What to see in Spain

Tenerife

Tenerife is the largest and most populous island in the Canary Islands. Part of Spain, the island is situated in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of North Africa. The most visited Canary Island, vacations to Tenerife are eternally popular due to its idyllic beaches and all-inclusive resorts. On the other hand, if you scratch beneath the surface, you’ll find that Tenerife is home to extraordinary natural sights and spectacular landscapes, from towering volcanoes to black sand beaches and palm-filled canyons. Tenerife’s unique terrain is a result of millions of years of volcanic activity and the island’s warm, tropical climate.

If you travel to Tenerife you can hike through UNESCO protected national parks, go whale-watching in the Atlantic and discover the artistic heritage of the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Better yet, visit Tenerife in February to join in the revelry of the Santa Cruz Carnival, one of the largest celebrations on earth! 

When it comes to the best time to visit Tenerife, any time of year is a good choice. The island enjoys mild winters and hot summers, and you can expect plenty of sunny days if you choose a Tenerife vacation. Most of the tourist-centric resorts are concentrated in the south of the island, so this is the place to go for a beach break. To experience local life, the capital of Santa Cruz offers rich Canarian culture, museums, galleries and elegant historic architecture. Furthermore, surfers flock to the coastal area of El Medano and hiking enthusiastic should base themselves around the charing Santiago de Teide area for easy access to the rugged landscapes of the interior. 

Things to see in Tenerife

Owing to its large size, there are plenty of diverse things to see and do in Tenerife. The capital of Santa Cruz, in the northeast of the island, is the perfect place to base a tour of Tenerife. This port city is known for its well-preserved colonial-era buildings and its elegant Church of the Immaculate Conception. Although it can be tempting to disregard this city due to the pull of the paradise beaches and resorts of the south, the grand architecture, sophisticated shopping streets, brilliant museums and trendy art galleries make it a must-see. Cultural highlights of Santa Cruz de Tenerife include the Espacio de las Artes and the Auditoria de Tenerife, housed within a space-age structure.

One of the best places to visit in Tenerife is the Teide National Park. It’s near impossible to ignore the pull of snow-capped Mount Teide if you travel to Tenerife, and a visit to the surrounding national park is sure to be a highlight. The volcano itself is the largest peak in Spain, surrounded by a landscape of volcanic craters, petrified lava tubes and ruffed rock formations. Visiting Teide National Park is like exploring another world! For the ultimate thrill, take the cable car up to the viewing station near the peak of Mount Teide and soak up the breathtaking panoramas. Furthermore, more adventurous visitors can continue along a 40-minute trail to reach the summit of the volcano.

Nearby the Teide Observatory is another of the best places to visit in Tenerife. As the island is one of the top places on earth the observe the sky, this state of the art observatory is of great importance to the global scientific community. Anyone with an interest in astronomy will love a guided tour of the observatory and relish the opportunity to try out ultra-powerful telescopes or learn about the important solar observation that takes place here. 

If you’re interested in exploring the lesser-known parts of the island, the charming town of Icod de Los Vinos is one of the best things to see in Tenerife. Located in the northwestern part of the island, Icod de Los Vinos is home to ancient trees, rolling vineyards and verdant, forested hills. Extremely photogenic, this small town is famous for its 800-year-old dragon tree and historic center, complete with a pretty town square, flanked by colorful buildings. Go wine-tasting in the surrounding vineyards and stroll through the atmospheric streets of the old town.

Finally, the soaring rock formations of Acantilados de Los Gigantes are a must-see if you travel to Tenerife. Soaring out of the sea, these unique cliffs form an unforgettable stretch of coastline in the west of the island. Once known as the ‘Wall of Hell’, these giant rock faces are the focal point of the surrounding resort town of the same name, home to a black sand beach and natural sea pool.