10 things you can't miss in Tenerife (on your first visit)
What to see and do in Tenerife on your first visit: from Mount Teide and La Laguna to whale watching, Garachico, the guachinches and Los Gigantes.
Miriam4 min readVerified · June 2026
Is it your first time in Tenerife and you're not sure what to see? Don't worry, this island has it all: black-sand beaches, nature, towns full of history and food you'll fall in love with. Here are 10 must-do things to see and do in Tenerife so you make the most of the island.
1. Go up Mount Teide
A visit to Tenerife isn't complete without going up Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain. You can take the cable car or do one of the hiking trails (remember you need a permit to reach the crater). Teide National Park is a World Heritage Site and its volcanic landscape looks like something from another planet. Don't forget to bring a warm layer, even in summer — here in the Canary Islands we enjoy a wonderful microclimate.
Worth a read before you go:
2. Wander around La Laguna, a World Heritage city
San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage city, is a colonial gem with colourful houses, cobbled streets and a lively university buzz. Perfect for getting happily lost and having a coffee in one of its squares. We recommend this La Laguna free tour to learn its history in a fun, free way.
3. Watch cetaceans in the wild
Tenerife is one of the best places in the world to see dolphins and whales in the wild all year round. It's really important to choose boats with an official licence that respect the environment and the animals. Several companies offer whale and dolphin watching tours in Tenerife.
Worth a read:
4. Spend a beach day at Las Teresitas
Playa de Las Teresitas, in Santa Cruz, is ideal for families: golden sand brought from the Sahara, calm waters and a palm-fringed setting that makes you forget you're still in Europe. If you fancy something wilder, head to Playa de Benijo, with black sand and a spectacular volcanic backdrop.
Enjoy the beach with a stand-up paddle lesson at Las Teresitas
5. Try the local food at a guachinche
Guachinches are traditional family-run eateries where you can try local cooking at a great price. Don't leave without trying papas arrugadas with mojo, carne fiesta, grilled cheese with honey or garbanzada (chickpea stew). Wash it down with a good house wine — the whole point of a guachinche is to sell its own home-made wine.
Book this guachinche food tour in Tenerife
6. Explore Garachico
Garachico is on the list of Spain's prettiest villages. It's a lovely coastal town with cobbled streets and typical Canarian houses. You can't leave Garachico without a dip in El Caletón, a set of spectacular natural pools formed by volcanic lava.
7. Watch the sunset at the Los Gigantes cliffs
The Los Gigantes cliffs, in the south of the island, are breathtaking, with rock walls up to 600 metres high dropping straight into the ocean. You can admire them from the Archipenque viewpoint, or better still, take a boat trip at sunset to watch the sun disappear behind them.
8. Discover Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz blends history, culture and the sea. Stroll through its old town, relax at the Lago Martiánez or visit the Botanical Garden. It has a relaxed, local feel that's easy to love. It's also one of the island's most traditional resorts and one of my favourite spots for a walk by the sea and an ice cream with my girls.
Book a Puerto de la Cruz free tour
9. Venture into the Anaga Rural Park
The Anaga massif is one of the great natural treasures of Tenerife. A green, lush, mysterious place with laurel forests, misty trails and viewpoints with spectacular views. If you're travelling with children, the Ruta de los Sentidos (Trail of the Senses) is easy and highly recommended. You can also do longer hikes or simply drive its roads and enjoy the scenery.
10. Taste local produce at a market
Pop into the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África in Santa Cruz or the one in La Laguna to buy tropical fruit, cheeses, gofio, honey and other island flavours. It's a way to support local producers — and you know I'm a firm believer that there's no better souvenir than something tasty you can enjoy back home and remember the trip by.
On the Santa Cruz de Tenerife free tour you'll get the chance to see the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África.
Worth a read: 10 surprising facts about Tenerife.
FAQ
What are the must-sees in Tenerife on a first visit?
On a first visit, don't miss Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain; the World Heritage city of La Laguna; a whale and dolphin watching trip; Playa de Las Teresitas; and a meal at a guachinche to try Canarian food.
How many days do you need to see Tenerife?
To cover the essentials, aim for at least 5 or 6 days. That gives you time to combine the north and south of the island — going up Teide, enjoying the beaches and discovering towns like La Laguna or Garachico without rushing.
Do you need a permit to go up Mount Teide?
You don't need a permit to take the cable car or explore Teide National Park. You only need one for the final stretch up to the crater — a free permit you book online in advance.
When is the best time to visit Tenerife?
Tenerife can be visited year-round thanks to its mild microclimate. Spring and autumn are ideal for avoiding crowds, and whale and dolphin watching is possible all year.
