Tenerife Travel Guide: Teide, Beaches, Whale Watching and Where to Stay
Mount Teide, Los Gigantes, Masca, La Laguna, Anaga, the beaches and whale watching – the best things to do in Tenerife, plus where to stay.
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Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and the most varied. Spain's highest mountain rises from its centre, black-sand beaches and resort towns line the sunny south, and the north is a world of laurel forests, banana plantations and colonial towns. With mild weather all year, it's one of Europe's favourite winter-sun escapes.
Mount Teide and the mountains
1. Teide National Park
At 3,715 metres, Teide is Spain's highest peak. The road through the national park crosses an otherworldly landscape of lava flows and rock towers such as Roque Cinchado. The cable car climbs close to the summit; to walk the final section to the crater you need a free permit, booked in advance.
2. Stargazing on Teide
The clear skies above the clouds make Teide one of the world's best places to see the stars. Several operators run sunset and stargazing tours with telescopes – bring warm clothes, as it gets cold at altitude.
3. Masca
A tiny village clinging to a ridge in the Teno mountains, reached by a dramatic, winding road. The famous ravine hike below the village has an access system and booking rules – check the current conditions before you go.
4. Anaga Rural Park
The north-eastern tip of the island is covered in ancient laurel forest, with hiking trails, tiny villages and wild beaches such as Benijo. It's a complete contrast to the south.
The coast
5. Los Gigantes
Vertical cliffs up to several hundred metres high drop straight into the sea on the west coast. See them from a boat trip leaving from Los Gigantes marina.
6. Whale and dolphin watching
The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are home to resident pilot whales and several species of dolphin. Choose an operator with the official Blue Boat (Barco Azul) recognition, which follows wildlife-watching rules.
7. Las Teresitas
Near Santa Cruz, this long beach of golden sand imported from the Sahara is lined with palm trees and protected by a breakwater – a favourite with locals at weekends.
8. The southern beaches
Costa Adeje's beaches, such as Playa del Duque and Playa de Fañabé, have calm water and plenty of facilities. El Médano, on the south-east coast, is known for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Towns and culture
9. San Cristóbal de La Laguna
A UNESCO World Heritage city whose colonial street plan was copied across Latin America. Stroll its pastel-coloured streets, churches and lively bars.
10. Puerto de la Cruz
The north's original resort has a charming harbour, the Lago Martiánez sea-water pools designed by César Manrique and a botanical garden.
11. Garachico
A pretty town on the north coast rebuilt after a volcanic eruption in 1706, with natural rock pools for swimming in calm weather.
12. Day trip to La Gomera
Ferries from Los Cristianos reach La Gomera in under an hour. Explore Garajonay National Park's misty laurel forest and listen out for silbo, the island's whistled language.
Where to stay
- Costa Adeje – upmarket hotels, the best beaches and restaurants.
- Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas – lively, good value, close to the airport.
- Puerto de la Cruz – traditional, green and a good base for the north.
- Rural hotels – in the hills and Anaga, for walkers and peace and quiet.
Getting around
Tenerife South Airport is about 20 minutes from Costa Adeje by road. The island has a good TITSA bus network, but a hire car gives you the freedom to reach Teide, Masca and the north. Allow plenty of time: mountain roads are slow.
Frequently asked questions
Is the north or south of Tenerife better?
The south (Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas) is sunnier and has most of the resort hotels and beaches. The north is greener and more traditional, with towns such as Puerto de la Cruz and La Laguna, but it is cloudier.
Do I need a permit to climb Mount Teide?
You need a free permit from the national park to walk the final trail to the summit crater. Permits are limited and should be booked well in advance. Cable car tickets do not include it.
Which airport should I fly into?
Most holiday flights use Tenerife South (TFS), close to the southern resorts. Tenerife North (TFN) near La Laguna mainly handles flights from mainland Spain and the other islands.
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