Visit Tenerife in a week: our Top 10 things to do

Tenerife travel tips for a great stay: 

• Book your flight to Tenerife
• Hotels in Tenerife: the best places to stay‍
• Insure your trip against cancellation (5% off with Heymondo)‍
• Car hire Lanzarote: get the best prices ‍
• Spain eSIM for travellers

Follow all our adventures on Instagram by clicking here 🩵

1. Climbing Teide, an unmissable high-altitude excursion 🌋

Teide National Park is one of the most impressive natural sites in Spain. It is home to the Teide volcano , which rises to 3,715 metres, making it the highest peak in Spain and one of the highest volcanoes in Europe. This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers fascinating lunar landscapes made of volcanic rock in astonishing colours.

Options for reaching the summit:

• The cable car 🚠: It leaves from the base of Teide (at 2,356 m) and takes you in 8 minutes to La Rambleta (3,555 m), where you can admire a spectacular view of the island and the Atlantic Ocean.

• Hiking 🥾: For the more athletic, it is possible to reach the summit on foot via the Montaña Blanca trail (5-6 hours' walk there and back).
• From Playa de las Américas, head off on a day's jeep safari: get your tickets here (free cancellation) 
• Go quad biking in Teide National Park, on an adventure circuit: get your tickets here (free cancellation) 

⚠️ Warning: To access the final crater (beyond La Rambleta), a free permit is required and must be booked several weeks in advance on the national park website.

Visiting tips:
✔️ Come early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the best weather conditions.
✔️ Bring warm clothes (even in summer, it can be cold at this altitude).
✔️ Mind the altitude: walk slowly to avoid altitude sickness.

2. Hiking in Anaga Rural Park 

Located in the north-east of the island, Anaga Rural Park is a real paradise for hiking enthusiasts. This mountainous park, declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve, is home to forests of endemic laurel millions of years old, giving the impression of travelling back in time. This mountain massif rises to 1,024 metres above sea level at Cruz de Tabornodu.

Hike in Anaga with local food products (departing from Cruz del Carmen)

Best hikes in Anaga:

• Ensillada Trail 🌳: An easy route (3 km) through an enchanted forest covered in moss.
• Taganana & Playa de Benijo 🏖️: A longer hike (8 km) that descends to one of the most beautiful coastal villages in Tenerife, with breathtaking views.
• Roque de Taborno 🏔️: A panoramic loop around an imposing rock with views of the ocean.

Visiting tips:‍‍

✔️ Bring hiking boots, as the trails can be slippery.
✔️ Check the weather, as mist can sometimes hide the views.
✔️ Enjoy the local restaurants in Taganana for fresh fish.

3. Visit Tenerife in a week by discovering Masca 

Considered the Machu Picchu of the Canary Islands, the village of Masca, perched in a steep valley, is one of the most spectacular places in Tenerife. It offers an unbeatable view of the surrounding mountains and looks like a postcard setting.

What to do in Masca?

• Stroll around the village: Wander the cobbled lanes and admire the traditional houses.
• Hike in the Masca gorge: A 5 km descent to the sea, with exceptional scenery. You can then take a boat back to Los Gigantes. ⚠️ A reservation is required to enter the gorge.

Visiting tips:

‍✔️ The road to Masca is winding, so be careful if driving.
✔️ Arrive early to avoid the influx of tourists.
✔️ If you do the hike, bring good shoes, a cap and water.

4. Explore the old town of La Laguna  

If you plan to visit Tenerife in a week, you can't miss the old town of La Laguna and its colonial charm. The former capital of Tenerife, San Cristóbal de La Laguna is a historic town listed by UNESCO. It has a charming pedestrian town centre, with colourful buildings, old churches and an authentic atmosphere.

What to see in La Laguna, Tenerife? 

• La Laguna Cathedral: A magnificent 16th-century building.
• The colonial houses: Admire the architecture of historic houses such as the Casa de los Capitanes.
• The local markets: The Mercado de la Laguna is perfect for trying local specialities.

Tips:
✔️ Walking around on foot is the best way to discover the town.
✔️ Stop at a guachinche, a typical restaurant, to taste Canarian dishes.

5. Dolphin and whale watching: a magical experience at sea 🐋

Tenerife is one of the best places in the world to watch dolphins and whales all year round. The waters between Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje and Los Gigantes are home to several species, notably pilot whales and spotted dolphins.

Where and how to book an excursion?

• Los Cristianos: Whale-watching cruise with swimming (Eco-Yacht)
• Costa Adeje: Whale watching by catamaran with drinks
• Kayaking and snorkelling with turtles

Practical tips:

✔️ Choose an excursion that respects marine wildlife.
✔️ Bring sun cream and binoculars to observe the animals better.

6. Relax on the most beautiful beaches in Tenerife 

Tenerife has a variety of beaches, from golden sand to black volcanic sand beaches.

• Playa de Las Teresitas 🏝️: An artificial beach with golden sand imported from the Sahara, near Santa Cruz.
• Playa de Benijo 🌊: A wild beach, ideal for watching the sunset.
• Playa del Duque 🏖️: Perfect for a relaxing day with high-end services.

Practical tips:

✔️ Some beaches (like Benijo) have strong waves, so be careful if you swim.
✔️ Bring a parasol, as some beaches have no shade.

7. Admire the cliffs of Los Gigantes  

The Los Gigantes cliffs, 600 metres high, are one of the most impressive views in Tenerife.

What to do in Los Gigantes?

• Boat trip ⛵: To admire the cliffs from the sea.
• Kayaking and paddle boarding 🛶: An immersive way to discover the hidden coves.
• Hike to the Archipenque Viewpoint 🌅: A magnificent viewpoint over the cliffs.

8. Visit Loro Parque in Tenerife 🦜🌿

Located in Puerto de la Cruz, Loro Parque is one of the most renowned zoos in the world. Known for its commitment to species conservation, it is home to more than 400 animal species, some of them endangered. A must if you come to visit Tenerife in a week.

Highlights of the park:

✔️ The orca show 🐳 – An educational and spectacular show.
✔️ The immersive parrot aviary 🦜 – Be amazed by their variety of colours and songs.
✔️ The aquarium and shark tunnel 🦈 – A fascinating experience with exotic marine species.
✔️ The Katandra Treetops area 🌲 – A walk among tropical birds.

Practical information

📍 Loro Parque location: Puerto de la Cruz, about 30-40 minutes from Santa Cruz by car.
🕒 Opening hours: Open every day from 9:30am to 5:30pm (check nonetheless)
🍽️ Food: Several restaurants and picnic areas.

💡 Practical tips✔️ Arrive early to avoid the crowds and see the shows.
✔️ Prefer a weekday for a more pleasant visit.
✔️ Bring a bottle of water and sun cream.

9. Relax in the natural pools of Garachico 

The village of Garachico, on the north-west coast of Tenerife, is famous for its natural pools formed by lava flows after the eruption of the Trevejo volcano in 1706. These pools, called "El Caletón", are one of the best swimming spots on the island.

Why go?

- For its spectacular setting: Volcanic rocks, turquoise water and a view of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Its preserved natural setting: Unlike artificial pools, these are completely natural and offer a unique swim.
- Its impressive marine biodiversity: Perfect for watching fish and other marine creatures with a mask and snorkel.
‍

Note that Garachico is a former colonial town with cobbled streets and historic buildings to discover after your swim.

What to do in Garachico besides swimming?

• Stroll around Plaza de la Libertad 🏛️ – A lively square with terraces and magnificent historic buildings.
• Visit the Castillo de San Miguel 🏰 – A small 16th-century fortress offering a lovely view of the sea.
• Try the local specialities 🍽️ – Try the Canarian "mojo", a typical spicy sauce served with papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes).

Practical information

📍 Location: About 1 hour's drive from Santa Cruz.
🕒 Opening hours: Free and open access, but choose low tide for safer swimming.
🎟️ Price: Free (yes, really!).
🚗 Access: Parking is available near the site.

💡 Practical tips
✔️ Bring water shoes to avoid slipping on the volcanic rocks.
✔️ Check the weather and tides: Sometimes the Atlantic can be rough, making swimming dangerous.
✔️ Take the opportunity to visit nearby Icod de los Vinos, home to the famous thousand-year-old Dragon Tree (Drago Milenario).

10. Enjoy Santa Cruz and Puerto de la Cruz 🎭

Santa Cruz is perfect for shopping and Puerto de la Cruz is ideal for a more relaxing getaway. You will also find the Garcia Sanabria park, covering more than 60,000 square metres with many statues and sculptures amid lush vegetation (Canary palms, coconut palms, hibiscus and bougainvillea). If you want to know what to see in Santa Cruz, Tenerife, find a complete article here to plan your visit with the best things to see once there. 

FAQ What to see in Tenerife

Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions:

How long does it take to drive around Tenerife?

‍Driving all the way around Tenerife takes about 3 to 4 hours without stopping. However, to make the most of the landscapes, villages and natural sites, we advise allowing a full day with breaks to explore.

How many days should you spend in Tenerife?

‍Ideally, spend at least 5 to 7 days in Tenerife to discover its beaches, natural parks, villages and water activities. In a long weekend (3-4 days), you can see the essentials, but a week lets you explore the island in more depth.

What is the most beautiful island of Tenerife?

‍Tenerife is itself one of the Canary Islands, but each island has its charm. Tenerife is the most varied in landscapes, with Teide, volcanic beaches and lush forests. For wilder nature, La Gomera or La Palma are also magnificent.

What is the best part of Tenerife to stay in?

‍The south (Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos) is ideal for beaches and a sunny climate. The north (Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava) is greener and more authentic. If you like luxury and calm, opt for the south-west, towards Alcalá or Abama.

When can you see whales in Tenerife?

‍Tenerife is one of the best places to watch whales all year round. However, the chances are better between November and April, when some migratory species join the residents, such as pilot whales and dolphins.

What to see in Tenerife in November?

‍In November, enjoy the mild climate to visit Teide, the villages of Masca and Garachico, the southern beaches and natural pools such as those at Bajamar. It is also a good time for whale watching and hiking.

Where can you swim with turtles in Tenerife?

‍The best spots for swimming with turtles are the bay of El Puertito and Palm-Mar. These places are home to green and loggerhead turtles, often seen on snorkelling or diving excursions.

How likely are you to see dolphins in Tenerife?

‍The chances of seeing dolphins in Tenerife are very high, around 90% on a boat trip. Species such as the common dolphin and the spotted dolphin are present all year round, especially between Los Cristianos and Los Gigantes.

That's it, our article Visit Tenerife in a week ends here! We wish you plenty of good vibes for your holiday in Spain, and more precisely in the Canary Islands! See you soon!