When we think of Tenerife, images of sun-drenched beaches and coastlines, the majestic Mount Teide, and the lush landscapes of Anaga often come to mind. If you’re wondering what to do in Tenerife beyond the beach and scenic walks, the island bursts with life and variety. There are activities and attractions for every taste, age, and kind of traveller — from thrilling water parks to cultural highlights, close-up wildlife encounters, and authentic Canarian cuisine — so you’ll find something for everyone.
Let’s take a journey through some of the best things to do in Tenerife that guarantee memories to last a lifetime.
Water Adventures and Wildlife Encounters
Tenerife is home to world-class water parks and fascinating zoos, where you can discover exotic animals and enjoy spectacular shows.
Siam Park
Step into Thailand in the middle of the Atlantic! Siam Park isn’t just a name — the entire park is designed in a unique Thai-inspired style, from themed rides named after myths and rivers (like the “Dragon” or the “Mekong Rapids”), to intricately decorated temples, golden dragons, and lush tropical vegetation that makes you feel like you’re in the jungle.
Consistently ranked among the best water parks in the world, Siam Park offers something for everyone: from the adrenaline-pumping Tower of Power, where you plunge through a shark aquarium, to the tranquil lazy river perfect for relaxing. Visitors rave about the greenery, cleanliness, and, of course, the rides themselves — which deliver unforgettable thrills. To make the most of your day, arrive early at opening time or consider a Fast Pass to skip queues for the most popular attractions.
Loro Parque
Located in northern Tenerife, Loro Parque is not just a zoo — it’s a wildlife park renowned for its conservation work and educational programmes. Here you can enjoy breathtaking shows featuring orcas, dolphins, sea lions, and parrots. The park boasts incredible biodiversity: from majestic gorillas and powerful tigers to one of the world’s largest penguinariums and vast aquariums filled with marine life. Visitors consistently praise the immaculate grounds, the respectful treatment of animals, and the high standard of organisation. Plan to spend a full day here for the ultimate experience.
Aqualand Costa Adeje
For those travelling with younger children, Aqualand Costa Adeje is a perfect alternative to the adrenaline-fuelled Siam Park. This family-friendly water park offers plenty of attractions designed for little ones, alongside its centrepiece — the dolphin show, which delights both kids and adults. It’s a more relaxed option where you can enjoy a sunny day with water fun at a slower pace.
Jungle Park Las Águilas
Immerse yourself in a tropical jungle right in Tenerife! Jungle Park is a zoo and botanic garden famous for its spectacular bird of prey shows and sea lion performances. Here you’ll encounter tigers, leopards, monkeys, and many other animals living in environments designed to resemble their natural habitats. The highlight for many visitors is the unforgettable eagle show, where these magnificent birds swoop directly above the audience. As a bonus, the park also features a fun bobsleigh track!
Tenerife Zoo Monkey Park
For a more intimate experience, Monkey Park offers something truly special: the chance to feed lemurs, guinea pigs, and even some species of monkeys (special food is sold at the entrance). This small but charming zoo is a favourite with families, offering a hands-on, interactive experience that leaves children (and adults) smiling. It’s perfect for a shorter, relaxed outing with a unique personal touch.
Unique Experiences and Outdoor Adventures
Beyond its beaches and volcanoes, Tenerife offers some of the island’s most unforgettable encounters with nature, along with plenty of opportunities for active adventures. These experiences are often the highlight of any trip.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
This is far more than a simple boat trip — it’s an extraordinary adventure that allows you to witness some of the ocean’s most fascinating marine wildlife in their natural habitat. Few experiences compare to the thrill of seeing the tail of a pilot whale rising from the water, or a pod of dolphins playfully leaping alongside your boat. In addition to resident pilot whales, you may spot bottlenose dolphins, striped dolphins, and occasionally even fin whales or humpback whales during certain seasons. Most excursions include a refreshing swim stop in the clear waters of the Atlantic.
The majority of whale watching tours in Tenerife depart from the island’s southern harbours — particularly Los Gigantes, with its towering cliffs, and Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje. To avoid disappointment, especially in high season, it’s wise to book your trip in advance.
Stargazing on Mount Teide
When the sun sets and the island cools, Tenerife reveals one of its most magical experiences: stargazing in Teide National Park. Recognised as one of the best stargazing locations in the world, Teide’s altitude of around 2,000 metres, combined with minimal light pollution, creates perfect conditions for observing the night sky. You’ll see the Milky Way stretch overhead, spot familiar constellations, and discover new ones with the naked eye.
Choose between a solitary adventure, driving up to one of Teide’s viewpoints for a quiet night under the stars, or join an organised tour with professional astronomers, telescopes, and fascinating insights into planets and galaxies. Either way, this experience leaves an unforgettable impression. Just remember — at altitude it can get surprisingly cold, even in summer, so pack warm clothing.
You can stargaze independently from the park’s viewpoints, or join an organised tour with expert guides and telescopes.
Scuba Diving in Tenerife
Beneath the Atlantic waves, Tenerife hides a world as breathtaking as its landscapes above ground. Scuba diving in Tenerife reveals an extraordinary underwater realm shaped by volcanic forces — with lava caves, dramatic drop-offs, and shipwrecks teeming with marine life. During a dive, you might encounter rays, sea turtles, octopuses, shoals of barracuda, moray eels, and countless colourful reef fish.
Tenerife is well-equipped with professional dive centres, offering everything from try dives for beginners under expert supervision to full certification courses and guided trips to the island’s top dive sites, such as El Bufadero, La Cueva del Zorro, El Tubo de Garachico, and Abades. Diving here is an adventure suitable for all levels.
La Orotava Botanical Garden
One of Spain’s oldest botanical gardens, founded in the late 18th century, the Jardín de Aclimatación de La Orotava is a haven for plant lovers and those seeking peace and quiet. Its collection spans tropical and subtropical species from around the world, including rare plants and centuries-old trees. A stroll through its shaded paths is a calming journey filled with colour and fragrance, perfect for slow exploration and photography. With thousands of excellent reviews, it’s a must-visit cultural and natural attraction in northern Tenerife.
Surfing in Tenerife
With its warm waters and reliable waves, Tenerife is a year-round surfing paradise for beginners and pros alike. Popular spots include Playa de las Américas (great for learners), El Médano (famous for windsurfing and kitesurfing), Playa Jardín, and Playa del Socorro. Surf schools across the island offer lessons, equipment hire, and local guidance, making it easy to catch your first wave — or refine your technique if you’re already experienced.
Culture, History, and Gastronomy
Tenerife is not only about nature — the island also boasts a rich history and vibrant culture. Dive in through striking architecture, characterful bodegas and wineries, and immersive live shows.
Auditorio de Tenerife
One of the most recognisable landmarks in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the Auditorio de Tenerife is a masterpiece of modern architecture by Santiago Calatrava. Its distinctive sail-like curves have become a symbol of the city. Even if you don’t attend a concert or opera (the programme is wonderfully varied), a walk around the building is a must. It looks spectacular both by day and when illuminated at night, making it a perfect backdrop for photos.
Castillo de San Miguel and Medieval Show
Step back in time and experience the thrill of knights’ tournaments and royal banquets at Castillo de San Miguel Tenerife. This unique medieval show combines equestrian stunts, sword fights, and interactive entertainment with a feast fit for kings. Visitors sit at long wooden tables, cheering for their chosen knights as they battle for honour and glory. Reviews highlight how fun and family-friendly the evening is, with plenty of spectacle for children and adults alike.
Wine Valleys of Tacoronte-Acentejo and La Orotava
Discover Tenerife’s winemaking soul in the picturesque valleys of Tacoronte-Acentejo and La Orotava in the island’s north. These regions are famous for their volcanic soils, which give local wines a unique character. You can visit traditional bodegas, learn about the history of Canarian wine, and enjoy tastings against a backdrop of stunning landscapes.
Many visitors recommend wineries such as Bodegas Monje, where tastings can be paired with a delicious meal overlooking the Atlantic, or Bodegas El Lomo, offering a more intimate, family-run experience. Wine tours here are a perfect way to relax, savour local flavours, and immerse yourself in the cultural and gastronomic traditions of Tenerife.
As you can see, Tenerife activities go far beyond beautiful beaches and dramatic scenery. This is an island that surprises at every turn — delivering unforgettable experiences, from pulse-raising water parks and deep-blue dives to medieval tournaments, stargazing on Teide, and volcanic-soil wines. Every day can be a fresh adventure. Whatever kind of holiday you’re seeking, Tenerife will leave you with warm memories and a strong desire to return.