11 Reasons Why Tenerife is Worth Visiting

If you’re looking for a place to escape Europe’s cold winters, you may want to consider Tenerife, one of the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands.

Lying in the Atlantic Ocean just off the coast of Africa, the island is known for its beautiful beaches and year-round warm climate, as well as its diverse landscape and white/black sand beaches.

The Canary Islands are a 4-hour flight from London, making them a great place to visit for some sunshine and warmth, without having to hop on a long-haul flight. I’ve been to both Tenerife and Lanzarote, and I love how unique these islands are with their volcanic landscapes and Spanish flair.

Here are some of the reasons why I think Tenerife is worth a visit:

Diverse Landscape

Tenerife is a land of contrasts, with its dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and golden sandy beaches. Visitors can explore the otherworldly terrain of Teide National Park, home to Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers breathtaking views of the island and the surrounding Atlantic Ocean.

At Mount Teide, you can experience a range of activities that showcase the natural beauty and unique landscape of the area. Adventurous souls can hike the various trails to explore the volcanic terrain, while stargazing enthusiasts can marvel at the breathtaking night sky from the Teide Observatory.

The cable car ride offers a scenic journey to the summit, providing panoramic views of Tenerife and the surrounding islands. For a memorable experience, you can also witness the awe-inspiring sunrise or sunset from the peak of Mount Teide.

Water Activities

Tenerife is renowned for its vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters, making it a paradise for snorkeling, diving, and boating activities. The island’s coastline offers a plethora of opportunities for underwater exploration, with colorful coral reefs, caves, and shipwrecks waiting to be discovered. Snorkelers can marvel at the diversity of fish species and sea turtles that inhabit the waters around Tenerife, while divers can explore deeper depths and encounter rays, octopuses, and even whale sharks.

Boating activities such as sailing and yacht tours provide a unique perspective of the island’s stunning coastline, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of Tenerife from a different vantage point. You can rent a boat in Tenerife to experience the island’s marine life and sail around the island.

Beautiful Beaches

Tenerife boasts an array of beautiful beaches that cater to every type of traveler. Whether you are looking for a vibrant beach with water sports and beach bars or a secluded cove for a peaceful getaway, Tenerife has it all.

Playa de las Teresitas, with its golden sand imported from the Sahara, is a popular choice for its picturesque setting and calm waters.

For those seeking a more rugged coastline, Playa de Benijo offers stunning black sand beaches surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Playa del Duque is ideal for those looking for a luxurious beach experience, with upscale amenities and pristine sands.

Theme Parks

Tenerife offers an exciting array of theme parks that cater to visitors of all ages. Siam Park, known for its thrilling water rides and Thai-inspired architecture, is a top choice for water enthusiasts seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures.

For animal lovers and families, Loro Parque provides a spectacular opportunity to marvel at an extensive collection of wildlife, including dolphins, parrots, and penguins, in beautifully landscaped habitats.

For a taste of Canary Island culture and history, Pueblo Chico offers intricately detailed miniature models of the region’s iconic landmarks and landscapes.

Additionally, Jungle Park Tenerife offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to observe a variety of exotic animals and enjoy entertaining bird of prey and parrot shows.

Festivals and Vibrant Culture

From colorful fiestas to traditional Canarian cuisine, visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Tenerife. Don’t miss the chance to experience local festivals like the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, one of the largest carnivals in the world.

The carnival kicks off with the crowning of the carnival queen, followed by weeks of festivities that include street parties, music concerts, and traditional performances. One of the highlights of the carnival is the extravagant parade known as the “Gran Coso Apoteosis,” where elaborately dressed participants showcase their creativity and talent as they dance through the streets of Santa Cruz.

Great for Hiking and Outdoor Activities

For adventure seekers, Tenerife offers a wide range of outdoor activities to enjoy. From hiking and mountain biking in the Anaga Rural Park to whale and dolphin watching off the coast, there is no shortage of ways to explore the island’s natural beauty. Water sports enthusiasts can also indulge in activities like surfing, snorkeling, and diving.

Year-Round Sunshine

Tenerife is blessed with a mild climate year-round, making it an ideal destination for sun-seekers looking to escape the winter chill. With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and relax on the beach at any time of the year.

Gastronomy

Tenerife boasts a diverse range of restaurants serving up traditional Canarian dishes as well as international cuisine.

Traditional Canarian dishes feature fresh ingredients such as locally caught seafood, tropical fruits, and unique spices that create a flavorful culinary experience.

One of the most iconic dishes of Tenerife is “papas arrugadas” (wrinkled potatoes), small salty potatoes boiled in seawater and served with “mojo” sauce made from garlic, paprika, and olive oil. Another popular dish is “ropa vieja” (old clothes), a hearty stew made with shredded beef, chickpeas, potatoes, and vegetables.

Visitors can also indulge in fresh fish dishes like “caldo de pescado” (fish broth) or “vieja sancochada” (boiled sea bream). To satisfy sweet cravings, traditional desserts like “bienmesabe” (almond cream) and “flan de leche” (caramel custard) are must-try treats.

Surfing

Tenerife’s reputation as a top surfing destination is well-deserved, thanks to its consistent swells, warm waters, and diverse range of surf spots suitable for surfers of all levels. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to catch your first wave, Tenerife offers a variety of breaks along its coastlines, catering to different surfing styles and preferences.

From the powerful waves of El Medano and Playa de las Americas to the more mellow breaks of El Conquistador and El Charco, surfers flock to Tenerife year-round to ride the waves and soak up the sun.

The Resorts

Tenerife boasts an abundance of resorts that cater to a wide range of travelers, from families to couples and solo adventurers. Luxurious beachfront resorts in areas like Costa Adeje offer upscale amenities, world-class dining, and pristine sandy beaches, perfect for a relaxing getaway. 

For those seeking a vibrant atmosphere, resorts in Playa de las Americas provide easy access to nightlife, shopping, and entertainment options. Additionally, rural resorts nestled in the lush greenery of Tenerife’s countryside offer a serene escape and unique opportunities to explore the island’s natural beauty.

The Wine

Tenerife’s wine culture is rich and diverse, with the island being one of the oldest wine regions in Spain. The volcanic soil and unique microclimates create ideal conditions for cultivating a variety of grapes, producing distinctive wines with robust flavors. 

Traditional wineries, known as bodegas, offer tours and tastings where visitors can sample local varieties such as Listán Negro and Malvasia. The Denomination of Origin of Ycoden Daute Isora in Tenerife is renowned for its high-quality wines, attracting wine enthusiasts from around the world to explore and indulge in the island’s flavorful and unique wine offerings.

A Final Word

Tenerife is a great year-round destination and is one of the most popular of the Canary Islands. The island does have some cons – it can feel quite overdeveloped in some of the major resort areas, and it can get pretty crowded in places like Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons.

For whatever type of holiday you’re looking for, Tenerife is an amazing destination. Whether you’re after beaches, water activities, or winter sun, it’s well worth a visit. And while you’re there, be sure to check with local tour companies like Club Canary for your theme park tickets, boat trips, and unique experiences organized with care and love.