Tenerife is a highly sought-after destination for hiking and travel enthusiasts. Known for its spectacular Carnival, it is an island full of scenic and natural resources where you can live new experiences and enjoy a summer holiday.
In Tenerife, you can do many things: boat trips, pickup safaris, visit volcanic black sand beaches, and amusement parks. There are many reasons to visit this island, and doing so on a group trip is the best way to fully experience it.
Trekking is also included since Tenerife’s natural environment offers numerous trails and paths to explore on foot.
The difficulty levels of these routes vary widely to meet the needs of every traveler, from beginners to experts.
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A Tenerife Tour Discovering the Cities
The first tip we can give you is to take a tour of the island’s city beauties. Besides its capital, Santa Cruz, Tenerife has other unique cities. Here we recommend two particularly distinctive and characteristic ones.
La Laguna
Let's start with San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Located in the north, it is the largest center of Tenerife.
It is rich in historical evidence dating back to when it served as the capital of the Canary Islands. Here you can admire prestigious noble residences like Casa del Corregidor and Casa Riquel, and sacred buildings such as the Cathedral of San Cristobal and its majestic dome.
Also, Palacio Salazar is an important attraction due to its dark stone facade decorated with gargoyles.
La Candelaria
Another urban visit that will satisfy you is La Candelaria.
The city is famous as a pilgrimage site. It hosts the statue of the Virgin of Candelaria, known to many as la Morenita, the patron saint of Tenerife.
The points of interest revolve around this sacred and legendary figure. The Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria is a large sanctuary dedicated to her, while the Hermitage of San Blas, or Cave of Achbinico, is a natural refuge where myth and reality blend.
Legend has it that local shepherds found the image of the Virgin in this Hermitage.
The city also preserves the Guanche culture and tradition, native to the island. It hosts a monument honoring the nine Guanche kings, the so-called mencey of Tenerife.
To complete the list of tips about La Candelaria, you can walk parts of the Camino Viejo de Candelaria, a connecting road between this city and northern island towns like San Cristóbal de La Laguna mentioned above.
The Path of the Senses in Anaga Mountains Park
Speaking of paths leading to La Laguna, you can trek in the Anaga Rural Park, a nature reserve located in the northeast of the island. The Path of the Senses crossing the park features mountainous and heath landscapes, with fantastic laurel forests.
Its name comes from the fact that it is a route stimulating all five senses: signs along the way show symbols for smell, touch, and sight.
The easiest and shortest route takes you into a laurel forest with an enchanting atmosphere, leading to the Llanos de los Loros Viewpoint, an exceptional panoramic spot overlooking Santa Cruz and the Barranco de Tahodio, a ravine overlooking the dam of the same river.
Some secondary trails lead to the Pico de Inglés Viewpoint, a lookout that allows you to admire the entire island of Tenerife, weather permitting.
At Teide National Park
Here is a Tenerife classic: Teide National Park, filled with craters and lava flows. It hosts a volcano, the Pico del Teide, which at 3,718 meters is the highest mountain in the Canaries and in Spain itself.
Teide National Park covers about 18,990 hectares, occupying much of the island and offering visitors many routes with varying difficulty levels.
You can follow the circular trail of the Roques de Garcia, one of the most popular among visitors, which surrounds Pico del Teide. Spires of solidified lava accompany you for over three kilometers of walking.
On the Summit of Teide
To reach the summit of Mount Teide, there is a separate uphill route. Although long and strenuous, it is one of the favorite activities of Tenerife visitors.
From Montaña Blanca, the first stop, some hikers rest at the Altavista Refuge. Some stay overnight here and wait for dawn to visit the summit. The first light of day makes the view even more poetic.
But the park is also well appreciated at night. Many travelers go to a special location called Cañadas del Teide to admire the magical night view the mountain offers.
The area is completely free of artificial lights. This way, you can witness the spectacle of the star-filled sky. It is no coincidence that this site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
At Barranco del Infierno
In the south of Tenerife, in a protected area on the Adeje coast, there is the Barranco del Infierno trail. This “Hell’s Ravine” is a narrow canyon walkable on foot. Six kilometers long, the hike leads to a waterfall.
It is a very easy route. For this reason, it is a recommended experience for families with children.
Tenerife Excursions with Whales and Dolphins
As you can see, Tenerife is a destination that satisfies everyone, including the little ones. You can involve them in special excursions and exciting encounters with local marine wildlife: the island is a kind of paradise for cetaceans.
Some excursions take you to see (and hear) the beauty of these animals. You can spot whales, blue whales, and humpbacks swimming in their natural habitat. Humpbacks and dolphins are the species most likely to be sighted year-round.
Where to do this activity? In Puerto Colon in Costa Adeje, for example, but several Tenerife ports accessible by bus offer small cruises on catamarans or sailing boat tours.