Tenerife is the largest of Spain’s Canary islands and a popular destination for us Brits. With it’s year long sun and picturesque landscape it’s no wonder people come to Tenerife to escape the British weather.
While most come to Tenerife to relax and soak up the sun, there are so many amazing outdoor activities to do in Tenerife. If you like to keep active on your trips you will love Tenerife! This post is to help show all the amazing things you can do in Tenerife and inspire you to visit this incredible island.
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Where is Tenerife?
Tenerife is one of seven islands that make up the Canary Islands, part of the Spanish territory. Situated 200 miles off the west coast of Africa, Tenerife is triangular in shape and is dominated by Mount Teide positioned in the centre of the island.
Things to do in Tenerife
1. Hiking
The volcanic island of Tenerife is definitely an exciting area for hiking. The difference in climate and wildlife between the north and south of the island is incredible. You can go hiking on several different days of your trip and your hikes will be different from the previous hike.
The hiking trails are not walking distance from the popular holiday resorts so the easiest ways to get to the trails is to rent a car or go on an organised tour. If you’re looking for a cheaper option there are local buses running to the start of the popular hiking trails. Make sure to check the timetable online first though.
READ: Hiking in Anaga, Tenerife
2. Snorkeling
As well as breath taking landscapes to enjoy, Tenerife has a whole world underwater waiting to be explored. Lucky snorkelers may even spot an ocean turtle. These incredible animals can be found very close to the coast and have been known to be your companion while you snorkel.
While you can go snorkelling almost all of the coast of Tenerife, the best spots are El Puertito, Faro de la Rasca, Playa de las Vistas, Playa de las Arenas and Playa del Duque.
3. Scuba Diving
If you’re looking to explore deeper into Tenerife’s waters, scuba diving is the best way to do this. While Tenerife won’t offer colourful coral reefs, what they do offer are impressive dive sites with an abundant of marine life. In fact, Tenerife is a rare spot where you can easily spot Angel Sharks.
If you’re an advanced diver you’ll be spoilt for choice with some fantastic dive spots in Tenerife. There are plenty of dive sites where you can swim through caves and visit ship wrecks.
If you’re new to diving don’t panic as there are plenty of entry level dives sites across the island. If you’re completely new to diving there are plenty of places where you can take the open divers course.
READ: Scuba Diving in Tenerife
4. Wine Tasting
While a lot of visitors are surprised to learn this, Tenerife actually produces some excellent quality wine. In fact, wine making in the Canaries goes all the way back to the 15th century when grapevines were brought over from Crete.
Tenerife is the largest producer of wine of the Canary Islands with about 8,000 hectares of vineyards across the island. There are even several grape varieties grown that are completely unique to the island of Tenerife.
If you’re looking to get out and enjoy the sun and want to learn more about Tenerife’s wine making history, a tour of a local vineyard will be a perfect day trip for you.
5. Surfing
The coastline of Tenerife is 400km long which means there are plenty of suitable areas for surfing. Along the popular beaches you’ll find plenty of surf shops for renting boards and schools if you’re new to surfing and want to take lessons.
Probably the most popular spot for surfers is La Izquierda, right in the heart of Playa de las Américas. Another popular spot is the laid-back town of El Medano. Of course, if you want to find the more secluded areas to surf you can rent a car to get away from the crowds.
6. Cycling
Tenerife is such an amazing location for cycling and mountain biking and has become increasingly popular for both professional and amateur cyclists. Tenerife has become a popular training destination for many of the Tour de France contenders who come for altitude training.
The island of Tenerife is just as popular for people who just want a stunning location for a gentle day of cycling.
7. Siam Park
Definitely one of the best family friendly things to do in Tenerife is a visit to Siam Park, a water park located in the town of Adeje. Siam Park is spread across four acres meaning this water kingdom has a variety of rides and attractions to keep everyone happy.
The more adventurous should head for the Tower of Power, a vertical 28 metres drop which will slide you through to an area with sharks and stingrays. Of course there are plenty of gentler water rides too if this doesn’t appeal to you. Plus they also have Sea Lion Island if you’d prefer to sit back and watch sea lions swim and play.
8. Paragliding
With it’s beautiful and diverse landscape, Tenerife is the perfect location for paragliding. You can explore the island from a different angle while you fly over the summits, volcanoes and coast line.
With good flying conditions during both the summer and winter months you wouldn’t want to miss out on the stunning aerial views you’ll experience.
9. Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) has become increasingly popular and can be a great way to have some fun in the water and explore the coastal areas. The great thing about stand up paddling is that it can be learnt quickly and is suitable for the whole family.
10. Mini Golf
A great way to be active in the evenings is to enjoy a round of mini golf. Of course mini golf can be enjoyed in the day time too!
Paraque Santiago is a well designed mini golf course and is situated in the popular Playa de las Americas. Surrounded in an exotic cactus garden, they offer two 18 hole courses and one 9 hole course.
When to Visit Tenerife
Hopefully this post has inspired you to want to book a trip to Tenerife and the great thing about Tenerife is that it makes a great holiday destination all year around. Even as late as November and December the sun is glorious and the temperature is warm enough that you can still swim in the ocean.
The summer season runs from May to October where the temperature reaches around 24°C to 29°C. During the winter months of November to April the temperature still reaches to around 21°C to 24°C.
This post is part of a paid campaign to promote the Balearic and Canary Islands, as part of their #SpanishIslands Campaign. Although all views are my own and I have not been instructed what to include.
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