Lazing by the sea in the sunshine is one of the most enjoyable things you can do on holidays, but Tenerife has some other tricks up its sleeve too. The largest and most populous island of the Canary Islands, with one of the most interesting histories. The island first became inhabited in 200 BC and was conquered by Spain in the 15th Century. Legend goes that Tenerife was one of the highest peaks in the sunken city of Atlantis! It is famous for its spectacular natural beauty, array of tropical flora and fauna, year-round sunshine, charming colonial towns, delicious cuisine and impressive volcanic landscapes. There are plenty of reasons why the ‘Island of Eternal Spring’ is one of the top holiday destinations in Spain. To help you plan your island getaway, we've chosen our top travel highlights, which you can discover on some of our included excursions as part of our 7-night Tenerife Coast & Country tour.
1. Discover Mount Teide
The famous Mount Teide and its surrounding park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. As well as this impressive volcanic peak, the highest on Spanish soil and rising 7,500m above the ocean floor. It's truly a sight to behold, as the park is filled with unique geological features of many colours and shapes. Take the cable car to the top of the peak for some remarkable views of the surrounding landscape. With over 200 miles of coastline and a rugged volcanic landscape just waiting to be explored, you can enjoy a casual coastal walk or a gruelling mountain hike, either way you’ll be bowled over by the stunning scenery on offer here.
2. Explore Santa Cruz
The joint and lively capital of the Canary Islands, Santa Cruz has many attractions such as Plaza de los Patos, García Sanabria Park and it has a variety of museums, art galleries and green parks. Plus it’s a great place for shopping! Also, it’s famous for hosting its annual carnival festival, the second biggest in the world. The city’s Museum of Man and Nature offers interactive exhibits chronicling the history of Tenerife from prehistoric times to the present day.
3. Browse the botanical gardens in Tenerife
Tenerife is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, thanks to its diverse climate and volcanic soil. For nature lovers, a visit to the island's botanical gardens is a must. These gardens are a treasure trove of tropical and subtropical plants, offering a peaceful retreat surrounded by vibrant colours and captivating scents. The lush greenery includes a wide range of exotic trees, flowers, and plants from around the world, with many species native to the Canary Islands. The famous Jardín Botánico in Puerto de la Cruz, for example, spans over 20,000 square metres and features thousands of species, including towering palms, colourful orchids, and rare ferns. You can leisurely stroll through manicured pathways, discovering various plant species while enjoying the tranquillity of the surroundings.
4. Relax on picturesque Spanish beaches
The island is home to an impressive selection of both sand and shingle beaches along its 213 miles of coastline. One of the most unique beaches in the area of Puerto de la Cruz is Playa Jardin which also has a colourful botanic garden to go along with the natural palm trees and volcanic sand; which is perfect for unwinding during the winter months as the black sand retains the sun’s heat.
5. Visit Icod de los Vinos
Situated in a valley between the sea and the mountains in the northwestern part of the island, the leafy village of Icod de los Vinos boasts a picturesque town square, Plaza San Marcos, and is famous for the Canary Islands Dragon Tree. This subtropical tree-like plant is believed to be over 800 years old and was declared a National Monument in 1917.
6. Get Lost in La Laguna
The former capital of Tenerife, San Cristóbal de La Laguna (commonly known as La Laguna) is a UNESCO World Heritage colonial city. It’s well worth spending an afternoon exploring the impressive cathedral and historic city centre. Its wide streets and open spaces are home to fine colonial architecture, including beautiful churches and buildings dating from the 16th to the 18th century.
7. See Basílica de la Candelaria
The seafaring town of Candelaria is located near Puerto de la Cruz. It is home to the Basilica of the Virgen de la Candelaria, named for the patron saint of the Canary Islands. Legend has it that the famous carving of this ‘Black Madonna’ was washed up on the beach in the 14th century. The native Guanche people at first identified it with pagan gods, but it was later claimed by Christian settlers as ‘La Morenita’ and housed in the basilica.
8. Marvel at the Cliffs of Los Gigantes
One of Tenerife’s most breathtaking natural wonders, the cliffs of Los Gigantes rise dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean, reaching heights of up to 800 metres. These towering rock formations, known as "The Giants," create a striking coastal landscape that has fascinated visitors for centuries. The best way to appreciate their sheer scale is from a boat tour, which offers stunning views of the cliffs and the chance to spot marine life such as dolphins and whales.
9. Explore the Natural Pools of Garachico
Once the most important port in Tenerife, Garachico is now a charming coastal town known for its picturesque streets, historic buildings, and unique volcanic rock pools. These stunning formations, created by lava flows from the 1706 eruption of Montaña Negra, add to the town’s dramatic coastal scenery. The pools, set against the rugged black volcanic rock, offer a striking contrast to the deep blue Atlantic Ocean, making them a fantastic spot for photography and relaxation. Strolling along the coastline, visitors can take in the town’s rich history, enjoy the sea breeze, and experience one of Tenerife’s most unique natural landscapes.
10. Experience the best food in Tenerife
One of the highlights of any trip to this Spanish island is sure to be the local food and drink. Among the most typical regional recipes are Caldereta and Sancocho Canario, salted fish in a “mojo” sauce. Tenerife also produces its own distinctive wines, including the sweet Malvasia dessert wine.
If you’re looking to book onto one of our holidays to Spain that combines culture, history with a relaxing stay by the sea, then look no further than a Tenerife holiday. From its rugged volcanic landscape to the array of sand and pebble beaches along its coastline, you’ll be met with beautiful scenery in every direction.
More top rated holidays to Spain:
