The allure of Tenerife is undeniable, especially since it offers nightlife, hiking, family-friendly activities, and resorts.
For the best view of the whole island, you'll want to head to the El Teide volcano. Once you arrive, there is a cable car that will take you most of the way up the volcano. To climb to the top you need to get special permission from the National Park Office in Santa Cruz. If you can get that permission, the view is simply stunning. If you plan to do it by foot, you'll start 2,200 meters above sea level at the base of Montana Blanca. Beware that the low oxygen levels and steep pathways make it challenging for even people in great shape.
If you decide to rent a car during your stay in Tenerife, there are some wonderful paths to drive. The long, winding mountain roads have some breathtaking scenery, but be careful if you're not an experienced driver. Some of the most narrow, but beautiful roads lead to Masca village in the north.
And of course there are always the beaches. Playas Americas Beach is covered in black volcanic sand. While this is a novelty, the black sand can get hotter than the imported yellow sand of Los Cristianos.
Tenerife is a haven for hikers and bikers. There are beautiful routes for nature enthusiasts of every experience level - from strolls to intense terrain. There are plenty of places to rent a bike should you want to avoid the hassle of bringing your own. In fact, due to its warmer climate, Tenerife is becoming a popular winter spot for cyclists. While much of Europe is covered in snow, sleet and mud, the island is ready and welcoming. Riding through black sand beaches and lava fields makes for some interesting winter scenery for sure.
While there is plenty to discover in Tenerife's lush forests, there's another world to discover just below the surface of the sea. Several dive operations make this a top destination for scuba divers. The best part is the waters are dive ready all year round. There is no shortage of sights, for example, you can swim around the harbor wall in Puerto de la Cruz to see the volcanic rock formations.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
One of the highlights of Tenerife is its fantastic scuba diving opportunities. A highlight of snorkeling in this area is the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. Some of the best snorkeling is in
El Puertito, which is known for its many turtles and there is no shortage of organized snorkeling trips to the area. The island also has excellent scuba diving trips with a variety of shipwrecks and marine species.
Beaches:
A great many tourists venture to Tenerife to enjoy its sandy beaches. The island has a large number of beaches that attract tourists, particularly during the peak winter months. The island's volcanic nature means that many of its natural beaches have black sand. The golden sand from the more developed beaches typically comes from the Sahara Desert. A favorite beach on the island is the 2 kilometer long Playa de las Teresitas.
Hiking:
The hiking routes surrounding Tenerife are incredible. The island's volcanic landscapes mean that there are dramatic and breathtaking hikes throughout the island. Some of the best hikes are found in the Anaga Rural Park, Teide National Park, and the Teno Mountains.
Shopping:
You'll find shopping here to be an experience worth having. The island's low tax rates make it a popular shopping destination for tourists. The are shopping streets, local markets, and luxury malls that you can explore.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Tenerife. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Hiking Tour in Anaga Mountains & Enchanted Forest for $136 details
- Underwater Tenerife – 1-on-1 Personalized Scuba Diving Adventure for $90 details
- Forest & Off Road National Park Quad Biking Tour for $158 details