what to do on tenerife bucket list
Los Gigantes

Tenerife Bucketlist: 27 Best Things to Do and See

From surfing and stargazing to wine tasting among vineyards and hiking through volcanic nature: Tenerife has so much more to offer than you might think. These are the best sights and activities for your Tenerife bucket list.

How well do you know TenerifeWith this Tenerife bucket list full of fun things to do and sights, you will get to know the island a little better. The European destination where the temperature is pleasant all year round. A rugged tropical island, with high cliffs, mountains, nature parks, and dolphins and whales off the coast all year round. lots of good restaurants and special (boutique) hotelsHonestly? If I had the chance right now, I'd book a ticket right away. The combination of nature, weather, and good food is exactly what I'm looking for right now, without having to fly to the other side of the world. What do you definitely want to do during your holiday on the island? Find out in this great overview of fun things to do on Tenerife.Have fun with the anticipation!

27 fun things to do in Tenerife

Go hiking in the Masca Valley

Without a doubt one of the most Instagrammed hikes on the island. And for good reason, the vistas in the Masca Valley They are beautiful when you walk through the valley from the mountain village. Good to know: you need to make a reservation in advance to hike in the Masca Valley. Read all about accessibility (by bus) and reserving admission here >>

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Masca Valley

Take a tour

When I travel, I always want to see and do as much as possible. During your trip, I would definitely combine the north and the south. It is nice to various hotels to book and travel around. Tenerife has a good public transport network, so this is perfectly doable even without a driver's license! I wrote this article with a sample itinerary >>

Visit Caña y Ron in Icod de los Vinos

Would you like to learn more about the history of Tenerife during your holiday? At Caña y Ron, you will dive into the island's past and discover everything about the historical cultivation of sugarcane, which played an important role in Tenerife's economy for centuries. Here, you will visit a restored plantation as well as an artisanal rum distillery where work is still carried out using traditional methods. During a guided tour, you will learn more about growing sugarcane and distilling rum. 
Icod de los Vinos, Santa Cruz de Tenerife – canayron.com

Learn to surf at Kontraola Surf School

Have you always wanted to learn to surf? Tenerife is the place to be. Kontraola Surf School In Playa de las Americas, you can take surf lessons for every level. Whether you are standing on a board for the first time or have surfed before, the instructors will help you get into the waves step by step. Thanks to the pleasant climate and relaxed surf culture, Tenerife is a great destination to get acquainted with surfing during your holiday. 
Calle México, C.Comercial Las Pameras

Book surf lessons here

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(Learning to) surf in Tenerife

Visit the cliffs of Los Gigantes on Tenerife

The town Los Gigantes is named after the 'giants' of rock formations rising from the sea. An impressive view of the 600-meter-high cliffs.

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Los Gigantes

Book a dolphin or whale safari

Off the coast of Tenerife, you can all year round whale and dolphin spottingExtra special: between Tenerife and La Gomera lies Europe's first Whale Heritage Site, a protected marine area where pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, among others, live permanently. In addition, more than twenty different species of cetaceans migrate through these waters. A boat trip is therefore one of the most enjoyable ways to discover the island from the sea. Most excursions depart from the port towns in the south of Tenerife. Always choose a provider with an official license that follows the strict guidelines for sustainable whale tourism and prioritizes the welfare of the animals. Read the blog about the tour we took here as well >>

Whale watching

Hiking in Anaga Nature Park

The north of Tenerife is much rugged and quieter than the south. Nature lovers will definitely want to visit Anaga Natural Park, if only for the impressive black beaches, such as Almáciga Beach and El Roque de las Bodegas visible with beautiful rock formations in the sea.

Hiking in Anaga Nature Park

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Anaga Mountains

Stay at a boutique hotel

I mentioned it briefly earlier, but there is no shortage of beautiful and unique hotels on Tenerife. From unique heritage hotels where you can still see many colonial details to luxury hotels that are perfect for unwinding. In this list, I have collected a lot of YLBB-proof tips >>

best hotels tenerife

© La Laguna Gran Hotel

Stroll along the boulevard

In the lively south of the island, you will find a long 14-kilometer boulevard connecting various coastal towns. From Costa Adeje all the way to Los Christianos.

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Walking along the boulevard © Turismo de Tenerife

Go wine tasting at a bodega

On Tenerife, you will find various vineyards that you can also visit. They often have a restaurant and a tasting room where you can sample different wines. There is a good chance that there will be a vineyard on your way if you are visiting anything on the island; you will find them in both the North and the South. Stop there for lunch or a drink on the way back!

Winery tour

best restaurants tenerife

© Bodegas Frontes

Shop at the local market

Locals on Tenerife hold food from their own region in high regard. You can find the tastiest products at one of the many farmers' markets the island has to offer. For example, in La Laguna or Adeje or Nuestra Señora de Africa Market in Santa Cruz!

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Mercado La Laguna © Turismo de Tenerife

Go to a concert at the Auditorio de Tenerife

The music hall is one of the most distinctive buildings on the island. On the first floor, there is a restaurant where you can also grab a bite to eat and a drink if you are not attending a concert. If you are going to Tenerife, I would definitely recommend checking the schedule on the website to see what is going on!
Av. de la Constitución, 1, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain – auditoriodetenerife.com

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Tenerife Auditorium

Sunbathing at Playa de Las Teresitas

Because Tenerife is a volcanic island, most beaches are black. The only yellow-gold beach on the island is Playa de Las Teresitas. It can be crowded on weekends, so if you have the chance, go on a weekday.

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Las Teresitas Beach

Visit San Cristóbal de La Laguna

Do you want to see as much of Tenerife as possible? Then stay at different places on the island during your holiday! For example, in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a town on the UNESCO World Heritage List where you can stay in a unique colonial building that has been transformed into a boutique hotel.

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San Cristóbal de La Laguna © Turismo de Tenerife

Book a retreat day

There is no shortage of health and wellness options on Tenerife. You can, of course, choose your hotel so that you have a spa right nearby, but you can also book a pampering day at one of the spas on the island, such as at the Océano Hotel.

Spot street art in Puerto de la Cruz

I always enjoy spotting street art when traveling. As soon as I’ve chosen a destination, the scouting begins. On Tenerife, for the most beautiful street art, you have to go to the harbor town of Puerto de la Cruz!

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Puerto de la Cruz

Eat at a Michelin-starred restaurant

Not something you do every day, but something that can make your holiday memories even more special. During your holiday in Tenerife, book lunch (often cheaper!) or dinner at one of the Michelin-starred restaurants that the island is rich in! Did you know that Tenerife has a total of 11 Michelin stars and many more other good ratings in the guide?

Best restaurants Tenerife

© Il Bocconcino*

| TIP: View our shortlist of the best restaurants in Tenerife, including the Michelin-starred restaurants >>

Sunrise at Pico del Teide

You have to get up early for it, but it is well worth it. A magical view as you watch the sun rise at Pico del Teide, the highest mountain on Tenerife. There are various organizations that organize beautiful sunrise tours to the National Park and can tell you all about the flora and fauna. Read more about visiting Mount Teide here >>

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Peak of Teide

Go chic at Playa el Duque in Costa Adeje

The place in the south of the island where you the most luxury resorts Playa El Duque is the place to find restaurants and other establishments. First, do a bit of shopping at the boutiques, grab an ice cream at one of the restaurants on the beach, rent a sunbed at a beach club, or enjoy a nice lunch? You can do it all there.
Playa del Duque, Costa Adeje, Tenerife, Spain

Celebrate Carnival in Tenerife

Did you know that they also celebrate Carnival on Tenerife? In fact, the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the largest carnival in Europe and is surpassed worldwide only by that of Rio de Janeiro. The images always remind me of carnival in a tropical atmosphere, like you know from Brazil or the Caribbean. Think of colorful costumes, grand parades, exuberant processions, and a party that goes on for days. It is not without reason that this is the island's biggest annual event and one of the main reasons for many travelers to visit Tenerife during this period.

Discover Teide National Park

This vast nature park in the middle of Tenerife is a must-visit for nature lovers. You can hike there, see beautiful rock formations, or enjoy the views during sunset. Various tours are organized to Teide National Park, so you don't need your own transport to tick this off your bucket list.
Parque Nacional del Teide, Tenerife, Spain

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Teide National Park

Go diving or snorkelling

Getting my diving certification is still on my personal bucket list. Do you have your PADI or do you want to get it? Then you can enjoy beautiful diving on Tenerife. Although I must say that I think you see a lot of beauty while snorkeling as well. The combination with the boat trip also makes snorkeling something I always do during a holiday. There are several beautiful snorkeling spots in the south of the island. Who knows, you might even spot sea turtles!

Book a snorkeling tour here

Splash in the natural pools

I always find this impressive to see: places where the sea and rocks are rugged, but where you can enjoy a lovely swim in one of the natural rock pools. On Tenerife, you can find them at Garachico and Bajamar. Keep a close eye on the weather forecast and only do this in good weather, as the waves can be strong.

Tour to natural swimming pools

Pull up a chair at a Guachinche

Have you ever heard of the word Guachinche? It is a typical Canarian word for small, traditional, family-run businesses. You can find several of them on Tenerife, especially in the north. They are known for good, simple food paired with wine from their own vineyards. These restaurants are seasonal and stay open until the vintage of the current year runs out, so always check their websites for more information before you head out. You can find an overview of Guachinches here >>

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©Guachinche La Cuadra

Wander through Garachico

This small town is absolutely worth a visit during your holiday. Are you touring the island? Then book a night here in one of the boutique hotels in Garachico. You will find one of the natural swimming pools, many nice seafood restaurants, and you can wander through the narrow cobblestone streets.
Garachico, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

Make a stop at the dragon tree Drago Milenario

Among the vines on Tenerife stands a so-called 'dragon tree' which legends say is as much as 1000 years old. If you happen to be in the area and drive past, it is nice to make a short stop. There are various tours available that include a visit to the tree.
Parque del Drago, Plaza de la Constitución, Icod de los Vinos, Spain

Book tickets

Go stargazing in the mountains

Did you know that Tenerife is one of the places in the world known for the 'stargazingVarious stargazing tours are organized, where you discover the starry sky from the peaks of Mount Teide (read all about it here). Romantic! And a unique thing to do during your holiday in Tenerife.

Stargazing in the mountains

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Stargazing

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