Tenerife attractions - now that's a big subject! Despite all the stuff on the car hire page, I'm aware that a lot of you, if holidaying in Tenerife, are content to just use your legs, staying in the immediate vicinity of your hotel or apartment and only venturing to places within easy walking distances. To many people, this remarkable island consists only of the towns of Las Americas and Los Cristianos, the former being the most commercialised patch of real estate on Tenerife, with the latter not far behind.
I'll deal with them within this section and you might find that these two towns have more to offer than Veronicas and the Patch. I'll also give you the lowdown on other, more far-flung, less touristy locations.
Some beautiful Tenerife scenery
If you have a car for the duration, then the world - or rather Tenerife - is your oyster. Those of you staying in the south, please be adventurous and try a drive up to the north. You'll find not only the island's capital well worth a visit, but numerous other towns and villages, some unbelievably unspoilt.
Don't forget the excellent bus service, too, for covering long distances. See my page on public transport for advice on bus routes, times and fares.
Before we get onto Tenerife's natural beauty, let's deal with the commercial tourist Tenerife attractions, starting with the biggies.
tenerife attractions
SIAM PARK - One of the newest and biggest of Tenerife attractions.
LORO PARK - Tenerife's famous zoo, entertaining people since 1972.
AQUALAND - A.k.a. "Octopus Park". Another water park, based in Adeje - with dolphins!
JUNGLE PARK - Once known as Aguilas del Teide, this zoo just outside Los Cristianos still features the famous birds of prey display.
MONKEY PARK - Situated just outside Los Cristianos, this zoo is noteworthy for having a "contact area", where visitors can actually interact with some of the animals.
CAMEL PARK - Also just outside Los Cristianos, this is a modest, yet charming attraction, in a rural, farmhouse setting, where you can see the animals and ride the camels!
WHALES AND DOLPHINS CRUISES - There are several companies operating these excellent, entertaining whale and dolphin cruises, mostly departing from the south side of the island. A superb way to spend a few hours and ideal for families.
ISLAND COACH TOURS - Numerous island coach tours exist, in all shapes and sizes, so you can explore Tenerife in comfort.
JEEP SAFARIS - A unique, open-topped experience, taking in all the sights of Tenerife...and going off-road!
MEDIEVAL CASTLE - Step back in time with this evening excursion to the castle at San Miguel and watch the Knights jousting and fighting battles.
KARTING - Tenerife has two centres for go-karting, one situated between Guaza and Las Chafiras, the other just outside Las Americas.
QUAD BIKING - There are two options for this activity, the Quad Park, with a set circuit and the Quad Safari, which takes you up into the mountains.
BOB DIVING - This unique activity is based at Puerto Colon, Las Americas. Intrigued? Click for more info.
MOTORCYCLE TOURS - Organised tours on motorcycles, both on-road and off.
RAFTING BIKE - A cycle tour with a difference: it's all downhill!
PAINTBALLING - Yes, they have this activity for would-be soldiers here in Tenerife.
"SEGWAY" TOURS - The "Segway" is one of those strange scooter things that you stand up on. Now a company is offering tours on them!
RANCHO EL PALM-MAR - Billed as a "Fiesta Canaria", this is an evening excursion where you are treated to traditional Canarian entertainment, accompanied by authentic local food and drink.
ANIMAL FARM GRANJA - A fully functioning farm near Las Americas, offering donkey treks.
TENERIFE ATTRACTIONS - SIGHTSEEING
PICO DEL TEIDE - A "must-do" for all Tenerife visitors. Go up the mountain!
PUEBLOCHICO - Situated at La Orotava, this is a beautifully constructed Tenerife in miniature. Every major landmark of the island has been faithfully reproduced.
PYRAMIDS AT GUIMAR - A site containing a complex of six step pyramids, constructed, rather surprisingly, as recently as post 1800. Includes a museum and other features.
JARDINES DEL ATLANTICO BANANERA - A Canarian theme park where the accent is on...bananas! (It is actually a working banana plantation which is open to the public.)
MARIPOSARIO DEL DRAGO - A butterfly farm situated in Icod de Los Vinos. See over 800 different exotic species.
SITIO LITRE - A wonderfully tranquil orchid garden found in Puerto de la Cruz.
tenerife attractions
travel site links:
Lisbon-Tourist-Guide.com The best site about Lisbon, Portugal. Written by a local friend! The best tips and advice about what to see, do and where to go while you're in Lisbon. Accomodations, Hotels, Restaurants, Maps, Weather and much more. Enjoy it!
OUTdoor-Slovenia.com Are you ready for the unforgettable adventure holiday in Slovenia? Outdoor activities and fun in beautiful country of Slovenia. OUTdoor Slovenia, rafting, canyoning, transfers, accommodation and more.
Best Ski Resorts This is your guide to the best ski resorts all around the world. Whether you're looking for top quality or value for money, family holiday or singles getaway you'll find it here.