15 Best Places to Visit in Tenerife (2026)

Discover the 15 best places to visit in Tenerife, from dramatic volcanic landscapes and golden beaches to charming colonial towns and breathtaking coastal cliffs.

With year-round sunshine, dramatic volcanic landscapes and a coastline that shifts from golden sand to rugged black rock, Tenerife is far more diverse than many travellers expect. Whether you’re dreaming of hiking Spain’s highest peak, wandering colourful colonial towns, relaxing on palm-lined beaches or discovering hidden mountain villages, this Canary Island has something for every type of explorer.

From holiday resorts to whale watching in Tenerife, and mountain trekking to fantastic nightlife, there are many things to see and do in Tenerife that will keep you busy.

A big thank you to Nick from Global Backpackers for this awesome guest post.

Best Places to Visit in Tenerife

1. Masca Village

Masca Village is our first best places to visit in Tenerife, and a must on your trip to Tenerife. When you think of a pirate village, it is difficult to conceive what could be waiting for you out there. Even though I had no ability to know without seeing it first, what I was met with surely exceeded any expectations that I may have had. I headed out in the morning on my first day and I got there, only to find that the village was not in just one location.

Masca is spread out along a far distance and to see it all in one day, it takes about eight or nine hour-long treks. Everywhere I looked, there was a good shot to take along the way. The view was phenomenal. Nine hours is a long time to get some great pictures of antique buildings and other aesthetic pieces, not to mention the ability to check out some neat gift shops and meet some of the locals. You really do feel as if you’re experiencing a piece of history while you’re there.

Be sure to bring plenty of snacks and water, though! Not to mention a backup battery for your camera. Try out their local cactus lemonade, too. It is super hydrating and tastes great.

2. Teide National Park

Our next best places to visit in Tenerife, has to be Teide National Park. This is such a wonderful place to snap some more memorable images of my one-man vacation. Sure, it took me a little bit of a drive to get out there (I caught a bus with a tour group), but it was well worth the travel.

We got there in the evening time, not long before the sun started setting. It was such a wonderful location to snap some of the most gorgeous sunset shots due to the mountains and hills littered about in the distance. The colors that were cast around the valley below were absolutely breathtaking, not to mention the low-hanging clouds that we could see after the (surprisingly easy) trek up a large hill.

After I was able to get back to my hotel and enjoy some of the best accommodations I’ve had at a hotel in a while, I got some much-needed sleep to prepare me for the next day’s excursion.

3. Loro Parque

On the second day of my trip, I woke up bright and early once again and made my way to the second destination on my list and another one of the best places to visit in Tenerife.

Loro Parque, which is touted as the best zoo park in Europe, was the next place that I absolutely knew I had to see while I was in Tenerife. I’ve been to plenty of zoos in my day, so I was looking forward to finding out exactly why this one is said to be the absolute best on an entire continent.

Unsurprisingly, I found out “why” by experiencing it myself. The zoo was absolutely massive and it was rich with the most exotic foliage that I’ve ever seen in a zoo. It really felt like you were a part of the exhibits! Loro Parque has some of the most gorgeous animals on location, as well.

As far as mammals go, Loro Parque is not low on its chimp population, as well as plenty of big cats like jaguars, lions, and tigers. They have a fabulous aquatic animal area, too. There are killer whales, dolphins, and jellyfish (that make for some great pics too). Loro Parque even has alligators, which were amazing to watch from a very safe distance away. I got some of the coolest pictures from this part of my trip.

Once I was done at Loro Parque, I had plenty of time to stop by a local eatery for some delicious traditional food for the area. When you’re in Rome, do as the Romans do, right? After that, I went on my merry way to the next destination.

4. Playa Teresitas

Not only is this one of the best places to visit in Tenerife but also one of the most beautiful; that would be the gorgeous Playa Teresitas. Someone told me that the sand was imported from the Sahara, so I knew that I had to check it out before going back to the hotel for the evening. I’m glad that I did! Playa Teresitas was another stunning location to take some pictures.

The water was a stark cerulean and it was such a clear, beautiful day, that a walk barefoot along the beach was just what I needed to bring in the cool night. I enjoyed watching the sunset at the Playa Teresitas before heading back to the hotel after spending time on one of the best beaches in Spain.

5. Anaga Forest

Another day of my trip was filled with an exploration trip to Anaga Forest, where I dusted off my old hiking backpack and prepared myself with plenty of hiking gear for a hike up in the north.

It was a bit of a trip to take by bus, but again, worth it in order to see some of the most beautiful foliage on the island and one of the most beautiful best places to visit in Tenerife.

Hiking in Anaga Forest was like hiking in another world. It was so exotic, that it felt like I was in a real-life Jurassic-type world and a dinosaur would jump out of a bush at any moment. This hike lasted a few hours on its own and it allowed me to really enjoy some of the cleanest air I’ve ever breathed while feeling like a character in a storybook. Very magical in a way that can really only be experienced firsthand to be understood.

If you are a photographer who happens to be planning a trip to the Canary Islands anytime in the future, then this is for sure the best place to be. Once night fell, we got the chance to view all of the stars of the night sky clear as day. It was a gorgeous sight to behold.

Definitely not the type of view you have the chance to see every day when you live in a major city. Once we had plenty of time (a few hours actually) of viewing the sunset and the stars, the guided group all went back to the main building and we all enjoyed a delicious potluck-style buffet dinner and chatted the night away.

6. Los Gigantes Cliffs

Towering up to 600 metres above sea level on the western coast of Tenerife, the Los Gigantes Cliffs are among the island’s most dramatic natural landmarks and one of the best places to visit in Spain. These sheer basalt walls plunge straight into the Atlantic, creating a breathtaking contrast of deep blue sea and rugged rock.

Whether you view them from a coastal lookout point or take a boat excursion to see them from the water, their scale and beauty make for an unforgettable sight. The nearby resort town offers marinas, seafood restaurants, and opportunities for kayaking and dolphin-watching. 

7. San Cristobal de La Laguna

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Cristóbal de La Laguna is famed for its historic old town with cobbled streets and beautifully preserved colonial architecture.

As one of the first unfortified Spanish colonial cities in the world, its layout and buildings reflect centuries of history and culture. Wandering through its plazas, churches, and cafés feels like stepping back in time. 

8. Las Águilas Jungle Park

Hidden in the hills near Los Cristianos, this jungle-themed park offers a wild contrast to Tenerife’s beaches. With winding paths through dense vegetation, waterfalls, suspension bridges, and caves, Las Águilas Jungle Park feels like a tropical adventure.

It houses a large collection of animals from around the world, including big cats, primates, and exotic birds, and features daily bird flight demonstrations that captivate visitors of all ages. 

9. El Médano

On Tenerife’s southeastern coast, El Médano is the island’s wind-surfing capital, known for its vibrant, laid-back atmosphere and long, sandy beaches and is easily one of the best places to visit in Tenerife.

Windsurfers and kitesurfers flock here to ride the waves, but the town also appeals to those simply looking to enjoy an authentic coastal vibe away from the larger resorts. Cafés, bars, and beachfront promenades make El Médano a great place to watch the sunset or learn a new water sport. 

10. Punta de Teno

At Tenerife’s far western tip lies Punta de Teno, a wild and scenic stretch of coastline that provides panoramic views of the cliffs of Los Gigantes and the nearby island of La Gomera.

Accessible via a winding coastal road through natural landscapes, the area is ideal for photography, peaceful seaside walks, and snorkelling in its clear waters. The small lighthouse here sits as a picturesque landmark against the rugged backdrop of volcanic rock formations. 

11. Vilaflor

Perched at over 1,400 metres above sea level, Vilaflor is Tenerife’s highest village and a charming base for exploring the natural landscapes around Teide National Park and our next best places to visit in Tenerife.

Surrounded by pine forests, volcanic fields, and vineyards, it offers a slower pace and a taste of traditional Canarian life. Nearby trails like the Paisaje Lunar (Lunar Landscape) showcase otherworldly rock formations, while local wineries invite visitors to sample regional wines. 

12. Parque del Drago – Icod de los Vinos

In the historic town of Icod de los Vinos, Parque del Drago is a botanical garden centred around the ancient Drago Milenario tree, a symbol of Tenerife that is believed to be centuries old.

The park’s tranquil paths wind through a variety of native Canary Island plants, offering a peaceful retreat and a chance to appreciate the island’s endemic flora. It’s a lovely complement to exploring the traditional streets and plazas of Icod and is one of the best places to visit in Tenerife.

13. Caves of Don Gaspar

For a glimpse into Tenerife’s ancient past, the Caves of Don Gaspar near Icod de los Vinos unveil archaeological remnants of the island’s original inhabitants, the Guanches and is one of the best places to visit in Tenerife.

This complex of caves features layers of human occupation, with fascinating evidence of early agricultural practices. Exploring these caves provides an intriguing cultural dimension to Tenerife beyond its natural scenery. 

14. Barranco del Infierno Natural Reserve

Near the town of Adeje lies Barranco del Infierno, one of best places to visit in Tenerife and one of the most remarkable nature reserves. This deep ravine carved by volcanic forces and water offers an immersive hiking experience through lush flora, dramatic cliffs, and cascading waterfalls.

The reserve’s canyon trail is a highlight for outdoor lovers seeking a blend of adventure and natural beauty in a protected and scenic environment. 

15. Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Tenerife’s bustling capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, offers lively urban energy alongside cultural highlights. With its museums, theatres, and vibrant shopping districts, it’s a perfect place to explore local life, sample Canarian cuisine, and stroll through scenic plazas.

The city also hosts festivals and events throughout the year, making it an exciting stop on any island itinerary. 

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