Tenerife Holidays

From rewarding walking trails to mysterious monuments and one-of-a-kind waterparks, you’ll be spoilt for choice for things to do on holiday in Tenerife.

• Teide National Park: Traverse lava fields and rocky trails at this dramatic UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to active volcano, Mount Teide. At 3,718 metres above sea level, it’s the highest peak in Spain, meaning you can expect spectacular views across Tenerife, Gran Canaria and beyond. A cable car will take you close to the summit, but if you fancy hiking right to the top, you’ll have to get a permit.
• Siam Park: Grab your swim gear and run, not walk, to this award-winning water park. With raging rapids, wave pools, high-speed water slides and the serene mile-long Mai Thai River, this Thai-themed waterpark in Costa Adeje will be a hit whether you’re in a couple, with friends or have kids in tow.
• Pyramids of Güímar: Six mysterious free-standing pyramids (constructed without mortar) are what you’ll find at the Pyramids of Güímar Ethnographic Park. Built in a similar style to the Mayan temples of Mexico, these lava stone monuments have no definitive story, with archeologists still debating their origins to this day. Visit the museum to learn about pyramids around the world before taking a stroll around the intriguing Poison Garden, home to more than 70 toxic plants.
• Cueva del Viento: Donning a hardhat and head torch, venture into the largest volcanic tubes in the world. Also known as the ‘Wind Cave’, this labyrinth of twisting passages, chasms and terraces can only be accessed on a guided tour. Admire lava stalactites, underground lakes and other fascinating geological phenomena on this subterranean expedition.
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival: Every February, thousands of people congregate to celebrate the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival, the world’s second-largest carnival after Rio. The spirited festivities date back to the 16th century, with each carnival growing even riotous. A spectacle of light, sound and colour, there’ll be live music, street parties, glamorous parades and lots of feathers and sequins.

With thriving coastlines and dramatic scenery galore, Tenerife holidays give you a chance to get back to nature with an amazing array of outdoor exploits. Here are some of our favourites:

• With the chance to get up close and personal with sea turtles and other colourful marine life, it’s no surprise that Tenerife is one of the best places in Europe for snorkelling and scuba diving. If you’re keen on diving, head to Tabaiba. You’ll get to dive down to explore the shipwreck known as El Penon, which was deliberately sunk in 2006 to help grow local marine life. Keep an eye out for mackerel, barracudas and even octopus.
• Tenerife was awarded Europe’s first Whale Heritage Site in 2021, thanks to its sustainable whale and dolphin-watching experiences. With Whale Wise Eco Tours, you’ll hop on your boat at Los Gigantes before sailing out into the cobalt-blue waters to catch sightings of a range of mesmerising sea mammals. Humpback whales are pretty common around these parts, as well as dolphins, Minke whales and even Orcas, and if you’re lucky you may catch a glimpse of turtles, stingrays and endangered Canarian lobsters bobbing along near the water’s surface.
• Back on solid ground, a great way to explore the rich landscapes of Tenerife is by jeep safari. A journey packed with surprises, this open-tour 4x4 tour will stop at some of Tenerife’s must-see highlights, like the Pico Viejo volcano, the hidden village of Masca and some of the best viewpoints on the island.
• Fly through the trees at Forestal Park, the largest treetop adventure park in the Canary Islands. This fun, family-friendly activity will have you whizzing down ziplines, navigating rope bridges, climbing up walls and leaping off Tarzan swings all while surrounded by flourishing pines and lush biodiversity.
• In the mood for a hike? On the northeasternmost tip of the island you’ll find Anaga Rural Park, one of the island’s oldest areas teeming with unique flora, trees and miles of trails for all abilities. This magical forest, protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is famous for its laurel trees and mist-shrouded walkways that open up onto wild beaches and charming hamlets.

Tenerife has stormed onto Spain’s gastronomic stage with its local cuisine that blends traditional Spanish dishes with African and Latin American influences. From fresh seafood to humble home-cooked delicacies and even innovative fine dining, you have food for every mood in Tenerife.

• ‘Guachinche’ are authentic, great-value establishments specialising in traditional Canarian cuisine. You’ll usually find these hidden gems in garages or garden shacks, with loads of great options in La Orotava in northern Tenerife. Tuck into dishes like garbanzas (chickpea stew), grilled meats and native cheeses for a true taste of this Atlantic island.
• Nestled amongst popular tourist spots you’ll discover not one but four Michelin-star restaurants in Tenerife. M.B Restaurant, inside the Ritz-Carlton Abama Hotel, is the island’s only two-Michelin-starred establishment, serving a Basque-inspired menu complete with fresh, local ingredients. Another lauded location is El Rincon de Juan Carlos, who offer seasonal three-course tasting menus.
• For the best rice dishes on the island, make your way to El Picu in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. You can start your meal with fresh seafood starters before moving on to the star of the show, paella. And the best part? You can make a reservation over WhatsApp.
• El Tejado, inconspicuously located on the main shopping street of Costa Adeje, is popular with locals and tourists alike thanks to its great service, ambience and mouth-watering specialities. Typical Canary Island classics take centre stage here, where dishes like papas con tres mojos (wrinkly potatoes with mojo sauces) and croquetas de bacalao (salt cod croquettes) are washed down with fresh, cold sangria.

While Playa de las Americas and its infamous Veronicas Strip may be the life and soul of Tenerife’s nightlife scene, you’ll never be far from a thirst-quenching pitstop wherever you are on the island. From swanky beach clubs to late-night pavement cafes and happy hour watering holes, you’re in for a treat in Tenerife.

• Known as ‘The King of Clubs’, Tramps is an iconic institution in Tenerife. Open every night until 6am, this legendary nightclub will have you partying the night away to big-name DJs playing a mix of house, R&B and old-school anthems across three dance floors.
• Cosy cabanas, foam parties and famous faces are what you’ll find at Papagayo Beach Club in Playa de la Americas. A partygoers paradise, this classy open-air venue, perched right on the seafront, is known for its electronic beats and dreamy cocktail list.
• Over in Los Cristianos is Dreamers Cabaret Bar, one of the island’s longest-established cabaret joints. Put your vocals to the test with karaoke, watch top-class cabaret acts while sipping 2-for-1 cocktails or pop in for a pint while the footy’s on – live sports are shown daily, so you’ll never miss a moment of the action.
• Bar Benidorm in San Cristobal de La Laguna is a 1950’s drinking den oozing oodles of charm with its wood-panelled interiors and pavement seating. Don’t come here expecting complicated cocktails, though, as this no-frills bar is known simply for its cold beers and cold cuts.
• Established back in 1992, The Dubliner is one of the south coast’s best Irish bars. Found at the top of the Gaelic Corner, you can guarantee you’ll find good craic, good Guinness and great live music at this home-style pub.

With over 400 kilometres of coastline in Tenerife, and hundreds of beaches (17 with Blue Flag status), it may be hard to know where to set down your towel. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of our favourite sandy spots in Tenerife.

• Playa de Las Teresitas: You may not know it to look at it, but this relaxing beach near Santa Cruz is actually man-made, carpeted with sand imported from the Sahara Desert. Lined with idyllic palm trees and lapped by calm waters, this golden bay is ideal for families looking to paddle or venture out to sea on a pedalo.
• Playa del Duque: If your main aim is to tick off white sands and turquoise waters, this Blue Flag beach in Costa Adeje, Blue Flag beach should be top of your list. A mecca for beachgoers, this stylish stretch is dotted with elegant striped huts and straw parasols. A promenade runs the length of the sand too, lined with satisfying eateries, bars and trinket-filled shops.
• Playa Bollullo: For Tenerife’s trademark black sands, head to Playa Bollullo, a secluded cove away from the typical tourist path. Nestled below striking lava cliffs, you won’t find any shops or hotels bordering this unspoilt bay, so be sure to pack some snacks.
• El Medano beach: This ribbon of golden sand on the south coast of Tenerife is not only a top pick for sunbathing, but is considered one of the best beaches in the world for windsurfing and kitesurfing. And with glorious views of the iconic Red Mountain (Montaña Roja), you won’t find a more scenic place to ride the waves.
• Playa Fanabe: Active types will be in their element on this sun-drenched, golden-sand beach. Brimming with watersports, you can try your hand at jet-skiing, banana boating and paddle boarding, or if you don’t fancy getting wet, hopping on board a glass-bottomed boat for an enchanting glimpse at life under the sea.

Escape the hum of holidaymakers and venture further afield to a host of historic towns, hilltop hamlets and secluded islands on a day trip in Tenerife.

• Masca: It’s not an easy journey to this inland hamlet, but it’s definitely worth it. After negotiating a series of hairpin turns, you’ll arrive at picturesque Masca, a village balancing precariously on the side of a mountain in Teno National Park. It’s said that residents used to go here when they were being attacked by pirates, but today this historic village draws people in with its spectacular views, quaint alleys and epic photo opportunities. It’s a slice of history that’s barely changed in centuries.
• San Cristobal de La Laguna: Colourful colonial architecture, historic streets, hand-crafted souvenirs, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has it all. Formerly the capital of Tenerife until 1723, La Laguna is an idyllic place to explore. Meander around the Museum of Nature and Archaeology, visit Casa Salazar – an ancient palace with an intriguing history – or join a guided tour of one of the 16th-century palatial homes.
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Get your fill of cosmopolitan vibes with a visit to Tenerife's capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Stroll around sunny plazas and hidden backstreets, ramble around the town’s historic centre and treat yourself to local wares at open-air shopping centres. There’s plenty of parks to explore too, filled with artworks and sculptures by the likes of Henry Moore, and endless culinary delights to be had.
• Garachico: You’ll find traces of the devastating volcanic eruption of 1706 at the harbour village of Grachico. Worlds away from the bustling seafronts of Tenerife’s beach resorts, this historic town is filled with charming cafés, cobbled streets and colonia gems. Visit the elegant Plaza de la Libertad for some elevenses before taking a dip at El Caleton, a series of natural pools carved into the coastline.
• Take a day trip to La Gomera: Once you’ve ticked off all of the above, why not take a short ferry ride to the sleepy island of La Gomera? Discover infinite hiking trails within ancient forests, charming hillside villages and deserted black-sand beaches. It really is paradise.

Underwater adventures, sandy swimming spots and a myriad of child-friendly hotels are a few of the reasons why Tenerife is a top pick for family holidays.

• First off, you’ll need somewhere to stay that’s suitable for all ages – and Tenerife has tons of options. The 4-star Paradise Park Fun Lifestyle Hotel in Los Cristianos has five huge pools to splash about in, stylish rooms and a free shuttle into town. Another good shout is the all-inclusive Tagoro Family & Fun in Costa Adeje which has a wealth of sporting activities and entertainment to keep everyone occupied.
• Escape the midday sun at La Laguna’s Museum of Science and the Cosmos to delve into the fascinating world of astronomy. Mixing traditional displays with a plethora of interactive exhibits, we can guarantee the kids will be in their element. And that’s before they step foot inside the planetarium.
• Got teens? Unleash their competitive sides with a race around the track at Karting Club Tenerife. Rocking all the necessary safety gear, the whole family can show off their skills behind the wheel, drifting through tight turns and accelerating along narrow straits in the hopes of being crowned karting champion.
• Your little ones will light up when they find out they can step inside a big, yellow submarine. Once onboard your Submarine Safari, you’ll descend below the surface of the sea to get close-up views of life under the sea. See sealife of all different shapes, sizes and colours and even catch a glimpse of a real-life shipwreck.
• Travel back in time for an action-packed evening out at the fortress of Castillo San Miguel. This medieval banquet crammed with brave knights, jousting tournaments, sword fights and impressive acrobatics brings the Middle Ages to life in the most spectacular way. Be prepared to book early as this is a popular one.

Romantic getaways to 5-star all-inclusive resorts, supernatural landscapes and boutique wineries – you’ll be hard done by to find a more romantic destination for your next couples holiday.

• One of the most romantic things to do in Tenerife is stargazing. Accompanied by your astronomer guide, you’ll make your way to the Teide Observatory (the world’s largest solar observatory) at the volcano’s summit for an evening of celestial discovery. Gaze up at the night sky and see if you can spot the Milky Way.
• The volcanic slopes of Tenerife are famous for their growing unique wines exclusive to the Canary Islands. Spend an afternoon at Bodegas Monje or Casa del Vino to learn about the vineyards that have been harvesting wine since medieval times. Alternatively, deep-dive into a range of boutique vineyards with the bodega-hopping Tenerife Wine Experience.
• Planning a proposal? You won’t find a more romantic spot to drop onto one knee than the summit of Pico Viejo, Tenerife’s second-highest peak. Head here to watch the sunset and be treated to breathtaking views over Tenerife and its neighbouring islands.
• Couples holidays aren’t complete without a spot of pampering, and Tenerife is home to plenty of swanky places to get your spa fill. Book a spa day at The Royal Garden Villas for a sumptuous session filled with relaxing amenities, from the Turkish bath to the ice fountain and bubbling hot tub. You could also splash out on a couples hot stone massage, completed using volcanic stones.
• Wake up to beach views at the 5-star all-inclusive Iberostar Grand Salome. This adult-only hotel is the epitome of luxury with its spacious modern rooms, spa and five bars. Another option is the Be live Adults Only hotel, with its spacious swimming pool and close proximity to the black-sand Playa Jardin.