6 Reasons to Travel to Tenerife
Do you think the island of Tenerife is nothing more than tourist beach resorts? Think again!
Do you think the island of Tenerife is nothing more than tourist beach resorts? Think again! With its extraordinary landscapes, unique fauna and flora, and charming villages, the largest of the Canaries islands has far more to offer than a simple seaside getaway. Discover why traveling to Tenerife promises countless surprises…
1. To Enjoy Pleasant Temperatures Year-Round
Located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Morocco, Tenerife benefits from mild weather throughout the year. It's even nicknamed the island of eternal spring! Average temperatures reach around 30°C in summer and hover around 22°C for the rest of the year. Note that the southern part of the island is preferable for sunny weather compared to the northern part, which is cooler and more humid, particularly in winter when clouds gather more easily over the mountains.
2. To See Teide, Europe's Largest Volcano
It's impossible to visit Tenerife without seeing Teide. Standing at 3,715 meters above sea level, it's Europe's highest volcano and the world's third tallest volcanic structure. Dominating the center of the island within the Teide National Park, its summit can be spotted from almost anywhere around the island on clear days. Its various eruptions have shaped, over the centuries, a unique landscape of craters, other volcanoes, and petrified lava flows that can be explored through countless hiking trails.
The most popular trail is, of course, the one leading to its summit. Plan on 5 to 6 hours of hiking on average to reach the top of Teide. You can also take a cable car that will bring you within 600 meters of the peak, requiring about 1 hour of additional hiking to reach it. Whatever option you choose, be aware that the number of daily visitors is limited, so you'll need to reserve a permit in advance. If you want to climb Teide, we recommend planning ahead and booking your time slot several months in advance!
3. To Experience an Extraordinary Diversity of Landscapes
Tenerife's landscapes have been shaped by volcanic activity. Beyond the volcanic terrain that sometimes feels like you're on Mars or the moon, you'll also find impressive canyons, dizzying coastal cliffs overlooking the sea (like Los Gigantes), mountain ranges, and even a primeval forest! The latter is located in the Anaga rural park in the northeast of the island and is home to species of fauna and flora found nowhere else on Earth…
As for beaches, you'll find numerous black sand beaches and a few white sand beaches. For swimming, you can also enjoy many natural pools. Called charcos by locals, these are basins carved into the rock that are naturally replenished by tides.
4. To Experience Countless Activities on Land, in the Water, or in the Air
As you've gathered, Tenerife is the perfect destination for nature lovers. With 3 national parks and 4,000 km of trails, hiking enthusiasts will be well served. Beyond hiking, the island is also a paradise for cyclists, who frequently tackle the winding mountain roads! To experience the island's beauty from above, you can also paraglide. For water lovers, Tenerife offers numerous aquatic activities. You can practice surfing, kitesurfing, and even scuba diving to explore what lies beneath the island's waters….
Also know that Tenerife is an ideal location for stargazing. Teide National Park has even earned the Starlight certificate, attesting that it's one of the world's premier destinations for observing the stars. Several nighttime excursions are available with expert guides. You can also visit Izaña, where guided tours showcase the telescopes of the Teide Observatory, which belongs to the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias.
5. To Observe Dolphins and Whales in the Open Sea
With more than 20 different species of marine mammals recorded, Tenerife's waters form Europe's premier site for observing cetaceans in their natural habitat. You can observe, among others, numerous dolphin species (including the bottlenose dolphin, which resides there year-round), various whale species, the famous pilot whale, the sperm whale, and even the false killer whale.
Choose an excursion that respects wildlife Because the presence of boats can disturb marine mammals, it's important to choose an excursion that respects the environment and animal welfare. While various national and international laws protect marine populations, the tourism office has signed a charter for whale watching with several tour operators based in Tenerife. You can find the list of companies that have signed the Quality Charter on the tourism office website. |
6. To Discover Charming Towns and Villages
While Tenerife captivates with its landscape diversity, it also boasts several charming small towns and villages. Here are the must-sees:
San Cristóbal de La Laguna: The former capital of Tenerife, La Laguna is filled with historic buildings with colorful facades, earning it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
La Orotava: Built on a slope along the Teide volcano with views of the sea, this town also features charming period dwellings, some equipped with magnificent wooden balconies. Don't miss the Victoria Garden.
Garachico: A small waterfront village that feels as though time has stood still. Though quickly explored, the peaceful way of life here is unmissable.
Icod de los Vinos: Yet another quintessential Tenerife town! Beyond strolling its charming streets, visitors come mainly to admire the famous Drago Milenario. It's the world's oldest dragon tree, a local species whose age is debated. Some claim it's between 800 and 1,000 years old, while recent studies suggest it's closer to 400 years.
Masca: The Masca hamlet is a must-visit during any Tenerife stay, with its breathtaking scenery. Amid steep and vertiginous mountains, you can spot a few houses perched along mountain ridges.
Frequently asked questions
Tenerife is an ideal destination year-round thanks to its mild climate. Temperatures range between 22°C and 30°C depending on the season. Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant for hiking and outdoor activities. If you want to enjoy the beach and sunshine, favor the south of the island, which remains sunny even in winter.
Yes, a permit is mandatory to access the Teide summit, as visitor numbers are limited each day. It's highly recommended to reserve your authorization several months in advance, especially during peak season. You can choose to hike (5 to 6 hours) or use the cable car, which brings you to 600 meters below the summit.
Tenerife is Europe's premier site for cetacean observation, with more than 20 species recorded. For an ethical experience, choose an excursion with a company that has signed Tenerife's tourism office Quality Charter. These operators follow strict guidelines to avoid disturbing animals in their natural habitat.
Tenerife offers a variety of unique beaches: black sand beaches of volcanic origin and a few white sand beaches. The island also features natural pools called charcos, rock-carved basins fed by tides. The southern part of the island has the sunniest and most accessible beaches for swimming.
Among the must-visit villages are San Cristóbal de La Laguna (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), La Orotava with its sculpted wooden balconies, the peaceful Garachico by the water, Icod de los Vinos with its famous Drago Milenario, and the Masca hamlet, perched in vertiginous mountains.
Yes! Teide National Park is one of the world's best locations for astronomical observation and holds the Starlight certificate. Nighttime excursions are organized with expert guides. You can also visit the Teide Observatory in Izaña, which belongs to the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, and discover its telescopes on a guided tour.
