The largest island of the Canary archipelago is also the most hospitable: the healing sands of Playa de la Arena or the bright coral reefs of Costa Adeje – Tenerife maintains its almost homely atmosphere. Strong gusty winds blow over the beaches, but bypass the warm lagoons with small towns, and nature reserves, botanical gardens, and aquariums help to get acquainted with the wealth of nature of this island and preserve it.
The natural and man-made attractions of Tenerife blend seamlessly with the nature of this rocky land, immersed in greenery, with the cold beauty of the Atlantic coast. However, Tenerife itself can hardly be called cold – it is often described as the “island of eternal spring,” which is quite deserved. The mountains reliably protect this tiny island of traditional culture, not flooded with tourists.
Teide Volcano
Teide has attracted people since antiquity and was often mentioned in the mythology of that period. Today, it is perhaps the most visited national park in Spain – grandiose from all viewing platforms. Five roads lead here. Each route is interesting: whether it’s the road through Abona – the main winemaking region of the country – and the “City of Flowers” or through Orotava – the valley known as the “stone flower.”
The largest volcano in Europe is also the most breathtaking viewing platform – not everyone has the stamina to first climb the cable car and then walk the remaining half of the way. It is worth remembering that access to the crater is only possible with a permit. If you did not take care of getting a permit in advance, you can purchase it when buying a cable car ticket.
Loro Park
Loro Park literally translates to “parrot park,” but it is home to much more than just birds. The park opened in the early 20th century and was originally home only to parrots. It occupied just one hectare and housed only about 150 of these bright birds. Today, the park covers 13 hectares and is home to over 4,000 birds, which make up the largest collection of parrots in the world.
But Loro Park boasts more than just this record: it is home to the infamous shark tunnel and the largest indoor penguin colony. It is also one of the top three European parks where killer whales breed and live. The list of local inhabitants is too long.
Jungle Park Eagle Park
Jungle Park Eagle Park is an ideal place for a family visit, where, contrary to the name, not only eagles live but practically the entire animal world, from peaceful sea lions to more dangerous predators: tigers, lions, crocodiles. They live not in cages but in natural conditions.
Visitors can enjoy a unique show featuring birds of prey, specifically eagles, which is rare since these birds are almost impossible to train. Some of the less dangerous predators can be fed. Those who want to ride through the jungle can use the bobsleigh track.
Siam Park Water Park
One of the most spectacular water complexes in Europe is designed in Thai style. Permission to use Siamese-style architecture had to be obtained from the Thai royal family, but the architect did not just copy famous temples and palaces; he created original fantasy buildings. It is noteworthy that the construction of the park did not destroy the natural landscape; all the slides follow the hilly terrain.
Here are concentrated buildings and attractions that are record holders: the largest dragon statue in the world, the “lazy river” with the steepest climb. The park is home to sharks and rays, which can be observed up close while descending the “Tower of Power” slide. Children happily play in the “Lost City.”
Monkey Park
Monkey Park is not as popular as Loro Park, for example, but it is perfect for those who want to get closer to lemurs and monkeys. The area is divided into several zones: the reptile zone, alligator lake, primate zone, and tropical birds zone. It is best to visit the park in the morning or closer to closing time, as the animals prefer to nap in the middle of the day and are unlikely to react actively to your presence.
Do not go to the park without bringing something tasty. However, you will have to refrain from bananas and dates. The animals get fat from them, and you will be asked to leave these edible gifts outside the park. The monkey kingdom has one drawback: you cannot get here by public transport – you will need a car.
Lago Martianez Entertainment Complex
This complex consists of a system of artificial lakes on the Atlantic coast. It is located in the city of Puerto de la Cruz, in the northern part of the island. Visitors are greeted by gentle beaches, cozy cafes, dozens of pools of various diameters filled with seawater and surrounded by gardens, and even islands. The complex opened at the end of the 20th century, but back then it included only two pools. One was for children, the other for adults.
Instead of the modern extensive infrastructure, there was one bar. Everything changed when a couple of talented architects took on the project, which combined traditional architecture for the archipelago and the latest in technology. The integration was successful, and this grandiose project was completed in the shortest possible time.
Auditorio de Tenerife Concert Hall
This futuristic structure was built not at the peak of modernism’s popularity but relatively recently – in 2003, instantly attracting the attention of tourists who come to Tenerife. This avant-garde stone combines a concert hall and an opera house. Viewing the building from the outside is part of many excursion programs, but visiting it as a spectator will not hit your wallet.
No matter what amount you are willing to invest in visiting the Auditorio de Tenerife – according to experts, this concert hall has almost the best acoustics in Europe.
Museum of Nature and Man
The elegant neoclassical building that houses the museum’s exhibits is an architectural monument as significant as the museum itself. Its exhibits are guaranteed to amaze you. The collection of Guanche mummies alone, which has no analogs in the world, is worth it! The richness of the local collections is primarily explained by the fact that the creators tried to combine two museums: archaeology and natural sciences, which they did brilliantly.
The museum consists of several halls, through which you can get acquainted with cultural artifacts from different peoples (African masks, religious items of the Guanches, Egyptian ceramics), as well as the local fauna in all its diversity. You can view the exhibits after sunset: the museum staff organize night tours.
San Miguel Castle
At first glance, a typical medieval castle is not one. This example of medieval architecture in the spirit of legends about the Knights of the Round Table was built in the vicinity of San Miguel specifically for tourists who come to the island. But credit should be given to the architects – the chosen era was reproduced in detail.
Guests can enjoy a real knightly tournament, see acrobatic stunts on horses, and even attend a classic medieval feast, but be prepared to eat like a knight – no knives and forks! Use your hands!
Basilica of Candelaria
One of the most prominent religious buildings of the Canary archipelago is the Basilica of Candelaria, located in the town of the same name. This Catholic church stands out for its external architectural strictness and restraint. The modern building of light stone was erected on the site of an old temple, which was decided to be demolished in the first half of the 20th century.
Soon a tall chapel was added to the basilica, and the interior decoration became truly luxurious. The image of Our Lady of Candelaria adorned the spacious room. It is also worth noting that during major religious holidays, not only believers and pilgrims gather here, but also representatives of other faiths and just tourists – the basilica becomes the epicenter of folk festivities, dances, and fireworks.
Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The traditional Catholic church in the form of a Latin cross is the largest on the archipelago and consists of five naves. Once, there stood a small chapel built by Spanish knights who landed in Tenerife. The construction site was not chosen by chance – Christian services were held here centuries before the arrival of Spanish conquerors.
The modern church building was erected in the New Age in the spirit of Tuscan Baroque. Of the old relics, there remains a Gothic-style figure of the Virgin Mary, a 16th-century crucifix, and several older icons. The true pride of the church is an organ created by London masters and brought to the archipelago at the end of the 19th century.
Pyramids of Guimar
Perhaps the most significant archaeological monument in Tenerife is the Pyramids of Guimar. Of course, they are not as impressive as the pyramids of the Aztecs or Egyptians, but a tour of them will be no less informative. An ethnological park with a museum and photo exhibition was created around the pyramids. The time of construction and the purpose of the pyramids still raise questions, as no settlements were found in the vicinity.
After a series of studies, it was proven that the pyramids were built so that all the stairs faced the sun, and at the top of the highest pyramid, on the day of the summer solstice, you can see a phenomenon that was given special significance in ancient times – the double sunset.
Wind Cave
The underground landscape of Tenerife is perhaps more interesting than some above-ground attractions. Beneath the island lies a network of underground galleries and lava caves. The Wind Cave was formed during the eruption of the Pico Viejo volcano. This extensive network of passages is still not fully explored by researchers and continues to captivate tourists.
Notably, the caves have three levels of choirs, which is not observed anywhere else in the world. Lava lakes, terraces, stalagmites, and stalactites – all this creates a unique ecosystem. It is worth dressing warmly, as the caves were named Wind Cave for a reason – strong air currents make the passages breathe.
Masca Gorge
The Masca Gorge continues to attract hundreds of tourists not only with its colorful nature but also with its reputation as a place where pirates and smugglers preferred to hide their treasures. According to legends, somewhere among the impregnable rocks and deep grottos, treasures are still hidden. You can reach the village of the same name, where just over a hundred people live, by a narrow mountain serpentine.
The trip to Masca will be quite tense – the road to it is the steepest, and in places, the ribbon becomes too narrow even for two cars. However, there are no complaints. Previously, you could only get here by mountain trails. But it’s worth it: panoramic views, traditional Canarian architecture, the Gingerbread House, and national cuisine with gofio and purple mojo sauce await you.
Hell’s Gorge
Hell’s Gorge more than lives up to its name. The first thing to know is that this unique natural oasis with ravines and a waterfall is a protected area, so no more than three hundred people can be here at the same time to avoid disturbing the natural ecosystem. You can book a ticket for a visit on the official website. A walking tour along the gorge takes about three hours.
It is one of the best natural viewing platforms – from here, there is a stunning view of the southern tip of Tenerife. The narrow pedestrian path passes by numerous rock formations and lush tropical vegetation. You will see ancient grottos where locals buried mummies and fully enjoy the bright beauty of this corner of Spain.
Garcia Rocks
This rock group in the Las Canadas caldera is the second most visited natural attraction on the island. Perhaps the most famous rock is Cinchado, which is most often depicted on postcards and stamps from Tenerife. It has an unusual shape and will likely collapse sooner or later, finally eroded by water and wind. The age of the Garcia rocks is estimated to be around 170,000 years.
The unusual relief of the caldera attracts not only tourists but also filmmakers: some episodes of “Planet of the Apes” and “Star Wars” were filmed here. The caldera territory is protected, as rare types of grass grow here, so access is limited. It is worth arranging the excursion program in advance.
Los Gigantes Cliffs
The Infernal Walls loom menacingly over the western coast of Tenerife. Even the ancient peoples living on the island felt almost sacred awe before these basalt formations. The cliffs rise almost 600 meters above sea level and look especially impressive when viewed from below – from a boat or ferry. Many small boats are moored at the pier of the town of the same name, which nestles at the foot of Los Gigantes.
The settlement is located in a cozy bay, making this area especially convenient for ocean fishing and diving. You should take the time to directly inspect the Infernal Walls – there are cracks in the basalt large enough for a person to squeeze through, and entire gorges. Behind them lie wild beaches and small grottos.
Orotava Valley
The Orotava Valley lies close to the chain of Las Canadas peaks, forming an almost perfect square when viewed from above. Orotava appeared thanks to the flow of petrified lava rocks, the remnants of which surround the eastern and western ends of the valley. It got its name in the 16th century in honor of the settlement founded by conquistadors. Even then – in the Middle Ages – La Orotava was famous for its bright national architecture.
Today, the former stronghold of the conquistadors is the unofficial capital of the valley, which is crisscrossed by tourist trails. A walk along them is designed for thoughtful – most often solitary – admiration of the luxury of the local landscapes. And there is plenty to admire! The land of Orotava is arguably the most fertile on the island.
Anaga Park
The park’s territory is rich in landscapes: rocky gorges, pointed peaks, mountain formations, and all this is covered with a soft carpet of evergreen forest. But this reserve is famous not only for its soil relief but also for the uniqueness of the local natural world. The almost inaccessible mountains surrounding the park made it possible to preserve the local flora in its state as it was hundreds of years ago.
The so-called subtropical laurel thickets are of particular value.
Trails have been laid for tourists, allowing them to explore the park’s natural riches more fully. Practically all of them pass through Roque de Taborno – the highest point of Anaga. The reserve hides old settlements and more modern villages where the remnants of national culture and crafts are kept alive.
Puerto de la Cruz Botanical Garden
The Madrid Botanical Garden is the oldest institution of its kind in Spain, and the second place rightfully belongs to the Puerto de la Cruz garden, established in 1788, but not as a botanical garden, but as a kind of transit point. Rare exotic plants were brought here that needed acclimatization before being transported to the mainland.
Gradually, this place turned into a kind of Mecca for botany enthusiasts and just one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tenerife. Puerto de la Cruz occupies the eastern end of the city. A guide will introduce you to a collection of more than 4,000 plants from all corners of the world.
Dragon Tree
The most famous tree on the archipelago grows in the park of the same name and is the city’s symbol. Its image adorns the local coat of arms. Scientists continue to argue about the true age of this ancient giant. Most give it between 800 and 1,000 years. Determining its age is complicated by the fact that the Dragon Tree belongs to the dracaenas, which, as is known, do not have annual rings.
Seeing it live for the first time, you can’t help but be amazed: the trunk’s diameter is as much as 20 meters, while its height barely exceeds 18 meters. If this sight amazes a modern person, imagine the awe this giant evoked in the locals hundreds of years ago – the tree itself was considered sacred, and its sap was used during burial rituals.
Taoro Park
In the very heart of old Puerto de la Cruz, on a sloping hill, lies Taoro Park. It is an ideal place for a leisurely, quiet walk away from the crowds of tourists. The air is filled with the aromas of exotic flowers and trees, and the gentle sound of waterfalls and fountains perfectly complements the atmosphere. Guests of the city and locals without hesitation call this park one of the most comfortable places for relaxation.
The green lungs of Puerto de la Cruz are conditionally divided into three zones: the pride of the first is the observation deck, offering the best urban panorama in the area; the second is named after the casino, housed in the luxurious building of the oldest hotel on the archipelago; and the third zone is a corner for athletes and jogging enthusiasts. Don’t go here without sneakers – you risk being misunderstood.
El Caleton Natural Pools
The surprisingly beautiful water bodies that adorn the town of Garachico appeared due to the volcanic activity of Montaña Negra. The first landslides were observed here back in the 17th century, according to preserved records. At that time, the disaster claimed many lives and almost destroyed part of the city. The remains of buildings were buried under a layer of lava. The molten streams melted the stone, forming hundreds of small lakes of original shape.
They do not repeat each other in depth or size, but this is what attracts visitors. Just observing the lakes causes delight – the bottom of the reservoirs consists of black stones that solidified, reaching a liquid state at a certain point. However, you should be careful when swimming – sometimes extremely high waves rise here.
Teno Cape
This cape crowns the northwestern tip of Tenerife. From here, there is a beautiful view of the basalt cliffs of Los Gigantes, which hang low over the ocean’s surface. The trip to the cape is quite a dangerous undertaking, as numerous signs subtly remind you. You will have to pass through several tunnels and sections of the serpentine that run close to the cliff.
Due to the strong winds, which are not uncommon in this part of the archipelago, there are periodic rockfalls that block the roads. But once at the top, it feels like entering a kind of vacuum – silence and calm. You can sit here for a very long time, gazing at the deserted beach and the silhouette of the lighthouse, which looks even more lonely among the rocky ridges.
Teide Observatory
The Teide Observatory is not only one of the most significant institutions studying the starry sky but also an important part of the Teide natural complex. Its leading position among world observatories is due to the successful combination of modern technical equipment and optimal geographical location.
Some premises are closed for visits, but the Tower Vacuum Telescope, Solar Laboratory, and some others are included in excursion programs. On open days – usually two days in summer – entrance to the Teide Observatory is free. The schedule of these days is constantly changing. If you want to visit the observatory privately, you need to book a tour.