The largest of the seven Canary Islands, Tenerife offers something for beach worshippers, nature lovers, and adventurous travelers alike—from the buzzy city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife to the Mars-red volcanic landscapes of Mount Teide or the beach resorts of Playa de las Americas and Costa Adeje. Many of the best things to do in Tenerife revolve around its outdoor beauty. Visitors can hike in the Masca Valley, explore rural villages such as Vilaflor, go paragliding, or enjoy a wealth of water-based activities, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, or whale-watching. That said, you'll also find man made fun. Siam Park has consistently been ranked as one of Europe's best water parks. In Puerto de la Cruz, there's Loro Parque, one of Europe's top-rated zoos.
Located in the subtropics, this island is nicknamed the Isle of Eternal Spring because it’s blessed with mild winters and year-round sunshine. The busiest months tend to be June through August—to avoid the peak summer prices and the biggest crowds, it’s best to visit in May or September.
If you’re looking for a party atmosphere, don’t miss the island’s biggest annual festival, the Carnival of Santa Cruz, which happens each February. Winter is a beautiful time to be in Tenerife, but keep in mind that while it may be a beautiful day at sea level, it can be snowing on top of Mount Teide or misting in Anaga Rural Park. Mount Teide is so massive it blocks a lot of the moisture coming from the north, so the south of the island is always sunnier and warmer.
Renting a car is the most convenient way to get between dispersed island attractions; however, if you don’t want to drive, there are good public transport options, too. The local buses (known as “guaguas”) are bright green buses run by a company called TITSA. Regular services cover the island’s key tourist destinations as well as more remote areas. There are also taxi stands available in major towns and cities.
Wine fans should visit the guachinches—traditional establishments typically found in the wine-growing areas of the island. Originally, guachinches served as no-frills temporary wine bars that allowed farmers to sell surplus wine directly to the public. However, they have evolved into permanent restaurants that also serve traditional Canarian dishes like stews and roasted meats. Look out for wooden boards to find guachinches, especially in the northern areas of the island.
Trekking enthusiasts have to hike in Teide National Park and the island’s many nature parks. However, keep in mind that some trails require permits or advanced reservations, so you can’t just rock up and start hiking.
