Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands. The island offers volcanic landscapes and entertainment the whole family can enjoy such as Mount Teide and Siam Park as well as beaches, and charming historic towns to explore and enjoy!
Tenerife offers amazing landscapes shaped by volcanic activity, rich cultural heritage, and a great range of tourist attractions! At its heart stands Mount Teide, which is Spain's highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The mountain offers breath-taking views from its summit which is reachable by cable car. Along the coast, you can enjoy the golden sands of Playa de las Americas and the black sand beaches of Playa Jardin. La Laguna's UNESCO-listed old town offers historic charm, while the Pyramids of Guimar provide a mysterious archaeological allure. Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is the island's capital, and it lures with its annual Carnival celebrations and modernist architecture. We can't talk about Tenerife without mentioning two of the islands most popular tourist attractions though, Siam Park and Loro Parque, are the islands popular water park and zoo.
Must-Visits in Tenerife
Siam Park Tickets: Visit Siam Park, Tenerife's incredible water park.
Language: Spanish but English widely spoken in tourist areas.
Time Zone: GMT+0
5 Fun Facts About Tenerife
Home to Spain’s Highest Peak: Tenerife is home to Mount Teide, which is a massive volcano that stands at 3,715 meters (12,188 feet), which also makes it the highest peak in Spain and the third-largest volcano in the world when measured from its base on the ocean floor!
The Island of Eternal Spring – Thanks to its subtropical climate, Tenerife enjoys warm temperatures year-round, earning it the nickname "The Island of Eternal Spring."!
One of the World’s Biggest Carnivals – The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival is one of the largest and most famous carnivals in the world, and second only to Rio de Janeiro's! The festival is filled with colourful parades, extravagant costumes, and non-stop partying!
It Has a Mysterious Pyramids Site – The Pyramids of Güímar are a fascinating archaeological mystery on the island. Some believe they are simply agricultural terraces, while others think they might be linked to ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians or the indigenous Guanches!
A Filming Location for Blockbusters – Tenerife’s dramatic landscapes have made it a prime location for filming Hollywood movies, including Clash of the Titans(2010), Fast & Furious 6, and even parts of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith!
Tips for Visiting Tenerife
Pack for All Climates: Tenerife has microclimates, so while it might be warm on the coast, it can be cold and windy on Mount Teide, so bring layers, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes!
Rent a Car: Public transport is decent, but renting a car gives you a lot more freedom to explore the islands hidden beaches, small villages, and Teide National Park at your own pace!
Stay in the Right Area: The south (which includes Los Cristianos & Playa de las Américas) is sunny and touristy, while the north ( which includes Puerto de la Cruz & La Laguna) is greener, cooler, and more authentic, so choose based on what you would like to experience!
Book Teide Tickets in Advance: If you want to take the cable car up Mount Teide we suggest booking ahead (Click HERE for ticket options)! If you plan to hike to the summit, you'll need a permit (also book weeks in advance).
Try Local Food: Don't miss papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes with mojo sauce), fresh seafood, and gofio (a traditional Canarian flour). Guachinches (small local restaurants) offer the best authentic meals.
Explore Beyond the Resorts: Tenerife isn’t just beaches. Visit Masca Village, hike Anaga Rural Park, and explore La Laguna, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Check Out The Black Sand Beaches: Tenerife has volcanic black sand beaches like Playa Jardín and Playa de Benijo, which are perfect for unique photos and can have smaller crowds!
Be Aware of Strong Ocean Currents: Some beaches, especially in the north, have powerful waves and currents. Always swim in designated areas and respect warning flags.
Enjoy the Stargazing: Tenerife has some of the best stargazing in the world due to its clear skies! Visit Teide Observatory (Click HERE for ticket options) or simply drive up to the national park at night.
