8 Best Outdoor Activities In Tenerife
Posted on May 27 2021
The largest of the seven Canary Islands – a Spanish archipelago 200 miles off the coast of northwestern Africa, Tenerife is a little slice of heaven on earth! The island has miles of unspoiled sandy coastline including 12 blue flag beaches.
Spain recently opened its boarders to British tourists, and seeing as Tenerife is a part of Spain that we would love to visit, I thought I’d do some research on the area in case any of you are lucky enough to be able to take a trip there soon!
Blessed with a balmy sub-tropical climate of hot summers and mild winters, it’s a great year-round holiday destination.
READ ON for the 8 Best Outdoor Activities In Tenerife!
1. Explore the world’s third-biggest volcano
Majestic Mount Teide dominates Tenerife’s craggy interior, looming over the island. At over 12,000 feet, Teide is the highest mountain in Spain, and the third-largest volcano on the planet.
The mountain and surrounding rugged landscape make up Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007.
Take a cable car to the summit for incredible views. It’s chilly up there, so remember to bring warm clothing as well as sunscreen.
2. Absorb the architectural beauty
Just inland, pastel-painted La Laguna is Tenerife’s prettiest town; its centre bursts with historical, Canarian-style mansions, so picturesque! Remember your camera.
There’s more classic architecture over in La Orotava (also known for its crafts), near the attractive beach resort of Puerto de la Cruz while further along the northern coastline you’ll reach peaceful, historic Garachico, with its attractive sea pools.
3. Take a hike
Hikers flock to Tenerife, wooed by its diverse terrain, unique geology, and stunning panoramas. Choose from the dramatic scenery of Masca Gorge in the northwest, or take your pick of abundant trails in the unspoiled, mystical Anaga forest.
Explore the otherworldly red and ochre rock formations and volcanic peaks of Teide National Park, or opt for the six-mile Rambla del Castro trail in the north, which passes some of the island’s most beautiful coastline.
4. Siam Park
Thrill-seekers flock to Siam Park in Costa Adeje, the legendary water park which has been voted the world’s best on several occasions.
This 46-acre family-friendly site has over 20 rides, rapids, and rollercoasters – ranging from the Lost City for younger visitors to the notorious 28m high Tower of Power, where you reach speeds of up to 80 km per hour before plunging into a pool of sharks and rays. Not for the faint-hearted…
But don’t worry, if you’re the chill type and you’re just there for your family – there’s Mai Tai River to float down peacefully on a Lilo, a beautiful beach to relax on and a lovely cabana restaurant where you can sip a tropical drink and enjoy a tasty lunch or snack.
5. Whale and dolphin watching
More my speed! Over 20 species of whale and dolphin live off the coast of Tenerife, including pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and the giant blue whale.
Join one of the daily boat excursions from the ports of Los Cristianos or Puerto Colon in the south of the island for a chance to observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.
6. Chill at the beach
While we all love adventure, a good dose of rest and relaxation are necessary while on holiday!
Tenerife is blessed with over 400km of shoreline, so you’ll never be short of a new beach to discover. The most popular beaches tend to be on the south of the island.
The broad sands of Playa de Las Americas are possibly the liveliest, and the resort is renowned for its thriving bar and club scene.
7. Water sports
On the other hand, if you’re like my hubby and you need to do something sporty before you can relax, then…
Los Cristianos is for you! A popular beach for families, here you’ll find an array of water sports such as kayaking, paddle boarding, windsurfing, and jet skiing. Plus an abundance of bars and restaurants.
8. Feast on fine food
If you’re like me and you LOVE FOOD, then Tenerife will be a delight!
There’s something very special about being on holiday and having most of your meals served up to you without you having to lift a finger, what luxury!
- Try Guannabi, in Santa Cruz which fuses Canarian, Peruvian and Mexican flavours in glorious rice dishes and other market-fresh bites.
- La Laguna’s Tasca 61 specialises in organic seasonal cooking such as curried vegetable salad and artisan cheeses, as well as Tenerife-brewed craft beers.
- For super-fresh fish served alongside papas arrugadas (a boiled potato dish), salad and mojos (varying sauces), try the harbour-side La Cofradía in Puerto de la Cruz.
If you seek a much quieter holiday, try Puerto de La Cruz or beautiful Los Gigantes on the western coast – a laid-back resort famed for its towering cliffs, volcanic sand beaches, and spectacular sunsets.
Or maybe you’d like to experience a bit of everything and you decide to book a few nights in each place in order to take it ALL in…The choice is yours, and there certainly is lots of choice when it comes to Tenerife.
We can’t wait to experience it first-hand one day, and I’ll be sure to share all about it if and when we do!
Thanks for reading this post on the 8 Best Outdoor Activities In Tenerife.
Check back soon for the NEW healthy recipes, home decor updates and lifestyle posts that I’ve got lined up for you!
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