Europe is home to over 500 national parks and thousands of nature reserves and lakes. Tenerife, a Canary Island, beyond its reputation as a go-to party holiday destination, is especially renowned for its nature.
If you’re interested in Tenerife holidays that explore the island’s UNESCO-protected biodiversity and dramatic volcanic landscapes, keep reading.
The Surf Scene
Tenerife’s position in the Atlantic makes it a prime surfing destination, with consistent swells that draw enthusiasts from around the world. The island’s year-round mild climate adds to the appeal and allows you to surf year-round. The winter months (November to February) have larger and more powerful waves for experienced surfers. Beginners are better suited to the summer, which features smaller and gentler swells.
Playa de las Américas is the best-known surf spot, with a mix of lively breaks and vibrant beach culture. For those looking for a more laid-back vibe, El Médano, on the island’s south coast, is a popular spot with kitesurfers and windsurfers, thanks to consistent breezes and a long sandy shoreline. There are plenty of surf schools dotted across the island to help you get started.
Stargazing Opportunities
The island is home to some of the clearest skies in Europe, making it a world-class destination for stargazing. Its high-altitude vantage points and low levels of light pollution provide conditions so perfect that Tenerife is recognised as a Starlight Tourist Destination.
The Teide Observatory, located on Mount Teide, offers guided visits where astronomy enthusiasts can view distant galaxies and constellations. For a more casual experience, join a stargazing tour that starts with sunset views before gazing up into the sky.
Volcanoes and Otherworldly Hikes
Tenerife’s volcanic origins are dramatically showcased in Mount Teide National Park. At 3,718 metres, Mount Teide is Spain’s highest peak, and the park surrounding it offers a landscape unlike anywhere else in Europe. You’ll find rugged lava fields and towering rock formations that give the area a Martian quality.
Walking and hiking enthusiasts are spoilt for choice in Tenerife. Some trails lead through he laurel forest of the north, while others cut across ridges with views stretching to neighbouring islands. Adventurers can take the cable car up Mount Teide and, with the correct permit, summit the volcano itself.
Culture and Calm in One Place
The island’s smaller towns and villages, including La Orotava and Garachico, showcase Canarian heritage with cobbled streets and lively local markets. The pace of life is slower here than in Anta Cruz de Tenerife and San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
No trip to Tenerife is complete without sampling the local cuisine. Fresh seafood is a staple, but the island’s signature dish is “papas arrugadas” (wrinkled potatoes served with mojo sauce). It originates from the 16th century when Spanish explorers brought potatoes from the New World and adapted them to the islands’ saltwater environment, using local resources and establishing the use of “papas” (the Latin American term for potatoes).
