Planning a trip to Tenerife and curious about the top spots to visit?
Tenerife, the largest and most populous island of the Canary Islands, is a favored beach destination for many Europeans. Its proximity to Europe and relatively affordable plane tickets make it a popular choice.
This island is truly magical, boasting a rich geological history that spans millions of years. Tenerife, being of volcanic origin, offers an endless array of stunning landscapes. You’ll find golden and black sand beaches, high cliffs covered in lush vegetation, mountains, palm groves, and enchanting forests.
There are so many incredible sites to explore in Tenerife, but here are some of the highlights to get you started:
Teide National Park: This is the largest and oldest national park in the Canary Islands and is home to Mount Teide, a prominent volcano that soars to an elevation of 3,718 meters. It’s Spain’s highest peak and one of its most visited natural wonders. Teide National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you wish to summit Teide, you’ll need a permit, which requires applying months in advance. For those booking last-minute trips, the cable car to La Rambleta station, which is 160 meters below the summit, is an option. You can either hike all the way up or take the cable car and then hike the remaining distance to the top. Even without a permit, there are several trails you can explore. One trail leads to the fascinating Roques de García rock formations, some of which are around 3 million years old. The Parador Nacional to Guajara trail is a 10 km loop that doesn’t require a permit and offers fantastic views of the Teide peak. Additionally, the Pico Viejo Teide viewpoint trail and La Fortaleza Teide viewpoint trail are worth checking out.
Siam Park: Located in Costa Adeje, this Thai-themed water park offers a variety of attractions. With slides, swimming pools, a man-made river, and a beach with a wave pool, it’s a hit among families. Siam Park also boasts 25 Thai-themed buildings, making it the largest collection of such buildings outside Thailand. It’s a must-visit, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
Loro Park: Situated on the outskirts of Puerto de la Cruz, Loro Park is a massive zoo that has attracted over 40 million visitors. It is home to numerous species of parrots and birds, earning it the nickname “paradise for parrots.” The park also houses orcas, gorillas, tigers, penguins, and other animals, along with delightful dolphin shows. Like Siam Park, Loro Park is also an excellent spot for families.
Los Gigantes: This resort town on Tenerife’s west coast is famous for its towering cliffs, Acantilados de Los Gigantes, which rise from the sea to heights of 500-800 meters. One of the highlights here is Playa de Los Gigantes, a beach nestled right next to these massive cliffs. The Trail Los Gigantes offers a pathway to explore these impressive formations, and the Mirador de Archipenque viewpoint provides stunning vistas.
Parque Rural de Anaga: A scenic nature park, Anaga is one of Tenerife’s premier hiking destinations. Unlike the arid landscapes of Teide National Park, Anaga features a verdant coastline, steep mountains blanketed in greenery, and mesmerizing blue waters. Numerous hiking trails lead to various vantage points within the park. If you’re in the area, don’t miss Playa de Benijo, a beautiful black sand beach surrounded by towering cliffs, known for its wild beauty and big waves.
Masca: This picturesque mountain village, with streets adorned by cypress and palm trees, sits at an altitude of 650 meters and has a small population of around 90 people. Masca is renowned for its stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains. The road to Masca is challenging but rewards travelers with some of Tenerife’s most beautiful scenery. Just outside the village lies a hiking path well worth exploring.
Tenerife’s Beaches: The island is dotted with beautiful beaches, each offering its own unique charm. Whether you’re a sunbather, a swimmer, or simply someone who loves to stroll along the shore, Tenerife’s beaches are sure to captivate you.
These are just a few of the many wonderful places to visit in Tenerife. Each location offers its own unique beauty and experiences, ensuring that your trip will be memorable and filled with breathtaking moments.