Is Tenerife Worth Visiting? 12 Great Reasons to Visit!
Is Tenerife worth visiting?
It’s probably one of the questions that come to mind when you hear so many people talking about how good their holiday to Tenerife was.
I thought the same, but I can confirm that Tenerife is worth a visit. I fell in love with this island!
Its breathtaking landscapes, mild weather all year round, delicious traditional food and atmosphere make it a favourite destination.
But there are more reasons to visit Tenerife, and I’m going to tell you all of them.
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Overview of “Is it worth going to Tenerife?”
Here are the top reasons why you should visit this Spanish island:
- The diverse landscapes
- El Teide National Park
- The beautiful coastline
- Its mouthwatering food
- Its historical buildings and culture
- Its amazing family-friendly attractions like Siam Park
12 Reasons to visit Tenerife
1. The diverse climate
One of the reasons why people choose Tenerife is the weather.
If you live in a cold and rainy place and want to escape winter, you can do so by travelling to Tenerife.
If you want a summer holiday, Tenerife is fantastic too. Although it’s warm, the temperatures are more manageable than in the south of Spain.
However, I learned during my trip to Tenerife that there are up to 28 microclimates across the island.
It can be sunny and warm in the south, rainy in the north, and there might be snow near Mount Teide. It’s amazing.
Due to these microclimates, Tenerife has completely different landscapes from one side to another side of the island. You can find diverse plants and animals in different locations.
Lush green colours predominate in the north of Tenerife, whereas desert-like landscapes are more common in the south.
2. The wide variety of beaches
Did you know Tenerife has incredible beaches?
Being an island, you can expect a wide variety of beaches to choose from.
You can find black sand beaches, like Playa Jardin in Puerto de la Cruz, whose sand is black because of the El Teide volcano.
However, you can also enjoy golden sand beaches like Playas de las Teresitas in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Tenerife’s coastline is spectacular, and you’ll be amazed by its beauty and uniqueness. Each beach offers a different experience. Whether you want a quiet or busy beach near the city, Tenerife has it all.
Surf the waves, soak up the sun or go on a scenic hiking trail to admire the cliffs and rock formations.
3. It has one of the best waterparks in Europe
Tenerife is home to the biggest water park in Europe.
Siam Park is among Tenerife’s most visited attractions, which isn’t surprising.
This water park has all sorts of slides, pools and other fun attractions to keep you entertained all day.
If you love a bit of adrenaline, you must go to attractions like Kinnaree and the famous Tower of Power.
The latter is a 28-metre-high water slide in which you’ll pass through an impressive aquarium with sharks and rays.
Siam Park also offers family-friendly attractions and a relaxing area like the Champagne Club, where you can lay in comfortable Balinese beds and sip a glass of champagne.
4. It’s heaven for nature lovers
Why Tenerife? One of the reasons I could easily return to Tenerife is the natural landscapes. If I had more time, I would have taken a road trip across Tenerife, so that’s next on my list when I’m back.
I think it’s the best way to discover the natural beauty of Tenerife! Each landscape offers a unique experience.
The Teide National Park is the most popular as it has the biggest volcano on the island, El Teide. And as magical as El Teide is, there are other enchanting natural parks and protected spaces.
Another unmissable location for nature lovers is Anaga Natural Park. One of the best hiking trails in this park is Sendero de los Sentidos (Trail of the Senses).
A beautiful forest route which is accessible to everyone, including travellers with disabilities, and it immerses you in nature.
5. It has the second-best carnival in the world
If you love carnival, you won’t be disappointed by visiting Tenerife.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife hosts the second-best carnival in the world every February and attracts people from around the world. The capital is the carnival epicentre, but celebrations occur in different locations across the island too.
Expect lively parades with locals wearing unique fancy dresses and make-up, upbeat music and fun attractions.
You’ll be amazed how some people wear heavy costumes (some of them can weigh up to 100 kilograms!)
However, wearing these costumes can be worth it. Locals get very serious about the main carnival competition because they will receive amazing prizes if they’re given the title of “Reina del Carnaval” (the Queen of Carnival).
Join the locals and have a fantastic time during the carnival in Tenerife.
6. Stargazing is truly amazing
With numerous natural spaces, Tenerife is a great place to stargaze.
There are companies that offer stargazing tours in different locations on the island.
However, if you don’t have much time and want the best place to watch the stars, go to El Teide. It has amazing viewpoints, perfect weather conditions, and you feel immersed in nature.
The best time for stargazing in Tenerife is the first two weeks of August because there are high chances of seeing shooting starts. However, this is an activity that you can do all year round.
This fantastic Teide stargazing tour offers a delicious Canarian meal on your way to El Teide, and then you stop to watch the sunset and learn all about night sky observation.
7. The food is delicious
When thinking of Canarian cuisine, patatas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) is the first dish that comes to mind. They’re served alongside green and red mojo sauces with many meals.
Despite these delicious potatoes that are a must-try, there are many other delicious traditional dishes in Tenerife and the Canary Islands.
Fish is another star ingredient in Tenerife. Surrounded by the sea, it isn’t a surprise. Cherne is one of the most typical fish.
But if you visit the mountainside, you’ll also find hearty stews, like ropa vieja (chickpea and meat stew), and meat dishes like carne de cabra compuesta (goat stew).
Last but not least, Tenerife has numerous traditional desserts, such as bienmesabe, and its famous coffee, called barraquito, a coffee made with milk, condensed milk, Licor 43 and cinnamon.
8. The Mount Teide
There’s no visit to Tenerife without seeing El Teide.
The truth is you can see El Teide from different locations across the island.
However, it is worth going to El Teide National Park, which features the Teide-Pico Viejo Mount, the highest peak in Spain and one of the tallest volcanic structures in the world.
El Teide has such a particular setting and landscape that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the 12 Treasures of Spain.
There are fantastic things to do in Teide National Park – from going on the cable car to enjoy the views of the volcano and hiking to paragliding and stargazing.
9. It’s a paradise for surfers
Do you like surfing? You’ll love Tenerife. It’s a fantastic destination to surf all year round and one of the best surfing spots in Europe, alongside Tarifa (Cadiz).
Whether you’ve never surfed in your life or have some experience, there are great surf schools in Tenerife, and most of them will always take you to the quieter spots and at the best times
Some of the best spots in Tenerife South are Playa de la Tejita, La Izquierda and La Fitenia, whilst if you’re looking for the best places to surf in Tenerife North, go to Bajamar and El Arenal.
10. It’s rich in culture
Before heading to Tenerife, I didn’t know much about its culture because you don’t often hear about it. Everyone knows Tenerife for its amazing weather, beaches and Teide volcano.
However, taking a tour with a local guide made me realise there is so much history and culture behind Tenerife, and if you have the time, I recommend taking a tour because it’s the best way to learn about it.
There are plenty of historic buildings that tell you about the Guanches, the indigenous inhabitants of Tenerife and the Canary Islands, and the influences from South America and other parts of the world.
One of the best places to learn about Tenerife is San Cristóbal de la Laguna, a city near Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and used to be the former capital of the island.
Another must-see place in Tenerife for history buffs is Orotava, one of the oldest towns in the Canary Islands.
11. Tenerife is home to beautiful villages
Off-the-beaten-track destinations often offer a more authentic experience, and they can also have interesting and historical buildings that are worth checking out.
Tenerife has several towns and villages with incredible buildings rich in history and breathtaking landscapes.
If you’re into nature and hiking, head to Masca. It’s one of my favourite places on the island. You won’t believe the landscape is hundred per cent natural and not human. This place resembles Machu Picchu, and it’s truly a hidden gem.
If you’re into history, go to Orotava. The streets of Orotava are home to several historic buildings, including Casa de los Balcones, a beautiful museum that showcases Canarian architecture and art. You can walk into the building and see how previous generations used to live.
12. Its lively atmosphere
The last but not least reason to visit Tenerife is its vibrant atmosphere.
You’ll always find a fantastic atmosphere if you visit cities like Santa Cruz de Tenerife or Puerto de la Cruz. Expect live music on the streets and locals eating in outdoor terraces enjoying the sunshine, and the nightlife doesn’t disappoint either.
On top of this, Tenerife becomes even more lively with the carnival or other traditional events such as Fiestas de la Candelaria, Alfombras del Corpus and Baile de Las Libreas, which take place every year.
DON’T MISS OUT ON THESE THINGS TO DO IN TENERIFE
- Check out this Mount Teide tour and cable car ticket with transfer.
- Book tickets to Siam Park, one of the best water parks in Europe.
- Visit the enchanting towns of Garachico and Masca on this private tour.
Frequently asked questions about Tenerife
What’s so special about Tenerife?
The natural landscapes, food and culture make Tenerife a fantastic destination for all travellers.
Is Tenerife a good holiday destination?
Yes! Tenerife is a good holiday destination for all travellers. The island has warm weather, breathtaking landscapes, black and golden sand beaches, historical buildings and fantastic family-friendly attractions.
How many days do you need in Tenerife?
You’ll need a minimum of 5 days in Tenerife. However, if you want to see the main attractions and relax, 7 to 9 days is perfect.
What are the downsides of Tenerife?
There aren’t many downsides to visiting Tenerife. However, if you want to visit different cities across Spain in a short time, it isn’t the best place to go since it’s apart from Spain’s mainland.
Conclusion: Is Tenerife worth visiting?
Yes, Tenerife is worth visiting. You’ll love the island for many reasons, including its breathtaking landscapes, sunny and warm weather, and culture.
No matter what time of the year you go to Tenerife, you’re ensured a fantastic time on the island.
Depending on your preferred activities, you can have different experiences, from hiking in El Teide or Anaga Natural Park to sunbathing in Costa Adeje.
After your first visit to Tenerife, I can guarantee you’ll want to return. Whether you stay for a long weekend or seven days, there’s so much to uncover and do on the island.
If you have questions about Tenerife, drop them below, and I’ll happily answer them.
Safe adventures,
Cristina x
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Things to do before travelling to Tenerife
- Compare and book the cheapest flights to TFS Airport with Skyscanner
- Book accommodation in Puerto de la Cruz with Booking.com
- Check out fantastic day trips in Tenerife with Get Your Guide
- Rent a car in Tenerife. This is the best way to get around the island.
- Get travel insurance for your trip. SafetyWing offers flexible and affordable health and travel insurance.
