More about: Tenerife in 7 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit
There are thousands of tourist and family entertainment options in the Canary Islands, and a good part of these activities take place on Tenerife, the largest and most populated island of the archipelago. The best things to see and do in Tenerife are spread between the north and south, so planning an itinerary is more of a necessity than a suggestion. This 7-day itinerary will allow you to efficiently explore all the must-see corners of the island.
Day 1: Start your trip in the north of the island
The north-east of Tenerife is home to the capital and is characterised by its green and rugged landscapes. This first day will be a perfect introduction to the natural and urban contrast of the island.
Walk the streets of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz is the capital and most populated city of the archipelago. On your visit, don't miss its modern architecture such as the Adán Martín Auditorium, or its historical gems such as the Church of the Immaculate Conception and the Museum of Nature and Man.
Continue the day visiting La Laguna
Nearby is San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a city declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Its historic centre is ideal for exploring on foot and discovering squares such as the Adelantado Square and museums such as the History and Anthropology Museum.
Take the old road to Pico del Inglés
From La Laguna, take the TF-12 road through the Anaga Rural Park. A turn-off will take you to the Pico del Inglés viewpoint, one of the most photogenic spots in Tenerife thanks to its lush vegetation.
Drive to Las Teresitas for a beautiful sunset
End the day at Las Teresitas Beach, famous for its almost 2 km of white sand. Enjoy a swim and dinner by the sea in the picturesque village of San Andres before returning along the TF-11 road.
Day 2: Visit Puerto de la Cruz and surroundings
The second day is dedicated to the touristy north of Tenerife, where Puerto de la Cruz, one of Spain's first tourist-oriented cities, is located.
Start the day at the Mirador Cruz De La Atalaya viewpoint
Very close to Puerto de la Cruz, this viewpoint offers a spectacular panoramic view to start the day. It's the perfect place to enjoy the sunrise before continuing your route along the TF-21.
Tour the stately architecture of La Orotava
Known as the city of balconies, La Orotava preserves stately houses with wooden structures. Don't miss the Victoria Gardens and the famous Casa de Los Balcones, now a museum.
Spend the afternoon at Loro Parque
Loro Parque is one of the most renowned zoos in the world. With exhibits of penguins, gorillas, pandas and dolphins, it combines education and family entertainment in a caring environment.
Watch the sunset at Los Roques Beach
Close the day with a magical sunset at Playa de Los Roques, a sandless cove protected by rock formations that create a unique landscape. Access from the car park along a short path.
Day 3: See the cliffs on the northwest side of the park
This day is dedicated to the spectacular scenery of cliffs and scenic roads of the northwest of Tenerife.
Drive to Punta Teno Lighthouse
Start the day at Punta de Teno, the westernmost point of the island. There you can take a swim and enjoy views from the lighthouse or from nearby viewpoints such as Punta del Frailete.
Drive through the Teno Natural Park
Drive along the TF-436 and pass through villages such as El Palmar, Las Lagunetas and Masca. These villages are ideal for stopping, having breakfast and buying local handicrafts while enjoying spectacular views.
Admire the immensity of Los Gigantes
The cliffs of Los Gigantes are one of Tenerife's greatest natural attractions. You can admire them from the port of Los Gigantes or take a catamaran trip to combine them with whale watching.
Swim in the natural swimming pool Acantilado de Los Gigantes
Finish the day at the Natural Pool known as Charco de Isla Cangrejo, a saltwater pool formed by rocks, perfect for relaxing at sunset.
Day 4: Have a beach tour
It's time to dedicate a full day to enjoying the most famous beaches in the south of Tenerife, combining leisure, shopping and water activities.
Walk the Golden Mile
Start the day with shopping on the Golden Mile, an avenue lined with hotels, restaurants and shopping centres, located in Playa de Las Americas.
Spend the morning at Los Cristianos Beach
This beach is ideal for swimming thanks to its low waves. You can also opt for Playa de Las Vistas or take a stroll along the promenade. It is one of the activities to see or do with children in Tenerife.
Visit the beach of Costa Adeje
Costa Adeje is an area full of resorts and beaches such as Fañabé or El Bobo. From here you can go on whale watching excursions in Tenerife, in case you missed it in Los Gigantes.
Have a jet ski session in Puerto Colón
Finish the day in Puerto Colón, where you can rent jet skis for an adrenaline-fuelled activity. Plus, its proximity to La Pinta Beach makes it a great place to relax.
Day 5: Focus your day on the wonders of Mount Teide
Teide is Spain's highest peak and one of the country's most spectacular natural parks. This day is reserved entirely for exploring its volcanic surroundings.
Get to know the island's astronomical observatory
Start your tour of Teide with a visit to the Observatory of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, the largest solar observatory in the world.
Take the beautiful cable car up to Teide
From the base of the cable car, climb up to reach the summit. Once there, you can hike or just enjoy the views from the lookout point. There is a restaurant at the base station for lunch.
Try to hug the big pine on the way down the mountain
On the way down, stop at the Pino Gordo, a large Canary Island pine, and the Pino de las dos Pernadas, both natural icons of the area. They are part of the typical itinerary of the excursions to Teide.
Enjoy a peculiar dinner at the Castle of San Miguel
End the day at the Castillo de San Miguel with a medieval show and themed dinner. It's a fun experience for the whole family.
Day 6: Get to know Güímar and its surroundings
Explore the south-eastern region of the island, where Güímar and its surrounding villages offer history, nature and culture.
Visit the pyramids of Güímar
The Pyramids of Güímar are volcanic rock structures integrated into an ethnographic museum. Here you will learn about aspects of Tenerife's pre-Hispanic past and biodiversity.
Go hiking in the Malpaís de Güímar
Take a route through the Malpaís de Güímar Special Nature Reserve, a volcanic terrain with endemic flora and unique landscapes. You can reach the sea by walking through ancient lava fields.
Walk through La Candelaria and Punta Larga
Visit the Basilica of La Candelaria, a pilgrimage site, and the town of Punta Larga. Both offer volcanic beaches and gastronomic options to end the day.
Day 7: Leave the island for a short excursion
On your last day in Tenerife, consider an excursion to a nearby island to close your trip with a new adventure.
Sail to La Gomera from Tenerife as Columbus did
From Los Cristianos or Puerto de la Cruz you can take an excursion to La Gomera, with visits to Garajonay National Park and San Sebastian. day trips to La Gomera from Tenerife
Opt to visit the smallest island of the Canary Islands
Another alternative is to visit El Hierro, the smallest inhabited island of the archipelago. On these day trips from Tenerife you will discover viewpoints, natural parks and small gems such as the Roques de Salmor.