Hiking, swimming, water sports and lots of culture - the largest of the Canary Islands is also the most varied. These are the top 10 attractions that no Tenerife vacationer should miss.
On Tenerife, all vacationers get their money's worth: hikers explore the fantastically beautiful landscape in the north of Tenerife, while the south of the island attracts with lots of sun and wonderful beaches. Highlights are the Pico del Teide, the highest mountain in Spain, and exciting theme parks such as the Loro Parque or the Siam Park.
Churches, museums and Canarian handicrafts can be found in La Laguna and La Orotava. The always pleasant temperatures, to which it owes its nickname "Island of Eternal Spring", make Tenerife a popular destination all year round.
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Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz
Especially for families with children, a visit to Loro Parque ("Parrot Park") is an absolute must. It was established almost 50 years ago as a small bird park. Today, its grounds cover an area of almost 150,000 square meters and are home to the largest collection of parrots in the world.
The parrots have long since ceased to be the only attraction at Loro Parque. Special highlights are the orca show, the dolphin show, an underwater shark tunnel and a Thai village.
Due to the excellent quality of its facilities and its commitment to environmental protection and animal welfare, Loro Parque has twice been named the best zoo in the world. Today it is one of the strongest visitor magnets of the entire Canary Islands.
El Pico del Teide
A vacation on Tenerife is simply not complete without a visit to the highest mountain in Spain. With its stately 3,715 meters, the "Papa Teide", as the locals affectionately call him, is the third highest island volcano in the world.
Pico del Teide and its impressive surroundings were declared a National Park in 1954 and since 2007 have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Teide Park is visited by several million people a year; however, due to the very well regulated access by the limited capacity of the Teide cable car, it is never overrun.
In addition, anyone who wants to go to the top needs a permit. And anyone who actually ventures to the very top should think of warm clothing and sturdy shoes, as it can get quite chilly at these lofty heights.
La Orotava
In the north of Tenerife is the charming town of La Orotava and the Orotava Valley around it. Both form the largest municipality on the island. The German botanist Alexander von Humboldt traveled to Tenerife several times and often raved about the beautiful location and breathtaking views over the valley. Today, visitors can still follow in Humboldt's footsteps on numerous hiking trails through the Orotava Valley and admire Tenerife's unique diversity.
Also worth seeing is the town of La Orotava with the imposing Palacio Municipal, the beautiful church and the Botanical Garden. A special attraction is the House of Balconies (Casa de los Balcones), a 17th century patrician house adorned with impressive traditional balconies.
Siampark
Siam Park on Costa Adeje promises adventure, action and adrenaline - in short, an unforgettable experience! The largest water park in Europe offers action and relaxation in equal measure.
Siam Park owes its name to the fact that a fantasy world was created on its premises, reminiscent of the ancient kingdom of Siam. Here, in a unique way, the attractions are combined with the style of Asia, creating very special settings.
Icod de los Vinos
The town on the north coast is located about 15 kilometers from Puerto de la Cruz. It got its name from wine growing, from which it still lives to a large extent. In Icod de los Vinos visitors will find spacious green areas and traditional streets and alleys with pretty historic buildings.
The main attraction of the place is a dragon tree called "Drago Milenario" (1000-year-old dragon tree), which is considered the oldest tree in the world. With a height of 20 meters and a circumference of six meters, it looks very imposing, but it is estimated to be "only" 600 to 800 years old. In its honor, a park was built around the tree, where visitors can take a walk and unwind.
La Laguna
La Laguna is officially called San Cristóbal de la Laguna and is also located in the north of the island. La Laguna is considered the oldest city in Tenerife and the first to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the heart of San Cristóbal de la Laguna, visitors can admire one of the most beautiful old towns of the island with numerous sights.
The city, where there are many colonial houses, churches and monasteries to admire, is considered an excellent example of how old and new, young and old can combine to form a harmonious whole. Here life pulsates in small cafes and stores between time-honored facades of historic buildings.
Garachico
If you want to swim in a natural pool designed by artists, Garachico is the right place for you. The small community with less than 5000 inhabitants, is located in the northwest of Tenerife directly on the sea and was founded just like La Laguna already in the 15th century.
Garachico is thus one of the oldest places on the island. The main attraction of the place is undoubtedly a seawater facility consisting of several pools called "Piscinas Naturales El Caletón". Here visitors can swim and splash around free of charge, pool hopping included.
Los Gigantes
In the west of Tenerife, visitors will find the imposing cliffs of Los Gigantes, which are part of the Teno Landscape Park. The best way to admire the cliffs, which are up to 600 meters high, is from the sea, which is why a boat tour in the Los Gigantes area is one of the most popular excursions on Tenerife. And with a little luck, visitors can even admire dolphins and whales in their natural environment during such a boat tour.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
A detour to the capital of the island is definitely worthwhile. The beautiful old town is worth seeing, as is the harbor with its wide promenades and many cafés, bistros and stores.
Those looking for some peace and quiet from the hustle and bustle can take a relaxing walk in the idyllic Parque García Sanabria. Carnival fans are also catered for: Santa Cruz de Tenerife hosts a gigantic annual carnival, which is advertised as the second largest carnival - including colorful costumes, dance shows and fireworks.
Masca gorge
With not even 100 inhabitants, the mountain village of Masca is tiny, but still should not be missing in this top ten. Because it is one of the most beautiful and picturesque places on the island. But what really made the village famous is its location above a gorge in the mountains of Teno in the northwest of Tenerife. If you visit Masca and are good on foot, you should definitely hike through the breathtakingly beautiful Masca Gorge!
