Tenerife is the largest island in the Canary Island archipelago. This group of seven main islands (along with some smaller islets) is located west of Morocco, just about 100 kilometers from the African coast. Thanks to its geographic location, Tenerife enjoys pleasant temperatures all year round, making it an ideal winter getaway for those dreaming of sunshine and blue skies.
That’s exactly why Simon and I traveled to Tenerife in early January 2025—and it turned out to be an excellent decision! We had temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C throughout our stay.
What a trip it was! We had no idea what to expect, but we were blown away by the island’s incredible diversity of landscapes within just 2,000 km².
So, we’re sharing our top favorite activities to help you make the most of your trip and return home with unforgettable memories!
We’re kicking off this list with our absolute favorite activity in Tenerife: a boat excursion with Whale Wise Eco-Tours, from Los Gigantes to observe marine mammals.
And the best part of ti? This eco-friendly excursion is completely respectful of the environment and the animals!
For us, this was a key factor in choosing a tour. We weren’t disappointed with Whale Wise Eco-Tours, a company committed to responsible tourism.
Their mission is to study the behavior and communication of marine mammals and share their knowledge with visitors. They also actively work on marine conservation and species protection.
The Whale Wise Eco-Tours team consists of biologists and researchers, which makes all the difference. Their passion and commitment to ethical practices are evident, and they truly care about educating guests while following strict guidelines to protect the wildlife.
Here’s what we learned during the tour:
Of course, there are many other rules in place to protect these incredible creatures. If you’re interested in learning more, check out the website of Firmm (Foundation for Information and Research on Marine Mammals).
We booked the 9 AM tour, and were only six people on board. The excursion lasted between 2 and 2.5 hours and included:
✔️ A safety briefing
✔️ An introduction to marine mammals
✔️ Whale and dolphin watching
✔️ A drink and a light snack
✔️ A detour to explore Tenerife’s stunning lava cliffs
One extra eco-friendly detail we loved: if the team spots any trash in the ocean, they stop the boat to collect it!
💰 Cost: €85 per adult and €75 per child when booked directly on their website (otherwise, it’s €10 more).
🌍 Bonus: The proceeds support marine research and conservation projects—so in addition to enjoying an amazing experience, you’re contributing to a great cause!
The green heart of the island, Anaga Rural Park is a must-visit for its breathtaking landscapes and stunning views. You don’t want to miss this place during your trip!
With enchanted forests, scenic viewpoints of Mount Teide, and rugged terrain reminiscent of Hawaii or Réunion Island, Anaga is a must-do on your itinerary.
Dedicate at least two days to this region. The weather here is unpredictable, so having extra time allows you to adjust your plans and make the most of your visit.
Our Favorite Spots in Anaga:
The most famous volcano in Tenerife is, of course, Mount Teide—but did you know there are actually more than 200 volcanoes on the island? That’s a huge number! No wonder Tenerife is known as a volcanic island.
Mount Teide is not only the highest volcano on Tenerife but also the tallest in the Canary Islands and all of Spain. Standing at 3,718 meters, it rises nearly 7,500 meters from the ocean floor, making it the third tallest volcanic structure in the world.
You can hike around Mount Teide or, for the more adventurous, climb to the summit on foot. For those who prefer a less strenuous option, there’s also a cable car to take you up.
Beyond Teide, here are other volcanoes you can hike around:
➡️ You can find other guided excursions in Teide National Park directly on GetYourGuide:
As an island, Tenerife is full of incredible beaches. In fact, it’s impossible to visit without coming across at least a few. And with sunny weather year-round, skipping the beaches would be a mistake!
During our trip, we didn’t explore the southern coast, but we still found some amazing beaches.
🌊 Our favorite beaches in Tenerife:
In addition to beaches, Tenerife is known for its natural rock pools, called charcos. These pools were formed by volcanic eruptions and can be found all around the island. They offer a unique and scenic alternative to sandy beaches.
💡 Important: You can’t swim in charcos all the time! They are usually only accessible at low tide when the waves and currents are calmer. Always check the tide schedule beforehand, as swimming outside of low tide can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening.
Unfortunately, we were never at the right place at the right time, so we didn’t get to swim in any charcos—but here are the ones we found the most beautiful:
Tenerife is the perfect destination for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Whether you bring your own gear, buy some on the island, or book an all-inclusive excursion, you’ll get to experience Tenerife’s incredible underwater world. Some areas are even known for having sea turtles, making for an unforgettable experience!
💡 When swimming with turtles (or any marine life), it’s essential to follow these ethical guidelines:
➡️ Below, we’ve listed some snorkeling and diving excursions you might love!
The final activity on our list: stargazing in Teide National Park. And yes, this is truly an experience that will leave you starry-eyed!
With very little light pollution, Teide National Park is one of the best places in the world for stargazing.
Sadly, we missed out on this experience, and we’re so disappointed because the conditions are absolutely perfect for admiring a magnificent starry sky.
You can stargaze on your own—and if you have the right camera gear, why not try capturing some stunning Milky Way photos?
Or, for a more immersive experience, you can join a guided stargazing tour with an expert and a telescope, where you’ll learn fascinating insights about the universe.
➡️ Below are some GetYourGuide activities that might interest you!
That’s it! The Best Activities to Do in Tenerife.
We’ve shared the must-do experiences in Tenerife to help you make the most of your trip! We hope this article helps you plan an unforgettable adventure on this stunning Canary Island.
If you haven’t booked your flights yet, you can do so here:
And of course, share your experiences and tips in the comments to help fellow travelers! 😉
2️⃣ Playa De Rojas is stunning, but we recommend going after 11 AM—before that, it’s completely in the shade, and without the sun, it can be quite chilly (especially in January).
How about we chat?