Discover Tenerife by region - from the coast to the centre of the island

Tenerife is the island of contrasts: From the somewhat rainy north to the more humid west and the green east to the warm, sunny south, the Canary Island has everything to offer. After a holiday in Tenerife from the coast to the centre of the island, you will hardly wonder why the island is also described as a miniature continent. This is because the trade winds create two microclimates that fundamentally distinguish the north from the south and produce astonishingly contrasting natural phenomena.

North

In contrast to the south, the north of Tenerife is somewhat cooler and wetter. This is due to the rain clouds that fall on the northern slope of Pico del Teide, brought in by the north-easterly trade winds from the Atlantic. The north is therefore also home to the impressive seas of cloud that one thinks of when thinking of Tenerife.

Tenerife's climate transforms the north into a very diverse region. The north-east is home to the green forests of the Anaga mountains and the Mercedes forest of laurel trees. By the sea, Tenerife's volcanic history has created adventurous gorges and cliffs and pitch-black beaches of volcanic sand. Finally, in the north-west of the island, the wild, green heights of the Teno Mountains once again dominate the landscape.

Things to do in the north of Tenerife:

East

The east of Tenerife is rather barren in terms of landscape. Nevertheless, the area at the eastern foot of Mount Teide is home to some of Tenerife's most interesting sights. One of the most popular excursion destinations in Tenerife's east are the pyramids of Guímar, which are actually terraced buildings from the 18th century. Further east is the pilgrimage site of Candelaria, which is home to the island's patron saint. Catholic believers have been making pilgrimages to her statue, the Black Mary, for many years. In her honour, the festival of the Virgin of Candelaria takes place in August, when the whole of Tenerife gathers in the Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias.

Things to do in Tenerife East / Southeast:

The south

The fact that the north-east trade winds are held back on the north side of the Pico del Teide means that it acts as a weather divide. The south of Tenerife presents a completely different picture to the north, where it is pleasantly warm, dry and sunny all year round.

This results in the barren landscape of Las Cañadas, which stretches out at the foot of the Pico del Teide. This impression is reinforced in the area around the Montana Blanca and the Paisaje Lunar, which looks like a deserted, barren lunar landscape. The bizarre rock formations of the Roques des Garcia also give the impression that you are no longer in this world. At the same time, the south of Tenerife is home to some of the most beautiful and largest sandy beaches, which exude a certain Caribbean flair with their white Sahara sand, palm trees and cacti. The south-west coast is also the ideal place to spot whales, dolphins and orcas!

Things to do in Tenerife South:

The west

In the west of Tenerife, larger holiday resorts such as Los Gigantes or Puerto de Santiago alternate with small, idyllic fishing villages. On the western coast, there are still undeveloped areas and wild, unspoilt beaches with views of the neighbouring island of La Gomera.

One of the most popular holiday resorts in Tenerife is Los Gigantes, which is known for its imposing cliffs and cliffs called "Acantilados de los Gigantes". You can reach the cliffs on foot from the town, and from a small plateau you have a breathtaking view of the rocky backdrop. Excursions on sailing and motor boats or catamarans give you an even better view of the spectacular cliffs. Many tourists are also rewarded with the sight of dolphins and pilot whales, which cavort just off the coast near Playa de los Guíos.

Things to do in Tenerife west / south-west:

Centre of the island

In the centre of the island, the El Teide National Park stretches out like a headland, with the majestic Pico del Teide volcano rising from its centre. The 3818 metre high mountain defines the unique volcanic landscape, which on the one hand forms bizarre rock formations and barren landscapes, and on the other favours a unique and diverse flora and fauna. The area around Spain's largest mountain, the Teide National Park and Las Canadas, as well as the Anaga and Teno mountains, are popular hiking areas.

Things to do in the centre of Tenerife:

You can find more information about "Where Tenerife is at its most beautiful" here: