Discover the rural side of Tenerife

Sun, beach, and sangria perfectly define the atmosphere of this island. Part of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is the perfect destination for a family getaway, a couple’s retreat, or a trip with friends, thanks to its sunny coasts almost all year round and its lively cities offering high-quality tourist services and facilities.

Not interested in spending an entire week sunbathing on the beach? Get ready to discover the rural gems of Tenerife! From majestic volcanoes and underground caves to impressive forests and idyllic coves, the island offers many alternatives to explore.

For nature lovers

What could be wilder than visiting a volcano? Tenerife is one of the many volcanic islands of the Canaries, with Teide being its highest peak. The Teide National Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a magnificent visit if you’re looking for spectacular landscapes and unique hiking trails.

Don’t want to end up trapped in clouds of ash and rivers of magma? Don’t worry! In fact, Teide has been inactive for over a century. One of the best Things to do is to take the cable car to its summit, where you can enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the entire island.

Golden tip: visit the Teide National Park at night to enjoy an impressive starry sky. The park is home to the incredible Teide Observatory (Izaña Observatory), which also offers daytime visits.

If the heat overwhelms you…

We won’t lie to you: the island of Tenerife can get very hot in summer. While a dip in the ocean is an infallible method to cool off, there is also another option—much more fun—that offers you an imaginary trip to Thailand: Siam Park, the famous water park on the island.

Upon entering, you’ll feel transported to traditional Thailand thanks to its lush vegetation and temples. In fact, Siam Park claims to have the largest number of Thai buildings outside of Thailand! If you love adrenaline, the park offers impressive water slides. That’s why it was rated the best water park in the world by TripAdvisor in 2018.

But there’s much more… The park also features a floating market and a beach with restaurants and Thai food stalls. Mmmmmm! We recommend booking your tickets as soon as possible!

If you like quieter places…

Is your challenge to return from your vacation tanned, but you don’t feel like sunbathing on a beach crowded with sun loungers? Grab the keys to your rental car and drive to one of the island’s most secluded coves.

The tranquil beach of El Bollullo, located about 4 km east of Puerto de la Cruz, is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful bays in Tenerife. Like many beaches in the Canary Islands, it is a black volcanic sand beach flanked on both sides by steep cliffs that end in the sea.

The absence of shops and water sports businesses makes it a haven of peace. It can be accessed on foot from the parking lot above or via a coastal path from Puerto de la Cruz (the walk takes about 40 minutes). Has all that walking made you hungry? At the top of the cliff, there is a small restaurant serving simple tapas with sea views.

If you’re looking for adventure…

Island getaways don’t have to be limited to rest and relaxation. Tenerife also offers a wide and thrilling range of unique activities! Don’t miss the Cueva del Viento, an incredible system of underground caves located on the north coast of the island.

These immense volcanic tubes were formed from the lava flow from the eruptions of the nearby Pico Viejo volcano. It is believed to be the longest system of its kind in Europe, with its 18 km length. Book a guided tour, put on your helmet, and delve beneath the Earth’s surface to discover fossils, stalactites, and lava lakes. The impressive caves also host a unique and diverse fauna that has adapted to living in complete darkness over the years. A bit eerie, but very interesting.

If you’ve always wanted to travel to Peru…

On the way inland from the island’s western coast, you’ll think you’ve suddenly been transported to Machu Picchu. This remote mountain village is often described as a miniature version of that Peruvian area, as it stretches along a ridge crowned by a large rock.

Not afraid of heights? The ascending road winds around the impressive peaks of the Teno massif. Only for the bravest! Once in Masca, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The cobbled streets give way to clusters of local homes and various panoramic points, including the Masca Viewpoint, which offers incredible views of the surroundings.

Get your hiking shoes ready! The Masca ravine trail crosses a magical gorge filled with palm trees that ends at Masca beach. The hike takes a little over three hours, but the beach is stunning and definitely worth it.

You can also drive to Los Gigantes, from where you can take a boat to Masca beach. A visit worth making.

If you want to impress your better half…

Are you on vacation with your partner? If you want to organize a date they’ll never forget, prepare a picnic in the Las Lajas forest. This lush area, located in the heart of the island and away from the crowded beaches, is covered with pine trees and offers some epic rural views.

Park near the Las Lajas picnic area (about 10 km above the municipality of Vilaflor following the TF-21) and enjoy a tasty lunch at its wooden tables. After eating, put on some comfortable shoes and explore one of the forest trails in the area. You can admire the landscape and take the opportunity to spot some of the native bird species, such as the blue chaffinch of Tenerife.

Getting around Tenerife

If you want to explore rural Tenerife, you’ll need a car. You can rent one upon arrival at one of the island’s airports (Tenerife North Los Rodeos or Tenerife South Reina Sofia) or in any of the main tourist areas, such as Playa de las Am