1 ENJOY MOUNT TEIDE’S VIEWS
Viewing the setting sun from Mount Teide is, in every sense, one of Tenerife’s top experiences. The neighbouring islands of El Hierro, La Gomera and La Palma can be viewed from the Pico Viejo viewpoint trail as the shadow of Spain’s highest mountain stretches onto the Atlantic Ocean.
2 VISIT UNFORGETTABLE THEME PARKS
Tenerife’s theme parks provide fun and memorable moments for all ages. To make splash visit Siam Park, a water park filled with attractions and slides for both children and adults, or check out the or dolphinarium at Aqualand.
See how many different animal species you can count at Loro Park and head to Jungle Park for a walk through its lush vegetation. Become an explorer at the Pyramids of Güímar Ethnographic Park and Botanical Garden, or speed through the tree tops of a magnificent pine forest on a zip line at Forestal Park.
3 SAMPLING LOCAL WINE WITH A SOMMELIER
Tenerife’s volcanic terroir, sunny climate and local grape varietals, including Malvasia and Listan Negro, are factors in the production of unique, mineral-rich wines.
In Tenerife, there are several wineries that offer experiences to learn firsthand about the island’s Designations of Origin. On these tours, guests have opportunities to discover the island’s wine-making heritage in the company of a sommelier, with opportunities for guests to ask questions and, should they so wish, to purchase a selection of wines.
4 TAKE A PRIVATE SURFING LESSON IN PUERTO DE LA CRUZ
It’s increasingly popular to learn new skills during holidays and standing on a surfboard and riding towards the shore is a thrilling experience.
Holidaymakers can return from Tenerife with the ability to surf after taking private surfing lessons on one of the island’s many beaches. Numerous operators across Tenerife offer instruction around the basics on the beach, after which certified instructors show newbies how to paddle and catch waves.
5 FLOAT IN A NATURAL ROCK POOL
Natural pools, formed by volcanic activity or oceanic erosion, enable travellers to bathe in saltwater. Stone steps lead to the free-to-access Charco los Chochos pool in Los Silos on the island’s northeast coast, where bathers can appreciate views of Mount Teide and the cliffs at La Culata.
Numerous such pools exist near Garachico and are known as El Caletón. The natural swimming pools of Paseo La Jaquita, at Guía de Isora, are a gorgeous spot to enjoy the island’s spectacular sundowns.
6 ECO-FRIENDLY WHALEWATCHING TOURS
Touring on an eco-catamaran allows guests to appreciate views of Tenerife’s coastline while relaxing onboard and learning about the region’s marine wildlife. Dolphins and pilot whales sometimes swim by the bow during tours that maintain a respectful distance from whales and turtles. Guests have opportunities to swim in the seawater too during these insightful three-hour tours with local cuisine and cava.
7 STARGAZE WITH AN EXPERT
The climatic conditions above Teide National Park are ideal for stargazing and the Milky Way can be seen slicing across the night sky, which has Starlight Certification. After dinner at the Parador Las Cañadas del Teide, guests can enjoy the company of certified starlight guides who provide access to telescopes and share their knowledge of celestial bodies.
The prestigious Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands is also based on Tenerife, with telescopes where Spanish and international scientific teams work.
8 SPA TREATMENTS WITH A LOCAL TWIST
Tenerife is the home to several high-end spas where guests can enjoy blissful moments of relaxation during a range of treatments. Facial scrubs made with locally grown fruits such as bananas, mangos and kiwis exfoliate while antioxidizing.
Both the island’s black volcanic sand and the golden sand of the south are ideal for body peels. The application of heated volcanic stones covered with almond oil aids muscle relaxation.
Meanwhile, wine therapy has anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory benefits and locally produced aloe vera oil aids massaging hands to glide across skin.
9 KAYAK BENEATH THE LOS GIGANTES CLIFFS
The cliffs tower up to 600m (1,970ft) above the surface of the Atlantic and private kayaking tours at their foot enable visitors to appreciate both their vastness and the region’s marine wildlife, including dolphins and turtles.
Visitors get to explore sea caves while paddling sea kayaks in the company of expert guides and to take home a video and photos of the experience. Alternatively, boat trips beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs also present visitors with remarkable views and make for a memorable day on the water.
10 HIT THE BEACH FOR SUNBATHING OR DRINKS
With year round sunshine and a temperate climate, the beaches of Tenerife are enticing in all seasons. They can be found in both the north and south of the island, with either white or black sand (with the latter alluding to the volcanic origin of the island).
In addition to sunbathing and swimming, some of the island’s best beach clubs are right on the coast, with views over the Atlantic Ocean. Clubs can be found in the south, on beaches such as Las Américas or Fañabé, and also in the capital, on Las Teresitas beach.
