain’s highest peak
If you are looking for the number one natural attraction in Tenerife, this is it. Mount Teide is an active volcano and officially the highest peak in Spain. The landscape is unique, with red rocks and craters that make you feel like you are on Mars. You can hike, take a cable car near the summit, or even book a stargazing tour at night, as the park is considered one of the best places on Earth for astronomy. There are many easy spots to park and take photos, so you don’t have to be a hiker to enjoy it. For a real thrill, you can take a quad biking tour through the park and enjoy the unique landscape. It is an exciting way to explore the rugged terrain and reach some of the most beautiful hidden viewpoints. On a clear day, you can see the ocean and the other Canary Islands floating in the distance.
Whale and dolphin watching
Most tourists agree that seeing wild whales and dolphins is the highlight of their trip. The deep waters around Tenerife are a permanent home to resident Pilot whales and Bottlenose dolphins, so you are almost guaranteed to see them year-round. These animals stay here to feed on deep-sea squid, so they are very relaxed and often swim right alongside the boats. Most tours set sail from the South Coast and include a stop in a quiet bay for a swim and a drink. To protect wildlife, always choose a boat with the “Blue Boat” flag, which indicates it follows strict conservation rules. Seeing these beautiful creatures in their natural home is a peaceful experience you will never forget.
Siam Park: An unforgettable water adventure
Siam Park is widely considered one of the world’s best water parks and is a must-visit for families and anyone who enjoys adventure activities. This large park is beautifully designed with a Thai theme, featuring lush gardens and incredible attention to detail. If you love adrenaline, you can’t miss the Tower of Power, which drops you through a shark-filled aquarium. For a more relaxed pace, you can float down one of the world’s longest lazy rivers or catch a wave at the Siam Beach wave pool. Families with younger children will enjoy Sawasdee and The Lost City, with slides designed specifically for kids. Groups of friends can share rafts on high-speed slides like the Kinaree and Dragon. For those who want to relax in style, you can even book a private cabana to enjoy your own space between rides.
Loro Parque – An animal paradise
If you want to see the animals, do not miss visiting this world-famous sanctuary in the north of the island. It is best known for its parrot collection, the largest in the world, with over 4,000 birds representing 350 species. You can also visit Planet Penguin, where hundreds of penguins live on an iceberg with falling snow. For a thrill, walk through the Shark Tunnel as predators and rays glide just above your head. The park is also home to majestic orcas and dolphins, offering a rare chance to see these intelligent creatures in massive pools. From silverback gorillas to red pandas, it is a tropical escape that feels like stepping into a real-life nature documentary.
High-speed thrills
For those who want more than just a beach day, Tenerife is a playground for adventure and high-speed fun. You can rent a jet ski to race along the southern coast, exploring hidden sea caves and zooming past massive cliffs. If you prefer the sky, try paragliding. You will take off with a certified pilot from the mountains and glide peacefully over the clouds before landing on the sand. Tenerife is one of the few places in Europe where you can enjoy these sports year-round thanks to its warm, sunny weather. The island’s stable wind conditions and strict safety regulations make it one of the safest places in the world to experience flight. These activities are the best way to see the island’s famous volcanic coastline and high mountain peaks from a totally different angle.
Scuba diving in Tenerife – volcanic wonderland
If you want to explore a hidden world, scuba diving in Tenerife is an experience you cannot miss. The island is famous for its volcanic underwater landscapes, with dramatic tunnels, arches, and caves formed by ancient lava. Because the water stays warm all year, you are almost guaranteed to see green sea turtles, graceful stingrays, and schools of bright tropical fish. Many dive sites are just minutes from shore, making it easy for beginners to try their first dive in calm, clear water. The best place for these activities is the South Coast, particularly around Costa Adeje and Los Gigantes. This area has the calmest waters and most consistent weather, making it the “adventure hub” of the island.
Coastal cruises
If you want to see the best of the island, you have to get out on the water. As you sail, you’ll come face-to-face with the massive Los Gigantes cliffs and discover secret beaches that you can’t reach by car. The highlight for most is spotting the wild pilot whales and dolphins that live here year-round. Most trips drop anchor in the turquoise waters of Masca Bay, giving you the chance to jump off the boat for a swim in the crystal-clear ocean. From the deck, you will enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Mount Teide rising high above the clouds. Watch the horizon for flying fish skipping over the waves and seabirds diving for their lunch. On the way back, you will cruise past the rugged coastline, where you can see ancient lava formations and deep-sea caves.
Your Tenerife adventure starts here!
Siam Park Tickets
Get your adrenaline fix with an entry ticket to Siam Park Tenerife, consistently ranked as one of the best water parks in the world. Covering 185,000 square meters, this thrilling park recreates the old Kingdom of Siam with its exquisite oriental design and lush tropical landscapes. Whether you want to plunge down a 28-meter drop through a shark tank, ride the world's largest man-made wave, or simply float down a lazy river, Siam Park has it all. Book your Siam Park tickets now and enjoy a magical day of adventure and excitement for the whole family!
Whale Watching Tenerife
Join an exciting marine life tour around Costa Adeje and cruise the ocean on a modern eco-yacht. Sail from Los Cristianos and look for whales and dolphins swimming near the surface. You will see these beautiful creatures up close while keeping a respectful distance. During the trip, the captain will guide the boat past the famous Cave of Love. The journey also includes a break for you to swim and snorkel in the clear Atlantic waters. Secure your spot today and enjoy a memorable day on the ocean!
Discover the historic charm of La Laguna & Garachico
If you want a break from the beach, head to the colorful streets of San Cristóbal de La Laguna. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s the cultural heart of the island. The town’s colorful streets are filled with grand old mansions, hidden courtyards, and cozy spots for local tapas. While you are there, don’t miss visiting the beautiful Neo-Gothic Cathedral of La Laguna. Afterward, take a short walk to the Church of the Immaculate Conception and climb its bell tower for a stunning view of the historic streets.
For a truly unique experience, visit the coastal town of Garachico. Here, you can swim in El Caletón, natural rock pools formed by a massive volcanic eruption in 1706. These crystal-clear pools are the perfect spot for a cool swim surrounded by historic buildings and solidified lava. After your swim, walk over to the Castillo de San Miguel, a small stone fortress that survived the lava flows and once protected the town from pirate attacks.
Dragon Tree – 800-year-old mystery
No trip to the north is complete without a stop in Icod de los Vinos, a town that feels like a living museum. It is best known for the Drago Milenario, a colossal, ancient Dragon Tree that has stood for over 800 years and is surrounded by local myths. For adventurers, the town hides the Cueva del Viento, one of the longest volcanic lava tubes on the planet, where you can walk through tunnels carved by fire thousands of years ago. After exploring the depths, you can relax in the historic center with a glass of the town’s famous Malvasía wine, produced from vineyards that have flourished in this volcanic soil for centuries.
Anaga Rural Park: The enchanted forest
While the south is volcanic and dry, the north is a lush, green jungle that feels like a trip back to the prehistoric age. The Anaga Mountains are home to ancient laurel forests that look like something out of a fairytale. For a unique experience, walk the Sendero de los Sentidos (Path of the Senses), a famous trail designed to let you smell, see, and touch the heart of the misty forest. After your hike, drive down to the Taganana coastline to see dramatic black crags meeting the wild Atlantic.
Masca: The lost pirate village
Often called the “Machu Picchu of the Canaries,” this tiny village is hidden deep in the Teno Mountains. Reached by winding roads, this stunning ridge-top settlement was once a perfect pirate hideout.
While you are there, you can hike the famous Masca Ravine, a challenging but rewarding trek that leads you between towering rock walls all the way down to the ocean. If you prefer a slower pace, walk through the village to photograph the traditional stone houses and enjoy a cactus juice while looking out over the deep gorges. For the ultimate finale, many travelers take a boat from the Masca beach to Los Gigantes, giving you a front-row seat to the massive cliffs from the water.
Stargazing: A journey to the stars
Tenerife is a certified “Starlight Destination,” meaning it has some of the clearest skies on the planet. As night falls, get to Mount Teide for a stargazing experience you’ll never forget. With almost zero light pollution, you can see the Milky Way, distant planets, and thousands of stars through professional telescopes.
For a deeper look into the cosmos, you can visit the Teide Observatory, one of the largest and most important solar observatories in the world.
Conclusion: Is Tenerife worth visiting?
Tenerife is a rare find. It’s an island of total contrasts, where you can drive from a beach to a volcanic lunar landscape in under an hour. It’s one of the few places on Earth where wild whales live year-round, just a few miles from world-record-breaking water parks and historic colonial towns. Whether you’re looking for raw nature or high-end entertainment, the island delivers a variety that most destinations simply can’t match. To explore all the available options and plan your perfect holiday, check out our full range of Tenerife tickets & tours.
Book the best-value Tenerife Tickets & Tours now!
Loro Parque Tickets
Book your Loro Parque tickets and discover one of Tenerife’s most popular attractions. This world-renowned zoological park is located in the northern town of Puerto de la Cruz. You will see incredible animal habitats, tropical palm trees, and stunning Thai architecture. The park features four world-class animal presentations, including the famous Orca Ocean. Get ready to meet penguins and dolphins. Watch sea lions show and see thousands of colorful parrots. Reserve your entry today and spend a memorable day enjoying nature and wildlife.
Jet Ski Tenerife
Join a Jet Ski Tenerife tour and ride along the beautiful southern coast of the island. Explore the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean on a modern and powerful watercraft. Drive your own jet ski or share it with a friend, as no previous experience or license is required. A professional guide leads the way, ensuring safety while pointing out volcanic cliffs and hidden bays. You will have the chance to swim in the sea and maybe even spot local marine life. Reserve your spot today and add an exciting water adventure to your holiday.