Tenerife has a reputation for being a party island. A place to drink too much do things you only do after drinking too much, and regretting it if you can remember it. There is more to this Spanish island than hedonistic living, however, and this post explores the culture and tourist draws that don’t involve insane clubbing.
Given Tenerife’s tourist industry thrives year in year out, there is a great range of 5 star hotels in Tenerife which make an ideal base for any visit. Many are on the coast and offer ocean views.
You may want to visit Iberostar in the first instance when planning your trip.
Contents
- Things to do in Tenerife:
- Teide National Park (Teleférico del Teide)
- A Fun Family day out in Siam Park
- Fun for the Family in Loro Parque
- Whale and Dolphin Watching
- Visit Masca for Hiking
- Dive in Clear Waters and Savour
- Sunbathe on Playa del Duque
- Escape Tourism by Visiting Punta del Hidalgo Punta del Hidalgo in the Anaga Mountains
- Trek through Cueva del Viento Lava Tube
Things to do in Tenerife:
Teide National Park (Teleférico del Teide)
At the heart of the island is Mount Teide which stretches 3,718m into the sky. It is Spain’s highest peak. This treasure is protected by the Teide National Park a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park comprises of a ten-mile wide volcanic crater. A cable car tour is a must when visiting the park. Being 1200m above sea level you will experience the amazing views of the archipelago.
A Fun Family day out in Siam Park
Siam Park is arguably the best theme park on the island and a great day out for the family. The Thai themed park is a combination of lazy rides and heart-stopping adrenal fuelled madness.
You can relax and take it all in in a dinghy drifting down the Mai Thai river, or you can be plunged 90ft in a near vertical drop in the Tower of Power slide.
Whatever your flavour and ages of your children this is well worth a visit.
Fun for the Family in Loro Parque
For a more animal engaging park, Loro Parque is set with a Jurassic Park – like environment of dense tropical palm groves. It hosts the world’s largest collection of parrots and animal shows featuring dolphins, orcas, sea longs, and parrots attract crowds year on year.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Tenerife is blessed with around 28 species of resident and migratory whales and dolphins. They feed in the warm waters around the island and as such offers plenty of opportunities for watching. Trips operate out of Los Cristianos and Los Gigantes and both guarantee sightings. Seeing these beautiful creatures in their natural habitats never gets old.
Visit Masca for Hiking
If adventure and hiking is your thing then Masca is for you. Situated on a rocky plateau in the Teno Mountains, the village of Masca is accessed by a road. The views are stunning unless you’re the driver steering your vehicle to avoid sheer drops. The village has only been accessible since the 1970’s.
Once you reach it the hike down to the beach where a boat will take you to Los Gigantes will test your stamina.
Dive in Clear Waters and Savour
The clear waters of Tenerife make it an ideal spot to dive. The waters are accessible all year round and there are few places on earth where you can swim in underwater volcanic columns exploring the marine life. Try Los Gigantes, Los Cristianos and Puerto de la Cruz if diving is your thing.
Sunbathe on Playa del Duque
If Tenerife has an exclusive beach Playa del Duque is it. Situated in a small bay the pale sand of the beach features views of neighbouring La Gomera island. The beach boats stripped changing booths, high-end shopping, 5 star hotels, and chic cafés. Once on the beach, you will notice that you are shielded from other developments by a rock promontory.
Swimming in the calm waters is brilliant and lazing on the beach of the designer labelled is also a wonderful thing.
Escape Tourism by Visiting Punta del Hidalgo Punta del Hidalgo in the Anaga Mountains
Booking a tour and hiking through the Anaga Mountains is the ideal way to escape tourism in Tenerife. You will trek through ancient rainforests that are believed to predate the Ice Age, and see moisture climb from the ground in columns of steam. The trail begins in the Mercedes Forest and ends at the coastal resort of Punta del Hidalgo.
Even in the heart of Tenerife’s natural world, you will still find a restaurant in a cave. This is a must visit if you want to get away from it all when getting away from it all.
Trek through Cueva del Viento Lava Tube
Cueva del Viento is 11 miles of larva tube. It is three-tiered and a maze of tunnels running beneath Icod de Los Vinos. It is the fourth largest tube in the world and no visit to the island is complete without a visit.
Guided tours operate so you do not have to worry about getting lost.
Tenerife is a magical island and well worth two weeks of your time no matter what flavour of holiday you want.