5 top attractions in Tenerife

Top travel locations to visit in Tenerife and Spain and Tenerife forum community? Ever wondered how many beaches there are in Tenerife? We have prepared a list of 101 beaches in Tenerife for you to discover and enjoy, but we’re certain that you can still find some that are not on our list. So please don’t go to the same beach every day and go out to explore more of Tenerife. Also, here’s a shorter list with the best beaches in Tenerife (in our opinion). Tenerife is an amazing destination for hiking and the best time for this activity is between October and May, when the temperatures during the day are ideal for walking (during the summer it can be too hot). We have an entire article about the best hiking trails in Tenerife (in our opinion, based on the hikes we did) but even out of those we definitely recommend you do the Chinyero Loop and the hike through the Enchanted Forest El Pijaral (Bosque Encantado), in order to see up close the beauty of the Anaga forest. Discover extra details at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1TenerifeForumCommunity.

Garachico is a good option for a day trip in Tenerife. Once the island’s most important port, the town was marked by the eruption of Montaña Negra in 1706 and lost a lot of its status. The volcano did leave Garachico with one gift though: the lava that ravaged the place also carved unique rock pools into its harbour, which now attract swimmers. The peaceful Plaza de la Libertad is also worth a visit while you’re in Garachico. You can’t go to Tenerife on holiday without ordering this sweet hot drink! A Barraquito is a typical Canary Islands liqueur coffee made with condensed milk, espresso, frothed milk, lemon, cinnamon and a good splash of Licor 43 or Tia Maria. I had one after a meal in Puerto de la Cruz and it had quite a kick!

If the pretty streets of Paris or tiled floors of Lisbon usually catch your eye, make your way up to San Cristóbal. This town was built in the 16th and 18th centuries, meaning that many of the public and private buildings have a charming colonial style to them. Stay in a hotel here for a few nights to explore Laguna Cathedral, the Iglesia de la Concepción and feast in local tavernas. Less than an hour’s drive from capital Santa Cruz, in north Tenerife, lies the historic town of Garachico. Garachico’s main attractions include the natural pools carved in the rugged volcanic landscape, the elegant Plaza de la Libertad, the 16th-century Castillo de San Miguel and the ex-convent of San Francisco. But a quiet stroll through its cobbled streets will also reveal a selection of colonial gems, old churches, restaurants and cafés full of local charm.

La Laguna is one of the best places to go in the north of Tenerife, particularly if you’re interested in learning more about the island’s history. This UNESCO World Heritage Site’s 15th century layout was used as a template for many colonial cities established by the Spanish in the USA and Latin America, so you may well feel like you’ve been here before if you’ve travelled in those areas. You’ll find a lot of Tenerife’s cultural attractions here and you only have to walk 100 metres to take in buildings that reflect over 300 years of history. Is it any wonder La Laguna is known as the cultural capital of Tenerife?

Located right above Los Cristianos, Siam Park is a relatively new attraction that has gained enormous popularity with tourists. It is best visited during hot summer weather with family and children, as it provides water rides, an enormously huge wave pool complete with gold sand beach and a mile-long lazy river for you to chill and have fun showcasing your favorite bathing suit. If you want to experience thrills and spills, go on the Tower of Power, a 100 foot high near-vertical slide, which will bring you through an amazing aquarium full of ocean residents. Siam Park is dedicated to Thai theme and is Tenerife’s latest and biggest theme park.