Best Things to Do in Tenerife
Tenerife packs an unusual amount of variety into one island: a volcano you can drive most of the way up, whale-watching that rivals anywhere in Europe, and two of Spain’s most popular theme parks. The trick is booking the time-sensitive stuff (Teide cable car slots, whale-watching boats) in advance — walk-up availability in high season is unreliable.
Top experiences
Mount Teide
Cable car and guided volcano tours to Spain's highest peak.
Whale & Dolphin Watching
Boat trips from Los Gigantes — one of the most reliable spots in Europe.
Siam Park
Skip-the-line tickets for the world's top-rated water park.
Loro Parque
Zoo, aquarium and orca shows in Puerto de la Cruz.
Masca Valley
Guided hikes and jeep safaris through Tenerife's dramatic gorge.
Rainy Day Ideas
What to do if the weather turns — indoor and low-altitude options.
Quick comparison
| Experience | Typical duration | Book ahead? | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teide cable car + guided tour | Half day | Yes — cable car slots sell out | See tours |
| Whale & dolphin watching | 2–3 hours | Yes — limited boat capacity | See tours |
| Siam Park | Full day | Recommended in summer | See tickets |
| Masca Valley hike/jeep safari | Half to full day | Yes — group sizes are limited | See tours |
Most of these can be booked either directly with the attraction or through a tour operator that bundles transport — useful if you don’t have a rental car, since public transport to Masca and the Teide cable car base station is limited.
