More about: Tenerife in 7 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit
There are thousands of tourist and family-friendly entertainment options in the Canary Islands, and a large proportion of these activities take place in Tenerife, the largest and most populous island in the archipelago. The best things to see and do in Tenerife are spread across the north and south, so planning an itinerary is more of a necessity than a suggestion. This 7-day itinerary will allow you to efficiently explore all the island’s must-see spots.
Day 1: Start your trip in the north of the island
The north-east of Tenerife is home to the capital and is characterised by its green and rugged landscapes. This first day will be the perfect introduction to the island’s natural and urban contrasts.
Wander the streets of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz is the capital and most populous city in the archipelago. During your visit, don’t miss its modern architecture, such as the Adán Martín Auditorium, or its historic gems, such as the Church of the Immaculate Conception and the Museum of Nature and Man.
Continue the day with a visit to La Laguna
Nearby lies San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a city designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its historic centre is ideal for exploring on foot, discovering squares such as the Plaza del Adelantado and museums such as the Museum of History and Anthropology.
Take the old road to Pico del Inglés
From La Laguna, take the TF-12 road to drive through the Anaga Rural Park. A turn-off will take you to the Pico del Inglés viewpoint, one of Tenerife’s most photogenic spots thanks to its lush vegetation.
Drive to Las Teresitas for a lovely sunset
Round off the day at Las Teresitas Beach, famous for its almost 2 km of white sand. Enjoy a swim and dinner by the sea in the picturesque village of San Andrés before heading back via the TF-11 road.
Day 2: Visit Puerto de la Cruz and the surrounding area
The second day is dedicated to the tourist north of Tenerife, home to Puerto de la Cruz, one of Spain’s first tourist-oriented towns.
Start the day at the Cruz de la Atalaya viewpoint
Very close to Puerto de la Cruz, this viewpoint offers a spectacular panoramic view to start the day. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy the sunrise before continuing your journey along the TF-21.
Explore the stately architecture of La Orotava
Known as the ‘town of balconies’, La Orotava is home to stately houses with timber-framed structures. Don’t miss the Victoria Gardens or the famous Casa de Los Balcones, now a museum.
Spend the afternoon at Loro Parque
Loro Parque is one of the world’s most renowned zoos. With exhibits featuring penguins, gorillas, pandas and dolphins, it combines education and family entertainment in a beautifully maintained setting.
Watch the sunset at Playa de Los Roques
Round off the day with a magical sunset at Los Roques Beach, a sandless cove sheltered by rock formations that create a unique landscape. Access it from the car park via a short footpath.
Day 3: Explore the cliffs on the north-western side
This day is dedicated to the spectacular scenery of cliffs and scenic roads in the north-west of Tenerife.
Head to Punta Teno Lighthouse
Start the day at Punta de Teno, the westernmost point of the island. There you can go for a swim and enjoy the views from the lighthouse or from nearby viewpoints such as Punta del Frailete.
Explore the Teno Natural Park
Drive along the TF-436 and pass through villages such as El Palmar, Las Lagunetas and Masca. These villages are ideal for stopping off, having breakfast and buying local crafts whilst enjoying spectacular views.
Marvel at the grandeur of Los Gigantes
The cliffs of Los Gigantes are one of Tenerife’s greatest natural attractions. You can admire them from the Port of Los Gigantes or take a catamaran trip to combine the view with whale watching.
Take a dip in the natural pool at the Los Gigantes cliffs
Round off the day at the natural pool known as Charco de Isla Cangrejo, a saltwater pool formed by rocks, perfect for relaxing at sunset.
Day 4: Go on a beach tour
It’s time to spend a whole day enjoying the most famous beaches in the south of Tenerife, combining leisure, shopping and water sports.
Explore the Golden Mile
Start the day with some shopping on the Golden Mile, an avenue lined with hotels, restaurants and shopping centres, located in Playa de Las Américas.
Spend the morning at Los Cristianos Beach
This beach is ideal for swimming thanks to its gentle waves. You could also head to Las Vistas Beach or take a stroll along the seafront promenade. It’s one of the best things to see or do with children in Tenerife.
Visit Costa Adeje Beach
Costa Adeje is an area full of resorts and beaches such as Fañabé and El Bobo. Whale-watching trips in Tenerife set off from here, in case you missed out on the experience at Los Gigantes.
Go for a jet-ski ride in Puerto Colón
Round off the day in Puerto Colón, where you can hire jet skis for an adrenaline-fuelled adventure. What’s more, its proximity to La Pinta Beach makes it an excellent spot to relax.
Day 5: Spend your day exploring the wonders of Mount Teide
Teide is Spain’s highest peak and one of the country’s most spectacular natural parks. This day is set aside entirely for exploring its volcanic landscape.
Discover the island’s astronomical observatory
Start your tour of Mount Teide by visiting the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics Observatory, the world’s largest solar observatory.
Take the beautiful cable car up Mount Teide
From the cable car base station, take the cable car up to the summit. Once there, you can go for a hike or simply enjoy the views from the viewpoint. There’s a restaurant at the base station where you can have lunch.
Try hugging the ‘Pino Gordo’ on your way down the mountain
On your way down, stop off at the ‘Pino Gordo’, a huge Canarian pine, and the ‘Pino de las dos Pernadas’, both natural landmarks of the area. They form part of the typical itinerary for excursions to Mount Teide.
Enjoy a unique dinner at San Miguel Castle
Round off the day at San Miguel Castle with a medieval show and themed dinner. It’s a fun experience for the whole family.
Day 6: Explore Güímar and the surrounding area
Explore the south-eastern part of the island, where Güímar and its nearby villages offer history, nature and culture.
Visit the Pyramids of Güímar
The Pyramids of Güímar are structures made of volcanic rock that form part of an ethnographic museum. There, you’ll learn about Tenerife’s pre-Hispanic past and its biodiversity.
Go on a hiking excursion through the Malpaís de Güímar
Follow a trail through the Malpaís de Güímar Special Nature Reserve, a volcanic landscape featuring endemic flora and unique scenery. You can walk all the way to the sea through ancient lava fields.
Explore La Candelaria and Punta Larga
Visit the Basilica of La Candelaria, a pilgrimage site, and the town of Punta Larga. Both offer volcanic beaches and dining options to round off the day.
Day 7: Leave the island for a short excursion
On your last day in Tenerife, consider a trip to a nearby island to round off your holiday with a new adventure.
Travel to La Gomera from Tenerife, just as Columbus did
From Los Cristianos or Puerto de la Cruz, you can take a day trip to La Gomera, including visits to Garajonay National Park and San Sebastián. Daily day trips to La Gomera from Tenerife
Choose to visit the smallest island in the Canary Islands
Another option is to visit El Hierro, the smallest inhabited island in the archipelago. On these day trips from Tenerife, you’ll discover viewpoints, nature reserves and hidden gems such as the Roques de Salmor.