Tenerife is one of the most popular Spanish destinations for a reason. It's got something for everyone, whether you're travelling as a family, a couple or as a group of friends. There are many reasons to visit Tenerife; and this captivating album includes the seven best of them.
1. Dolphin Watching from Puerto Colon
Visit Tenerife, one of the top destinations in the world where you can see dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. Up to 21 different species pass through the waters of the Canary Island, including bottlenose dolphins, spinner dolphins and pilot whales. Sperm whales and even a blue whale have been spotted on rare occasions too.
The best way to experience this phenomenon is by catamaran. On some vessels, you can enjoy lunch and a bar on board, as well as the knowledge of experienced crew who teach you about the species and local conservation efforts.
2. Explore Teide National Park
A world heritage site and the most visited national park in all of Europe, Mount Teide is a canvas of jaw-dropping scenery. A steep, winding road escorts you through lush forested areas, before opening up to acres of volcanic rock, twisted into unique formations.
The many rock clusters are ripe for exploration and beautiful flowers grow in the area. Visitors can take a cable car to the very peak of the mountain. From here you can see the surrounding islands of the Canaries.
3. Lunch in Masca Village
Just an hours' drive from Mount Teide, the beautiful Masca Village sits overlooking a breath-taking valley. The journey there, a steep climb full of windy roads that overlook a perilous drop, will seem like a distant memory once you reach the picturesque village.
Masca is made up of scattered residences and a stretch of road that features a couple of restaurants, shops and a church. The valley has its own microclimate and its vibrant flora and fauna are everywhere, particularly when you trek to the very bottom. If trekking isn't your thing, you could always enjoy homemade tapas on the terrace of a restaurant.
4. Visit a Banana Plantation
When you're visiting Tenerife, we understand visiting a banana plantation may not be high on your list, but hear us out.
Finca El Lomo is just one example of a working banana plantation that is open to the public if booked ahead of time. The plantation is off the beaten track and is often used for corporate and wedding events because of its unique, tropical climate and appearance. Here you can learn how the bananas are grown and cared for, as well as the banana production process.
5. Water-themed fun at Siam Park
The Thai-themed aquatic playground is a giant complex of water-based rides, restaurant and shops. From the excitement of the 28-metre tall Tower of Power slide, to the relaxed flow of the Mai Thai River there is something for everyone to enjoy. The park is in the resort of Playa de las Americas, but the park does offer a free bus service with pick up and drop off points.
6. Nightlife in Playa de las Americas
Playa de las Americas is the nightlife capital of Tenerife, full of clubbing venues and cabaret and karaoke bars. Much of the nightlife is centred in the Veronica's strip, where punters party until sunrise. Drinks are generally cheaper than other party destinations like Ibiza.
7. Discover San Cristobel de la Laguna
The city of Cristobel de la Laguna is in the northern part of the island and was the first city to be established in the Canary Islands. The city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999 and is considered to be the cultural capital of the Canary Islands.
The old town has many churches and historic buildings to discover, as well as tapas bars and hidden courtyards laden with colourful plants. As you visit Tenerife, your sight-seeing adventure will be incomplete without stopping at this culturally-rich old town.
