Why visit Tenerife and Spain? Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, is a year-round favorite holiday spot for tourists from across the globe. It is not only a place to enjoy beautiful scenery, extreme sun rays and ocean waves, great bars and restaurants; but Tenerife is attractive for its natural resources and secluded getaways. Below is an extensive guide to top ten activities in Tenerife, including both unique and more touristy things to see and do on the island.
Stargazing in Teide National Park is one of the best free things to do in Tenerife. 83 of the 88 officially recognised constellations can be seen from the park. You can go it alone or hire an astronomer to explain the constellations – our guide, José from Star Excursions, was so entertaining and he even arranged for the space station to pass by during our talk (ha). I learned that due to its lack of light pollution around the island’s volcanic peaks, Tenerife is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. In order to protect its status, it’s actually illegal to fly through Tenerife’s airspace between sunset and sunrise. If you’re looking for romantic things to do for couples in Tenerife, just look up!
If the pretty streets of Paris or tiled floors of Lisbon usually catch your eye, make your way up to San Cristóbal. This town was built in the 16th and 18th centuries, meaning that many of the public and private buildings have a charming colonial style to them. Stay in a hotel here for a few nights to explore Laguna Cathedral, the Iglesia de la Concepción and feast in local tavernas. Less than an hour’s drive from capital Santa Cruz, in north Tenerife, lies the historic town of Garachico. Garachico’s main attractions include the natural pools carved in the rugged volcanic landscape, the elegant Plaza de la Libertad, the 16th-century Castillo de San Miguel and the ex-convent of San Francisco. But a quiet stroll through its cobbled streets will also reveal a selection of colonial gems, old churches, restaurants and cafés full of local charm. See extra details on Ultimate Tenerife.
La Gomera is the island that you see every day if you are staying in the south of Tenerife. The island is much smaller compared to Tenerife, but it hides tremendous beauty, an amazing national park and forest and winding roads that lead to lookout points with modern architecture. From Tenerife South you can book a day tour that includes the ferry ride, transfer on the island in order to see all the best places and lunch at Mirador Abrante (probably the most Instagrammed place on La Gomera).
The island’s volcanic landscape provides ample hiking opportunities for active travellers, and Anaga Rural Park has some of the best hiking trails in Tenerife. The park sprawls over the mountains of La Laguna and Santa Cruz and is easily accessible by car. Bring hiking boots though, because my guide was not impressed by my Converse. Start at Cruz del Carmen Visitors Centre and hike through the enchanted bay leaf scented forest of Laurisilva. Easy short hikes include the Route of the Traditions or the Path of the Senses, while there are also longer multiple day hikes. Keen riders can explore the rural park on horseback, and there’s also a wheelchair accessible route in the park. Find extra information at this website.