There are SO many activities to do on the island of Tenerife. I love number 9, so here, I introduce you to my top 9 must-do activities on the island.
1. Walk – hiking
Walking can be done in many places throughout the island, with a vast variety of scenery and difficulty. I’d say go on the registered trails, as some can be dangerous to do by oneself without guidance. Also, please do not go alone, bring enough water, and follow the local recommendations. And, of course – enjoy!! 🙂
This is me a few years back, on the peak of Spain, on the island of Tenerife. Such an incredible, recommended hike – one of my most favorite ever. You get to an altitude of almost four thousand meters! It is also a super accessible hike, both getting to the trail, and moving between the mountain and the ocean shore. Imagine this: the same morning I was at the top of El Teide wearing my snow gear, I was sailing in my swimwear on the South coast.
2. Go underwater – diving/ freediving/ snorkeling
I know, I know… this is not one but a group of activities… Whichever you choose, you need to explore the underwater life, the bottom of the Tenerife waters and its unique and endemic species. Please, do respect the fauna and flora around you – remember that you are the visitor; and apply the basic safety on all underwater activities, always going with a buddy and with the proper certification. Enjoy, being safe!
I am a lover of the underwater world, and am passionate about these three sport disciplines. Are you in Tenerife and want to learn how to dive? Leave your comment below! I’ll teach you!* [click here to dive with me!]
If you dive, please bring your diver ID, diver insurance, and make sure you have a dive buddy! (Also, if you need to know where to rent your material or book a nice dive, drop me a comment below!*).
If you freedive, Tenerife will also be your paradise. International freediving championships are held each year on this Atlantic island, home of Apnea Academy West Europe, which welcomes Umberto Pelizzari each year.
If you are keen to explore without getting too extreme, you can enjoy snorkeling! We have plenty of safe beaches and crystal clear spots to catch sight of the world below the surface. Check out this video of one of my most favorite organized adventures on the island!
3. Get under land – speleology
Tenerife is home to some of the most amazing volcanic tubes in the World, and specifically to the longest one in Europe. Globally, it is only outstripped by some in the Hawaii islands. Visiting Cueva del Viento is a great approach to vulcanology, a magnificent way to get to know the island to its core. 🙂
4. Navigate the skies – paragliding
In Tenerife, there are several spots to jump from and go paragliding. To the one who has never tried, I must say, it is an experience like no other. The nervousness one gets before jumping absolutely disappears once the feet are off the ground and you let yourself go. Suddenly, a feeling of tranquility and peace surrounds your body as you see the skies before you and the land under your feet. Tenerife is definitely a place to navigate the skies, be it for the first time, or one more to add to the check-list.
(More adventure in the heights: Forestal Park Tenerife, at night!)
5. Taste – gastronomy
Canarian food is something Canarians are very proud of, and we have strong reasons to be!! 🙂 Well, if you like eating and appreciate trying new flavors, that is! There are many dishes that are worth trying. Please, do so with the locals, in a Canarian restaurant, or in an authentic guachinche (a place where food is served, with a homey environment and similar to, although not-so-much, a restaurant).
6. Observe the stars – astronomy
Being home to some of the best skies in the world*, the amazing firmament can be clearly viewed from many spots on the island. My favorite best is the National Park of El Teide. From up there, the Milky Way and wonderful constellations can be easily spotted throughout most of the year. Many tinerfeños (demonym for people from Tenerife) enjoy the Perseids Meteor Shower roughly every month of August, when el Llano de Ucanca becomes the playground for the night: Night photography at its best! 
*The Canary Islands are recognized as some of the best sky friendly and sky accessible locations in the world. They are one of the three best spots in the world to observe the sky, together with the Hawaii Islands and Chile. Also in these three locations, observatories are found, as well as the world giant telescopes. The island of La Palma holds the world’s largest single-aperture optical telescope, famous GranTeCan, Gran Telescopio de Canarias or GTC, of which Canarians also take pride.
7. Capture the beauty that surrounds you – photography
When you’re a photography lover, you seek opportunities to embrace the beauty that surrounds you, be it landscape, be it people, be it Nature. In Tenerife you have the chance to practice your skills and to be involved with the environment that will undoubtedly welcome you and make you want to stay for longer.
8. Slide on the water – kayaking/ surfing
Tenerife is home for international championships of many sports, amongst them, surfing. Apart from this, it is not only perfect for surfing and bodyboarding, but also for kayaking when/ where the Ocean waves are calmer. From Puerto de la Cruz or El Socorro in the North of the island, to Las Américas or El Médano in the South, waves show their sensual moves to excited surfers. And in places like Los Gigantes, the ocean remains peaceful to attract sliders to enjoy the coastline and even crystal clear waters. If you like the ocean, this is definitely your island of choice!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUVacrWj2x_/
(Check out the best surf spots on the island HERE!)
9. Immerse yourself in the culture/ museums/ events
As a person who loves to immerse herself in the culture when traveling or moving to a new place, I will always recommend to adapt and go local, do as the locals do, respectfully observing or even joining their celebrations when possible (and being thankful when being welcomed as one). Learn from the inside, spend time with locals, learn about their history, their music, attend important events.
In Tenerife, you’ll find a wide offer of events, specific for the region or national and even international ones. Definitely visit the museums, the auditorium… and make yourself be interested in learning (even attending!) the Bailes de Magos, checking out the Carnaval (second biggest carnival in the world) at least for a day, or Las Fiestas de Mayo, amongst others.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUSxywyjudu/
What do you think of my list?
If you have any questions, want to Try Scuba Diving, rent some scuba material, get any recommendations on any bookings, please, write your comment below! I am here to help!!
Now: enjoy, immerse yourself, respect the environment and customs, and come back for more! 🙂
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What a list! Makes me excited to come explore Tenerife and all the activities it offers
Yey! That is the effect we’re looking for, aye! 🙂
Damn! This is good!
Thanks for the list. You got a new fan here!
You are very welcome! And thank you for your comment! 🙂
Preciosas fotos! Todos los planes que tengan al Teide presente, son mis favoritos!
¡Gracias!
Y sí… 🙂 El Padre Teide ❤️
Ohhh ❤️ this is a good list! I agree, the possibilities are endless and diverse here for most anyone (maybe not skiing ⛷❄️). I am missing a few activities on my «✔️Have done list», so I’ll keep these in mind ❤️
Thanks girl!
Yey! 🙂 They are endless indeed! I am glad you got some new ideas to add to your to-do list! 😉
You’re more than welcome!
Thank you for your comment!:)
It is in fact one of my most favorite activities to do on the island!!