Tenerife's Best Things to Do
Discover Tenerife's most exciting experiences! Water parks, zoos, boat trips, hiking adventures, water sports, and evening shows – discover the best experiences to make your holiday truly unforgettable.
Tenerife's Best Things to Do
Tenerife offers countless unforgettable experiences beyond its beautiful landscapes. From world-famous water parks and zoos to exciting boat trips, water sports, and evening shows, there is something for everyone. We've collected the island's best experiences to help you make the most of your holiday and make sure you don't miss a thing.
Choose a Category
Discover Tenerife's world-famous water parks and zoos, where the whole family can enjoy unforgettable experiences.
Whale watching, dolphin trips, catamaran cruises, jet skiing, scuba diving, and other water adventures along Tenerife's spectacular coastline.
Teide cable car, hiking trails, quad tours, kayaking, and other outdoor adventures for nature lovers.
Spectacular shows, local festivals, concerts, and cultural events that make Tenerife's evenings even more special.
Featured Activities
Park
Europe's Best Water Park
Siam Park in Costa Adeje is considered one of the best water parks in the world for good reason. Its Thai-inspired surroundings, spectacular slides, huge wave pool, and lush tropical gardens attract visitors of all ages. With experiences for everyone, it is a perfect choice for families, couples, and groups of friends.
- Location: Costa Adeje
- Recommended time: Full day
- Getting there: By car, on foot, or even by free bus
- Recommended for: Families, couples, and groups of friends
- Entry: Paid
- Tip: Arrive at opening time to enjoy the most popular slides with shorter waiting times.
Parque
One of the World's Best Zoos
Located in Puerto de la Cruz, Loro Parque is one of Tenerife's most famous attractions and is consistently ranked among the world's best zoos. The park offers an unforgettable experience with impressive animal exhibits, exotic species, beautifully designed tropical gardens, and one of the world's largest parrot collections.
- Location: Puerto de la Cruz
- Recommended time: Full day
- Access: By car or bus
- Recommended for: Families, animal lovers, and visitors of all ages
- Entry: Paid
- Tip: If you visit Siam Park as well, consider buying a combined ticket to save money and visit both parks.
Jungle Park
Adventure and Exotic Animals in One Place
Jungle Park, located in the south of Tenerife near Arona, is a unique zoo with a jungle-like atmosphere, exotic animals, spectacular birds of prey shows, and lush vegetation. The park is home to tigers, orangutans, monkeys, and many other animals, while waterfalls and shaded paths make the visit even more enjoyable.
- Location: Arona
- Recommended time: 3–5 hours
- Access: By car or bus
- Recommended for: Families, animal lovers, and travellers with young children
- Entry: Paid
- Tip: Check the bird of prey show times when planning your visit, as these are among the park's most popular attractions.
More Water Parks & Zoos
If you're looking for more exciting activities in Tenerife, these parks are also worth adding to your list.
- Monkey Park
- Aqualand Costa Adeje
- Palmetum Santa Cruz
- Mariposario del Drago
- Camel Park
Boat Trips & Water Activities
Whale & Dolphin Watching Boat Trip
Tenerife's Most Famous Ocean Experience
Tenerife is one of the best places in the world for observing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Boat trips departing from the island's southern ports offer the chance to see several species of dolphins and pilot whales, often just a short distance from the boat. Tours depart from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, or Puerto Colón harbour, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
- Location: Ports of Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, and Puerto Colón
- Recommended time: 2–4 hours
- Access: By car or bus
- Recommended for: Families, couples, and nature lovers
- Entry: Paid
- Tip: The sea is usually calmer on morning tours, making the journey more comfortable and often offering better chances of spotting cetaceans.
Kayaking at the Los Gigantes Cliffs
One of Tenerife's Most Unique Ocean Adventures
The towering basalt cliffs of Los Gigantes rise dramatically from the sea, creating an impressive backdrop for a kayaking adventure. From the water, you can get a close-up view of these cliffs, which rise hundreds of metres above the ocean, while often spotting dolphins and sea turtles along the way. The crystal-clear water and spectacular scenery make this one of Tenerife's most popular active experiences.
- Location: Los Gigantes
- Recommended time: 2–3 hours
- Getting there: By car or bus
- Recommended for: Active travellers, couples, and groups of friends
- Entry: Paid
- Tip: Morning tours usually offer calmer seas, giving you a better chance of spotting sea turtles and dolphins.
Jet Ski Safari
Adrenaline and Freedom on the Open Sea
If you love speed and exciting experiences, a jet ski safari is a must-do activity in Tenerife. During guided tours along the island's southern coast, you can enjoy breathtaking views as you speed across the volcanic coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. Depending on the route, you may even spot dolphins or sea turtles in their natural habitat.
- Location: Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, and Las Américas
- Recommended time: 1–2 hours
- Getting there: Easily accessible by car or public transport, with tours departing from southern ports and beaches.
- Recommended for: Adventure seekers, couples, and groups of friends
- Entry: Paid
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Tip: Tip: If it's your first time riding a jet ski, choose a guided safari where the instructor shows you the best routes and you can enjoy the experience safely.
More Boat Trips & Water Activities
If you're looking for more ocean adventures, these activities are also worth adding to your Tenerife bucket list.
- Catamaran excursion
- Parasailing
- Scuba Diving
- Snorkelling
- Deep-sea fishing
Active Adventures & Hiking
Teide Cable Car
The Easiest Way to Reach Spain's Highest Point
The Teide Cable Car is one of Tenerife's most popular attractions, taking you up to an altitude of around 3,555 metres in just a few minutes. From the upper station, breathtaking panoramic views stretch across the volcanic landscapes of Teide National Park, and on clear days you can see several of the Canary Islands. The cable car is an ideal choice for those who want to experience the high mountains without a longer hike.
- Location: Teide National Park
- Recommended time: 2–4 hours
- Getting there: Easily accessible by car, with the lower station just a short walk from the parking areas. Organised tours and transfers are also available.
- Recommended for: Families, couples, nature lovers, and photographers
- Entry: Paid
- Tip: It is worth booking your ticket online in advance, as the cable car is popular and time slots often sell out several days ahead.
Masca Gorge Hike
One of Tenerife's Most Iconic Hiking Trails
The Masca Gorge hike is one of Tenerife's most famous and spectacular natural experiences. The trail starts in the small village of Masca and descends between steep cliffs towards the ocean. Along the way, breathtaking volcanic landscapes, unique vegetation, and panoramic views create an unforgettable experience, making this a true bucket-list adventure for nature lovers.
- Location: Masca, Teno Mountains
- Recommended time: 4–6 hours
- Access: By car or bus
- Recommended for: Hikers in good physical condition and nature lovers
- Entry: Paid (advance booking required)
- Tip: Advance online booking is mandatory, and you should always check whether the trail is open before setting off, as it may occasionally close due to weather or safety conditions.
Teide Quad Tour
Discover Teide on a Unique Adventure
A quad tour is one of the most exciting ways to explore Tenerife's volcanic landscapes. On guided tours, you'll ride along winding mountain roads, through pine forests, and across spectacular viewpoints around Teide National Park. There are plenty of stops along the way for photos, combining adrenaline with breathtaking panoramic views.
- Location: Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, and Los Cristianos
- Recommended time: 3–4 hours
- Access: By car or bus
- Recommended for: Couples, groups of friends, and adventure seekers
- Entry: Paid
- Tip: Bring warmer clothing, as the higher areas of Teide can be much cooler even in summer than the coast.
More Active Adventures & Hiking
If you love nature and active experiences, these activities are also worth trying in Tenerife.
- Anaga hiking trails
- Bike tours
- Paragliding
- Horse riding in nature
- Barranco del Infierno tour
Evening & Cultural Experiences
Medieval Adventure
Spectacular Medieval Tournament with Dinner
Medieval Adventure is a spectacular evening show that takes you back to the world of the Middle Ages. Enjoy an exciting medieval tournament with horses, jousting, and sword fighting, while experiencing a traditional medieval-style dinner. The interactive show offers entertainment for visitors of all ages.
- Location: San Miguel de Abona
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Access: By Car
- Recommended for: Families, couples, and groups of friends
- Entry: Paid
- Tip: A dinner package is recommended for the full experience, and you don't need to eat separately before the show.
Piramide de Arona Show
Tenerife's Most Famous Evening Show
The Pirámide de Arona Show is a spectacular, high-quality stage production featuring breathtaking choreography, live music, acrobatics, and modern visual elements. The show takes place in southern Tenerife's Las Américas and is a perfect evening experience for anyone looking for a unique cultural event.
- Location: Playa de las Américas
- Duration: 2–5 hours
- Getting there: By car, taxi, or public transport
- Recommended for: Couples, families, and culture lovers
- Entry: Paid
- Tip: Book your tickets in advance, especially during the high season, and arrive at least 30 minutes early for a comfortable experience.
Stargazing at Teide
An Unforgettable Experience at One of the World's Best Stargazing Locations
Teide National Park is one of the best places in the world for stargazing thanks to its clear skies and minimal light pollution. During guided stargazing tours, professional astronomers introduce you to the constellations, planets, and distant galaxies using professional telescopes. The volcanic landscape after sunset and the breathtaking night sky create a truly unique experience.
- Location: Teide National Park
- Duration: 3–5 hours
- Getting there: By car or organised transfer
- Recommended for: Couples, families, nature lovers, and photographers
- Entry: Paid
- Tip: Even in summer, temperatures can drop significantly at high altitudes after sunset, so bring warm clothing and closed shoes.
More Evening & Cultural Experiences
If you'd like to make your evenings in Tenerife even more memorable, these activities are also worth trying.
- MHT Music Hall Tavern dinner show
- Flamenco performance
- Tenerife Carnival (Santa Cruz)
- Local wineries and wine tastings
- Live music evenings in Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas
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