Tenerife — The Versatile★★★
Tenerife is the largest and most visited Canary Island (2,034 km², 930,000 inhabitants) — and the most versatile. At its center towers the Teide (3,715 m), Spain's highest mountain and the third-highest island volcano in the world. The north is green, cloud-covered, and authentic, the south dry, sunny, and tourist-developed.
Tenerife is the island of contrasts: Hike in the laurel forest of the Anaga Mountains in the morning, sunbathe on the black volcanic beach of Playa Jardín at noon, stand in the moon landscape of the Teide National Park in the afternoon, and sit in one of the countless restaurants in Los Cristianos in the evening. All in one day, all within an hour's drive.
Plan at least 7–10 days for Tenerife — the island is too large and diverse for a short trip.
Teide National Park★★★
★★★ Parque Nacional del Teide
The most visited national park in Spain (4 million visitors/year) and UNESCO World Heritage. The caldera (17 km in diameter) is a surreal lunar landscape of solidified lava, pumice fields, and bizarre rock formations — the Roques de García are the postcard motif par excellence.
The Teide summit (3,715 m) is only accessible with a permit (free, but book weeks in advance via reservasparquesnacionales.es!). The cable car (Teleférico) takes you to 3,555 m — from there, a 40-minute climb to the summit. Without a permit, only up to the cable car station.
Cable car: 39 € round trip (adults), 13.50 € (children 3–13). Daily 9–17. Closed in wind (approx. 30 days/year). Book early — tickets often sell out days in advance.
Night sky: The Teide National Park is an official Starlight Reserve — one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Guided night tours with telescopes from 25 €.
💡 Tipp
The summit permit is often booked months in advance. Alternative: Book a night at the Refugio de Altavista (3,260 m, from 25 €/night, dormitory only) — guests are allowed to reach the summit before 9 a.m. without a permit and experience the sunrise. An unforgettable experience!
Cities & Beaches
★★ Puerto de la Cruz
The oldest tourist town in the Canaries — British winter guests came here as early as the 19th century. Today, a charming, slightly faded seaside resort in the green north with the famous Lago Martiánez (seawater swimming pool complex by César Manrique, 6 €) and the Jardín Botánico (over 3,000 tropical plants, 3 €). The old town has pretty colonial houses, good fish restaurants, and an authentic vibe.
★ Los Cristianos & Playa de las Américas
The tourist south: hotel complexes, all-inclusive hotels, British pubs, and water parks. Sounds terrible? For some, just right — cheap package deals (1 week AI from 600 €/person), guaranteed sun (300+ sunny days), good infrastructure. The Siam Park (water park, 40 €/day) is regularly voted the best in the world.
★★ La Laguna
The UNESCO World Heritage City in the northeast — Tenerife's old capital (1496–1723) with a perfectly preserved colonial old town. Colorfully painted houses, two cathedrals, the university (1701), and a lively tapas scene. Less touristy than the south, but authentic and culturally rich.
★★ Anaga Mountains
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the northeast: ancient laurel forest (Laurisilva), cloud forests, steep ravines, and isolated mountain villages. The hike from Cruz del Carmen to Punta del Hidalgo (4 hrs, moderate) is one of the most beautiful in the Canaries. Free maps and information at the visitor center in Cruz del Carmen.
Beaches
Playa de las Teresitas (near Santa Cruz) — Golden Sahara sand (imported in 1973!), sheltered bay, turquoise water. Tenerife's most beautiful beach, free and with parking.
Playa Jardín (Puerto de la Cruz) — Black volcanic sand, designed by César Manrique, with subtropical gardens. Dramatically beautiful.
Playa de Benijo (Anaga) — Wild black beach with rock towers in the water. Swim only in calm seas! The sunset here is magical.