Welcome to Tenerife

Tenerife is an island that exceeds all expectations. Those who only expect package holidays and hotel complexes will be overwhelmed by the dramatic diversity of this volcanic island. The largest of the Canary Islands — and the most visited island in Spain — offers on just 2,034 square kilometers a diversity of landscapes that would fill an entire continent elsewhere.

• El Teide — Spain's highest peak — The 3,715-meter-high volcano is the symbol of the Canaries and the third-highest island volcano in the world. The Teide National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a lunar landscape of lava flows, bizarre rock formations, and breathtaking sunsets above the sea of clouds.
• Spring all year round — Tenerife rightly bears the nickname "Island of Eternal Spring." Thanks to the trade winds and the Canary Current, temperatures range between 18 and 28°C all year round. While Germany freezes in winter, you can sunbathe here at 22 degrees.
• Two islands in one — The north is lush green, humid, and wild: laurel forests, dramatic cliffs, historic towns. The south is sunny, dry, and touristy: golden beaches, beach clubs, and water parks. The middle? A mighty volcano with a lunar landscape.
• Whale watching — Between Tenerife and La Gomera lives one of the largest resident pilot whale populations in the world. Over 20 species of whales and dolphins frolic in the warm waters — sighting rate on boat tours: over 95%.
• Anaga Mountains — The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the northeast is one of the oldest geological areas of the island: ancient laurel forests, mist-shrouded peaks, scattered mountain villages, and hiking trails that transport you to another world.
• Carnival of Santa Cruz — The second-largest carnival in the world (after Rio de Janeiro!) transforms the capital in February/March into an explosive festival of colors, music, and dance. Over a million visitors celebrate for two weeks.
• Black beaches — Tenerife's volcanic origin has created beaches of the finest black sand: Playa Jardín in Puerto de la Cruz, Playa de la Arena in the west, and the wild Playa Benijo in the Anaga Mountains are spectacular.
• Stargazing — Tenerife is one of the best places in the world for astronomy. The Teide Observatory is located on Mount Teide, and the Canaries have their own law to protect the night sky. Star walks during the full moon are unforgettable.

Tenerife is far more than a beach destination: The island is a natural wonder in the Atlantic, combining volcanoes, primeval forests, deserts, and ocean in a small space. Those who venture out of the resorts will find one of the most diverse landscapes in Europe — and all with perfect weather year-round.

Tenerife can be divided into four major travel regions, each with its own character:

The South

For whom: Beachgoers, families, nightlife enthusiasts
The sun-drenched south is the tourist heart of the island: Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos, and Costa Adeje offer golden beaches, water parks, shopping streets, and vibrant nightlife. Here, the sun shines on over 300 days a year — even when the north is under clouds.

The North

For whom: Nature lovers, cultural travelers, hikers
The green, wild north is the authentic Tenerife: Puerto de la Cruz with its historic charm, the colonial jewel La Orotava in the Valley of Orchids, and the spectacular Anaga Mountains with their ancient laurel forests. Here, dramatic cliffs, lush vegetation, and trade winds dominate.

Teide & Center

For whom: Hikers, photographers, astronomy fans
The heart of the island belongs to the volcano: The Teide National Park (UNESCO World Heritage) offers an extraterrestrial landscape of lava fields, pumice stone, and the majestic peak. In the center are also the green ridges with pine forests and breathtaking views.

Santa Cruz & La Laguna

For whom: City travelers, culture fans, architecture lovers
The island capital Santa Cruz surprises with the Calatrava Auditorium, excellent museums, and the world-famous carnival. The neighboring San Cristóbal de La Laguna is a UNESCO World Heritage site: colonial splendor buildings, winding alleys, and vibrant student culture.

1. Experience sunrise on Mount Teide — Take the cable car or hike to an altitude of 3,555 m to marvel at the sunrise above the sea of clouds. For the summit (3,715 m), you need a special permit — be sure to reserve weeks in advance! → Chap. Teide & Center
2. Watch whales and dolphins — A boat tour from Los Gigantes or Costa Adeje into the strait between Tenerife and La Gomera. Pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and with luck, even blue whales. Sighting rate: over 95%. → Chap. The South
3. Hike through the Anaga laurel forest — In the mist-shrouded UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, walk along ancient paths through laurel forests, past abandoned mountain villages. The path to Chamorga or Taganana is pure adventure. → Chap. The North
4. Marvel at the cliffs of Los Gigantes — 600-meter-high rock walls plunge vertically into the sea. Most impressive from a boat — at sunset, the cliffs shimmer golden. → Chap. The South
5. Stroll through La Laguna — Tenerife's old capital (UNESCO World Heritage) with its colorful colonial houses, courtyards, and historic churches is an architectural jewel — and the liveliest student city in the Canary Islands. → Chap. Santa Cruz & La Laguna
6. Celebrate Carnival in Santa Cruz — The second-largest carnival in the world after Rio: Two weeks of music, dance, costumes, and pure joy-chaos. The election of the Carnival Queen and the burial of the sardine are legendary. → Chap. Santa Cruz & La Laguna
7. Stargaze on Mount Teide — Thanks to the Sky Protection Law, the Canaries are one of the best places in the world for astronomy. Guided night tours with telescopes at 2,000 m altitude show you the Milky Way like you've never seen it before. → Chap. Teide & Center
8. Eat Papas Arrugadas with Mojo — Canarian wrinkled potatoes with red and green mojo sauce are the culinary soul of the islands. Best enjoyed in a traditional Guachinche in the north. → Chap. Culture & Food
9. Swim in the natural pool of Garachico — Volcanic lava pools right by the sea, filled with crystal-clear Atlantic water. A unique swimming experience in one of the island's most beautiful coastal towns. → Chap. The North
10. Visit the Botanical Garden of Puerto de la Cruz — The Jardín Botánico (1788) is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Spain: centuries-old dragon trees, tropical trees from around the world, and an oasis of tranquility. → Chap. The North
11. Hike through the Masca Gorge — Tenerife's most spectacular hike leads from the mountain village of Masca through a deep gorge down to the sea. Dramatic rock walls, exotic vegetation, and a boat back to Los Gigantes. → Chap. The South
12. See the Dragon Tree of Icod de los Vinos — The Drago Milenario is over 800 years old (some say 1,000), 16 meters high, and the symbol of Tenerife. The most legendary tree of the Canary Islands. → Chap. The North