Top 10 Attractions and What to do in Tenerife

When it comes to the best things to do in Tenerife, many visitors are unfamiliar with the extent of options on the island. It's true, most visitors seem to think this is little more than a beach destination but this tiny landmass in the Mediterranean is a hive of activity and the home of many unique attractions.

In this article, we take a look at some of the best places to see in Tenerife and the most interesting attractions that you should not want to miss on the island:

Top 10 Attractions in Tenerife and What to do in Tenerife

1. Visit Mount Teide National Park

Located at the very centre of the island, Mount Teide National Park is one of the most incredible places to see in Tenerife. Standing more than 3,718 metres above sea level, this is also the highest point in Spain and one of the tallest volcanic structures in the world.

For many visitors, quad biking in this region is right up there with the best things to do in Tenerife and when it comes to scenery, the surrounding vistas are nothing short of phenomenal. With this in mind, there is simply no better way to encounter the volcanic landscapes on the island and you can take a cable car 1,200 meters above the crater floor for even more spectacular views.

As you may know, this park is often top of the list when in terms of what to do in Tenerife and there is also the option of taking a hiking excursion in Mount Teide for those who feel a little more active.

2. Venture Up to Masca Village

Masca is often regarded as one of the best places to see in Tenerife and the remoteness of this iconic destination can make for a truly interesting encounter. While the town itself is fascinating, towering peaks and luscious forest scenery ensure this is also an outdoor experiment with stunning scenery.

Situated high up in the Madison de Teno mountains, Masca is a tiny village with less than ninety inhabitants and a real sense of isolation. That is to say, the quiet nature of this village is a distinct contrast to tourist towns along the coast. In fact, there is only one narrow road to the village and as this route ascends into the mountains, the views become more and more spectacular.

Now, that's not to say the village or mountains are the main reason for which you might want to explore the village. You see, Masca is located on a large plateau and visitors can hike down into the gorge below to a beautiful beach. What's more, this is also where visitors can take a boat ride to Los Gigantes – another resort town which is often regarded as one of the best places to see in Tenerife.

3. Go Dolphin and Whale Watching

While fishing and cruises are common in Tenerife, dolphin and whale-watching in Tenerife are the most popular attractions at sea. As you step on board the Royal Delfin, you will notice the glass bottom boat which provides the ultimate viewing experience for the marine life below. As if that's not enough, the cabins below have especially large side-windows through which visitors can get up close and personal with these dolphins and whales.

During this excursion, the boat will also stop on several occasions and even at a nearby beach on which you can jump off to swim or sunbathe. The Royal Delfin is also stocked with food and drinks, while the afternoon cruise offers a very different perspective of the island.

At the same time, watching these beautiful creatures is always the highlight of the excursion. With comfortable seats, excellent windows and plenty of space, this is also the most perfect boat in which you could expect to embark on a dolphin and whale watching excursion.

4. Check out the Scuba Diving at Los Gigantes and Los Cristianos

Scuba Diving is often a priority for visitors in terms of Tenerife attractions. With warm, clear water and more than thirty metres of visibility, the temperature and conditions are perfect for diving. What's more, there are many volcanic columns beneath the surface which are home to endless species of marine life.

On the other hand, April to October is slightly warmer which means the dive schools are a little more busy at this time of year. As for where to go diving, whether you opt for Los Gigantes, Puerto de la Cruz or Los Cristianos, these are all considered by divers as being the best places to see in Tenerife.

Just so you know, previous experience is not necessary to go diving and different dives sites are selected according to the experience of each diver. You can even learn to dive in any of the above towns and the online reviews suggest that scuba diving is certainly one of the best things to do in Tenerife.

Featuring some beautiful volcanic topography and an incredible array of aquatic fauna including hammerhead sharks, stingrays and barracudas, this is also one of the best dive experiences in the Mediterranean.

5. Explore Siam Park with the Family

Many families really seem to struggle when deciding what to do in Tenerife and Siam Park is a dream come true for this very reason. In other words, the range of slides and attractions in the park never fail to amaze the children, while the activities are often just as exciting for the adults too.

In case you might be asking yourself, Siam Park is a water park where you can find everything from thrilling slides such as the Tower of Power to the relaxing Mai Thai River where you can simply drift down a lazy river on your inflatable. That being said, there is also a roller coaster and karting track here, while the Lost City is a fantastic playground which can keep the younger kids occupied for hours on end.

Anyway, family or no family, Siam Park is a beacon of fun and one of the best things to do in Tenerife.

6. Escape to Playa del Duque

Tenerife is blessed with a truly stunning coastline and most beach resort towns are more than worthy of their reputation. However, getting away from the tourist crowds is always nice and Playa del Duque is the perfect hideaway in this sense.

You see, Playa del Duque is a pale coloured beach on the south coast which is hidden in the shelter of a tiny bay. You still will find sunshades and amenities here of course but just not the same kind of crowds that flock to the beach resort towns. In fact, there are even changing booths on the beach and a number of cafe's and shops not far from the beach.

On the other hand, the main highlight is always the actual beach and the fine sand is accompanied by a stunning expanse of calm water. You might not have heard about this bay but the truth is, Playa del Duque is one of the finest beaches and best places to see in Tenerife.

7. Go Hiking in Tenerife

Believe it or not, Tenerife has some outstanding hiking trails and this is especially true in Mount Teide National Park. In fact, you can even join a hiking Tenerife excursion in Mount Teide which will take you right through the mountains to the very foot of the tallest mountain in Spain!

Meanwhile, Teno National Park and the Anaga Mountains are also spectacular regions with decent hiking paths. Whether you want to feel immersed in the rainforests or exposed on a volcanic landscape, this is also quite a unique hiking experience and certainly different from other Tenerife attractions. Featuring stunning views, reliable weather and marked trails, you should find that hiking in Tenerife is popular for good reason and this is definitely the case on a Mount Teide excursion!

8. Spend the Day at Loro Park

Loro Park is largely unknown compared to the most popular Tenerife attractions but the fantastic array of wildlife here is unrivalled in the Canary Islands. Featuring gorillas, hippo, lion and several hundred penguins, this is truly a haven and wonderful encounter for animal lovers. Further, you will also find meerkats, sloths, and many reptiles in the park, not to mention more than three hundred species of parrot!

The truth is, there are simply too many species to mention and Loro Park has many more attractions to offer. For example, there is a fantastic aquarium and a unique shark tunnel which enables visitors to get right up close to these special creatures. Kindelandia is another fun place for eh kids where trees, bridges and slides have created a very interesting playground.

Either way, Loro Park is overflowing with attractions which make this an obvious choice for families in particular who might be wonderful what to do in Tenerife.

9. Take in a Show at the Music Hall Tavern

Music Hall Tavern in Tenerife is home to a vibrant show which is best known for the colourful drag performances. Indeed, this is a bar but when darkness falls, this is also one of the best things to do in Tenerife.

As you might expect, these drag performers have a wicked sense of humour and their comedic approach is always a highlight of each show. On the other hand, the excellent dancing and impressive vocals never fail to delight, while the crowd interaction makes this an incredibly fun night out. With a long lineup of contemporary and classic hits, the music is also a real treat and perfectly intertwined with the performance and general atmosphere.

Finally, Music Hall Tavern offers an evening meal package and the roast potato, seasoned veggies, Yorkshire pudding and gravy are just as memorable as the show.

10. Experience Showtime Live After Dark

As with Music Hall Tavern, Showtime Live Tenerife is a very vibrant night out and often themed according to various classics such as Grease, Chicago and even the Lion King. Visitors are provided with a fantastic two-course meal and unlimited drinks, depending on whether you purchased this package.

As for the show, many talented singers and comedians take to the stage, while the sound and visuals are like something you might expect to see in Vegas. In other words, Showtime Live is a truly professional show and a true masterpiece with the most talented performers in Europe.

After spending the day keeping busy, this is a great way to sit back and unwind while this fantastic show demonstrates the full extent of what makes the nightlife in Tenerife so famous!

As you can see, there are many things to do in Tenerife and something for all ages and interests. We hope we have given you some great ideas of what to do in Tenerife. What's more, most of these activities or excursions are very affordable and easy to experience at any time of year. Either way, you should find much more than the beach waiting in Tenerife and then leave with a much better appreciation for this enchanting landmass at the heart of the Mediterranean.