
Tenerife
Tenerife
Spain's largest island, Tenerife is home to Mount Teide, two UNESCO World Heritage sites, volcanic beaches and laurel forests. Here's what you need to discover it.
Escape to the greatest island of the Canaries and experience an extraordinary journey. During your stay, you can climb the world's third-highest volcano, enjoy natural pools and volcanic sand beaches, attend world-renowned cultural events, have fun at Siam Park… The list goes on—you won't have time to get bored in Tenerife.
What to Know About Tenerife
Tenerife is a volcanic island located in the Atlantic Ocean. With an area of 2,036 km², it is considered the largest island in the archipelago. It is also Spain's highest point (3,718 metres at Mount Teide) and the second-most populated city in the Canaries.
Tenerife's capital is Santa Cruz, which shares the seat of the Canary Islands government with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The island of Tenerife has two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Teide National Park and San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
Discovering Attractions and Tourist Sites in Tenerife
Charming Cities to Explore
During a stay in Tenerife, take time to wander through lovely towns and picturesque villages. Each town has its own character, but they are all very colourful. San Cristóbal de la Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava… are authentic cities that will delight you.
Parks to Explore
Tenerife boasts remarkable natural parks. Among the most famous, Teide National Park welcomes millions of visitors each year. Beyond its rich biodiversity, you'll discover the world's third-highest volcano. Less well-known than Teide National Park, Corona Forestal Natural Park also offers various hiking trails on foot or by mountain bike. Set at altitude, the rural park of Anaga is also worth a visit. Here you'll find black volcanic sand beaches, steep cliffs and abundant Laurel Forest. Located in eastern Tenerife, don't miss the Ethnographic Park of the Güímar Pyramids. As its name suggests, the park houses a museum dedicated to pyramids around the world. Within this park, the garden has organised its plants by theme.
Beautiful Beaches Await
A stay in Tenerife would not be complete without a relaxing day at the beach. Lucky for you, the island is surrounded by white sand and black lava beaches, waiting for you. Here are some of them:
- Playa Jardín, Puerto de la Cruz
- Playa de Benijo, Taganana, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Playa del Bollullo, La Orotava
- Playa de Las Vistas, Arona
- Playa de los Gigantes, Santiago del Teide
- Playa de las Teresitas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Playa de la Tejita, El Médano
- Playa de Los Cristianos
Natural Pools of Stunning Beauty
Following lava flows, many natural pools (called "Charcos" by locals) have appeared throughout Tenerife. Grab your swimming bag and head to the pools:
- Natural pool of El Caletón de Garachico
- Natural pool at Los Abrigos
- Charco del Viento
- Charco de la Laja
- Natural pool of Los Abrigos
- Natural pool of Maret
A Variety of Activities to Choose From
Fun activities to let loose in Tenerife are plentiful. Whale watching is one of travellers' favourite pastimes. The south-western coast of the island is the best place to observe these magnificent mammals as they gather in large numbers. Dolphins are visible throughout the year, but the species change with the season.
And the adventure continues at Siam Park, Europe's largest water park. Those seeking an adrenaline rush will be satisfied, as the park offers many thrilling challenges. Hold your breath and attempt a totally mind-blowing toboggan slide while grazing past a pond filled with sharks.
Attend the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival
If your trip to Tenerife falls in February, you'll be invited to the famous Santa Cruz Carnival. It's the world's second most famous carnival after Rio de Janeiro's. During this period, Tenerife's streets come alive. Thousands of visitors flock to the island to join in the various festivities. Be prepared for this grand occasion. Don't forget to bring masks, colourful costumes and wigs if you have them.
Plane is the fastest way to get there. Tenerife is connected to the other Canaries and the rest of the world via two airports:
- Tenerife North Airport (Aeropuerto de Tenerife Norte) or Los Rodeos Airport is located in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, less than 30 minutes from Santa Cruz. It mainly handles inter-island flights.
- Tenerife South Airport (Aeropuerto de Tenerife Sur) or Reina Sofía International Airport is one of Spain's largest. It's the main airport on the island and can accommodate international flights.
Comfortable and more economical, the ferry is another option to consider. You can dock at the port of Santa Cruz in the north-east or disembark at the one in Los Cristianos, in the south-west. To get around the island, you can rent a car or motorcycle that suits your travel plans. If you prefer public transport, you'll have plenty of options.
When to Visit?
Eternal spring is only true in Tenerife, where sunshine is present for much of the year. On average, temperatures range between 21°C and 29°C. It can drop to 17°C in February, even as low as 10°C at night. August is considered the hottest month, with temperatures reaching 30°C during this period. Rainfall on the island is low, with precipitation generally recorded in December.
Attractions in Tenerife

Massif d'Anaga
Le massif d'Anaga occupe la pointe nord-est de Tenerife et culmine à 1 024 mètres à la Cruz de Taborno. Classé réserve de biosphère par l'UNESCO en juin 2015

Parc National de Teide
Le Parc national du Teide occupe le centre de l'île de Tenerife, autour du stratovolcan Teide-Pico Viejo qui culmine à 3 718 m.
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