OVERVIEW

Nestled just 200 miles off the coast of northwest Africa in the Canary Island archipelago, the captivating island of Tenerife treats its visitors to extraordinary landscapes and an abundance of thrilling experiences.

Tenerife is the largest of the seven Canary Islands. The Spanish islands are renowned for their rugged beauty, rich cultural heritage, and volcanic terrain. They’re popular with tourists throughout Europe and serve as a wonderful holiday destination.

Tenerife has incredibly diverse landscapes, ranging from colossal volcanoes and black sand beaches to lush subtropical cloud forests. The astonishing biodiversity and fascinating ecosystems are the ideal playground for nature enthusiasts.

While lavish hotels and upscale shopping can be found in the coastal resort towns, visitors to Tenerife can also immerse themselves in traditional Canarian culture in the island’s many historic cities and enchanting villages.

Whether you set out on a demanding hike up the iconic Mount Teide or plan to stroll along the gorgeous golden sands of Playa de Las Teresitas, you’ll be captivated by the island’s rugged beauty and deep cultural roots, leaving lasting memories and creating an unforgettable travel experience.

HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

Similar to all the Canary Islands, Tenerife was formed millions of years ago through a series of constant eruptions of underwater volcanoes. Mount Teide, the towering stratovolcano dominating the island’s interior, has played a particularly integral role in the formation of the island.

Tenerife’s first known inhabitants, the Guanche people, can be traced back to about 1,000 BCE. These indigenous people lived a relatively isolated existence on the island and developed their own unique culture and way of life.

In the 15th century the Spanish began a lengthy campaign against the Guanches, eventually defeating them and colonizing the island. Tenerife’s economy rapidly expanded and the island became a powerful and strategic trading partner for Europe and the Americas.

The subsequent centuries were characterized by continued development of the island while warding off hostile invasions from other countries, specifically the British. Today, Tenerife is a diverse and prosperous island that has been able to retain its cultural roots while transforming into a modern community.

GETTING THERE

Tenerife can only be reached by air or sea. The island has two major airports. Tenerife South Airport (TFS) is located just east of the major resort towns of Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas while Tenerife North Airport (TFN) can be found near San Cristobal de La Laguna.

Both airports receive domestic flights from the other Canary Islands as well as international flights from mainland Spain and Europe. Having your own car is the best way to get around Tenerife, and many rental car companies have offices at each airport. Buses, taxis, light rail, and resort shuttles are some of the other ways to move around the island.

There are also two major ferry ports on Tenerife. One is in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the other is in Los Cristianos. The island receives ferries from many of the other Canary Islands as well as mainland Spain and Africa. Tenerife is also a popular cruise ship port due to its abundance of beaches, attractions, and excursions.

BASIC ISLAND LAYOUT

Tenerife measures about 30 miles in diameter and can be broken up into a few distinct regions. One thing you’ll notice upon arriving in Tenerife is the 12,200 foot dormant volcano that dominates the center of the island. Although there are roads traversing the interior of Tenerife, the quickest route to get from one side of the island to the other is by going along the coast.

Western Tenerife is home to the dramatic cliffs of Los Gigantes, rising 2,600 feet directly up from the sea. Further inland are the verdant landscapes of Teno Rural Park and the ancient mountain village of Masca. 

On the arid and largely barren southern coastline you’ll find Tenerife’s massive resort complexes, dozens of golden beaches, vibrant clubs and lively restaurants, waterparks, tour operators, and numerous accommodations.

The less developed eastern side of Tenerife boasts Anaga Rural Park, a mountainous region with dense laurel forests and unparalleled hiking. Two of the island’s most iconic beaches are located here; the remote black sand beach of Playa de Benito and the much more touristy Playa de Las Teresitas.

The serene northern coastline is highlighted by the tranquil town of Puerto del Carmen. The region features lush landscapes, rugged coastlines, black sand beaches, and several wineries.

WHERE TO STAY

Tenerife is a large island and it can be time consuming to travel throughout it. I’d recommend staying half the trip in the north and the other half of the trip in the south. This will limit travel distance in order to optimize the amount of time for sightseeing and adventure.

The first two days of our Tenerife itinerary had us staying at Hotel Suite Villa María, just north of Costa Adeje. We loved our time here. The hotel had a few different swimming pools and our villa was equipped with a kitchen and its own personal jacuzzi. The breakfast buffet was also spectacular.

The later half of our itinerary placed us at a rental property in Santa Ursula, just east of Puerto de La Cruz on the northern coast of Tenerife. We thought this location was perfect, providing some isolation from the tourist masses while remaining in close proximity to Puerto de La Cruz, La Orotava, and Anaga Rural Park.

Southern Resort Region

Costa Adeje boasts several premium five star resorts and elegant hotels. The popular location caters to travelers desiring a lavish holiday with gourmet dining, designer boutiques, upscale shopping, and luxurious amenities. 

Some of the popular beaches in the area include Playa del Duque and Playa de Fañabé. Costa Adeje is also the home to Siam Park, one of the world’s largest waterparks.

Playas de las Americas generally appeals to a younger crowd interested in a vibrant nightlife scene and thrill seekers hoping to partake in water activities such as surfing, parasailing, or jet skiing. 

Verónicas Strip and The Patch are two neighborhoods famous for their diverse selection of dance clubs, bars, and restaurants. Popular beaches in the area include Playa de Troya and the aptly named Playa de las Américas.

The former fishing village of Los Cristianos has transformed into a popular tourist destination, featuring a waterfront promenade lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Although quieter and more leisurely than Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos still provides several attractions and appeals to those desiring a more laid back holiday. 

Walk down to the beach and bustling harbor where you’ll find tour operators offering excursions for marine life viewing and game fishing. Ferries also depart from the port of Los Cristianos for the nearby islands of La Gomera, La Palma, and El Hierro.

Serene Northern Region

Tenerife’s northern coast doesn’t draw near the volume of tourists as the southern resorts, but to some travelers that just adds to the attraction. While the region is more relaxed and casual, it still provides sufficient accommodations, beautiful scenery, and numerous amazing attractions.

Northern Tenerife’s tranquil town of Puerto de La Cruz is renowned for Its black sand beaches, historic architecture, botanical gardens, and nearby wineries. It’s a great destination for couples  and those hoping for a quiet and more peaceful holiday. 

You’ll also find a diverse wildlife park and botanical garden, displaying exotic species of both animals and plants. The city’s historic Old Town, picturesque plazas, and cobblestone stress are just some of the popular areas to stay and explore in Puerto de La Cruz.

The traditional mountain town of La Orotava offers a far more authentic Canary Island experience. The town’s well preserved colonial architecture and frequent cultural events showcase Tenerife’s historic roots and colonial influence

FIVE DAY TENERIFE ITINERARY

DAY 1

Masca and Teno Rural Park

Masca, commonly referred to as “the forgotten village”, is an ancient settlement nestled in the remote Teno mountains of western Tenerife. The village was essentially inaccessible before 1991, when a road was finally constructed, linking it to civilization. 

It’s now extremely popular and sees tour buses and hundreds of visitors daily. Masca can be reached via a scenic mountain road that winds its way through gorges and the terraced farms of Teno Rural Park. 

Masca has a rich cultural heritage, illustrated by Ermita de la Inmaculada Concepción, the tiny church located in the heart of the secluded village. Make sure to stop at the Masca Ethnographic Museum where you can learn more about the indigenous population’s traditions and way of life.

Walk throughout the small town and take note of its rural architecture, cobblestone streets, and quaint bars and restaurants. If feeling a bit more adventurous, consider hiking the 3 mile Sendero de Masca Trail down to the coast.

Los Gigantes

The coastal town of Los Gigantes can be found on the far western edge of the island and is renowned for the towering “Cliffs of the Giants” that rise 2,600 feet directly up from the sea. The dramatic cliffs create a stunning backdrop to the town’s marina and black sand beach.

From the picturesque harbor you can charter boats, set out on marine life viewing tours, or book day excursions for snorkeling or diving. Los Gigantes is also popular for its waterfront shopping and numerous lively restaurants.

Garachico

The charming coastal town of Garachico provides the perfect destination for lunch. Walk around the town’s alleyways, taking note of the historic architecture featuring whitewashed buildings with traditional orange spanish tiles. Visit the fortress of Castillo de San Miguel and the striking church of Iglesia de Santa Ana.

The elaborate gardens and quaint plazas offer a peaceful setting to immerse yourself in traditional Canarian culture. We ate delicious seafood lunch at Tasca Restaurante los Pinos while watching the parade of colorful alley cats stroll along the charming town streets.

Charco Las Mujeres

This pleasant swimming hole was formed naturally by volcanic activity as the lava formations shelter the seawater from the rough Atlantic Ocean waves. You’ll find a large parking lot with basic facilities and a stone footpath down to the turquoise tidal pools.

The network or peaceful lagoons are set amidst the rugged lush forests and northern coastline of Tenerife. They can be easily explored by swimming and snorkeling, discovering an entire world under the water’s surface.

DAY 2

Mount Teide National Park

In the heart of Tenerife lies its most recognizable attraction, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mount Teide National Park. Las Cañadas Volcano, from which Mount Teide formed, was created some 3 million years ago through a series of monstrous eruptions.

Just 120,000 years ago, a massive landslide occurred after a particularly intense eruption in the caldera of Las Cañada, leaving behind the iconic peak of Mount Teide. At 12,200 feet, Mount Teide is the highest point in Spain and the third tallest volcano in the world.

The caldera remaining today measures 15 km in diameter and is characterized by a desolate landscape of red, yellow, and black colors, resulting from the different mineral deposits in the rock.

• Interesting Fact: The park’s terrain may look barren and lifeless, but the soil is rich in nutrients and is some of the most fertile in the world. Despite what at first appears to be an inhospitable ecosystem, the national park is home to over 60 native plant species and several animal species, primarily invertebrates.

Mount Teide National Park’s elevation and clear night skies make it a spectacular stargazing location. It was designated a “Starlight Destination” and is home to the Teide Observatory, the largest solar observatory on the planet.

Some of the popular activities to do during a visit here include a scenic drive and stopping at the viewpoints, touring the visitor’s centers, and hiking one of the park’s many trails. Consider hiking the easy 2.5 mile Roques de Garcia loop trail. 

Riding the cable car to the La Rambleta Station just beneath the peak of Mount Teide is another way to explore the park. The La Fortaleza and Pico Viejo viewpoint can be easily reached from here, providing phenomenal views of Tenerife and the Canary Island archipelago.

Playa del Duque

The southern shoreline of Tenerife is lined with magnificent pristine beaches, but the golden sands and crystal clear waters of Playa del Duque in Costa Adeje are particularly stunning. The beach is equipped with a variety of amenities such as loungers and umbrellas. It also has a lifeguard on duty, as although exhilarating, the waves may pose some hazards.

You’ll find several non intrusive vendors along the waterfront promenade as well as an upscale shopping center right across the street. Restaurants, cafes and bars are located all throughout the area, making this the perfect location for an afternoon at the beach.

DAY 3

Anaga Rural Park

In the northeast corner of Tenrife you’ll find the serene laurisilva forests of Anaga Rural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The park is home to incredible biodiversity and a fascinating ecosystem, comprised of deep gorges, prehistoric cloud forests, jagged mountain ranges, and a myriad of animal and plant life. 

The main park area is free, but if you intend to visit Enchanted Forest (Bosque Encantado) then you’ll need to apply for one of the 45 extremely competitive permits. The permits are released and sold on a rolling basis and generally sell out in a few minutes.

The best way to visit the park is by driving along the scenic, winding roads and stopping at the numerous viewpoints along the route. The downside, as we quickly learned, was the insufficient amount of parking available at the viewpoints and trailheads. 

A variety of hiking trails are available throughout the park, particularly near the visitor’s center at Cruz del Carmen. From here, a network of trails wind throughout the cloud forest, engulfed in dense fog, and lined with scraggly trees and their moss covered roots.

Playa de Benijo

On the northern shore of the Anaga massif you’ll find several villages and several black sand beaches, most notably Playa de Benijo. The surrounding jagged mountains and lush forests further add to the enchantment and were reminiscent of our time hiking along Hawaii’s Nāpali Coast.

While the beaches of El Roque de las Bodegas and Almáciga are quite accessible, getting to Playa de Benijo takes a bit more effort. First you’ll need to find parking in or near the town of Benijo, then descend a section of stairs and walkways down to the beach.

The waves along the northern coastline of Tenerife can be fairly intense, making these beaches a surfing and watersport paradise. Whether sunbathing, swimming, or just strolling along the shoreline, an afternoon spent at the secluded Playa de Benijo is a welcome reprieve after a morning of hiking.

Before leaving this remote paradise, sit down for a fresh seafood dinner at one of the many oceanfront restaurants. You could also head a bit further inland to the town of Taganana, which will have a few more dining options. 

Make sure to stop at Mirador Risco Amogoje on your way back from Playa de Benijo. You’ll be gifted with sweeping views of the valley, coastline and the whitewashed buildings of Taganana.

DAY 4

Playa de Las Teresitas

Located just north of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Playa de Las Teresitas is a gorgeous beach with golden sand as far as the eye can see. The 1 mile long beach is lined with palm trees and set amongst the dense forests of the Anaga Mountain Range.

The beach benefits from a breakwater that protects its shallow waters and shoreline from the rough Atlantic Ocean, thus making it a family-friendly option with calm and crystal-clear waters.

Facilities such as changing rooms, showers, and restrooms are available at the beach and sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented to make your stay even more relaxing. Vendors and snack bars are found throughout the length of Playa de Las Teresitas as well, making this beach a place you can comfortably stay all day long.

• Interesting Fact: Playa de Las Teresitas is unique amongst the beaches in the area in that it has golden, and not black, volcanic sand. The sand was actually imported from the Sahara Desert in the 1970s in an effort to make the beach more visually appealing to visitors and boost tourism.

San Cristóbal de La Laguna

The historic city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna served as the capital of Tenerife until the 18th century. The city boasts a number of museums, theaters, and the island’s first university. Consequently, La Laguna is widely considered the cultural and intellectual heart of Tenerife.

One of the best things to do in La Laguna is just stroll along the cobblestone streets of Obispo Rey Redondo and Calle de San Agustín. Along the route admire the colorful buildings, elaborate mansions, and the recently restored Teatro Real. 

You’ll find dozens of architectural attractions in La Laguna, including the Neo-Gothic influenced Cathedral of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, the historic mansion of Palacio de Nava, and the remarkable courtyard of Convento de Santa Catalina.

Finally, make sure to tour La Laguna’s two plazas. At Conception Square you’ll find a lively atmosphere and the impressive Iglesia de la Concepción with its bell tower and a wooden Mudejar ceiling. The city’s central plaza, Adelantado Square, is home to the town hall, municipal market, and other historic buildings.

• Interesting Fact: La Laguna’s historic Old Town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its architectural design and influence. During the 15th century, the innovative Spanish colonialists incorporated a grid-like layout for the city. This efficient and practical urban design has since been replicated in cities all throughout the world.

DAY 5

Puerto de La Cruz

Located where the northern slopes of Mount Teide meet the Atlantic Ocean, Puerto de La Cruz is an idyllic coastal town renowned for its warm climate, gourmet restaurants, astonishing gardens, and impeccable beaches.

Colonial-era churches, elaborate mansions, and colorful fisherman cottages line the charming Plaza del Charco in the Old Town of Puerto de La Cruz. Make sure to walk around Calle Mequinez as well to admire the elaborate street art. On the other end of the city you’ll also find the Instagram famous Agatha Christie steps.

A major attraction in Puerto de La Cruz is Loro Parque, a zoo featuring a variety of exotic animal species with interactive exhibits. Additionally, stroll through the city’s botanical garden, Jardín Botánico, and learn about the island’s tropical orchids and other fascinating plant life.

Not to be outdone by Tenerife’s southern resort towns, Puerto de La Cruz boasts several exquisite black sand beaches, including Playa Jardín, Playa Martiánez and Playa San Telmo. 

Alternatively, consider an afternoon at Lago Martiánez, a beautiful complex of seawater swimming pools, lined by gardens and sculptures, designed by the iconic Lanzarote architect César Manrique.

La Orotava

The final destination on the Tenerife itinerary is the historic town of La Orotava, one of the oldest towns in the Canary Island archipelago. La Orotava has been extraordinarily well preserved over the centuries and retained its cultural roots. In our opinion, this was the most authentic town we visited on Tenerife.

La Orotava is recognized for its intricately designed wooden balconies, the ornate Church of Our Lady of Conception, and the neoclassical architecture of the Ayuntamiento de La Orotava town hall.

Stroll through the public gardens of Quinta Roja and then sit down for a tapas dinner at Bar Parada, set amongst the lively atmosphere of Constitution Square. Undoubtedly, the best thing to do while visiting La Orotava is simply wander through the narrow streets and watch the hustle and bustle of local life in Tenerife.

FINAL IMPRESSION

By using this itinerary during our time in Tenerife, we were able to get a glimpse of what this island paradise has to offer. We loved every minute of our time here, but generally preferred the peace and mystique of the northern region to the buzzing resorts on the southern coast.

From the majesty of Mount Teide to the rugged coastlines and golden beaches of Las Teresitas, there is incredible biodiversity and beauty on Tenerife. You’ll visit high elevation volcanoes, subtropical cloud forests, terraced plantations, black sand beaches, and everything in between.

We felt traveling to Tenerife was like being transported back in time. In addition to its ancient volcanic landscapes, the Spanish island has managed to retain its traditions and customs while simultaneously transforming into a modern and popular tourist destination. 

Tenerife’s storied history and rich cultural heritage, together with its dramatic landscapes and fascinating ecosystems, provide an unforgettable journey into one of the world’s most amazing travel destinations.