Tenerife by Land and Sea

Tenerife enjoys a climate which has been described as an “eternal spring”. The pleasant weather is perfect for outdoor pursuits, and on the island there are a wide range of such activities suitable for all tastes, ages, and physical conditions. Adventure excursions can include walks, canyon trips, cycle rides, and water activities. 

Tenerife has a fascinating landscape with spectacular views and countless hiking routes of various difficulties. Walking is a great way of disconnecting from everyday worries and feeling the power of nature during a holiday. Discovering the splendour of Tenerife on foot will be a refreshing feast for the senses.  

Tenerife houses the highest peak in Spain, Mount Teide. This 3715-metre-high mountain is on the bucket list of many sports lovers across the globe, but the trek to the top isn’t easy and requires a certain degree of physical readiness. The ascent path starts at Montaña Blanca, and it takes two hours to reach the base of the volcano. The next stop is the Altavista refuge which is located at 3246 metres above sea level. Many trekkers choose to spend the night at the waypoint before attacking the Teide summit the following day.  

The descent from the Masca ravine is one of the most famous trails in Tenerife. It involves a winding path through volcanic terrain which opens out into an immense bay that is perfect for a refreshing swim to cleanse the body after all the exertion. 

For travellers with families, a walk along the Rambla de Castro is a good option. This coastal path, in the municipality of Los Realejos in the north of Tenerife, traverses a protected landscape of great natural beauty. The route passes historic buildings such as the old water elevator at Gordejuela and the Casona de Castro. A walk along the costal path also offers opportunities to visit ocean spots such as the wild beach of La Fajana. Walkers might also take a swim in Los Roques, a small and quiet beach hidden in the vicinity of Puerto de la Cruz.  

Another relaxing walk is through the Parque del Drago, a botanical garden located in the town of Icod de los Vinos. This nature park contains a huge dragon tree which is 800 years old and 16 metres high. The tree is a symbol of Tenerife and plays an important part in the culture of the island. Besides an ancient tree, the area also contains many plant species such as cordones cactuses and tabaibas. The park is a contemplative place with beautiful surroundings and great views of the Teide volcano.  

Road cycling enthusiasts will find Tenerife to be a natural home. As well as mountainous routes which take cyclists to more than 2000 metres above sea level, the island contains coastal cycling paths such as the one that links the Santa Cruz promenade with the Las Teresitas beach. Visitors to Santa Cruz de Tenerife might also consider trying the 50-kilometre-long circular cycling path around the capital city.  

Another recommended cycling route takes riders through the Anaga massif which has been a Biosphere Reserve since 2015. This circuit contains views of spectacular ravines covered in thick vegetation that plunge into the sea at unimaginable angles. The Rural Park of Anaga also includes the so-called Bosque Encantado, or, in English, the Enchanted Forest. Visitors that enter this woodland will enjoy one of the few examples left on the planet of a type of laurel forest that once used to cover large sections of the globe.  

Mountain bikers will love Tenerife as well. Travellers looking to make a tour of Tenerife will have great fun designing a trip which allows them to discover as much of the island as possible. There is an extensive network of tracks suitable for various abilities. Important sections of the network pass through Forestal del Norte, Monte de La Esperanza, Pinar de Chío, Pinares del Sur, Volcanes Negros, and Pinares de Vilaflor.  

Tenerife is synonymous with water sports. Visitors to the island will be spoilt for choice when it comes to ocean activities. The wide range of pursuits on offer include diving, snorkelling, kayak excursions, surfing, and paddle surfing. Diving in Tenerife is particularly special thanks to the rich underwater eco-system which nurtures fabulous species of flora and fauna.  

For those that enjoy travelling around a holiday destination without any great exertion, a boat trip is a good option. Tours along the coastline enjoy fabulous views of Tenerife’s mountainous terrain while, if passengers are lucky, sightings might be made in the ocean of sea turtles, and large cetaceans such as bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales. Many boat trips allow tourists to cool off with a refreshing swim in the open sea.  

Tenerife has outdoor activities that will satisfy the requirements of every tourist. Whether at land or at sea, the Atlantic Ocean island will find a fun excursion that is perfect for you.