10 BEST places that you must see during your holiday!
Are you searching for a getaway after the COVID-19 lockdown? Visit Tenerife and know more about things to do on the island!
In June the different restrictions on flights from EU and Schengen countries were deleted in Tenerife. Next to that from the 1st of July Tenerife is gradually lifting off temporary restrictions on flights, which are coming from third countries. You can check here your allowance conditions to Spain and read more about traveling into the EU. Besides, I warmly suggest you that before traveling make sure if there is no new restriction at Tenerife Airport. The island is said to be safe for tourism, but just in case, have a look at these documents to know more how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and what to do if you experience the symptoms of the coronavirus in Tenerife. Let`s start your Canarian adventure and check out 10 BEST PLACES that you must see during your holiday!
Nº1 Teide Volcano
Teide volcano is surrounded by Teide National Park, this is the biggest national park in the Canary Islands and one of the most visited natural attractions in Tenerife. Teide Volcano is located in the middle of Tenerife Island. The National Park and the visitor centers are opened again after the coronavirus from 28th July. This unique volcanic landscape including craters, lava flows, impressive shapes, and colors, inviting you to discover its wonders. Mount Teide, thanks to its grand height, dominates in the National Park. The peak of Teide is known as the highest point in Spain (3,718m). It is a popular outdoor activity to climb to the peak of Teide Volcano where you can enjoy a breathtaking view.
You can choose from different guided tours, and activities in the National Parks according to your needs such as Teide by day, or Teide by night and Climbing to the Teide Crater. It is popular to go for a half or a full-day Teide Tour with Cable Car and hiking or wandering in this volcanic area. At night you can admire the sunset and later the stars as well. Besides you can go to an Astronomic Tour where you will visit the Observatory which is one of the most important solar observatories on the Earth. Next, to stargazing at this Observatory center you can find different telescopes including nocturnal and solar telescopes, which are owned by other European countries. Many tourists visit Teide to climb the Teide Crater, there is an excursion for that too with Cable Car Ticket and Teide Peak permit management.
You can arrange Teide Peak hike on your own as well since the entire Park area is free for visitors, you can plan the trip with your car and use the road network across the Park. After arriving at the Montaña Blanca, which is the starting point of the trail, you can continue your journey with the Teide Cable Car. This station is placed at 1999 meters and by taking the cable car you will arrive at the upper station, which is situated at 3555 meters high. The upper stations provide you a beautiful view and from here starts the hiking route of number 10 the Telesforo Bravo trail. It will bring you up to the spectacular Teide Crater where you can enjoy the spectacular landscape. Keep in mind that you need to count with the charge for the Teide Cable Car return ticket, and the allowance fee on the peak, which is called Teide Peak Permit. This trail is limited to a maximum of 200 people per day because conservation and security reasons. Therefore you need to book your appointment and pay the fee on your own. While you are wandering around in Teide National Park, you can explore the visitor centers, the restaurant area with souvenirs shops, different viewpoints over the volcanos, and the hiking trails.
If you are a practiced climber, there is a good opportunity for you to book accommodation and spend more nights 3,270 meters high. Before hiking don`t forget to dress well because sometimes it can be cold close to the peak. After this summary, it is not a big surprise that this geological treasure of Tenerife was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007.
Nº2 Siam Park
Siam Park is one of the most visited attractions of Tenerife, while you are on holiday you must try this famous water park. It provides a perfect program for families and couples as well. Unfortunately, Siam Park is temporarily closed because of the current health crisis caused by the Coronavirus. Hopefully, the Park will be opened soon, and when the situation has turned back to normality you can go and try all of the slices of SiamPark. In the meantime you can purchase your ticket o the website in advance without any validity period. The “Tower of Power” is known as the most terrifying slide thanks to its 28m height and the giant shark aquarium at the end of the ride.
Besides if you are interested in more the exotic views of the park, the best slide for you is the Mai Thai Lazy River. Through the Park, this tropical river invites you for a relaxing experience with slow and fast sections. If you get bored with the rides you can just simply go and enjoy the swimming pools especially the popular Wave Palace. This wave pool has 3 meters high artificial waves, so jump in and enjoy the waves as you enjoy the sea. You can try surfing as well in the wave pool, therefore keep it in mind, that you need to book an appointment in advance. This Thai Theme park was voted the best water park in the world in 2019, according to Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice Award. Inside the Park, you can enjoy some free services such as umbrellas, sun loungers, tubes, life jackets, and WiFi connection. You can rent out lockers for your belongings and towels for a charge. There is a Floating Market as well, where you can take some drinks, food, snack, sweets, sun cream, and souvenirs as a memory after riding all of the slides. Close to Water Park, you can find the famous Siam Mall, which is an outdoor shopping center with more than 70 stores including fashion, leisure, and restaurants.
The Mall and the Park are located in Costa Adeje, this town is also known as a popular tourist destination. Here you can find another quieter and smaller Water Park, called Aqualand. This Water Park is already opened after the COVID-19 and here you can see Dolphin shows next to the pools and slides. Besides they offer to the visitors a special service while you can observe the dolphins closer. It is said to be a good opportunity for families with young kids.
Nº3 Loro Parque
If you like animal themed parks you simply must visit Loro Parque in Tenerife and see the paradise of animals, living in perfect conditions and beautiful surroundings. Because of the pandemic the Zoo was closed or only offering Exclusive Day Tour for visitors for 100€ per person. Whit this ticket you could participate in a guided tour carried out by an expert in a limited group of people. Thanks for the favorable conditions the Zoo is reopened from the 1st of May 2021. Loro Parque was considered to be No. 1 Zoo in the world in 2018 according to the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award. The area of the Zoo is huge around 13,000 square meters, which means that you can spend a whole wonderful day here by wandering with your family. Have a pleasant walk and enjoy the amazing animal shows including dolphins, orcas, sea lions, and parrots which take place three up to six times a day. Tenerife Loro Park highlights animal welfare and provides a home to gorillas, chimpanzees, white tigers, penguins, and many more animals. You won’t get bored since the park offers you twelve different themed exhibitions to explore. Your entrance ticket allows you to enjoy the Loro Parque attractions and shows as many times along the day as you wish. If you want you can combine your ticket with Exclusive Tour, Lunch voucher, and Bus service.
The Zoo is located in the North of Tenerife in Puerto De La Cruz, which is also a nice city for a day trip while you’re on a holiday. It has a free “Tourist train” from Plaza Reyes Catolicos and every 20 minutes takes you towards the center of Puerto De La Cruz. It is a good opportunity to discover the city after the Zoo. If you are too tired for sightseeing just take a rest on the black sand coastline. Next to Loro Parque , there are other two famous animal-themed parks in Tenerife, are the Monkey Park and Jungle Park. Throughout your Canarian Adventure explore these parks and observe your favorite animals on the spot.
Nº4 Las Americas
Las Americas is located in the South part of Tenerife, it enjoys the best weather during the whole year, therefore the most popular beaches, resorts, and clubs are placed in las Americas. Enjoy here the sunny weather, the calm water with yellow sand.
This coastline is perfect for taking a rest drinking Sangria and having lunch at one of the three main courses restaurants on the beach. Next to sunbathing at the famous beaches such as La vistas, Playa Las Americas, and Playa de Troya, you can do water sport activities including scuba diving, windsurfing, and jet-skiing as well. Might you can find offers for whale cruises, dolphin cruises, and even submarine trips too. If you continue your walk from Las Americas towards Costa Adeje you can find breathtaking views with beautiful beaches like Playa del Duque, Playa de la Pinta, Playa de Torviscas, and Playa Fañabé. All of these are popular sights in Costa Adeje so don’t miss them out.
At night you can enjoy a pleasant walk on the sandy beaches of Las Americas while you are watching the romantic sunset. Besides if you want, you can just simply go out with your friends and explore the Canarian nightlife! Taste different cocktails and dance throughout the whole night. Las Americas is famous for its viral nightlife, thanks to the huge tourist turnover from all around the world. It is always fun to learn from the locals how to dance salsa or bachata. Don’t be shy and get into the rhythm! Here is some good advice for your night out. Without a doubt, the Papagayo beach club is the hottest party place in town. If you prefer the smaller clubs with loud music you should go to Las Veronicas strip where you can buy cheap drinks and dance until the morning hours.
In the heart of Las Americas, you can admire a beautiful music hall, called Pirámide de Arona, which holds different shows and exhibitions. In front of the Piramide, there is a Light and Music Fountain, that you can visit day and night and enjoy the show. The music hall is located in Avenida de Las Américas, the most famous shopping street in South Tenerife. This area is known as The Golden Mile, which provides you entertainment centers, luxury hotels, restaurants, bars, shopping centers, fashion stores, and souvenir shops.
Nº5 Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The Capital City of Tenerife is one of the most visited places on the island. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a busy cosmopolitan city offers you plenty of attractions and popular city sights including the historical harbor, impressive buildings, beautiful parks, traditional Spanish bars and restaurants, shopping streets, Commercial Centers, several Museums, and a golden sand beach of Playa Las Teresitas. While you are spending your holiday in Tenerife go to the Northern part and visit the top sights of Santa Cruz.
The best attractions of Santa Cruz are located around la Noria, Plaza de España, Plaza de Candelaria, and Plaza de Weyler. Close to Weyler square, for example you can find a romantic park, Parque Garcia Sanabria with different theme gardens and fountains. Besides, La Noria ancient street’s current name is Calle Antonio Dominguez Alfonso, it is a 1 km long shopping street full of bars, restaurants, and clubs. Although it had a name change the locals still call it like “Noria” street.
Observe on the spot the popular monument of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the 16th-century church of Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción. The other place you must visit is the Mercado de Nuestra Senora de Africa city market. Go to the market on Sundays and collect your souvenirs on this vivid market and can taste the Canarian local food and drinks. In the heart of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, you can explore the impressive Plaza de Espana. This square is famous for its large artificial lake, which is a very attractive and great place for having a pleasant walk. Under the lake, there is a little Museum as well about the historical harbor of Santa Cruz. Around this area, you can find tiny excellent shopping streets as well as the main shopping street of Calle del Castillo. If you prefer to do shopping in big Commercial Centers you need to visit Centro Comercial Meridiano Shopping Center and El Corte Ingles, they are located close to Intercambiador de Transportes de Santa Cruz (Bus Station of Santa Cruz).
One of the best things to do in Santa Cruz is to explore the Auditorio de Tenerife, the most iconic building of Tenerife, it is placed on the port of Santa Cruz. Tenerife’s modern auditorium designed by Santiago Calatrava, the shape of the building reminds you of the Sydney Opera House. It provides home to Tenerife Symphony Orchestra, and performances such as ballets, dance shows, musicals, operas, comedy and gospel concerts. In the neighborhood of the Auditorio, there is a water park, which is called the Parque Maritimo Cesar Manrique. Try the saltwater swimming pools with facilities designed by Canaries architect Cezar Manrique. Next to the water park there is an opened air park of tropical plants, called Palmetum of Tenerife. It is a large botanical garden including one of the biggest collections of palm trees in the world.
The northern coastline is mainly black sanded, therefore you can´t miss out on the unique Playa de Las Teresitas which is one of the best golden sand beaches in Tenerife. Located in San Andrés municipality of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the beach has calm water suitable for swimming all year round. An interesting fact that this bright yellow sand was imported from the Sahara by the former Spanish colonies. Different museums and galleries are waiting for you to discover while you are wandering in the city. Enjoy the exhibitions of the Tenerife Art Museum “TEA” (Tenerife Espacio de las Artes), The Museum of Man and Nature (Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre) and the Military Museum in Cuartel Almeida all of them are worth to visit.
Don’t forget that every February this city invites you for The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it is said to be the biggest Carneval in Spain and the second biggest Carneval in the world after that of Rio de Janeiro. The Tenerife Carneval is a mix of exotic costumes, dance and music shows, parades, and parties day and night. Keep in mind that every year there is a different costume theme of the Carnival, last year in 2020 it was Carnavales del Mundo (Carnivals of the World). The locals like to prepare their own homemade dresses, if you don’t have time for that simply just go one of the Chinese store and choose your cutome for the party.
Nº6 Parque Rural Anaga
When you are visiting the Northern part of Tenerife don’t miss out the Anaga Rural Park. It is considered as one of the best things to do in Tenerife if you really want to discover the nature of the island.
This area was formed by a volcanic eruption 7 to 9 million years ago. It is a protected Rural Parkland at the same time it is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere Reserve. It has the highest number of endemic species in Europe. The mountains and valleys of the Macizo de Anaga mountain range are covered in laurel forests also called “Laurisilva” in Spanish, which is a type of subtropical forest that prefers high humidity areas with mild temperatures. The trees are largely evergreen with long glossy leaves.
You can easily access the Park by car or bus as well, it is placed over the mountains of La Laguna and Santa Cruz. Keep it in mind, if you are coming from the South part of Tenerife your journey can take 2-3 hours since there is no direct bus. First, you need to go to Santa Cruz (bus number 111, or 110) and then take the bus to Anaga (bus numbers 946, or 910), you can read more about the public transportation opportunities here.
This rural park is perfect for active holidaymakers because of the beautiful views over the nature of the Anaga mountains and the countless hiking trails. Some of the hikes are quite hard and you should be in a good physical condition to participate, next to that you can go for easy routes as well such as Path of the Senses which is made up of three trails. The Path of Senses (Sendero de los Sentidos) is designed to be accessible for everyone including children and disabled people as well. The walk starts at Mirador Cruz del Carmen where you choose one of the 3 trails. Each trail is a short hike and offers you different experiences with your senses (sight, smell, and touch). Path of the Sense 1-2-3 is considered the easiest routes in Anaga, after these pleasant walks, extend your knowledge and buy your souvenirs at Cruz del Carmen Visitors Centre. Next to the Visitors Center, you can find a Canarian restaurant Restaurante Cruz del Carmen, if you run out of your sandwiches.
If you are a difficult trail riders I suggest you try the Faro de Anaga lighthouse trek, it is considered one of the best trails in the Mountains of Anaga. This 9km trail starts from Chamorga village, which is a remote village in the mountains, and it will get over as well at the village since it is a circular route. The other pretty difficult circular 5km trail is El Draguillo village hike, which starts and finishes at Benijo village, where you can take a rest on the beach after hiking. During your Anaga walks you can try different trails. If you are planning to explore the hidden nature keep it in mind that some of the trails are better to take with a private Anaga tour guide. Besides the participation of these hiking routes are sometimes required a special Anaga permission.
Nº7 San Cristòbal de La Laguna
San Cristóbal de La Laguna is a perfect place for sightseeing during your holiday. After Santa Cruz, it is the second biggest town in Tenerife. La Laguna has an important historical role, and it is also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the past, La Laguna was the Capital city of Tenerife but in 1821 it transferred to Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Therefore it is not a big surprise that you can find here the oldest university of the Canary Islands, called the University of La laguna. The historical town was designed in the 15th century its grid city plan reminds you to the model for cities in Cartagena de Indias in Colombia and Old Havana in Cuba.
One of the top sights in La Laguna is The Cathedral of La Laguna, it was built in the early 1900s and it has a spectacular Neoclassical facade. You can observe this beautiful building on the main square Plaza de Los Remedios. Between this old-quarter you can find the Iglesia de la Concepción, you will recognize it easily, thanks to its grand tower. Close to the Cathedral you can enjoy the beautifully preserved Plaza del Adelantado square. The square provides a home to the town hall, and here you can find the famous balcony of Palacio de Nava. This historical building reflects the Canarian architecture, and in 1976 it was classified as a monument of La Laguna. The Plaza del Cristo is also one of the popular attractions of La Laguna, where you can find a local farmer market selling cut flowers and vegetables. After visiting the market go to extend your knowledge in the Museum of the History of Tenerife, it is located in the old town of La Laguna. It offers you exhibitions including the economic and the cultural history of Tenerife.
After your cultural experience, go to have fun at Calle Herradores street, here you can go shopping or collect some culinary experience in one of the traditional restaurants and tapas bars. Moreover, this bustling city offers you a vibrant nightlife as well thanks to the students’ community.
Nº8 Masca Village
Admire the beautiful landscape from the ancient Masca Village in Tenerife. It is located on the Western side of the island and it is surrounded by wild green nature and giant mountains. Masca is a must-see place when you are on a holiday on the Canary Islands.
I suggest you arrange the Masca village tour on your own, if you have a car. Besides, of course you can choose from different guided tour offers with shuttle-buses in your hotel, or you can take the public busses as well. Using public busses, takes more time to get there since they have a lot of stops. Masca’s history is very interesting it goes back to the pirates. In the past pirates owned different coastlines and villages in Tenerife. Later on, Spain decided to take action to eliminate all of the pirates. Some of the pirates could escape from the soldiers and found remote and locked places on the island where they built their small houses, which was called Masca. This small village can be very busy sometimes by the visitors during the day, therefore better to arrive in the morning or late afternoon after 4-5 pm.
The Masca Gorge trek starts from Masca Village till the Atlantic ocean, it is less than 4 hours walk. Unfortunately, the Masca Gorge trek is closed until further notice for safety reasons according to the latest news in 2020. When trek is going to be considered safe again you can explore different rock formations, lizards, dragonflies, sometimes goats, and spectacular mountains. The hike ends with a nice black sand beach from where you can continue your journey by water Taxi to Los Gigantes town. An important note is that if you are allowed to hike on this trail somehow you will need to get back to your car at the end of the hike. You can hike back from the ocean up to the village, or you can rent a water Taxi to Los Gigantes and then go back to Masca by public transportation. I suggest you rent your taxi in advance, to avoid the queue of the visitors. Of course, you won’t have a headache because of this if you are coming with one of the guided tours.
I truly hope that it will open soon and you can enjoy the walk here, but in the meanwhile, I confirm that, it is still worth visiting Masca Village. Next to the spectacular views with exotic flora you can look around the village and visit the tiny Church and the Masca Museum. Besides the walk from Santiago del Teide to Masca Valley is getting very popular, because after taking your refreshing drinks at the hamlet of Masca you can go back easily by bus to Santiago del Teide.
Nº9 The Dragon Tree
El Drago, or the “Dragon Tree” is one of the most visited attractions in the North part of Tenerife.
The mysterious Dracaena Draco plant belongs to the Asparagus family and you can find them in only a few places around the world, for example in Morocco, Cape Verde, Madeira, and in the Canary Islands. According to the legends when the dragons died, these plants had grown. The reason behind the name is that the tree has red sap, which is said to be the Dragons`blood. During ancient times they use the rains of these trees for healing and dyeing as well. The biggest and the oldest Dragon Tree is located in Tenerife in the town of Icod de los Vinos. This tree is believed to be over 800 years old therefore it is called El Drago Milenario, The Thousand Years Old Dragon. This grand tree is 18m high and with a diameter of 20 m, it is used as a symbol of Tenerife as well. This living monument is surrounded by Millennial Dragon Tree park (Parque el Drago Milenario) which is a wonderful botanical garden perfect for a pleasant walk to enjoy the Canarian flora. This park has an entrance fee of 5€ for adults. Through the park, you can explore some examples of the ancient traditions of the Guanches and at the exit, you will find the traditional La Casa del Drago. La Casa del Drago is a typical Canarian house with charming coffee terrace and local products to taste and buy. Visit this tiny house museum and learn more about the history of Tenerife. Try the crafts and local delicacies ,while you are enjoying the best views over the famous old Dragon Tree. After the museum, you can discover other attractions of Icod de Los Vinos. This old town next to the beautiful view including green valleys, stip streets, and volcanic mountains offers you a culinary experience at one of the local restaurants and wineries. You can taste the different Canarian wines in the Museum of Malvasía.
Don’t miss out on the Plaza de Andrés de Lorenzo Cáceres, this rounded small square is surrounded by the Church of San Marcos, and it provides opportunity to admire the Dragon Tree for free. Other unique attractions are the Mariposario del Drago which is a butterfly museum, and the Guanche Museum where you can learn more about the first inhabitants of the Canary Islands. Cueva del Viento is the biggest lava tube system in Europe and it is considered to be the most complex one as well. It is located close to Icod de Los Vinos. Currently, the visit of this volcanic cave is suspended because of the crisis of the COVID-19. As soon as it is opened you can book your ticket in advance to this beautiful natural sight of Tenerife.
Nº10 La Orotava
Visit La Orotava and discover the impressive architecture of Tenerife. La Orotava valley is located in the Northern part of Tenerife and offers you a perfect one day trip during your holiday. If you are coming from the South of Tenerife it is worth renting a car, since the journey with the public busses takes at least 2 hours. Have a pleasant walk and enjoy the beautiful surroundings with old buildings and wooden made balconies. One of the famous sights is the Casa de Los Balcones, many visitors come here to observe the details of this House Museum. The house was built in 1632 and it represents the Canarian architecture style including the wooden balconies and interior courtyard. You need to pay an entrance fee inside of the house, but you can visit for free the area of the courtyard. Besides the courtyard of Casa del Turista is open for tourists and at Casa Mendez-Fonseca as well, where you can find a small museum and wine-tasting while you are looking around.
The garden of Hijuela del Botánico is another popular place to visit because here you can see many species of flowers and trees from all over the world. This tropical botanic garden invites you to explore sub-tropical plants including the iconic dragon trees as well. You can discover this public park at any time of the year, it will wait for you with full of colors and good weather. Jardín Victoria is a popular place between the garden lovers. It is also called the Jardines del Marquesado de la Quinta Roja because originally the garden was built as a mausoleum for Diego de Pinte. The French artist Adolph Croquet designed this park in the 19th century, you can find here beautiful fountains, romantic colorful flowers and plenty of terraces. It has a fabulous view of La Orotava valley in Tenerife. While you are wandering here you can admire the Renaissance mansions including churches and convents. The popular religious building of Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción is located in the old part of Orotava. This is a beautiful baroque church with a dome and two towers. If you like to visit religious buildings don’t miss out the San Augustin Church, the San Benito Abad monastery, and the Calvario chapel.
You can experience a different side of La Orotava if you go for a walk in the Los Molinos path which starts at Villa Arriba and ends at the nine watermills, which were built in the 17-18th centuries. For making pictures go to the Mirador de Humbolt viewpoint, here you have the best overview of Orotava and Mount Teide. If you haven’t decided yet when you are traveling to Tenerife, try arrange your sightseeing in La Orotava at Fiesta time. The Feast of Corpus Christi or the Body of Christ is celebrated in June and it lasts for a week. After Eastern in the 9th week, they organize this celebration as well as in many places in Spain. During the Fiesta time, the town is decorated with flowers and giant pictures, which are made of sand from Park Teide.
1 more?… Nº11 Garachico
Garachico town is located on the Northern coast of Tenerife, it is one of the most visited place amongst the holidaymakers.
Explore the famous Garachico natural swimming pools! You can find here several natural seawater swimming pools made from volcanic rock. Garachico rock pools are considered the safest places to swim since the sea is way dangerous here than other beaches of Tenerife. After swimming, you can go for a walk in the narrow streets of Garachico and enjoy the attractive square of La Libertad and buildings such as churches and an old monastery. The Castle of San Miguel (Castillo de San Miguel) is one of the oldest monuments in the town which survived the eruption in 1706 .
The Volcanic eruption filled the harbor of Garachico with lava. Even though fires and floods destroyed the harbor, nowadays you can’t recognize any signs of the terrible past. For today this lava rock edge is known as an attractive natural sight as well as the natural pools. Besides thanks to its volcanic columns under the water, it is also a popular diving destination of Tenerife.
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16. 09. 2020.
Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
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