From volcanic peaks to fairytale villages, discover the must-see wonders of Tenerife.
Tenerife is so much more than just a sunny escape in the Canary Islands. Have you ever stood above the clouds on a volcano? Or wandered through a rainforest that feels a million miles away from a beach resort? Whether you’re craving natural wonders, historic towns, or oceanfront bliss, this island offers a bit of everything.
In this article, I’m taking you through the absolute best places to visit in Tenerife, from iconic volcanoes to charming colonial towns. If you’re wondering where to go, what’s worth the drive, and what experiences will stay with you long after your trip — you’re in the right place.
1. Teide National Park and Volcano
National park in Tenerife, Spain
Best for adventurers and nature lovers
Located smack in the center of the island, Teide National Park is Tenerife’s crown jewel. It’s home to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak at 3,715 meters — and yes, it’s an active volcano. But don’t worry, it’s closely monitored and totally safe to visit. The drive up takes you through pine forests and surreal lava fields, and once you’re up there, it’s like landing on another planet.
You can take a cable car almost to the summit (from 2,356 to 3,555 meters), and if you snag a special permit, hike the last stretch to the top for jaw-dropping views. On clear days, you’ll spot neighboring islands floating on the horizon. And by night? Teide is a world-class stargazing spot, part of a UNESCO-listed Starlight Reserve.
It’s wild, otherworldly, and totally unforgettable. Make sure you pack layers — even in summer, it gets chilly up there!
2. Rural de Anaga Park
Nature preserve in San Cristobal de La Laguna, Spain
Best for hiking and remote escapes
On the northeastern tip of the island, Anaga Rural Park is a totally different world from Tenerife’s dry south. It’s lush, misty, and magical — home to ancient laurel forests and hidden hamlets that feel untouched by time. This biosphere reserve stretches across dramatic ridges, plunging ravines, and coastal cliffs.
Hiking here is a dream. Trails like the Sendero de los Sentidos (Path of the Senses) are perfect for beginners, while the Chinamada Cave Village trail offers heart-pounding views and real local flavor. Don’t be surprised if you see goats grazing near whitewashed farmhouses or stop at a roadside stall selling local cheese.
Driving through the twisty mountain roads is an adventure in itself, and the views from Mirador Cruz del Carmen are pure postcard material. It’s only a 30-minute drive from San Cristóbal de La Laguna, but it feels a world away.
3. Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Capital city of Tenerife, Spain
Best for city life and culture
If you want a taste of local life beyond the beaches, Santa Cruz is where you’ll find it. This is Tenerife’s vibrant capital, located on the island’s northeastern coast. It’s walkable, full of palm-lined streets, and dotted with museums, plazas, and shops.
One of the city’s icons is the Auditorio de Tenerife, a striking wave-shaped building right by the ocean — often compared to Sydney’s Opera House. You’ve also got Plaza de España, the lively heart of the city, perfect for people-watching or grabbing a cortado in a sunny café.
For art lovers, there’s the TEA (Tenerife Espacio de las Artes) and the Museum of Nature and Archaeology for a deep dive into Guanche culture (the island’s original inhabitants). And if you’re here in February? Carnival in Santa Cruz is one of the biggest and most colorful in the world — rivaling even Rio!
It’s authentic, energetic, and gives you a richer sense of what Tenerife is all about beyond the beaches.
4. Masca
Village in Buenavista del Norte, Tenerife
Best for dramatic landscapes and small-village charm
Tucked away in the northwest of Tenerife, Masca is often called the island’s most beautiful village — and once you see it, you’ll understand why. Perched on a narrow ridge within the Teno Mountains, this tiny village (home to around 90 people) looks like it’s been plucked straight out of a fairytale.
Getting here involves a hair-raising drive along winding mountain roads, but the reward is pure magic: traditional stone houses, steep cliffs, and views that drop into a deep ravine all the way to the sea. Hikers often take the famous Masca Gorge trail, which winds down to a hidden black sand beach. (Check current access status before you go — it’s sometimes closed for conservation.)
Masca is just a 35-minute drive from Los Gigantes, but it feels like a world of its own. Come for the views, stay for a drink on a terrace, and don’t forget your camera — this is one of Tenerife’s most photogenic spots.
5. Puerto De La Cruz
Resort town in northern Tenerife
Best for relaxed coastal charm and family-friendly fun
On Tenerife’s lush north coast, Puerto de la Cruz blends traditional Canarian character with laid-back beach vibes. It’s been welcoming visitors since the 19th century and still feels more local than touristy, especially compared to the southern resorts.
The town is known for its Lago Martiánez, a series of stunning seawater pools designed by Lanzarote’s famous artist César Manrique. You’ll also find charming old-town streets, the lovely Plaza del Charco, and black-sand beaches like Playa Jardín (also a Manrique creation).
One of Puerto’s biggest draws is Loro Parque, a top-tier zoo and conservation center just outside town — home to gorillas, penguins, and the world’s largest parrot collection. Whether you’re traveling with kids or just want a breezy coastal base with cultural flair, Puerto hits the sweet spot.
6. San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Historic city in northern Tenerife
Best for colonial architecture and local life
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, La Laguna (as locals call it) is Tenerife’s cultural and intellectual heart. Located inland just above Santa Cruz, this city was the island’s original capital and still feels steeped in history.
Wander its grid-like streets and you’ll discover pastel-colored mansions, leafy patios, and churches that date back centuries. It’s home to the University of La Laguna, so there’s a youthful energy here too — especially in its lively cafés, tapas bars, and indie shops.
Don’t miss the Cathedral of La Laguna, the Museum of the History of Tenerife, and a stroll along Calle Obispo Rey Redondo, the city’s most elegant street. La Laguna sits at a higher altitude, so it’s cooler than the coast — bring a light jacket, even in summer.
It’s ideal for travelers who love slow travel, architecture, and a dose of local authenticity.
7. Garachico
Town in northern Tenerife, Spain
Best for volcanic history and natural pools
Once the most important port in Tenerife, Garachico is a charming seaside town with a dramatic past. In 1706, a volcanic eruption buried much of the town under lava — but today, that same lava has shaped one of its main attractions: El Caletón, a series of natural rock pools perfect for swimming.
Wander through cobbled streets lined with colorful colonial buildings, stop by the beautiful Iglesia de Santa Ana, and explore the Castillo de San Miguel, a small fortress right on the coast. There’s a strong sense of resilience and pride here — Garachico is as picturesque as it is peaceful.
It’s about a 40-minute drive from Puerto de la Cruz and well worth the detour. Come for the history, stay for the serenity (and maybe a quick dip in those lava pools).
8. La Orotava
Town in northern Tenerife, Spain
Best for heritage houses and lush gardens
Just inland from Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava is one of Tenerife’s prettiest towns — and definitely one of its most historic. Perched on a hillside in the Orotava Valley, this town is known for its perfectly preserved mansions, beautiful balconies, and botanical gardens.
The highlight? Casa de los Balcones, a 17th-century mansion with intricate wooden balconies and a museum dedicated to Canarian crafts. Don’t miss the Victoria Gardens, tiered like a wedding cake and offering stunning views down to the coast.
La Orotava is cool, quiet, and elegant. It’s a lovely spot to slow down, have a coffee in a shaded plaza, and soak in the island’s colonial charm.
9. Las Teresitas
Beach in San Andrés, Tenerife
Best for golden sand and easy beach days
Looking for a beach that feels tropical without leaving Tenerife? Head to Playa de Las Teresitas, just north of Santa Cruz. Unlike most of the island’s black sand beaches, Las Teresitas has imported golden sand — all the way from the Sahara.
This wide, palm-fringed beach is a favorite with locals for a reason. Calm, shallow waters make it perfect for swimming, and the breakwater keeps waves at bay. There are beach bars (chiringuitos) for snacks and cold beers, plus free parking right nearby.
It’s only a 10-minute drive from Santa Cruz, but it feels like a proper escape. If you’re traveling with kids or just want a relaxing beach day with all the conveniences, this is your spot.
10. Los Gigantes
Cliffs and resort town in western Tenerife
Best for awe-inspiring views and boat adventures
If you’re a sucker for dramatic coastlines, Los Gigantes will blow you away. Towering cliffs that rise up to 800 meters straight from the Atlantic — that’s the scene here. These sheer rock faces give the town its name (“The Giants”) and create one of Tenerife’s most jaw-dropping natural settings.
This quiet resort town is built around a marina, where you can book whale and dolphin-watching tours — this area is one of the best spots in Europe for it. Back on land, take in the view from the Mirador Archipenque, especially around sunset when the cliffs glow orange.
Los Gigantes has a small black sand beach, a relaxed vibe, and a handful of excellent seafood spots right on the water. It’s ideal if you’re after nature with a side of tranquility.
11. Costa Adeje
Upscale resort area in southern Tenerife
Best for stylish resorts and sun-soaked days
Welcome to Costa Adeje, Tenerife’s go-to for sun, luxury, and a bit of glamour. Just west of Playa de las Américas, this is where the island’s upscale resorts, designer boutiques, and beachfront restaurants cluster.
The beaches here are lovely — Playa del Duque is the posh one with light-colored sand and calm waters, while Playa Fañabé is buzzing with families and water sports. You’ll also find beachfront promenades perfect for strolling, sipping cocktails, or indulging in some gelato.
For something different, head inland a few minutes to Siam Park, one of Europe’s top-rated water parks. Whether you’re here to lounge in style or make a splash with the kids, Costa Adeje nails the balance between luxury and laid-back.
12. Icod de los Vinos
Historic town in northwestern Tenerife
Best for wine, history, and ancient trees
Tucked in the island’s northwest, Icod de los Vinos is a charming town famous for two things: wine and one very old tree. The star attraction is the Drago Milenario, an ancient dragon tree believed to be over 800 years old. It’s a symbol of Tenerife, and the town has built a whole park around it — Parque del Drago — complete with botanical gardens.
The town itself is full of cobbled lanes, traditional Canarian houses, and leafy plazas. Stop into a bodega to sample local wines (especially the malvasía whites) and don’t miss the Cueva del Viento, one of the longest lava tubes in the world, just outside town.
It’s peaceful, picturesque, and a great place to tap into the island’s cultural and natural roots.
13. Loro Parque
Zoo and animal park in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife
Best for families and animal lovers
When it comes to wildlife experiences in Europe, Loro Parque is in a league of its own. Located just outside Puerto de la Cruz, this award-winning zoo and conservation center started as a parrot sanctuary (hence the name) and has grown into one of the most respected animal parks in the world.
It’s home to over 400 species of parrots, plus gorillas, jaguars, penguins, and even orcas. The enclosures are large and beautifully designed, focusing on animal welfare and education. You can walk through lush habitats, explore an Antarctic zone, and watch live shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, and birds.
It’s not just for kids — even adults will be amazed. If you’re spending a day in the north, this place is an easy yes.
14. Playa de las Américas
Beach resort in southern Tenerife
Best for nightlife and beach parties
If you’re looking for Tenerife’s liveliest corner, Playa de las Américas is the place to be. Located on the southwest coast, this resort town is famous for its beaches by day and booming nightlife after dark.
During the day, hit the sand at Playa Troya or Playa Honda, try jet-skiing or parasailing, or grab a drink along the promenade. By night, the action shifts to Veronicas Strip — a stretch packed with bars, clubs, and late-night fun.
This isn’t the quiet side of Tenerife, but it’s ideal if you’re here to socialize, dance, and enjoy a sunny beach break with a party twist. And if you need a breather? Neighboring Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos offer more laid-back vibes just a short walk away.
And there you have it — the very best of Tenerife, from sky-high volcanoes to palm-fringed beaches and everything in between.