Tenerife – The ultimate island guide! Practical tips and the island's 7 most beautiful sights!
- Julian
- Jun 30
- 7 min read
Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and impresses with its diverse natural landscape and numerous recreational opportunities. Whether you want to explore the majestic volcanoes or relax on stunning beaches – Tenerife offers something for every interest! Often known in Germany as a "pensioner's island," I want to counter this prejudice. The younger generation in particular should not underestimate this breathtaking island!
In this blog article you will learn everything you need to know about Tenerife and discover the
7 best sights you should definitely visit!
Don't have time to read? Here's a quick overview of the most important information:
When is the best time to travel to Tenerife?
The best time to travel is between March and May and from September to November. This is when temperatures are pleasant and there are fewer tourists.
What is Teide National Park?
Home to Spain's highest peak, Pico del Teide, Teide National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers breathtaking landscapes and hiking opportunities.
Which beaches are particularly beautiful in Tenerife?
Playa de Las Teresitas is known for its golden sand, and Playa de Benjio in the north impresses with its wild, untouched beauty.
Is Tenerife good for hiking?
Yes, Tenerife offers numerous hiking trails, especially in the Anaga Mountains and Teide National Park, suitable for all levels of difficulty.
Do I need a car in Tenerife?
A rental car is recommended for flexible exploration of the island. However, public transport such as buses is also a good alternative.
What is the nightlife like in Tenerife?
The nightlife in Tenerife is diverse, especially in towns like Playa de las Américas, with many bars, clubs and restaurants.
Can you go whale and dolphin watching in Tenerife?
Yes, the coastal regions around Los Gigantes are known for whale and dolphin watching, which is possible all year round.
Is Tenerife expensive?
Tenerife is relatively cheap, especially when it comes to food and transport, offering good value for money for tourists.
Are there local markets in Tenerife?
Yes, there are many local markets in Tenerife, for example in Santa Cruz, where you can buy fresh produce and handmade souvenirs.
General information about Tenerife:
Tenerife is located in the Atlantic Ocean, west of Morocco, and is part of Spain. With impressive landscapes —from volcanoes to verdant forests and spectacular coastlines—the island is a true paradise for nature lovers. Mount Teide, at 3,718 meters the highest mountain in Spain , dominates the island. Tenerife is also the largest of the seven main islands of the Canary Islands and offers a fascinating diversity, from remote villages to tourist hotspots.
Best time to visit Tenerife:
Tenerife offers pleasant temperatures year-round , making it a great place to visit any time of year. However, the best time to visit is between March and May and from September to November. During these months, you can enjoy the island without the overcrowded tourist areas and experience perfect weather. In summer (July and August), it gets hot, and the beaches are very busy.
Getting around the island:
Rental cars: Rental cars are the best way to get around, as the roads are well-maintained and traffic is relaxed. There are plenty of parking options in tourist areas, but parking can be difficult in larger cities. Fuel costs are low compared to Germany—around €1 to €1.20 per liter.
Public transport: The bus network in Tenerife is well-developed and offers a cost-effective way to reach attractions such as Teide National Park and Los Gigantes . Tickets can be purchased directly on the bus or at ticket offices. So, if you want to travel around Tenerife more affordably, taking the bus is also a good option.
You can find all timetables here:
How many days are enough?
With at least a week, you'll have enough time to explore the island at your leisure and even take spontaneous excursions. If you're planning a lot of activities or want a relaxing beach holiday, you can extend your stay to 10 days or more. Generally speaking, I'd say that no matter how long you stay in Tenerife, there's always plenty to explore.
These are the 7 things you have to see and do in Tenerife!
Teide National Park
Teide National Park is the main attraction on Tenerife and my absolute favorite place on the island. The national park is home to Mount Teide , which, at 3,718 meters, is the highest peak in Spain and the third highest volcano in the world!
It was formed about 170,000 years ago and is part of an active volcanic system. However, the last eruption occurred in 1909 .
The summit of Pico del Teide is reached by cable car. This takes visitors to approximately 3,555 meters . The ride offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and the opportunity to experience the park from a different perspective. From the top of the cable car, a short hiking trail leads to the summit, which requires a permit. The permit is valid for a two-hour time slot and is free of charge . 200 places are allocated daily, so book your tickets in advance!
The park itself is easily accessible by car or bus. There are several entrances, and it can be reached from all directions on the island. Parking is available near the main attractions, but can fill up quickly during peak season. An absolute must-see for anyone traveling to Tenerife!
Masca Valley
The Masca Valley is a small mountain village known for its breathtaking scenery. Located in the municipality of Buenavista del Norte, the valley is surrounded by steep cliffs and impressive gorges . The picturesque village of Masca is the heart of the valley. It features traditional Canarian architecture and charming houses. You'll also find small shops and restaurants here. Parking is relatively difficult here. There are a few parking spaces right outside the village, but they are already full by lunchtime. I recommend arriving early to ensure you can secure a spot.
From here, you can also embark on an impressive hike . This leads from Masca down to the coast. This challenging route through the valley offers spectacular views and leads through diverse landscapes. The hike takes approximately 3-4 hours.
Hiking trail to Santiago del Teide : An alternative route leads from Masca to Santiago del Teide, which is less well known but just as attractive.
Playa de Benjio
Playa de Benjio is a wild beach in northeastern Tenerife and is considered one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches on the island. It is best known for its dramatic landscape and is framed by the striking rock formations of Roques de Benjio de Anaga , which rise out of the water and create a magical backdrop.
The black volcanic sand, powerful waves, and rough, wild sea create an impressive scenery, making Playa de Benjio a popular destination for photographers and nature lovers. The beach itself is less of a swimming spot , as the strong currents and waves can be dangerous. There are no lifeguards on duty, so you should be very careful when swimming. However, many enjoy the surf and playing in the waves, as low tide often creates a shallow area, making swimming safer.
The beach is also especially famous for its sunsets . When the sun sets over the Atlantic and the cliffs are bathed in golden light, a mystical atmosphere is created. This beach is one of my favorites on the entire island!
Anaga Mountains
The Anaga Mountains were declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2015 and are part of the Anaga Rural Park (Parque Rural de Anaga). They are known for their impressive mountains, lush laurel forests, and small, traditional villages, revealing a very different side of the island than the touristy coastal regions in the south.
The climate in the Anaga Mountains is quite humid and cool. Clouds and fog often linger at higher altitudes, creating a mystical atmosphere.
The Anaga Mountains are also a paradise for hikers. There are numerous trails of varying difficulty and landscapes, from dense forests to spectacular coastal cliffs.
Some of the most popular hiking trails are:
Sendero de los Sentidos : A short, easy circular trail through dense laurel forest, particularly suitable for families.
Camino de las Vueltas : A challenging path that leads through impressive rock formations and gorges.
Barranco de Afur to Taganana : A spectacular route that leads through the green Afur Valley to the coast and offers beautiful views of the sea.
You'll also find numerous viewpoints from which you can admire the impressive landscape and coastline. These are, in my opinion, the most beautiful viewpoints:
Mirador de Jardina : A viewpoint overlooking the Orotava Valley and the entire Anaga Mountains.
Mirador Cruz del Carmen : A popular viewpoint and starting point for hikes, offering panoramic views of the green Anaga Mountains and, above all, Mount Teide!
Mirador Pico del Inglés : One of the highest points in the Anaga Mountains, from which you can overlook the coastline and the surrounding mountains.
Las Teresitas Beach
Playa de Las Teresitas is located in the northeast of Tenerife and is easily accessible by car. There is a large, free parking lot right on the beach. The beach is particularly known for its golden sand , which was imported from the Sahara in the 1970s and then reclaimed. Most beaches in Tenerife have dark, volcanic sand, making this one an exception.
The beach has been designed with a long breakwater barrier , protecting it from the strong currents and large waves of the Atlantic. It is surrounded by palm trees and has a picturesque backdrop with the Anaga Mountains in the background. The 1.3 km long beach offers plenty of space for every visitor, so you'll easily find a spot here even in high season.
Los Gigantes
Los Gigantes is a spectacular coastal town on the west coast of Tenerife, known for its impressive cliffs and relaxed, authentic charm.
The cliffs, after which the town is named, are impressive rock faces that rise up to 600 meters high from the sea. The best views of the cliffs can be seen from the beach, from the water on a boat tour, or from various vantage points along the coast. The view is especially beautiful at sunset!
Los Gigantes is one of the best places in the Canary Islands for whale and dolphin watching . The waters off the coast are home to many species, including pilot whales and dolphins, which can be found here year-round.
The sheltered bay is also a great place for kayaking and snorkeling. There are several local operators offering guided kayak tours along the cliffs, allowing you to experience the rocks and caves up close. I've been to Tenerife twice and went on a kayak tour both times!
Watch the sunset on El Teide
And now we come to my favorite place on the island. As I wrote above, Teide National Park is a dream during the day. At sunset, this place becomes an absolutely breathtaking
By the way : Follow me on my social media channels to get exclusive insights into my travels! On Instagram (@juliantravelstheworld), I'll take you to the most beautiful places in the world, share insider tips, inform you about local prices, and show you my accommodations. I'll link everything for you so you're perfectly prepared. Let's discover the most beautiful places in our world together.
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