MUST SEE PLACES OF TENERIFE
Whenever we think about Tenerife, what excites us most is how different each corner of the island feels. One day you’re standing above the clouds on a volcano, the next you’re wandering through cobbled streets or watching the sunset from a black sand beach. These are the must see places of Tenerife we always recommend, because they capture the true spirit of the island.
Standing above the clouds at 3,718 m, Mount Teide is the heart of Tenerife. The volcanic landscape feels almost from other world, and the viewpoints along the road are unforgettable. You don’t need to hike far — even short stops give you a sense of the scale and beauty here.
La Orotava
A town full of history and traditional Canarian houses with carved balconies. Walking through its old streets is like stepping back in time. It’s also a great place to try local food and see everyday life away from the coast.
Mercado Nuestra Señora de Africa
This market is the best way to get a taste of the island. Fresh fruit, cheese, fish, and small tapas bars all under one roof. It’s lively, local, and a reminder that food is part of Tenerife’s culture.
La Laguna
A UNESCO World Heritage city with colorful streets and a relaxed student vibe. The old town is perfect for wandering, grabbing a coffee, and soaking up the mix of history and energy.
Anaga is where Tenerife feels wildest — deep green forests, dramatic cliffs, and small villages tucked into the mountains. At the end of the road, Benijo beach offers black volcanic sand and sunsets that feel raw and powerful.
The tiny village of Masca sits between steep ravines. The drive alone is an adventure, with winding roads and breathtaking views. If you like hiking, the trails around here show off some of Tenerife’s most rugged scenery.
This circular trail takes you through pine forest and across black lava fields from Tenerife’s last eruption in 1909. It’s not a tough hike, and if you never saw volcano landscape this will be one of the best.
Abandoned places have their own story, and the Sanatorio de Abona is one of the most striking. The unfinished leprosy hospital stands by the sea, open to wind and waves, leaving you with a mix of curiosity and reflection.
All around the coast, volcanic rock has formed natural pools filled by the ocean. You’ll find more wild ones and other more protected. It’s as close as you get to swimming with the Atlantic while still feeling secure.
These places give a true sense of Tenerife — its nature, history, and everyday life. Visiting them helps you understand the island beyond the beaches and shows why so many travelers want to return.
When visiting, take time to respect the environment and local communities. Use the marked trails, support small businesses, and leave the beaches and forests as you found them or better. This way, the island stays just as special for those who live here and for those who come after you.
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Standing above the clouds at 3,718 m, Mount Teide is the heart of Tenerife. The volcanic landscape feels almost from other world, and the viewpoints along the road are unforgettable. You don’t need to hike far — even short stops give you a sense of the scale and beauty here.
This circular trail takes you through pine forest and across black lava fields from Tenerife’s last eruption in 1909. It’s not a tough hike, and if you never saw volcano landscape this will be one of the best.
Here you’ll find views like no where else on the island. A wild and green corner of Tenerife, Anaga is home to ancient laurel forests, dramatic cliffs, and hidden villages. It’s a great place for hiking, coastal views, and experiencing the island’s quieter side.
Formed by lava and shaped by the ocean, Tenerife’s natural pools offer a calm and scenic way to swim. Some are easily accessible with sunbathing areas and ladders, others are more wild.
These places give a true sense of Tenerife — its nature, history, and everyday life. Visiting them helps you understand the island beyond the beaches and shows why so many travelers want to return.
When visiting, take time to respect the environment and local communities. Use the marked trails, support small businesses, and leave the beaches and forests as you found them or better. This way, the island stays just as special for those who live here and for those who come after you.
