Top 7 Must-See Attractions in Tenerife

At 3,715 meters, Mount Teide is Spain's highest peak and the third-largest volcano in the world measured from its base. The surrounding national park protects a UNESCO-listed landscape of petrified lava flows, red-and-ochre rock formations, and rare endemic plants like the Teide bugloss. A cable car climbs to 3,555m in eight minutes, leaving a short hike to the crater rim (permit required in advance). On clear days the view stretches across all the Canary Islands. Sunset and stargazing tours are especially popular given the park's near-zero light pollution.

Tenerife's former capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, La Laguna's unfortified 16th-century grid plan directly inspired the layout of many Spanish colonial cities in the Americas. Its streets are lined with pastel mansions, wooden balconies, and historic churches, and the presence of the University of La Laguna gives the old town a lively student-city atmosphere alongside its colonial architecture. Far less touristy than the coastal resorts, with excellent tapas bars around Calle Herradores.

This mountainous UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Tenerife's northeast corner protects one of the world's oldest surviving laurel forests (laurisilva), a subtropical ecosystem dating back millions of years. A network of hiking trails winds through misty ridges, past hidden villages like Taganana and Chinamada, with viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic on both coasts. A completely different landscape from the sunny south — bring layers, as cloud cover and drizzle are common.

Repeatedly ranked among the world's best water parks, this Thai-themed complex in Costa Adeje features extreme slides like the Tower of Power alongside a wave pool, lazy river, and a swim-with-sharks aquarium tunnel. Landscaped with imported Thai architecture and tropical plants, it's built for a full day out rather than a quick visit. Extremely popular in summer — arrive at opening to minimize slide queues.

The waters off southwest Tenerife host a year-round resident pod of pilot whales, plus regular dolphin sightings, making this one of the most reliable whale-watching destinations in Europe. Boat trips depart from Los Cristianos and Puerto Colón, ranging from large catamarans to smaller sailing boats with underwater viewing windows. Choose an operator certified by the local marine protection code to minimize disturbance to the animals.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife's main civic square becomes the islands biggest festive hub each winter, typically running from late November through 6 January 2027 (Three Kings Day). A temporary pista de hielo (ice rink) is installed beside the lake in Plaza de España, alongside wooden stalls selling handicrafts, roasted chestnuts, and mulled wine.

The surrounding streets, especially Calle Castillo, are strung with elaborate illuminations that switch on with a ceremony in late November. Its a low-key, family-oriented scene rather than a mainland European market — expect Canarian sunshine by day and a lit-up square by night.

Exact 2026 dates are confirmed closer to the season, so check the Santa Cruz town hall listings before visiting.

One of the largest carnivals in the world, rivaling Rio in scale and color, takes over the streets of Santa Cruz de Tenerife from 13 February to 1 March 2026. Expect the election of the Carnival Queen, the opening parade, the famous Coso procession with elaborate costumed groups, and the Burial of the Sardine finale. Live music stages, all-night street parties, and murga singing competitions fill the city center for over two weeks. Locals dress up nightly regardless of the official schedule, so the atmosphere spills well beyond the main events. Book accommodation months in advance, as hotels fill quickly during this period. Free to attend, though grandstand seating for the main parade can be purchased. This is the islands single biggest cultural happening and a must for anyone visiting in late winter.