Tenerife is the largest and most populated island of the eight Canary Islands. It is also the most populated island of Spain, with a land area of 2,034.38 square kilometres and 917,841 inhabitants at the start of 2019, 43 percent of the total population of the Canary Islands.
20 pictures of Tenerife from Dumitru Axentii, Fausto García, Andrew Buchanan and other travelers
Tenerife, the largest of Spain's Canary Islands, is a popular destination for tourists due to its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and diverse landscapes. The island's natural beauty, from the volcanic landscapes of Teide National Park to the lush greenery of Anaga Rural Park, makes it an ideal destination for those seeking adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both.
To get to Tenerife, you can either fly into Tenerife North Airport (TFN) or Tenerife South Airport (TFS). Most international flights arrive at TFS, which has frequent connections to major European cities. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from mainland Spain or other Canary Islands.
In terms of booking in advance, it is recommended to reserve accommodations and any guided tours or activities you wish to partake in, especially during the peak season (December to February and June to August). If you plan to visit Teide National Park, you should book a permit in advance to access the summit of Mount Teide.
The costs in Tenerife are generally lower than in mainland Spain. Expect to pay around €50-150 per night for accommodations, depending on the type and location. For food, a meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost approximately €15-25. Public transportation is affordable, with bus fares starting at €1.45.
Some of the best things to do in Tenerife include exploring Teide National Park, sunbathing on the beautiful beaches like Playa de Las Teresitas and Playa del Duque, and discovering the charming towns of La Orotava and Garachico. For a more adventurous experience, try paragliding, whale watching, or scuba diving.
When it comes to dining, Restaurante El Cine in Los Cristianos is a local favorite for fresh seafood. For Canarian cuisine with a modern twist, visit La Hierbita in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. If you have a sweet tooth, don't miss the famous almond cakes at El Aderno in Buenavista del Norte.
For accommodations, consider staying at the luxurious Bahia Del Duque Resort in Costa Adeje, which offers stunning views and excellent facilities. For a more budget-friendly option, check out La Tortuga Hostel in Costa Adeje or Laguna Nivaria Hotel & Spa in La Laguna.
Off the beaten path:
One unusual travel experience to have in Tenerife is exploring the Pyramids of Güímar. These mysterious, stepped structures were once believed to be agricultural terraces but are now thought to have been built for a ceremonial purpose. Visit the Ethnographic Park for a guided tour and learn about the theories behind these enigmatic pyramids. Another offbeat experience is hiking the lunar-like landscapes of the Malpaís de Güímar, a volcanic badland with unique flora and fauna. This lesser-known destination offers a fascinating glimpse into the island's geological history and provides an exciting alternative to the more crowded tourist spots.
Teide National Park is a national park located in Tenerife. The national park is centered on Mount Teide, the highest mountain of Spain in addition, the highest volcano in the Atlantic Ocean islands and the third highest volcano in the world from its base in the ocean floor.
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The stunning Mars-like landscapes of Tenerife's Teide National Park is one of the truest natural wonders in the world, let alone the Canary Islands. Give the beach a break and wander the park's jaw-dropping volcanic vistas. With this ticket, you'll get whisked around the rugged mountainous terrain on a windswept guided tour, stopping by incredible rock formations, quiet villages, and solidified lava flows, all under the dramatic gaze of majestic El Teide.
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Puerto de la Cruz is a city and municipality in the northern part of the island of Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. It was formerly known by its English translation, "Port of the Cross", although now it is known in all languages by its Spanish name.
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Come stargazing from Teide National Park in Tenerife and learn about the Universe with a Starlight® Foundation certified guide! If you are interested in the Universe and would like to know which constellations, stars and planets we see when the s...
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Come stargazing from Teide National Park in Tenerife and learn about the Universe with a Starlight® Foundation certified guide! If you are interested in the Universe and would like to know which constellations, stars and planets we see when the s...
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Masca is a small mountain village on the island of Tenerife. Originally a Guanche settlement, before the Spanish conquest in 1496. The village is now home to around 90 inhabitants.
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Adeje is a town and municipality in the southwestern part of the island of Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, and part of the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
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Explore Tenerife and slide, jump and rappel down to natural waterfalls and pools! The maximum descend is 15 meter. 10 meter high „kamikaze”. Natural waterpark of Tenerife.
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Playa De La Arena is a resort town located just south of the resorts of Los Gigantes and Puerto Santiago in the Santiago del Teide municipality on the West Coast of Tenerife, Spain.
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Explore the majestic Barranco de Masca, one of the most impressive hiking trails in Tenerife. Enjoy the descent to a paradisiacal cove and challenge yourself with the return ascent.
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Siam Park is a water park in Costa Adeje, a coastal suburb in Tenerife, Canary Islands. Siam Park features a Siamese theme, and claims to be the most spectacular water attraction in Europe.
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Playa de las Américas is a purpose-built holiday resort in the southern and southern-west part of the Municipality of Arona, close to the adjoining Municipality of Adeje in the west of Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands.
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El Médano is a town in the municipality of Granadilla de Abona, on the island of Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands. It is located about 11 kilometers from the town of Granadilla, reaching an average altitude of 75 meters above sea level.
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Golf del Sur is a holiday resort and golf course situated in Tenerife, Canary Islands within the municipality of San Miguel de Abona. In 1989, 1992, 1993 and 1994, Golf del Sur hosted the Tenerife Open tournament.
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Santa Cruz de Tenerife, commonly abbreviated as Santa Cruz, is a major city, capital of the island of Tenerife, Province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and capital of the Canary Islands. Santa Cruz has a population of 206,593 within its administrative limits.
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Macizo de Anaga is a mountain range in the northeastern part of the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. The highest point is 1,024 m. It stretches from the Punta de Anaga in the northeast to Cruz del Carmen in the southwest.
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Located in the Spanish archipelago of the Canary Islands, off the coast of West Africa, Tenerife is the largest island, but also the highest since it is home to the Teide, the highest point in Spain, whose peak reaches 3,718 meters. Several million visitors come to Tenerife every year to hike in the natural park surrounding the volcano, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tenerife has a great variety of landscapes: black sand beaches, mountainous massifs, steep cliffs, volcanic landscapes and lush forests. It is a destination that combines relaxation, cultural visits, sports activities and hiking. Other popular tourist attractions are watching tours of dolphins and pilot whales near the port of Los Cristianos, in the south. Volcanic, touristic and incredibly varied! Such is Tenerife, the most visited island of the Canaries. It is true that some seaside resorts, especially those in the south, have somewhat concreted the coasts. But to summarize Tenerife as a simple "seaside" destination would be an insult to its richness and diversity. Moreover, if you look closely, the developers and their concrete have only touched a very small part of the island. And since the vast majority of tourists are concentrated there, it will be all the easier for you to discover the rest of the island, where some remarkable gems await you. Among the wonders to discover, 3 cities called "colonial" with a crazy charm: La Laguna (listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco); La Orotava, wisely leaning against a hill, and Garachico, adorable and quiet small coastal town. In addition to these historic towns, there are three beautiful natural sites with well-maintained hiking trails: the Teide National Park in the heart of the island, where, in the shadow of the Teide volcano, lunar landscapes of rocks and lava extend; the Anaga Rural Park at the northeastern tip of the island, covered by thick vegetation, which offers magnificent views of the ocean; and the Teno Rural Park at the northwestern tip of the island, which is wild, steep and not very well frequented. Add to this a climate of equal mildness all year round, some fishing ports, boat trips to greet the whales and a carnival (the one of Santa Cruz), here is what you need to spend a pleasant vacation, not necessarily turned to the beaches.
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⛰️ Hill spots 🌊 Ocean spots 🏖️ Beach spots ⛰️ Hill station spots 🏘️ Town spots 🏖️ Shore spots ⛰️ Cliff spots ️🏜️ Badlands spots 🌲 Nature reserve spots 🤿 Underwater spots 🐾 Wildlife spots 🗼 Landmark spots Mountain pass spots ⛰️ Mountain range spots 🏞️ National park spots 🌲 Tropical and subtropical coniferous forests spots 🌋 Extinct volcano spots 🛣️ Off-roading spots Panorama spots Recreational fishing spots 🏨 Resort spots 🛣️ Road trip spots 🏖️ Sailing spots 🏰 Church spots ⛰️ Summit spots 🏖️ Bodyboarding spots ⛰️ Highland spots 🌲 Forest spots 🏰 Historic site spotsExplore popular touristic places around Tenerife
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