10 outdoor plans to enjoy Tenerife

Tenerife outdoor plans

Tenerife is the largest island in the Canary archipelago and, therefore, a true paradise if you love exploring places full of nature and perfect for outdoor activities. Its climate is spectacular all year round, with mild temperatures that allow you to enjoy activities outside. The volcanic landscapes and dreamy beaches are among the highlights of this beautiful island—something you simply can't miss during your visit. To help you make the most of your stay in Tenerife and discover all its best-kept secrets, we've put together a list of the 10 best outdoor activities you can do in Tenerife. One of the best tips for getting around the island easily and making sure you don’t miss any of these spots is to hire a car in Tenerife.

1. Hiking in the Teide National Park

Must-do trails in Teide

El Parque Nacional del Teide es una de las joyas de Tenerife más conocidas de la isla y, sin duda, uno de los lugares imprescindibles si visitas la isla siendo un amante del senderismo. El Teide es el pico más alto de España, con una altura de 3.715 metros sobre el nivel del mar. Aunque si se mide desde su base en el lecho oceánico, su altura total supera los 7.500 metros, lo que lo convierte en el tercer volcán más alto del mundo desde su base. Este parque ofrece rutas de diferentes niveles, desde paseos tranquilos hasta ascensos exigentes.

Taking the Teide cable car

One of the most popular options is to take the cable car up to La Rambleta station and from there, complete the final stretch to the summit to enjoy breathtaking views. However, if you want to reach the top, don’t forget to request a permit in advance.

2. Beaches for relaxation and water sports

The best beaches in Tenerife

Tenerife is famous for its beaches, ranging from golden sand shores to volcanic black sand coves.

Benijo beach

In the north, Benijo Beach offers a stunning volcanic landscape, with black sand and a wild setting perfect for unwinding. In the south, Las Teresitas Beach, with golden sand imported from the Sahara, is one of the most famous on the island. If you prefer a more exclusive atmosphere, El Duque Beach in Costa Adeje combines crystal-clear waters with a sophisticated setting. Tenerife has a beach for every taste.

Water sports in Tenerife

For surf and windsurf enthusiasts, El Medano Beach is the perfect spot, thanks to its constant winds. Additionally, if you’re looking for a paradise-like spot with impressive cliffs, Los Gigantes Beach is your ideal destination.

3. Whale watching on the Tenerife coast

Where to see whales and dolphins in Tenerife?

You don’t need to leave Spain to find some of the best whale and dolphin-watching spots. The island is one of the top locations in Europe for this activity, as colonies of whales and dolphins reside in its waters year-round. Tenerife is one of the few places in the world where you can see whales and dolphins in the wild throughout the year. In fact, in 2023, Santiago del Teide was recognized by the World Cetacean Alliance as Europe’s First Whale Heritage Site. The southwest coast of the island, especially between Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, and Los Gigantes, is the ideal spot to embark on a boat tour and enjoy cetaceans in their natural habitat.

Best boat tours

For a responsible experience, it’s recommended to choose operators with the “Blue Boat” label, which guarantees respect for marine animals and their habitat. You can book a boat excursion from Los Gigantes or Costa Adeje to get a closer look at these incredible marine mammals in their natural environment.

4. Exploring the Anaga Massif

Hiking in Anaga

Just a few minutes by car from the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, lies Anaga Rural Park, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2015. The Anaga Massif is a natural treasure with trails that pass through lush laurel forests, a prehistoric vegetation unique in the world.

Anaga-massif-planes

Recommended trails in Anaga

Some of the best trails include El Bosque Encantado (The Enchanted Forest) and the hike to Cruz del Carmen viewpoint, from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the island.

5. Kayaking along the cliffs of Los Gigantes

Paddling between giant rocks

If you love the sea, kayaking beneath the cliffs of Los Gigantes is an unforgettable experience. These massive volcanic rock walls reach up to 600 meters high, creating a spectacular landscape.

Snorkeling and marine life in Los Gigantes

Many excursions combine kayaking with snorkeling, allowing you to discover the incredible marine life of the area. Plus, if you're lucky, you might even spot a dolphin swimming nearby.

6. Discovering Tenerife’s most charming villages

La Orotava, Garachico, and San Cristóbal de La Laguna

Tenerife is also home to many charming villages worth visiting. La Orotava is one of the most beautiful towns in Tenerife, boasting a historic centre full of heritage. Its streets are lined with manor houses with wooden balconies and historic gardens like Victoria Gardens. A must-visit is the Casa de los Balcones, an icon of traditional Canarian architecture. Garachico, a coastal village, has a history shaped by the 1706 volcanic eruption. Today, its famous El Caleton natural pools, formed by solidified lava, are a must-see attraction. Strolling through its historic center will lead you to Plaza de la Libertad, Santa Ana Church, and San Miguel Castle.

the-lagoon-tenerife

Finally, San Cristobal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, cannot be missed. Its urban layout served as inspiration for many colonial cities in the Americas. La Laguna is the perfect place to wander through streets lined with centuries-old convents and colourful colonial houses. Its vibrant atmosphere and excellent gastronomy make it an ideal destination to enjoy Canarian cuisine.

7. Natural Parks and exotic gardens

Ancient Dragon Tree and Botanical Garden

Beyond Teide and Anaga, the island has other natural spaces worth visiting. In Icod de los Vinos, you can see the Ancient Dragon Tree, an emblematic tree over a thousand years old.

Loro Parque: a wildlife paradise

It’s also worth visiting the Botanical Garden of Puerto de la Cruz, home to exotic plant species from around the world. And for those traveling with children, Loro Parque is a fantastic option to discover wildlife in a spectacular setting.

8. Route through natural pools

Volcanic pools and lagoons

If you prefer an alternative to the beaches, Tenerife has natural pools formed by volcanic lava, where you can enjoy a unique swimming experience. Some of the most popular ones are in Garachico, Bajamar, and Charco del Viento. These pools offer calm, crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxing while surrounded by nature.

9. Stargazing at Teide

Tenerife: a starlight destination

Thanks to its clear, unpolluted skies, Tenerife is a privileged destination for stargazing. It also holds various certifications that recognize it as a Starlight Destination. Undoubtedly, stargazing at Teide is one of the most unique outdoor activities to enjoy in Tenerife, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Tenerife Starlight

Astronomical tours and telescopes

Teide National Park is one of the world's top destinations for astro-tourism. Several companies offer night-time excursions with telescopes and expert guides, helping you explore constellations, planets, and other celestial bodies.

10. Explore Tenerife in a hire car

Move freely around the island

Tenerife is the perfect destination for road trip lovers, thanks to its well-connected road network. If you want to experience everything the island has to offer, the best way is to hire a car with DoYouSpain.

Hire a Car with DoYouSpain

With a rental car, you can discover hidden gems, easily reach beaches and viewpoints, and make the most of your time. At DoYouSpain, you'll find the best car hire deals at unbeatable prices, ensuring a hassle-free experience with complete comfort. One of the great advantages of booking with DoYouSpain is the flexibility to choose your preferred pick-up location. You can collect your hire car from Tenerife North Airport, Tenerife South Airport, or various other convenient locations across the island. If you have any questions during the booking process, feel free to contact us via the Customer Area or call us on +34 964 830 995.