Best things to do in Tenerife South—ranked based on my own experience
How much time do you need in Tenerife South?
My ultimate 3-day Tenerife South itinerary
Visiting Tenerife South: Quick tips for your 3-day Tenerife South itinerary
Where to stay in Tenerife South
My List of things to do in Tenerife South | 3-days in Tenerife South
1. Be amazed by Teide National Park
3. Walk out to Punta de Teno Lighthouse
4. Hike the Masca Gorge & Masca Beach
5. Marvel at Los Gigantes Cliffs
7. People watch or party at Playa de las Américas
8. Crazy good times at Siam Park water park
9. Explore the volcanic beaches of Playa del Médano, Montana Roja, & Playa del Tejida
10. Act like a primate at Monkey Park zoo
11. Stroll the Puerto Los Cristianos Promenade
I’ve canceled my trip to the Canary Islands so many times over the years that it almost became mythical in my head… like this perfect place I’d never actually go to.
Well, I finally made it, and after visiting Tenerife in late 2025 (and before that in 2020 and even as a kid), I can confidently say: Tenerife South is absolutely worth your time—if you know where to go and what to skip. There are so many interesting things to do in Tenerife South.
You can easily waste time here doing boring beach days and cheesy tourist traps, or you can have one of the most varied, almost “USA national park-level” experiences in Europe—I kid you not, Tenerife South is that amazing.
I’m here to make sure you get the second option, and you get to experience all the great South Tenerife activities on offer. I’ll tell you how to visit them and how to put them all together in an itinerary, too.
See my other articles on the Canary Islands.
In a single day, you can go from dry, almost desert-like coastlines to standing on top of a volcano that feels like Mars. The variety on the island is insane and easily rivals some of the best landscapes I’ve seen in places like the US or South America. That’s exactly why there are so many things to do in Tenerife South, and why it’s easy to waste time if you don’t know where to go.
This guide will show you exactly the best things to do in South Tenerife, what’s overrated, what’s incredible, and how to structure your days, so you don’t waste a single one. No fluff. Just what actually matters.
By the end, you’ll have a clear, practical 3-day itinerary full of the best things to do in Tenerife South—and you won’t need to read another article.
Tenerife South honestly felt like a mix of Arizona, Utah, and a bit of Mexico thrown into Spain (it’s a literal Sangria mix). It’s dry, sunny, volcanic, and a lot more desert-like than people expect.
Unlike Gran Canaria, which feels like a mini-continent, Tenerife is simpler and more compact. Everything revolves around one giant volcanic boss: Mount Teide—Spain’s highest peak. Who runs the island? TEIDE (I’m singing in my Beyoncé voice—don’t tell anyone… protect my masculinity).
The south is dry like my humor, sunny like my disposition, resort-heavy (I’ve got nothing), easy to navigate like my thoughts, and most importantly, it’s the perfect base for exploring the best parts of my body… I mean, island. Excuse me.
Good to know: There are no dangerous animals on Tenerife Island. No snakes, no spiders… only humans. And God knows what we’re capable of.
How much time do you need in Tenerife South?
You can see the best of Tenerife South in 3 days if you plan properly. The Tenerife Itinerary I created is flexible, as all of the South Tenerife activities are within driving distance, which is not only convenient, but it also means you won’t be driving around like a crazed maniac. This isn’t Las Palmas, after all (the WORST driving I’ve ever experienced). If you’ve only got 1 day, go to Teide National Park and forget about the beaches. With 2 days, add Masca Gorge, Punta de Teno, and the Los Gigantes cliffs. With 3 days, you can add the south coast and not feel like a deranged box-ticking checklist nutcase.
My tip-top tip: Rent a car. Seriously. I paid EUR 400 (USD 470) for 6 days and EUR 600 (USD 705) for 14 days through DiscoverCars. The longer you rent, the cheaper it gets. Compared to Scotland? About 5× cheaper!
1. Teide National Park (full day)
Day 3–South Coast + easy wins
I chose Royal Hideaway Corales Suites. The rooms were spacious, so clean, great breakfast, amazing pools, all that 5-star jazz one would expect. I felt like a tiny person sleeping on the gargantuan bed in my room. It was literally for a giant. Ten out of ten would stay there again. a giant. Ten out of ten would stay there again.
Below you can find detailed descriptions of my favorite places in Southern Tenerife... or is it Mars?
Sigh. Teide National Park. This is the one place you absolutely shouldn’t skip in Tenerife. This place… wow. I am almost speechless just thinking about it, which says a lot. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Tenerife South.
I’ve seen national parks in the US, South America, Japan, and I’m telling you straight up: Teide belongs in that league, which is exactly why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. It doesn’t feel like Spain in the way you expect. It felt like Death Valley, Yosemite, Mars (I’ve not been… yet.), and a bit of Torres del Paine in Chile, all mixed into one.
The landscapes changed constantly as I drove through the park. One moment, I was in a dusty desert, the next, I was surrounded by surreal, super strange rock formations and lava fields. I am not ashamed to say that I wholeheartedly expected to see a few (hopefully friendly) aliens in my rearview mirror during this road trip in Tenerife South.
The best part: The variety. You don’t even need to hike much. You can drive and take a cable car and still see insane landscapes. This park needs to be at the top of your things to do in South Tenerife list.
I took the cable car to the start of the Mount Teide summit hike, and I have to say that it was worth it… not that I’m lazy, but I wanted to see as much as possible during my time there. The cable car starts at 2,250 m (7,382 ft) above sea leveland takes you up to 3,555 m (11,663 ft), just below the summit.
Disappointing: The crowds at the cable car, you’re packed in like a sardine… let me say that someone didn’t put their deodorant on that day. Gross. Also, if you’re claustrophobic, this is not for you, and you can cross it off your things to do in Tenerife South.
There are many ways to approach the beast that is Mt. Teide. Have a look at my article hiking Mount Teide for a lot of practical info.
Hiking Mount Teide–do you need to go to the summit?
Honestly… no. The views are similar from the top of the cable car. Unless you’re obsessed with ticking boxes, skip the hassle of getting the permit that’s needed to hike to the summit.
These rock formations are ridiculous. They looked tiny from Mount Teide… then I stood next to them and felt like an ant (please don’t step on me).
I loved how they are the remnant of an ancient volcano absorbed by Teide and how they divide the caldera, making the 200 m (656 ft) drop to the other half feel dramatic and yet almost invisible from above.
Do the short Sendero loop hike (40 min)—totally worth it.
Top tip: Nearby, there’s a visitor center with solid geology info and interesting facts about the Guanches, the indigenous Berber people of the Canary Islands. I came for the rocks, left slightly educated. Win-win.
Yellow volcanic sand + red rocks = otherworldly. I’m not exaggerating here. Driving along the TF-21 toward Mount Teide, I suddenly saw this dramatic landscape of yellow pumice mixed with huge red boulders, and I thought, I just left Earth! Scientists say it’s like the surface of the Moon or Mars… and as always, I agree with them. Science!
Top tip: It’s a short stop, very photogenic, but if you’re not rushing, you could easily spend an hour just wandering around. This is at the top of my list of unusual things to do in Tenerife!
Optional, but great. I didn’t feel amazing at the altitude of 135 m (10,285 ft) above sea level (hello dizziness), but the Pico Viejo hike was still worth it for the crater views.
The crater is awesome—it’s much larger than Teide, and I saw how the whole caldera is divided by formations like Roques de García. All those brown spots in the pine forest below? Yep, more volcanoes. Very cool stuff.
Good to know: You need a permit to access the summit of Pico Viejo and the main Teide crater. It’s free, but has to be booked months in advance on the official site.
Top tip: Sunset or stargazing at Teide National Park is next level (of travel… see what I did there?). One of the best places in the world for it. Don’t miss it!
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Loro Parque is worth the visit and the price tag. It’s one of the world’s top zoos and a benchmark for animal conservation, but honestly, calling it a zoo feels wrong. It felt more like a tropical paradise with palm trees everywhere. with palm trees everywhere.
The park is compact, which I liked, and it’s a perfect stop during a family holiday, should you have evil little spawn. There are fewer animals than in typical zoos, but it’s a perfect example of “less is more.” Everything is well designed, educational, and the vibe feels more like a theme park.
Parrots are everywhere! It’s not called Parrot Park for nothing!
Don’t miss my favorites: The Parrot Show and the Orca Show! Yes, they have orcas. And yes, they are well taken care of.
I went to the dramatic end of Tenerife—a rocky tip where volcanic cliffs drop into the Atlantic Ocean—and I’m glad I did. The views were jaw-dropping.
This area is part of the Teno Rural Park and honestly felt like the “edge of the world” in the best possible way. The Faro de Punta de Teno lighthouse, originally built in 1897, sits perched there, in command.
The whole area is quiet, scenic, and wild—definitely go! Access is a bit annoying, though.
Honest opinion: Go safely by bus during the day and save those gray hairs from appearing too quickly.
Masca Gorge, oh my… such an amazing area with a real Machu Picchu feel. Masca village, which appears to be clinging to the hillside, is 650 m (2,130 ft) above sea level. This place has to be on your list of things to do in Tenerife South.
On my drive there, I crossed into a different part of the island—the lush green side (much drier than the other side). Tenerife is like my personality; I have two sides.
I stopped at Mirador Altos de Baracán, a viewpoint of 800 m (2,625 ft) above sea level, where I saw 360-degree views over the Teno Mountains and La Gomera.
Fair warning: It was windy and cold. It’s also worth stopping at Mirador de Hilda, another beautiful viewpoint along the way. What isn’t beautiful on this island? Come on now. It’s almost too much.
I did the Masca Gorge hike that starts at the village, and it was hands-down one of my favorite hikes. This has to be on your list of things to do—it's just beautiful! I walked down through a canyon and ended up at the secluded Masca Beach. If you don’t believe me when I say it’s beautiful, look at my photo below!
It’s a wild natural spot off the beaten path… not for sunbathing. If you want to sunbathe, stick to luxury resorts or the main beaches.
I stopped at Mirador Archipenque, the most famous lookout point for the Los Gigantes cliffs, one of the natural wonders of Tenerife. These are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe, and they are impressive—nature just casually showing off again. We get it; we’re not worthy.
They impressed me… but really, I think that the views from a boat or the nearby Playa de Los Guíos beach are probably much better. I think staring up at the dramatic cliffs from below would make me feel even tinier and more insignificant. Still, it’s worth a stop. Just don’t expect a life-changing spiritual awakening.
I enjoyed relaxing at the Playa del Duque beach in Costa Adeje. It’s mostly a city beach, but unlike many other beaches, it has golden sand, not black sand. There are rock “bookends” on both sides, nice beachfront restaurants in the area, water sports (not for me; I prefer dry land, although I did consider a boat trip), and parking is super easy.
It’s really a laid-back no-brainer for everyone. I’m not a huge beach person, but after hiking around, it was a welcome place. For beach lovers, it’s a must.
Further along, the typical black sand beaches continue with Playa El Beril and Playa El Fañabé.
I enjoyed an evening walk on the promenade—I saw many paragliders over the mountains, looking like a flock of birds (flying so close to one another that I got nervous and had to go have a beer).
Best part: The chilled sunset vibe.
Worst part: It’s slightly too polished with an upscale vibe.
Playa de las Américas is a well-known tourist resort in southern Tenerife. It’s famous for its several artificial, golden-sand beaches. Lively. Loud. Not necessarily my vibe… but Playa de las Américas is really good for people watching, and the soft sand is perfect for digging your toes in. Don’t forget your sunscreen.
It’s very developed.… sunbeds everywhere, restaurants, shops, lifeguards, entertainment. Another no-brainer (or a filler) for an easy hour, or longer if you want to swim. The water is clean and calm with gentle waves.
Top tip: It’s the party capital of Tenerife, so if you want a night out, this is it. I’m more of a dinner & bed type guy though.
Okay, Siam Park is amazing as water parks go. I would go so far as to say it’s one of the best in the world, definitely the best in Europe! I had so much fun, and it felt like walking into some sort of Thai architectural fantasy world with a plus of having water attractions.
There’s a variety there: Lazy rivers, amazingly horrible free-fall vertical drop slides. Which I did. Not once, but twice, and I was terrified… but I went back for more! I chose the full-on adrenaline experience rather than a relaxing time on a lazy river… but I did that last, and it was a good way to end my time there.
Top tip: Book tickets in advance and go early.
Walking around the small town of El Medano and the volcanic beaches of Playa del Médano, Montaña Roja, and Playa de la Tejita was a nice surprise. It felt wild, and less resort-like than other parts of Tenerife, which gave it a raw and more natural vibe. Perfect for nature lovers.
I walked along the volcanic beaches and climbed Montaña Roja (171 m, 561 ft above sea level), for the views, which are really worth it once you’re up there, looking over Playa de la Tejita, the coastline, and the ocean.
Best part: The authentic, slightly rugged feel.
Worst part: The wind did its best to turn my whole walk into a workout.
Good to know: The walk up the Montaña Roja volcanic cone is short, but it’s steep at first, then it levels out. It was so worth it, though! My calves were a bit angry, though. Angry muscles aside, this walk should be on your list of things to do in Tenerife South.
I did a quick stop at Monkey Park in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. All in all, it’s nothing to write home about, but it’s good if you happen to be nearby. It’s small enough to cover in an hour.
It’s a compact private zoo and breeding center for endangered primates, but their main focus is on rescue animals.
I saw lemurs, chimpanzees, small monkeys, plus exotic birds like macaws, cockatoos, and a toucan. I mean, it’s always entertaining to see primates and try to interact with them… I feel like we speak the same language after all. I sometimes consider myself to be more ape than man.
The Puerto Los Cristianos Promenade was the perfect way to end my trip.
The promenade on the Playa de los Cristianos beach is accessible and flat, so it’s good for everyone, and after all of my hiking adventures, I really welcomed that. The area is chock full of cafes, bars, and the best restaurants.
It stretches for a distance, and it’s very walkable… I actually considered walking all the way to Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje beach for a second dinner, but I stopped myself. How many dinners can one have?
Top tip: Go for an evening stroll there at a snail’s pace and just walk, grab food, and relax. Rinse and repeat.
Good to know: It is very busy in the evening, but everyone is so relaxed, and no one is in a hurry. The crowds didn’t bother me.
Let me save you time with these final tips for what to see in Tenerife.
Absolutely yes. If you just stay in resorts it’s average. But if you explore properly? It’s one of the most diverse places in Europe and so worth it. I’m ecstatic I finally got to go after all these years of putting my trip off.
Between volcanoes, cliffs, beaches, and insane landscapes, there are so many things to do in Tenerife South that you’ll run out of time before you run out of options.
Drive the mountains. Climb an active volcano. Watch the sunset at Teide National Park. Go stargazing. Look at the parrots in Loro Parque. Discover rural villages and hidden gems. Just go!
And book that ticket already—you’ll thank me later.
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Best things to do in Tenerife South—ranked based on my own experience
How much time do you need in Tenerife South?
My ultimate 3-day Tenerife South itinerary
Visiting Tenerife South: Quick tips for your 3-day Tenerife South itinerary
Where to stay in Tenerife South
My List of things to do in Tenerife South | 3-days in Tenerife South
1. Be amazed by Teide National Park
3. Walk out to Punta de Teno Lighthouse
4. Hike the Masca Gorge & Masca Beach
5. Marvel at Los Gigantes Cliffs
7. People watch or party at Playa de las Américas
8. Crazy good times at Siam Park water park
9. Explore the volcanic beaches of Playa del Médano, Montana Roja, & Playa del Tejida
10. Act like a primate at Monkey Park zoo
11. Stroll the Puerto Los Cristianos Promenade
Hi, I’m Jan. I travel fast and intensely, whether I’m exploring the buzz of Tokyo in 3 days or road-tripping through mountains and beaches on a 3-week Thailand adventure. And no matter where I am, you’ll always find me in a comfortable hotel at night and eating the best food.
If that sounds like your kind of journey, hop on board, and let’s explore the world together!
I started this blog after realizing how tough it can be to find reliable, authentic travel info. You wouldn’t believe how many “travel bloggers” never even visit the places they write about! On Next Level of Travel, you can count on my full honesty and insights drawn from my firsthand experiences.
Here’s the deal: not every destination is all superlatives and unicorns. I’ll let you know if a tourist attraction isn’t worth your time, like skipping overrated stops in my 2-week Spain itinerary. And when I find something truly special—like the perfect mix of culture and nature in Cape Town—you can trust that it’s worth adding to your itinerary.
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