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Located off the coast of Teide National Park in the center. In the north, you’ll find the capital, Santa Cruz. The island’s south side is more popular with travelers because it’s both sunnier and warmer, with quite a few RED MORE: The 30 Best Exotic Islands to Visit
is Tenerife?
to Get to Tenerife
Brief History of Tenerife
Best Things to Do in North Tenerife
Best Things to Do in South Tenerife
Tenerife Mountains image by Monique Stokman from Pixabay
is Tenerife?
The volcanic Canary Islands are located in the North tlantic Ocean off the coast of frica. But where exactly is Tenerife?
The Spanish-owned archipelago is located around 60 miles west of Morocco, and Tenerife sits right in the center of the group of seven islands.
You’ll find Tenerife just west of Gran Canaria, which is the third largest island in the Canaries at 600 square miles. bit further to the east lies Fuerteventura, the second largest island at 640 square miles.
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Image by Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay
to Get to Tenerife
Tenerife is the only Canary Island blessed with two airports, making air travel the easiest and fastest way to get there.
Most international visitors come via flights to Tenerife south, which is serviced by Reina Sofía. This is the more modern of the island’s two airports, located just outside of Costa deje.
Flights to Tenerife north land at Los Rodeos irport, which is located near La Laguna and Santa Cruz. This airport primarily receives traffic from mainland RED MORE: The 20 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit
Brief History of Tenerife
You can date Tenerife’s recorded history back to around 200 BC. t this time the Canary Islands were home to aboriginal inhabitants, known as the Guanches. who were of North frican origin.
They were said to have an almost King Juan Carlos I took the Spanish throne. He and his wife, Queen Sofia, reigned as King and Queen of Spain from 1975 until the king’s abdication in 2014.
Southern Tenerife’s airport is still named after Queen Sofia. nd today, tourism is back in full swing and stands as the island’s largest and most profitable industry.
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Things to Do in Northern Tenerife
Loro Parque Parrot, image by marbus79 from Pixabay
1. Loro Parque
Widely recognized as one of the finest Loro Parque began as something of a giant aviary for exotic Parrots. It has since been expanded to house rare and merican Humane has given Loro Parque its seal of approval for its commitment to animal safety and well-being. It’s the first time the 100-year-old NGO has ever given approval for a standard zoo in Europe.
The zoo is also a member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Loro Parque has been involved with over 80 conservation projects, contributing more than $10 million towards wildlife conservation.
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Mount Teide image by Jordi Martos from Pixabay
2. Teide National Park
Teide National Park is one of Tenerife’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the island’s most visited natural wonders. The park is home to Spain’s tallest peak, Mount Teide, an RED MORE: 20 Tallest Mountains in the World
San Cristóbal de La Laguna image by nina056 from Pixabay
3. San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Tenerife’s second UNESCO World Heritage Site is the historical center of San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Considered to be the island’s cultural capital, it was at one time the actual capital before that role was taken over by Santa Cruz.
La Laguna was founded in the 15th century and is home to many important early buildings, including several beautiful churches.
One example is the Roman Catholic Cathedral of La Laguna, which houses the remains of the city’s founder, lonso Fernandez de Luga. La Laguna also plays host to the largest Holy Week festival in the Canary Islands.
The city is home to the Canary Islands’ oldest university, University of La Laguna, which was founded in the early 1700s. Due to the presence of college students, there’s a great deal of energetic nightlife options available in the city.
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Museum of Nature and Man image by neufal54 from Pixabay
4. The Museum of Nature and Man
Paying a visit to the Museum of Nature and Man in Santa Cruz allows you to dive deeper into the history of Tenerife and the other Canary Islands.
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Image by Noelia Secret from Pixabay
5. Jardín Botánico of Puerto de la Cruz
lso known as the La Orotava cclimatisation Gardens, the botanical garden (or Jardín Botánico) of Puerto de la Cruz was conceived by King Charles III of Spain.
It was his desire to introduce exotic plants from regions like RED MORE: What is Permaculture Gardening? n Intro to Permaculture Design
Pyramids of Guimar, Tenerife image by M W from Pixabay
6. The Pyramids of Guimar
series of six pyramids on Tenerife have created a lot of debate over the years as to when they were constructed, and by whom. Built from lava stone, they share a resemblance to the pyramids found in RED MORE: The 16 Best Mayan Ruins to Explore
Trail image by Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay
7. Bosque de Esperanza
One of the island’s largest forested areas, Bosque de Esperanza offers wonderful hiking and mountain biking opportunities.
There are also narrow mountain roads that lack the copious traffic often found in southern Tenerife.
The hiking trails are well marked, and some will take you to viewpoints where you can enjoy stunning views of Mount Teide, the coastline, and La Laguna below.
The forest itself offers a robust mixture of endemic pines, cypress, and eucalyptus trees, which stay lusg and green all year round.
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Masca Trail, by Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay
8. Masca Valley
The Masca Valley is home to another one of Tenerife’s most notable hikes.
The Masca Trail hike, from Masca Village to the sea, takes around three hours to complete. It leads you through a volcanic landscape of strange rock formations and caves.
When you reach the end of the trail you can return the way you came. But many hikers choose to catch a boat transfer to the nearby resort town of Los Gigantes. The town is known for its towering cliffs, which reach heights of atound 2,800 feet.
If you choose this option and you’re traveling during peak summer season, make sure to pre-book your boat transfer. This assures your spot, so you aren’t forced to hike all the way back to Masca Village!
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Cueva del Viento or Cave of the Wind by Eladio nxo Fernández Manso via CC-2.0
9. Cueva del Viento
Cueva del Viento (or Cave of the Wind) is Europe’s most grand lava tube system. It’s also one of the world’s most complex.
Reaching over 10 miles into the earth, the cave system is said to have been created from Pico Viejo volcanic eruptions. Visitors outfitted with sturdy RED MORE: 10 Famous Underground Caves (World Travel Bucket List)
Best Things to Do in Southern Tenerife
Siam Park in Southern Tenerife by stephen jones via CC BY 2.0
10. Siam Park
Located in the Southern Tenerife town of Costa deje, Siam Park is one of Europe’s grandest water parks.
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Playa de las méricas by Brian Mullender via CC 2.0
11. Playa de las méricas
Southern Tenerife’s largest tourist resort, Playa de las méricas is where all the area’s action and nightlife can be found.
Head to Veronica’s Strip for a wide array of nightclubs and bars, or soak up the sun at one of the area’s numerous beaches.
Some of the beaches are natural, featuring the iconic black volcanic sand Tenerife is known for, while others are man made and use sand imported from frica. The most notable beaches include Playa de El Bobo, Playa Honda, and of course Playa de las méricas.
lso on offer are water activities like jet-skiing, RED MORE: The Ultimate Beach Vacation Packing List
Playa del Duque User: Mulleflupp at wikivoyage shared via CC BY-S 3.0
12. Playa del Duque
Located in Costa deje, Playa del Duque is a man made beach that offers imported golden Sahara sand.
Its westward facing position makes this a perfect location to catch a Canary Island sunset. The seaside promenade makes for lovely early morning or evening walks.
During the day, plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas are available to rent. Just off the beach you’ll find an array of fine dining restaurants and a luxury shopping center.
Playa del Duque is easily one of Tenerife’s most beautiful and most visited beaches, but be aware that it can get crowded during peak season.
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Kite Surfing in Southern Tenerife, image by Erdmann-Crew from Pixabay
13. El Medáno
Home to less touristy beaches, the town of El Medáno ranks alongside places like kitesurfing championships.
Near the center of the town, you’ll find beaches that are a little more suitable for swimming. Some of Tenerife’s largest natural beaches, including Playa Grande and Playa La Tejita, are also farily close by.
More popular with locals rather than tourists, Playa Grande is best visited during low tide.
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14. Reserva mbiental
One of the top-rated natural attractions in southern Tenerife, this quiet little nature reserve is located in San Miguel de bona.
The morning guided hikes are best booked in advance, and take you on a one-hour journey through a pristine slice of Tenerife as it might have looked before the Spanish arrived. The boat ride across the small lake is as tranquil and serene as it is picturesque.
Departing from the Sandos San Blas Hotel, the tour also includes an excellent museum with an overview of the island’s past, including a cool “time tunnel.” long the way you’ll meet costumed actors who bring the RED MORE: 10 Living History Museums in the US
Southern Grey Shrike Per-nders Olsson (used with permission) via CC BY-S 3.0
15. Montaña de Ifara y Los Riscos
Those really looking to get off the beaten path and escape the tourist crowds can try a bit of hiking in the Ifara and Los Riscos
Megan Jerrard is an ustralian Journalist and the founder and Senior Editor of Mapping Megan, an award-winning travel blog bringing you the latest in adventure travel from all over the globe. Her husband Mike is the merican naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild, a website dedicated to opening your eyes to the wild & natural world.
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