The best things to do in Tenerife – without the tourist traps

What is it? There’s no ignoring El Teide volcano wherever you happen to be standing in Tenerife – or any the other Canary Islands for that matter – as it’s Spain’s highest mountain.

Why go? The peak of the volcano is only a tiny part of the El Teide National Park (Spain’s most visited) which is popular with hikers and stargazers due to the near-constant clear skies. The cable car to take you almost to the peak is well worth it for the views.

🤫 Insider tip: You can climb to the very top, but you’ll need special permission. The view is most definitely worth the climb: on a good day, you can see all over the archipelago.

Address: Teide Cable Car, Teide National Park, Cañadas del, 38300, La Orotava

Hours: Open daily from 9am to 5pm

Price: Park entry is free, but cable car rides start from €23.50

What is it? Some of the most dramatic cliff faces you’ll see, anywhere.

Why go? Tenerife’s Acantilados de Los Gigantes or ‘Cliffs of the Giants’ have an appropriately grand name: these vast vertical walls of basalt are a product of the Canaries’ volcanic landscape – and, no matter how you view them, they’re totally spectacular. We recommend starting a walk at the town of Los Gigantes before winding your way up and along the cliffs. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, hiring out kayaks is also a great way to get a full view of Los Gigantes.

Address: Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Santiago del Teide, 38683, Los Gigantes

Hours: Open 24 hours daily 

Price: Free entry 

What is it? Tenerife Espacio de las Artes in Santa Cruz is both an art gallery and library.

Why go? This has to be one of the most beautiful libraries in Europe. With its cool, contemporary vibes with glass and concrete, living walls and geometric shapes, the building is as much a piece of art as the visiting exhibitions from emerging Spanish artists it houses. Jump on one of the free tours for a better understanding or check out their events schedule for concerts and exhibitions.

Address: Av. San Sebastián, 8, 38003, Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 8pm, closed Mondays except for public holidays

Price: Free entry, €4 for cinema 

What is it? Self-described as the ‘most spectacular water attraction in Europe’, giant water park Siam Park features the biggest collection of Thai-themed buildings outside Thailand.

Why go? With its large number of exhilarating rides, this suburban theme park is a must-visit for adrenaline junkies. The tall, free-fall slides, river rapids and flumes are set against a backdrop of sensational Thai architecture, which has the seal of approval from none other than the Thai Royal Family themselves.

Address: Av. Siam, Costa Adeje, 38660, Adeje

Hours: Summer (1 May to 29 Oct): Open daily from 10am to 6pm; Winter (30 Oct to 30 April): Open daily from 10am to 5pm

Price: General entry costs €44 per adult 

What is it? Tenerife’s original pop-up restaurants that only open a few weeks a year.

Why go? The island has been known for its wine production for centuries (it was even a favourite of Shakespeare) and when the harvest was done, the vineyards would create little temporary canteens in barns, garages and shacks. Many vineyards in the north still do this and you can get great value food – often grilled meats and potatoes – and wine. One of the best guachinches in town? El Patio de Pedro.

Address: Camino el Matadero, 17, La Laguna, 38206, Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Hours: Thursday to Saturday from 11am to 11pm, Sunday from 11am to 5.30pm, Monday from 11am to 11pm, Tuesday from 11am to 5.30pm

Price: Plates go from €2 to €20 for a meal of grilled delicacies for two

What is it? A botanical garden dating back to the 18th Century, with a large range of stunning subtropical and tropical flora, including a 200-year-old fig tree.

Why go? Take some time out from the bustling streets of Puerto de la Cruz by stepping into this beautiful garden, where you can see all sorts of flora and fauna: from pineapple plants to tall palm trees. It's the perfect place to capture some Insta-worthy holiday snaps that will leave your pals feeling jealous.

Address: Calle Retama, 2, Puerto de la Cruz, 38400, Tenerife

Hours: Open daily from 9am to 6pm 

Price: €3 for general admission

What is it? A city so pretty that even Unesco says so.

Why go? From a technical standpoint, the northern Tenerife city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna is an architectural historian’s paradise. Its old and new towns blend mudéjar, neoclassical, modernist, rationalist and contemporary architecture styles in a characterful way. The whole centre is protected, as La Laguna was use as the blueprint for many towns and cities in Latin America including Havana in Cuba.

Address: San Cristóbal de La Laguna, 38201, Tenerife

Hours: Open 24 hours daily 

Price: Free entry 

What is it? An open-air swimming pool complex located in the northern town of Puerto de la Cruz, it has a total area of approximately 100,000 square meters centred around an artificial lake.

Why go? Lago Martiánez is well-worth the €5.50 entrance fee (€2.50 for children) for a day of sunbathing and chilling out away from the packed beaches, which can get particularly busy during the summer. It is also home to several of Tenerife artist César Manrique’s incredible sculptures.

Address: Av. Colón, Puerto de la Cruz, 38400, Tenerife

Hours: Open daily from 10am to 6pm

Price: €7 for adults, €4 for children ages 4 to 10

What is it? Dating from 1632, this historic house and museum is highly distinctive, featuring five ornately-carved balconies.

Why go? The Casa de los Balcones is an architectural jewel in the historic centre of La Orotava on the island's north side. It's not just a pretty face. Step inside and you will discover a Canarian patio surrounded by samples of typical handicrafts from Tenerife. Here you can learn all about the way of life on the island in the past few hundred years.

Address: C. San Francisco, 3, 38300 La Orotava, Tenerife

Hours: Open daily from 9am to 6.30pm (last entry at 6pm)

Price: €6 for general admission, free entry for children under age six

What is it? Lush highlands of jutting peaks and deep ravines.

Why go? Formed by a volcanic eruption between seven and nine million years ago, Anaga is a protected area in the north-east of Tenerife known for its craggy mounts, narrow ravines and cave-like forests. If you fancy an escape to an eerie fairytale wilderness filled with lush vegetation and boasting phenomenal island views, it’s an absolute must.

Address: Monte de Las Mercedes, TF-12, Km 6, 38294, La Laguna, Tenerife

Hours: Open 24 hours daily

Price: Free entry

What is it? One of the largest lava tube systems in the world.

Why go? Cueva del Viento is Europe’s largest lava tube system. What does that actually mean? Well, a lava tube is what’s left when lava flows underground and leaves a series of caves. Cueva del Viento is a prime example – and it’s fascinating to even the least volcanically-curious. There are few experiences quite like donning a hard hat, sinking below ground and working your way through several layers of volcanic mystery.

Address: Camino los Piquetes, 51, 38438, Tenerife

Hours: Open daily from 9am to 4pm

Price: €25 for adults (€15 for residents), €8.25 for ages five to 12 (€5 for residents), children under age five not permitted. Tickets must be purchased in advance.  

What is it? Six mysterious pyramids dating back to the 19th Century, located in Güímar, a valley in eastern Tenerife.

Why go? Nobody knows for sure why these Mayan-esque pyramids, made from lava, exist. All experts can say is they haven't been there as long as they look, though this is controversial with some conspiracy theorists saying they were made by ancient peoples as part of summer Solstice worship, or even due to a secret Freemasonry ritual.

Address: Calle Chacona, s/n, 38500 Güímar, Tenerife

Hours: Open daily from 10am to 6pm (except Christmas Day and New Year's Day)

Price: €12.50 for general admission

What is it? Gawping at some of the world’s mightiest mammals

Why go? November through February isn’t just a great time to catch some winter sun in Tenerife: it’s also prime whale-spotting season. There’s the chance to see humpbacks and finbacks in the winter, followed by orcas and sperm whales in the spring, while dolphins and pilot whales are there all year-round. Boat trips usually leave from towns on Tenerife’s southwest coast.

There are plenty of whale-watching providers in Tenerife, but we recommend Flipper Uno. 

What is it? A lush ravine with seven million years of history

Why go? Channel your inner Indiana Jones as you trek down this four-kilometre barranco (ravine). You’ll clamber of boulders, through palm groves and over riverbeds. It’s not a long hike but it’s quite steep so go prepared with proper footwear and plenty of water. You’ll end up at a beach on the coast, where you can prebook a boat to take you around to the next cove – or you can of course hike back up if you feel so inclined.

Address: The only way to access the ravine is by taking TITSA public transport from bus stop T, located at at 38690 Santiago del Teide, Tenerife, across from Bar Soto.

If travelling by car, you must park at Santiago del Teide cemetary, located at 38690 Santiago del Teide, Tenerife. From there, it's a 10-minute walk to the bus stop. 

The journey can be tricky, so read the details on the official website here. 

Hours: Open daily from 8.30am to 6.00pm

The Masca Visitors’ Centre is open from Monday to Thursday from 9.00am to 5.00pm, and Friday to Sunday from 8am to 6pm. 

Price: €40.66 for general admission. You must book in advance through the website.

What is it? One of Tenerife’s finest wineries.

Why go? Thanks to its volcanic soil and subtropical climate, Tenerife has no shortage of top-tier vineyards. Reverón has great wines, sure, but it’s also got one of the island’s best wine-tasting experiences. Featuring four of the vineyard’s wines and including tours of both its vines and ancient cellars, Bodega Reverón is great for really indulging in a bit (or a lot) of vino.

Address: Carretera General, Los Quemados, 8, 38614, Tenerife

Hours: Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 2pm and 3pm to 5pm, Saturday from 10am to 2pm, Closed Sunday and Monday

Price: Tastings start at €15

What is it? An island-wide annual street carnival

Why go? For over a week every February, the whole island of Tenerife is in party mode. Head to the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife to witness parades, dances, parties, and more well into the early hours. FYI, everyone (yes, everyone) dresses up in costumes, and while there’s always an official theme, anything goes here, the more creative the better.

For this more information, visit the official website here.