Tenerife in 3 days
Teide, Anaga and the west for an intense first look at the island.
See itinerary →Places guide
What to see in Tenerife: places worth the trip
Tenerife can’t be understood from one coast alone. This guide brings together its essential places and helps you choose which ones fit your route, your area and your days of travel.
15 selected places
4 areas of the island
Routes for 3, 5 and 7 days
One island, many landscapes
It changes at every bend.
In a single day you can cross a laurel forest, walk among volcanoes, wander through a historic town and finish facing the Atlantic.
You don’t need to see everything. Combine the contrasts well: Teide explains the volcanic origins; Anaga preserves the island’s oldest landscape; La Laguna and La Orotava tell its history; and the west coast shows the scale of the ocean at Los Gigantes.
The must-sees
Five places to start with.
The first layer of Tenerife: summit, forest, ravines and ocean. Each place links to a more detailed guide.
01 · High mountain
Teide National Park
The road crosses pine forests and lava flows before reaching the great mineral landscape of Las Cañadas.
02 · Northeast
Anaga
Ravines, misty ridges and trails through laurel forest.
03 · Heritage
La Laguna
Courtyards, colourful façades and the best city on the island for wandering without a plan.
04 · Teno
Masca
A scenic road between rock walls and ravines that drop towards the ocean.
05 · West coast
Los Gigantes
A volcanic wall that shows its true scale from the sea and in the late afternoon.
Beyond the icons
Ten places to round out the island.
Towns, coast and mid-altitude villages to tailor the route to the way you travel.
Garachico
Quiet streets, traditional architecture and natural pools in a town shaped by the volcano.
2–3 hours · North · Read the guide →
La Orotava
Grand houses, wooden balconies and sloping streets above one of the island’s most recognisable valleys.
2–3 hours · North · Read the guide →
Punta de Teno
Black rock, a lighthouse, open sea and one of the clearest views towards Los Gigantes.
2–3 hours · West · Read the guide →
Las Teresitas
A sheltered bay next to San Andrés to combine beach, food and a route through Anaga.
Half a day · Northeast · Read the guide →
El Médano and La Tejita
Seaside atmosphere, wind sports and an open beach beneath the silhouette of Montaña Roja.
Half a day · South · Read the guide →
Icod de los Vinos
The Dragon Tree, squares and a historic centre that fits into any day between La Orotava and Garachico.
1–2 hours · North · Read the guide →
Puerto de la Cruz
Seafront promenade, gardens, La Ranilla and an excellent base for exploring the north at an easy pace.
Half a day · North · Read the guide →
Candelaria
A basilica, a seafront square and the memory of the ancient Guanche kings, the Menceyes, in a different kind of cultural stop.
1–2 hours · East · Read the guide →
Vilaflor
A mid-altitude village surrounded by pine forest that breaks up the journey between the south and Teide.
1–2 hours · Highlands · Read the guide →
Santa Cruz
Architecture, markets, parks and city life to combine with La Laguna and Las Teresitas.
Half a day · Metropolitan area · Read the guide →Choose your route
What to visit by area.
Grouping your visits avoids crossing the island several times and leaves time to enjoy the scenic roads.
North
La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz, Icod and Garachico. Historic towns, lush vegetation, volcanic coast and wineries with wine tasting.
South
El Médano, La Tejita and the southern approaches to Teide. Sun, beaches and activities.
West
Masca, Teno and Los Gigantes. Ravines, cliffs and roads that are part of the journey.
Northeast
Anaga, La Laguna, Santa Cruz and Las Teresitas. The most complete combination in a single day.
Routes by length
Choose according to your days.
Fewer kilometres, more time at each place. These routes prioritise contrast and sensible travelling times.
Tenerife in 4 days
Choose your route and follow it over a long weekend.
See itinerary →Tenerife in 5 days
Add northern towns and a day for the beach or a boat trip.
See itinerary →Tenerife in 6 days
Almost a week, without going the full seven days.
See itinerary →One week
Slow the pace and keep the summit, forest, cities and coast separate.
See itinerary →Before you set off
Plan less. Drive better.
- Group places by area and avoid crossing the island several times.
- Check the weather for the summit, the north and the south separately.
- Set out early for Teide, Anaga, Masca and Punta de Teno.
- Check access, permits and bookings before entering protected areas.
- Leave some slack: a scenic road can’t be enjoyed on an impossible schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Before you choose your places.
What is the single must-see place in Tenerife?
Teide is the most representative visit for its volcanic scenery. A first route is far more complete when you combine it with Anaga and a historic town in the north.
Is it better to visit the north or the south?
The north has historic towns, vegetation and local atmosphere. The south offers more hours of sun, beaches and activities. To understand the island it is worth visiting both.
How many days do you need?
Three days let you cover the big must-sees at an intense pace; five balance sightseeing and rest; a week is the most comfortable length.
Can you get around Tenerife without a car?
Yes, by choosing your bases and visits more carefully. For Teide, Anaga, Masca or Teno it can be more practical to use organised excursions or transfers.
Your trip starts here
You don’t need to see everything. You need to choose well.
Build your route around two or three landscapes you are genuinely interested in, and leave room to stop and look.