Tenerife might be more commonly known as a beach destination, but just because thousands come here every year just to sun themselves on its shores, doesn’t mean that Tenerife has nothing more to offer.
Thanks to plenty of cheap flights from the UK, it’s easy to enjoy a week’s holiday in Tenerife, but if you want your break to be a little more action-packed than sun-sea-and-sand, try one (or all!) of these outdoor adventures.
STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING
As the waters around Tenerife are relatively calm, it’s the perfect place to try out some stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Beginners can take lessons with one of the many companies that can be found around the shores of the island, and the more experienced at SUP can tackle the waves.
One of the best places in Tenerife to SUP is at Los Gigantes, a stretch of coastline characterized by dramatic jagged cliffs. SUP gives you access to some of the untouched parts of some of Tenerife’s shores, and you can easily stop to take a break and glide along the waters to get a closer look at its scenery.
HIKING
The scenery in the centre of Tenerife is hilly and arid, making it an interesting place to go hiking. Take on mountains in Teide National Park which is home to Mount Teide – a volcano and the highest peak on Spanish soil – and other accessible hiking mountains such as Montaña Blanca and Guajara. Further south, hike up Roque del Conde to be rewarded with sweeping panoramas of the towns and ocean below.
So popular is hiking on the island, that a Tenerife Walking Festival is held each year. Walkers from across Europe come to the island for this event, joining forces to enjoy Tenerife’s many hiking opportunities all together.
CLIMBING
Tenerife has a very rocky landscape, which makes it paradise for climbers. You’ll find keen and experienced rock climbers here all-year-round, taking advantage of the warm temperatures and craggy playground.
There are a number of outdoor shops on the island that will be able to help you out with gear and items for rent, plus teachers that will take you out on a course or be your climbing partner for the day. Climbing with an experienced guide on the rocks of Tenerife is one of the most memorable and unique experiences you can have on the island.
SCUBA DIVING
Tenerife is one of the best places in the Canary Islands to go scuba diving, with dozens of dive sites to be explored. A vast array of marine life can be found in the ocean around the island – divers here have seen turtles, rays, and plenty of beautiful fish species. You may even get lucky a swim with a dolphin or two!
Companies across the island run courses and scuba holiday packages, ranging from absolute beginner to PADI certifications. There are a few sites around Tenerife that require a certain level of experience, but plenty for those who have never been scuba diving before too.
WINDSURFING
If SUP isn’t quite adrenaline-fuelled enough for you, try out some windsurfing in Tenerife. The waves that crash again the south side of the island – around an area known as El Medano – make it a great place for windsurfers with a little experience. This isn’t the best place to go if you’re a beginner, but those of an intermediate or above level will find plenty to entertain them.
There are lots of shops around El Medano where you can hire equipment and get some advice about the best spots to try out. A couple of other places in the Canary Islands are more popular for windsurfing than Tenerife, so it’s a great place to dodge the crowds and you may well be one of only people on the waves here.
