As you will know if you have read our previous article – which you can find here if you haven’t – Tenerife is an ideal destination for group travel. The island is full of unique team building activities to discover its different facets. Whether you prefer cultural, natural or culinary tours, you will find something to suit you in Tenerife!
What to see and do in Tenerife: the top 10 things to do and see in Tenerife
1. Participate in the Tenerife Carnival
Usually held in February in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island’s capital, the Tenerife Carnival is the second most popular in the world after Rio. Street performances, parades, music bands and of course fancy dress are all part of a successful Carnival. Stroll through the streets of the city to enjoy the festivities, dressed up or not. Party all night long and discover new cultures!
2. The Teide under the stars
Located in the centre of the island, Teide is Spain’s highest peak. Indeed, the Canary Islands volcano rises to over 3700 m, so you can enjoy a magnificent view from its peak. And what could be more beautiful than the sunset? Discover the stars like nowhere else at the top of this volcano. In an atypical setting resembling the planet Mars, you will never feel closer to the stars!
3. Gastronomic visit to La Laguna
San Cristobal de la Laguna, better known as La Laguna, is located in the north of the island, not far from the capital. The city, which was once the capital, has many surprises in store for you with its colonial architecture, small coloured houses and steep streets. An ideal setting to discover the many culinary specialities of the island. Whether it’s gofio, bienmesabe – an almond and cinnamon flan – or puchero canario, you’ll find something to enjoy!
4. Hiking off the beaten track in Anaga
The Anaga Rural Park in the north of the island is an unusual park. It offers breathtaking scenery like no other. A hilly and mountainous landscape stretches as far as the eye can see. But also very special forests, the laurisylves. There are many hiking trails and lookouts to get a good view of the valleys. On the summits, a thick fog can rise, giving a unique aspect to the Anaga Rural Park.
5. Introduction to kitesurfing in El Medano
El Medano in the south of the island is the “surfers paradise” in Tenerife. If you like water sports, this is the place to be! Long, shallow beaches, perfect for surfing or kitesurfing, are located throughout the town. What is kitesurfing anyway? This water sport consists of surfing, but with a kite. Sensations guaranteed with this activity! El Medano is famous for its beaches with crystal clear water and waves that are ideal for kitesurfing!
6. Meet the whales in Los Gigantes
Los Gigantes is a small coastal town best known for its “giant” cliffs on the Atlantic Ocean coastline. From the town, many sea excursions are possible. Catamarans, motorboats… But the excursion that we strongly recommend during your trip to Tenerife is the one that allows you to meet whales and dolphins. On the coasts of the island, it is indeed very frequent to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. If you want to have this privilege, Los Gigantes is the place to be!
7. Visit the TEA (Tenerife Espacio de las Artes) in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of the island and is also the most modern city. This dynamic city is renowned for its architecture and culture. During your visit to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, don’t miss the TEA, Tenerife Espacio de las Artes. It features numerous permanent collections of Spanish artists, including Óscar Domínguez and temporary exhibitions. The museum specialises in contemporary art and also includes a photographic museum and a library. So if you like cultural visits, this is a must-see!
8. The wine route in the north of Tenerife
The north of Tenerife is the most authentic and secret side of the island. It is also the least touristy part. Here you can find vineyards run by locals, authentic stops on the Tenerife Wine Route. Renowned for centuries, from the 16th to the 19th century, Tenerife was the leading exporter of wine to England in particular. Their wines are so famous that even Shakespeare wrote about them in some of his works. So do as the famous playwright did and come and discover some unique flavours on your next trip to Tenerife!
9. La Gomera to enjoy the beaches
La Gomera is a small island off Tenerife. There are many boats running between Tenerife and La Gomera. In about an hour you will be on a brand new island. The island is full of secrets to discover and is even classified by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve. It is also known for its many white sandy beaches. Whether you want to relax on a large, comfortable beach or discover a small cove, La Gomera has it all!
10. Take the colonial towns route: La Orotava, Icod de los Vinos, Garachico
As we have seen in this article, Tenerife is a natural paradise, but it also has some very special towns. And how can we not mention La Orotava, Icod de los Vinos or Garachico. All three towns are located on the northwest coast of the island and are not to be missed if you are looking for an authentic atmosphere off the beaten track. These pretty, traditional towns are remnants of the island’s colonial past. Indeed, a South American feeling emanates from the historic centres still marked by the architecture so particular to that era. Small steep streets, colourful houses, sea views… In short, authentic and atypical towns! Among the must-sees are the Millennium Dragon Tree in Icod de Los Vinos, the natural pools in ancient lava flows in Garachico, and the botanical garden in La Orotava. As you can see, these towns are definitely worth a visit!
Plan your next trip with Secret Barcelona
We hope that this presentation has inspired you to visit this multi-faceted island. Our team, specialised in Spain, is at your disposal for any question or creation of your travel projects in Tenerife, your group stays and your team building activities. Tenerife is definitely an atypical and unique island full of secrets to discover and authentic places to visit!
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