30 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN TENERIFE

Looking for ideas of things what to see and do in Tenerife? Today we are going to tell you 30!

One of the things I liked most about my old job was that it allowed me to travel to different places in Europe, and the Fortunate Islands (so the Canary Islands are known) were by far my favorite destination. It has been quite a while since I last visited them, but I still remember hilarious moments and super cool corners that my Canary Islands showed me, so I can't wait to make another break, this time with Rober. Nostalgic parenthesis apart, today we will start talking about the Canary Islands telling you 30 things to see and do in Tenerife.

1. The largest island in the Canaries has many attractions, but among them one stands out: we talked, how could it be otherwise, of its giant, the Teide. The highest peak in Spain, with its 3,718 meters, is "only" one of the 300 and volcano peaks of the island, although it is undoubtedly the most famous and spectacular. There are two ways to climb: a little leg, perfect for adventurers who are not afraid to sweat the fat drop, or by cable car, for the more vaguetes.

The price is € 27 round trip and you can buy the pass here. If you want to get to the top from the final station of the cable car, you will have to request a permit on this website (it's free, but do it with a lot of advance).

2. But, as we say, it is not the only volcano on the island. El Teide is at the heart of the Teide National Park (or Las Cañadas del Teide), declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2007 for its beautiful and strange volcanic landscapes that fascinate us. It is best to travel slowly by car, making stops at the different viewpoints and touring some of its trails (request information at the Visitor Center of El Portillo), and visit the Teide Astronomical Observatory, which has guided tours.

3. The other day someone called me ma'am, but before I was old I am Italian, so I have not seen in my life the pesetas. If you are also a lady like me (ains, those thirty-something) and you are Spanish, you may remember a strange rock that, next to Teide, appeared on the 1,000 pesetas bills. Well, that rock was the Roque Cinchado (It is also known as the "Rock Tree"), and is one of the curious rocks that form the set of Los Roques de García, located in the Cañadas del Teide. Visiting it is one of the best things to do in Tenerife.

4. The capital and largest city of the island of Tenerife is Santa Cruz of Tenerife, where we recommend walking through its downtown streets or along the Rambla, touring the stalls of the Market of Our Lady of Africa, or approaching the Adam Martin auditorium that some say has an air to the Sydney Opera House (we removing the target , we don't see the resemblance anywhere.) Visiting this city is one of the essential things what to see and do in Tenerife 🙂

5. But Santa Cruz is not the only city you have to visit in Tenerife: The lagoon It is beautiful that you can not miss, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Put it on your own or join this tour that for only € 6 tells you its history and takes you to know the unmissable corners. Curiosity: the full name of the city is San Cristobal de la Laguna.

6. Tenerife has many microclimates and one of the most amazing landscapes is in the Anaga Rural Park. Once there, it is best to visit one of its trekkings. The most famous path is known as "Enchanted Forest" (or "the Pijaral"), although eye, if you want to do it you will have to ask permission in advance here. If you run out of space or prefer to do it with a guide, this is a good option, also quite cheap 😉

7. Another nice town to visit in Tenerife is La Orotava, which with its stately historic center, has been declared a Historic Artistic Site. It is located in the north of the island and our favorite corner is the "Casa de los Balcones".

8. If you rent a car, which we highly recommend, you will surely pass the road that goes from La Laguna to Teide. If so, with any luck, you can admire one of the most amazing prints that the island gives: the silhouette of Teide with its iconic sea of ​​clouds! One of the most interesting panoramic points is the Chipeque Viewpoint: the sunset from there is from the postcard. Another viewpoint that offers a sensational overview of the Teide and the Anaga massif is the Pico del Inglés viewpoint.

9. Do you feel like a beach? While we believe that the true beauty of the island is far from the sand, it is undeniable that there are a few beaches that deserve a visit (and several dips). Some best beaches from Tenerife are: The Bollullo, Garden Beach, Benijo Beach, La Tejita Beach, and how not, the Las Teresitas Beach. One tip: after visiting Las Teresitas, ride your car to the road above in the direction of Igueste de San Andrés, you will find a viewpoint with incredible views of the beach.

10. But Tenerife lives not only of beach dips, something essential to do on the island is to take a bath in one of the most beautiful natural pools in Spain: jover natural pool, which is very close to La Laguna. Another very appealing natural pool is that of Low tide (which also has space for the little ones).

11. We are not very water parks, but if you travel with children one of the funniest plans to do in Tenerife is to go to Siam Park. As the name implies, it is inspired by Thailand and has endless pools, slides and water games. Entering costs € 38 (adults) and € 26 (children). You can buy tickets here.

12. A much cheaper option (but also less entertaining) is to go to Martiánez Lake. It is a set of 7 swimming pools with sea water that unites water and architecture by the artist César Manrique. Admission costs € 5.50.

13. This resort is located in the city of Cross port, that street art lovers will like since there are few murals that decorate their streets.

14. Do not visit the Loro Parque, the Dolphinarium or that kind of sites that have animals in captivity ... Always try travel responsibly! A good way to see animals in freedom is to take a boat to watch dolphins and cetaceans, although it is essential to inform you about the company before going. This tour has very good reviews (apparently the sailboat is in an ocean conservation program and the tour is respectful with wildlife).

15. Did you know that there are pyramids in Tenerife? We talk about archaeological site of Güimar. In it up to 6 stepped pyramids are preserved whose origin has been the subject of debate. Official theory says that they are stone stacks made in the 19th century when all these lands were cleaned. However, there are other versions that defend that these constructions were ancient temples and that are related to the Mayan pyramids, on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. Here you can read more about the subject.

Anyway, today they are exploited as an ethnographic park, where there are also gardens, exhibitions, routes are made ... The price of admission is € 18, more information.

Tired? You still have 15 things to see and do in Tenerife!

16. A good date to visit Tenerife is during its famous Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, when its streets are full of people, parades, costumes and lots of parties. Culminated with the famous contest to choose the Queen of the Year (flipas with the costumes they wear, which can weigh tens and tens of kg). Every year the party revolves around a theme: in 2019 they were the sea depths, and in 2020 the theme will be the fabulous 50's! That said: it is something that must be experienced at least once in a lifetime!

17. If you travel to Tenerife with your surf table, the best time to catch some waves is the one that goes from October to March. Specific The puddle, The two brothers Y The Americas They are perfect beaches for expert surfers, while The Relief or La Tejita They are suitable for all levels.

18. Another thing what to see and do in Tenerife is approaching Icod de los Vinos (yes, it is the name of a small town) to see the Millenary Drago of Tenerife. Drago? No, nothing to do with Khaleesi and much less with the writer of doubtful ideology ... It is a plant (not a tree, although it seems) very peculiar since this in particular is the oldest of its kind in the world ! It is estimated that it is about 800-1000 years old (this one is old). It is not worth paying the € 5 entrance to the botanical garden since from the Plaza Andrés de Cáceres you can see perfectly.

19. Not far from the Millenary Drago is the Cave of the Wind which is nothing more and nothing less than one of the largest volcanic tubes in the world. The entrance is not cheap (€ 20) but being able to travel a small section of its 17 km is worth it for many. More information.

20. Another picturesque town on the island is Garachico, tiny (only has about 5,000 inhabitants) but full of personality. White houses, cobbled streets and with a surprise: the Garachico Caletón, a very nice natural pool where you can bathe and have a nice time.

21. In Tenerife you can see the highest cliffs in Spain, with the right name of “The Giants" Its walls reach 600 meters high and one of the best ways to get to know them is by renting a kayak or taking a boat trip.

22. And speaking of Giants ... there is a huge statue which represents a “giganta”, Full of plants and flowers, that we can visit in the La Quinta social garden. If you like curious places, do not forget to stop by and take a selfie with her.

23. The westernmost tip of Tenerife is a place full of magic. Is named Punta de Teno and here you can see one of the seven lighthouses of the island. According to the official website, access to lighthouse It is allowed every day from 9 am to 8 pm in July, August and September, and from 10 am to 7 pm the remaining months of the year. Eye: access times by car often change, so it is best to arrive with the bus (bus) that leaves from Buenavista.

24. One of the most photogenic sites in Tenerife is the Tajao Arch, a perfect stone arch that at its highest point is around 10 meters high. We don't know him, but thanks to Instagram we have already signed him up for our next trip to Tenerife!

25. In the Teno Rural Park is, in the middle of a valley, the little town of Masca. Arriving involves traveling a road full of curves and somewhat dizzy, but the panorama is very good (especially from the Cherfe viewpoint).

26. Viticulture has long been the main source of income for the island. Our advice is to visit at least one cellar and you try one Cup ofMalmsey or other local productions. In this way you can not only taste very rich wines, but you will also learn more about what is known as “heroic viticulture”: The cultivation of wine in Tenerife is not as simple as in other parts of the world, here it is done on terraces that are located on the very slope of the mountains. And if you are a wine geek, you will love this tour!

27. But in Tenerife it doesn't just drunk wine ... the universe also does its part: this island is, along with the Hawaii and Chile, the best places in the world to observe the night sky. There are even excursions that allow you to contemplate the Milky Way, its planets and stars. Do not forget some coat because at about 2,000 meters high, the scraper is cosmic. One of the best places to do is in the Las Cañadas del Teide National Park, this tour only costs € 14 and has good reviews.

28. The patron saint of the Canary Islands is the Virgen de la Candelaria, and her image is venerated in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Candelaria. The story is very curious: until some beach on the coasts of Tenerife came in the fourteenth century the size of a black virgin, which was collected by the Guanches, the first settlers of the archipelago, and revered as “Chaxiraxi”, or Madre del Sol A century later, the conquest of the Spaniards arrived and imagine their surprise when they saw that one of the Guanche aboriginal goddesses was, neither more nor less, than a Gothic stature of the Virgin of the Candelaria.

Today, known as Villa Mariana de Candelaria is the destination of many pilgrims every February 2 and August 14 and 15 to honor the patron saint, in the so-called "walks to Candelaria." By the way, the image that is saved today is not the original, which was lost in a flood in 1826.

29. Enter a guanchinche and enjoy the Tenerife gastronomy. Guanchinche? Yes, this is what the typical establishments of the north of Tenerife are called, where you can taste local specialties such as gofio, wrinkled potatoes (my Canarian vice), pots and more delicacies. The peculiar thing is that they are usually private houses! If you sing “mojo picoooon, mojo picoooon, the delicious Canarian sauce is called mojo picooooon” will give you extra ration. Just kidding, don't do that I see you ...

30. Beam some excursion! We recommend a minimum of 4-7 days to visit Tenerife but if you have even more time, better hehe. If this is your case you can consider doing a day trip. These are the ones we recommend:

• A good destination is the island of La Gomera. Here we leave you a post of the guys from La Gaveta Voladora that talks about what to do in La Gomera in one day. To get there, you can take a ferry that will leave you on a second little island in the Canary Islands. Here you can compare and book the ferry. Once there, the ideal is to rent a car. If you prefer there are tours like this one that include ferry, guide, bus transfers and visit to the main attractions of La Gomera.
• Another option is to visit the island of The iron. Look at the available ferries. Of course there are also day trips like this, but in this case we recommend you spend at least 2-3 days here as it catches more lejitos. Here they tell you what to do in El Hierro in 3 days.

On this map we put the essential places to visit on your trip to Tenerife:

That said: with its 22 degrees of average and the amount of cultural offer, it is not surprising that Tenerife is one of the most visited Spanish destinations! Do you know more things to see and do in Tenerife? Leave us a comment!

* Photocredit: Shutterstock

Video: Top 10 Things to See and Do in Tenerife - 10 Highlights not to be Missed - Tenerife, Canary Islands (April 2024).