The largest of the seven Canaries, Tenerife has the highest population out of all the Spanish islands – and it’s the most popular with tourists too. It’s no surprise that this sun-soaked haven offers year-round attractions for all of types of travellers, whether you’re a beach bum, intrepid explorer or nature enthusiast – there’s something for everyone on holidays in Tenerife.

Siam Park

Everyone’s heard of Siam Park, it’s the largest waterpark in Europe! So where better to spend a day or more when on holiday in Tenerife. Whether you’re travelling with the kids, as a couple or with friends, there’s something for everyone, and it’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable day out. 

Hit the Mai Thai river for some relaxation and exotic views while you drift along for 1km, race your friends on the Naga racer to see who comes out victorious, or get your adrenaline pumping on Kinnaree as you slide through the tunnels before making a splash in the pool.

Beach days

One of the best things to do in Tenerife is head down to the beautiful Blue Flag beaches. There’s a huge selection of beaches in Tenerife, each one unique and with something great on offer. If you head to Playa Las Vistas beach between Los Cristianos and Las Americas, it’s a great spot to set up camp for the day with clear and calm waters, handy facilities like showers and toilets, plenty of restaurants and cafes, as well as exciting water sports on offer. 

Alternatively, for a secluded and quiet spot, La Tejita is just 1 km long and keeps you away from the holiday crowds. It’s a gorgeous spot giving magnificent views of the Red Mountain which makes the perfect backdrop while reading your book.

Explore the seas

Kids often love to explore new places and where better than out in the ocean in a submarine! Submarine Safaris provide a great experience for all ages to watch the marine life in their natural habitat and even see some shipwrecks.There’s ongoing commentary throughout the dive so they’ll learn about the dive and the submarine, including the depth and sea temperature! Once back on the surface, they’ll be presented with a dive certificate that they can take home and show all their friends.

Sound of Musicals

A great evening out for the family in Tenerife, The Sound of Musicals dinner combines comedy, live music performances and even magic shows over a two-course dinner and bottomless drinks. The kids will go crazy when they hear their favourite musical songs and will be mesmerised by the award-winning performers. 

It will be a late one as the show finishes at 11.30pm, but it will be an incredible evening to remember for all. Plus, if it’s anyone’s birthday you can let them know and they may even get a shoutout!

Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens in Puerto De La Cruz make for a great activity for couples in Tenerife. It’s one of Tenerife’s most beautiful parks and takes you away from the hustle and bustle of tourists for a quiet day with your special someone. You can take a picnic and relax under the trees, stroll along the paths that zig zag through the colourful plants – you might even spot some lizards scurrying about.

Explore the old town of La Orotava

One of the oldest towns in Tenerife, La Orotava is a picturesque town with charming streets full of blooming flowers, quaint cafes and restaurants. It makes for a great day out for two with many religious buildings with incredible architecture to see, beautiful gardens to stroll around and opportunity to shop for souvenirs. Treat yourself to something sweet from one of the cafes and find a spot to sit back, relax, and watch the world go by.

Natural wonders

One of the best things you can do for free in Tenerife is see the natural wonders here. Whether you love learning new things, making an impressive scrapbook or simply need to fill the time, head to Teide National park. Completely free to enter, this UNESCO awarded world heritage site is actually the most visited site in Europe. Grab your hiking boots and head up the mountain, explore the museum and catch an informative film – of course, snap a few selfies with the impressive views! 

Similarly, the Garachico rock pools make for another fantastic spot. It’s a series of lava rock pools formed by a volcanic eruption and you can even go for a swim here. There’s varying depths, so those confident swimmers can take the plunge and little ones can stay in the shallows. It makes for a great compromise of seeing the sights, and having a beach day.

Join the crowds at Santa Cruz Carnival

If you’re heading to Tenerife for a spot of winter sun, you’re in perfect time for the fantastic Santa Cruz Carnival. It’s the biggest party across the Canary Islands and this Spanish festival is full of vibrant colour, flamboyance and some serious rhythm! It can be a completely free activity while in Tenerife, just show up and join in – although, if you do want to fit in with the locals why not dress up?

The carnival lasts 15 days between February and March and is seriously something to not be missed! It’s fun for all.