Tenerife excursions - the top 15

For those who want to get to know Tenerife better, here is our list of the 15 best excursions in the Island of Eternal Spring. Every step in every direction is worth it to experience the mosaic of natural wonders, adventures and cultural diversity. Each destination on the largest of the Canary Islands has its own special character and there is always something new to discover. Here are some of our favourites:

# 1 - Sunrise hike up the Teide

There's no Tenerife without Mount Teide, and for most people, their holiday isn't complete without a view of the summit. At least once you should have 'scratched' the top of the 3,718 metre high volcano. The premier class of summit tours is the Sunrise Hike, which has no technical requirements. A 10 kilometre route, 1400 metres of ascent, about 5 hours in one direction. You hike when the island is asleep and, with a bit of luck, you will be accompanied by the stars. This is a challenging and extreme hike that requires confidence, good physical condition and stamina, but it will reward you with endorphins and the sight of Teide's colours at dawn.

The meeting point for the nocturnal Teide trek is the car park on the TF-21, Montaña Blanca - at an altitude of 2250 metres. From here the group will hike together at the best possible pace to the mountain hut (3260m). Here you can catch your breath and regain your strength before the last few metres to the summit. Once at the top, many people become silent and overwhelmed. Exertion and lack of sleep give way to a well-deserved, sublime feeling: you are standing on the summit of the Teide, the highest mountain in Spain and one of the largest volcanoes in the world, at sunrise.

To make up: Teide sunrise

# 2 - Paragliding in Izaña

Nowhere are the views more beautiful than when paragliding on Tenerife. The island offers more than 30 take-off sites and the best conditions in Europe: there are thermals here almost 360 days a year and the mountains or the sea are always somewhere at your feet. The first paragliding flight of your life is always a tandem flight - in other words, you fly with an experienced pilot under one canopy.

Seeing Tenerife from the perspective of a paraglider will leave you speechless: forests, cliffs, gorges, beaches - you can see the whole range of natural beauty from above. The paragliding flight lasts between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the take-off point and altitude, and some flights start on the mountain and end on the beach - it doesn't get any more beautiful than this.

A unique flying experience in Europe begins in Izaña, 2200 metres above sea level. One of the highest paragliding spots with moderate winds.

# 3 - Hiking in the fairy-tale forest of Anaga

In the dense jungle of the Bosque de la Mercedes, it is easy to forget that you are in Tenerife. Between the shoulder-high ferns, the hanging beard lichen and the moss-covered tree trunks, there is nothing to suggest that this is the top beach destination in the south. But the unspoilt, evergreen and somehow mysterious laurel forest biotope in the north-east is fortunately part of the mosaic of this idiosyncratic island cosmos.

If you are planning to go hiking in Tenerife, we suggest a route through the legendary Fairytale Forest. This is part of the 37,000-hectare Rural de Anaga Nature Park, a biosphere reserve with mountain ranges, ravines and ancient laurel forests. The humid Mediterranean climate at an altitude of 820 metres makes this unique natural spectacle possible. The trade winds bring humidity and fog, creating a breeding ground for the laurel forest.

The best starting point for the Mercedes Forest Hike is the Visitor Centre in Cruz del Carmen. Please note that some routes require prior authorisation. The guides will take care of this for guided tours, but if you want to set off on your own, you can find out more in advance here: https://centralreservas.tenerife.es/

# 4 - Stargazing at Mount Teide

For stargazers, astrophysicists and romantics, there is nothing more beautiful than the night hours in Tenerife. As darkness falls, the lights in the sky above Mount Teide come on, creating a starry spectacle that is hard to beat in terms of precision and clarity. Few places in the world offer such an uninterrupted view of our galaxy as the heights of Teide. Naturalists and astrophysicists knew this as far back as the 19th century, and retreated to the solitude of the high mountains with their telescopes. The skies of Teide have even been honoured: since 2014 it has been an approved Starlight Tourist Destination.

Since 1964, Mount Izaña (2390m) has also been home to one of the most important astronomical observatories and the largest solar observatory in the world. The visitor centre offers daytime and evening views of the sky. You can also take a star-gazing tour through professional telescopes at the Teide cable car valley station - and perhaps spot one of the 83 constellations out of the 88 officially known.
The best time to see the Milky Way and shooting stars is between June and September.

Go to stargazing here.

# 5 - Canyoning Los Carrizales

The Los Carrizales Gorge, in the Teno Nature Reserve (Buenavista del Norte), is a stunning natural space with 400-metre-high basalt walls and a playground for adventurers. An almost continuous river bed between rocks, palm trees and reeds - perfect for canyoning in Tenerife. There are rappelling points up to 25 metres deep, jumping points up to 8 metres, a phenomenal water slide and several swimming areas. If you're looking for a challenge, you've come to the right place.

If you are not afraid of heights and have some experience of abseiling, then this is the gorge for you. Strength and fitness are essential for the 4 hour descent over wet ground. Nowhere else can you get as close to the wilderness of Tenerife as here. The mix of rocky sections, narrow trails and refreshing waterholes promises not only an exciting challenge but also incomparable views and encounters with the unspoilt side of the island.

A maximum of 15 people per day are allowed to abseil down the Carrizales Gorge. On guided tours, the guide will bring the permit, but if you want to try it on your own, you can find the form here

# 6 - Jeep Safari La Gomera

It's not that Tenerife doesn't have enough to offer to make your annual holiday on the island varied. But the small neighbouring island of La Gomera is well worth the journey and at least a day's stay: it is the most unspoilt of the Canary Islands, with forests that are thousands of years old, a kind of garden of the archipelago. Travelling by jeep through this touching landscape adds to the adventure of the La Gomera expedition.

The ferry from Tenerife (Los Cristianos) docks in San Sebastián de La Gomera - the small capital - after a good hour's journey. There will be time later to explore the narrow streets, the church and the fishing boats. For now, head out into the countryside, where the heart of La Gomera beats. This is clearly the Garajonay National Park in the central highlands, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason, including the cloud forest.

One of the most visited places on the island is the Mirador de Abrante - a spectacular glass floor viewpoint over the Agulo Valley. If you're afraid of heights, stay on solid ground. The experience of La Gomera is not complete until you have pricked up your ears and listened to the Silbo Gomero: the whistling language used by the islanders to communicate with each other through the gorges and deep valleys.

Click here for the Gomera Jeep Tour.

# 7 - Quad-Tour Corona-Forestal

For some routes on this island, neither a crew bus nor a rental car will do. And that's a good thing, because quad bikes were invented for off-roading and adventure. There are two main categories of quad tours in Tenerife: on-road and on-road/off-road. Teide tours, in particular, take place mainly on the well-maintained roads of the National Park, in order to protect the fragile area. When it comes to views and scenery, there is no way around one of these tours. Nowhere else can you get so close to the Teide.

For off-road fans, the route through the Corona Forestal Park is a great option. This is the green belt that surrounds the Teide. Here you can test the off-road capabilities of your quad bike and there are routes that you won't find in any other guidebook. If you like sightseeing with a kick, put on your helmet and follow the guide on a quad bike tour in the Corona Forestal.

# 8 - Whale Watching Tenerife

Few things are as moving as whale watching off the coast of Tenerife. The waters around the island are home to many species, including pilot whales and sperm whales. The southwest coast of Tenerife, especially around Los Gigantes and the bay of Costa Adeje, is famous for whale watching. Boat tours usually depart from Puerto Colon or Los Cristianos.

Look out for those with the blue flag, which indicates certification and compliance with conservation standards for the protection of marine mammals. On official whale-watching tours, boats must approach slowly and stop as soon as whales or dolphins are spotted. A safe distance must be maintained and the animals must be allowed to decide whether to approach the boats.

The way nature works cannot and should not be interfered with, therefore sightings are possible in all the Canary Islands, but cannot be guaranteed. It is best to think of the boat trips into dolphin waters as an opportunity, not a must. If you would also like to hear what the whales and dolphins are saying to each other underwater, you can board our eco-catamaran. A sustainable boat tour with electric propulsion and underwater microphones.

Continue to Whale Watching Tour from Puerto Colon.

# 9 - Teide National Park mountain bike tour

While many outdoor sports enthusiasts on Tenerife struggle to reach the high altitudes around Mount Teide, the mountain bike tour in the national park is all downhill - all the way to the sea. It's great fun when you consider that you'll have enough breath for the sights to the right and left of the route. For example, the highest village on the island, Vilaflor, or a bodega with a small selection of wines. To reach the starting point at 2200 metres, a shuttle is offered from Los Cristianos for participants and equipment. An excursion for all those who like to ride downhill!

Click here for the bike tour.

# 10 - Icod de los Vinos banana house

Most people come to Icod de los Vinos to see the magnificent dragon tree or to visit the world's largest lava cave, Cueva del Viento. In the old part of this pretty town you will find the little Casa del Plátano: the Banana House. Located in an old farmhouse, this beautiful exhibition is dedicated to the banana industry, its economic importance and banana products.

There is an exhibition area with old machinery, photos and information panels. Visitors can also walk around a mini plantation. The Canarian banana is smaller, juicier and sweeter than those from other growing areas. Bananas have been cultivated in the Canary Islands for almost 500 years, since the end of the 19th century in the typical plantations found in the north of the island.

Casa del Plátano: Carrer Hércules 4, 38430 Icod de los Vinos

# 11 - Playa de Benijo

Unless you arrive early in the afternoon in high season, when the hustle and bustle of finding a parking space makes you lose sight of what's most beautiful, Playa de Benijo might seem like the romantic end of the world. Remote and wild, the end of the road, with huge stones in the sea, a black sandy beach and lush surf. Perhaps the most beautiful natural beach on the island.

But Playa Benijo also demands a lot from its visitors. Many find the drive up the winding road from the Anaga mountains an ordeal, others find it the most beautiful sight. There are no facilities on the 300-metre-long beach and swimming is not guaranteed: sunbathing is recommended due to the often dangerous currents. When the tide comes in, the black sand is very crowded.

Those who can just listen to the sound of the waves will feel like they are in paradise. One with easily accessible (fish) restaurants. Benijo is located in the north-east of the island, well protected by the Anaga Natural Park.

# 12 - Island tour Tenerife

The easiest way to cover a lot of Tenerife in one day is the island tour. Comfortably in a minibus, with driver and guide. It's practical. You don't have to worry about anything, not even the transfer. This full-day excursion is particularly attractive for travellers staying in the south. With stops in Masca, Santiago del Teide, the national park, Garachico and Vilaflor, there are many Tenerife specials on offer. The island tour starts in Playa de las Americas. The advantage of a guided tour is that the guides explain a lot and know exactly where to go.

Click here for the VIP island tour.

# 13 - Helicopter sightseeing flight over Tenerife

Everything looks different from above: why helicopter tours are so popular in Tenerife. Of course, you will see more than if you landed in a normal aeroplane and you will have a completely different flying experience in an aircraft designed for 4/5 passengers. From Adeje you can fly in different directions, for example along the south coast, to the cliffs of Los Gigantes or to Mount Teide. Depending on the route, you can cover between 20 and 120 kilometres in the air, flying over places you would otherwise have to travel by car.

Go to boarding here.