Tenerife offers much more than sunshine and beaches.

The largest of Spain’s Canary Islands combines volcanic landscapes, historic towns, dramatic mountain scenery, traditional food and some of Europe’s most impressive opportunities for watching whales and dolphins in the wild.

You can spend one day beside the Atlantic and the next exploring a volcanic landscape thousands of metres above sea level.

Whether you’re visiting for a week in the sun or planning to explore the island from coast to coast, here are 10 unforgettable things to do in Tenerife.

1. Explore Mount Teide

No list of things to do in Tenerife would be complete without Mount Teide.

At 3,715 metres above sea level, Teide is the highest mountain in Spain and dominates the landscape of Tenerife.

It’s located within Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for its extraordinary volcanic landscape.

You don’t have to climb to the summit to appreciate it.

Driving through the national park reveals lava flows, unusual rock formations, huge expanses of volcanic terrain and viewpoints that feel completely removed from Tenerife’s coastal resorts.

Exploring this remarkable volcanic landscape is easily one of the best things to do in Tenerife.

Take the Teide Cable Car

The cable car provides one of the easiest ways to experience the mountain at high altitude.

It takes visitors from the lower station to La Rambleta at around 3,555 metres.

The cable car does not take you directly to Teide’s summit.

Access to the summit and some high-altitude trails is controlled, so check the current permit and reservation requirements before planning your visit.

Weather can also affect cable-car operation.

Conditions around Teide can be dramatically different from those beside the coast, so bring suitable clothing even if it’s warm at your hotel.

For current access information, check the official Teide National Park information before travelling.

2. Go Whale and Dolphin Watching

Whale watching is one of the most memorable things to do in Tenerife.

The waters between Tenerife and neighbouring La Gomera support resident populations of cetaceans, providing opportunities to see marine wildlife throughout the year.

The Tenerife-La Gomera Marine Area was recognised as Europe’s first Whale Heritage Area.

Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are among the species regularly associated with the surrounding waters, although wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.

For wildlife lovers searching for things to do in Tenerife, heading out onto the Atlantic is difficult to beat.

Choose a Responsible Operator

Not all wildlife tours are equal.

Look for operators that follow local regulations and maintain an appropriate distance from animals.

Avoid experiences that promise guaranteed close encounters or encourage behaviour that could disturb wildlife.

The Whale Heritage Areas programme provides more information about the Tenerife-La Gomera Marine Area and responsible whale-watching tourism.

For couples, families and wildlife enthusiasts, this deserves a place near the top of any Tenerife itinerary.

3. Discover Anaga Rural Park

Head to northeastern Tenerife and the landscape changes again.

Anaga Rural Park is home to mountains, deep ravines, forests and remote settlements, offering a completely different experience from the island’s southern resorts.

Exploring Anaga is one of the most rewarding things to do in Tenerife if you enjoy walking and natural scenery.

The area is particularly popular with walkers.

Trails pass through ancient laurel forest and lead towards viewpoints overlooking some of Tenerife’s most dramatic terrain.

Mirador Pico del Inglés, which appeared in the original version of this guide, is one of the area’s viewpoints.

Rather than treating it as an attraction on its own, make it part of a wider day exploring Anaga.

Take Your Time in Anaga

Weather in the mountains can change quickly.

Cloud and mist are part of what gives the forest its distinctive atmosphere, but they can also reduce visibility.

Wear appropriate footwear, carry water and check whether your chosen walking route requires advance permission or has any current restrictions.

If you’re searching for things to do in Tenerife away from the beaches, Anaga should be high on your list.

4. Spend a Day in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Exploring the island’s capital is another of the cultural things to do in Tenerife worth adding to your itinerary.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife combines shopping streets, plazas, gardens, museums and distinctive architecture.

One of its most recognisable modern buildings is the Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava.

The city is also closely associated with the annual Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands’ biggest celebrations.

If your visit doesn’t coincide with Carnival, there’s still plenty to explore.

Walk through the city centre, visit Parque García Sanabria, stop at cafés and experience a side of Tenerife that’s very different from its purpose-built beach resorts.

You could also combine Santa Cruz with nearby San Cristóbal de La Laguna, whose historic centre is recognised by UNESCO.

For travellers who enjoy cities and culture, spending time in the capital is one of the most overlooked things to do in Tenerife.

5. Visit Tenerife’s Beaches

Spending some time beside the Atlantic is naturally one of the most popular things to do in Tenerife.

The island has a mixture of dark volcanic beaches and lighter sandy stretches, giving different parts of the coastline very different appearances.

Playa de Las Teresitas, near Santa Cruz, is one of the best-known golden-sand beaches.

Elsewhere, beaches such as Playa del Duque are surrounded by resort facilities, while other parts of the island provide wilder volcanic scenery.

Surfers have their own favourites too.

The best beach for you depends on whether you want swimming, surfing, facilities, scenery or somewhere quieter.

Don’t Underestimate the Atlantic

The ocean around the Canary Islands can be powerful.

Pay attention to beach flags, warnings and local advice before swimming.

Conditions can change, and not every picturesque stretch of coastline is suitable for entering the water.

Exploring several different beaches is one of the easiest things to do in Tenerife if you’ve hired a car.

6. Take a Day Trip to La Gomera

A trip to neighbouring La Gomera is one of the more adventurous things to do in Tenerife if you want to explore beyond the island itself.

Ferries connect Tenerife with La Gomera, allowing you to visit independently or as part of an organised excursion.

La Gomera is considerably quieter than Tenerife and is famous for its mountainous scenery, forests and walking routes.

Its greatest natural attraction is Garajonay National Park.

The UNESCO-listed park protects an exceptional example of laurel forest, a type of vegetation that once covered much larger areas of southern Europe and North Africa.

Is La Gomera Worth a Day Trip?

Yes, although staying overnight gives you considerably more time to explore.

A day trip works if you mainly want a taste of the island.

If hiking and nature are major priorities, consider spending one or more nights there instead.

Remember to check current ferry times before building your itinerary.

For repeat visitors looking for different things to do in Tenerife and the surrounding islands, La Gomera makes an excellent addition.

7. Spend a Day at Siam Park

If water slides and pools sound like your kind of holiday, Siam Park is one of the most popular things to do in Tenerife.

Located in Costa Adeje, the Thai-themed water park has attractions ranging from relaxing pools to high-speed water slides.

Tower of Power remains one of its best-known rides, while other attractions cater for different ages and levels of bravery.

It’s particularly easy to incorporate into a holiday if you’re staying around Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas or Los Cristianos.

Is Siam Park Just for Families?

Not necessarily.

Families are a major part of its audience, but the combination of thrill rides and more relaxed attractions means groups and couples can enjoy it too.

Check current opening times and ticket information through the official Siam Park website before visiting.

If you’re travelling during a busy period, planning ahead can help you make better use of the day.

For anyone who loves water parks, this is one of the most popular things to do in Tenerife.

8. Discover Tenerife’s Wine

Discovering the island’s vineyards is one of the more distinctive things to do in Tenerife for adults interested in local food and drink.

Vines have been cultivated in the Canary Islands for centuries, and the island’s volcanic soils and varied elevations help create distinctive growing conditions.

Tenerife has several recognised wine-producing areas.

A winery visit provides an opportunity to learn how the island’s landscape influences what ends up in the glass.

Depending on the experience you choose, you may be able to combine local wines with Canarian cheeses and other regional products.

Visit a Bodega

Rather than trying to fit several wineries into one day, choose one or two and take your time.

Bodega Monje is one established option, while Casa del Vino de Tenerife provides another way to learn about the island’s wine culture.

Always check opening times and whether advance reservations are required.

And, of course, don’t drive after drinking.

For adults looking beyond the usual resort activities, discovering local wine is one of the more distinctive things to do in Tenerife.

9. Try Traditional Canarian Food

Trying the local cuisine should be among your things to do in Tenerife if you want to experience more of the island’s culture.

One dish you’re almost certain to encounter is papas arrugadas — small potatoes traditionally served with mojo sauce.

Mojo comes in different varieties, with red and green versions commonly found across the Canary Islands.

Other foods worth looking out for include Canarian cheeses, fresh fish and dishes made with gofio, a toasted grain flour with a long history in the islands.

Eat at a Guachinche

For a particularly Tenerife experience, look out for traditional guachinches.

These establishments originated as places where local wine producers could sell their wine alongside simple homemade food.

Today, the term is sometimes used rather loosely, so experiences vary.

Finding a genuine local guachinche can be a great way to try traditional dishes alongside Tenerife wine.

Instead of giving you a fixed list of restaurants that could quickly become outdated, ask locally and check recent information while you’re on the island.

Trying regional dishes should definitely be among your things to do in Tenerife.

10. Go Stargazing

Stargazing is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Tenerife after the sun goes down.

The high altitude, atmospheric conditions and relatively low light pollution around Teide make the island particularly well known for astronomy.

You can join an organised stargazing experience or attend an authorised astronomical activity, depending on what’s available during your visit.

Even without specialist equipment, seeing a clear night sky from the high-altitude landscape can be memorable.

Combine Teide and Stargazing

One option is to explore Teide National Park during the afternoon, watch the changing light towards sunset and then stay in the area for a stargazing experience.

Temperatures can drop significantly after dark, particularly at altitude.

Bring warm clothing even if you’ve spent the afternoon in shorts beside the coast.

For something completely different from a day at the beach, stargazing is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Tenerife.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Tenerife?

Tenerife is a year-round destination, but the best time depends on the type of holiday you want.

Its subtropical climate makes it popular with UK travellers seeking winter sunshine, while summer attracts visitors looking for a more traditional beach holiday.

Conditions aren’t identical across the island.

The north is generally greener and can experience more cloud and rainfall, while the south is known for drier and sunnier resort areas.

Altitude makes an enormous difference too.

It can be warm beside the sea while conditions around Mount Teide are cold, windy or even snowy.

If you’re looking for winter sunshine, Tenerife also appears in our guide to where’s hot in December.

We’ve also included it among our recommendations for where’s hot in April.

How Many Days Do You Need in Tenerife?

A week gives you enough time to combine relaxation with several major attractions.

If you want to explore the island more thoroughly, 10 to 14 days provides much more flexibility.

A typical week might include:

• One day around Teide National Park
• One day exploring Anaga
• A whale-watching trip
• Time in Santa Cruz or La Laguna
• A beach day
• Siam Park
• A winery, food experience or free day

Avoid trying to see everything.

Driving times and mountainous roads can make journeys longer than they appear on a map.

Choose the things to do in Tenerife that interest you most and leave some time to enjoy the island without a schedule.

Getting Around Tenerife

Hiring a car provides the most freedom if you want to explore beyond your resort.

It makes destinations such as Teide, Anaga, wineries and smaller towns much easier to combine.

Public transport is another option, particularly between major towns and resorts.

If you hire a car, remember that mountain roads can be steep and winding.

Allow plenty of time and don’t rush simply because the distance looks short.

You can compare car hire through TravelHype before your trip.

Things to Do in Tenerife: The Verdict

The best thing about Tenerife is its variety.

You can stand among volcanic landscapes around Mount Teide, walk through ancient forest in Anaga, watch whales and dolphins in the Atlantic and relax on the beach — all during the same holiday.

Add Santa Cruz, a trip to La Gomera, Siam Park, local wine, Canarian food and stargazing and it’s easy to see why travellers return to the island.

The best things to do in Tenerife aren’t limited to any one type of holiday.

Families can combine beaches with water parks. Couples can enjoy wine, food and sunsets. Hikers can explore volcanic and forest landscapes, while wildlife enthusiasts can head out onto the Atlantic.

Build your itinerary around what interests you rather than trying to tick off every attraction.

When you’re ready to experience these things to do in Tenerife for yourself, you can find flights, search for hotels and compare car hire through TravelHype.