How to spend your stopover in Tenerife, Canary Islands

Tuesday, 10 January 2023

Tenerife is a beloved traveller destination thanks to its year-round sunshine and warm weather, tropical beaches, great culture and unique attractions. With so much on offer on the island, it’s no wonder those visiting for the first time on one of our Canary Islands Cruises might not be sure how to spend their time.

If you are visiting stunning Tenerife soon and want to make sure your day here is unforgettable, read on to discover our list of the best attractions on the island.

Visit Teide National Park

If you only have time to see one thing whilst in Tenerife, we are sure that most people would recommend Teide National Park be that one thing. This almost alien-like landscape comprises volcanic craters, lava flows and unique geological forms. In the centre, you can see the impressive Mount Teide Volcano, which towers over the island at over 12,000 feet tall – it’s actually the highest peak in the whole of Spain and the third-tallest volcano in the world! Whichever part of the park you visit, you’ll be able to explore some otherworldly landscapes; that’s why it was designated a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2007.

We reached out to Hammer and Guillaume from the travel blog A Fun Couple for their number one recommendation, and a visit to Teide National Park was it. They told us: “Teide National Park is one of the most symbolic places in Tenerife. Walking through this National Park will be an opportunity to admire extraordinary landscapes, enjoy breathtaking views of the highest peak in Spain and observe endemic species of the Canary Islands.”

Enjoy the famous Siam Park

We’d be hard-pressed to mention the best ways to spend your time in Tenerife without mentioning Siam Park. Known affectionately as the water kingdom, you can enjoy a water park with all the bells and whistles. If you’re looking to give in to your inner child and enjoy amazing water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river and more water park classics, Siam Park is the place to go.

Explore San Cristóbal de La Laguna

Perfect for those who like to wander through historical centres, spending your day exploring San Cristóbal de La Laguna is a delight. Dedicated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, La Laguna, as it’s known locally, is the ancient capital of the Canary Islands. Linked to Santa Cruz by tram, those who visit here on their cruise stopover will feel as though they’ve stepped back in time 500 years into the past.

Hike the stunning Anaga Forest

For those who want to get into nature and love hiking, Anaga is a lesser-known destination on the island worth visiting. Less than an hour from Santa Cruz, this rural and historic area offers the opportunity to hike a lush laurel forest that feels straight out of the pages of a fairytale. The most popular trail here is the Trail of the Senses, which, as the name suggests, can tantalise all of your senses. There are three trail options here, starting and finishing at Cruz del Carmen and from less than half a kilometre to nearly five kilometres.

Relax on the beautiful beaches

If you aren’t sure you want to spend the day hiking or exploring attractions, then you’ll still be able to make it one to remember by enjoying the island’s amazing beaches. Positioned off the west coast of Africa, although the island is technically in Spain, its weather is even more favourable. Whatever time of year you visit, you’ll likely be able to enjoy the warm sunshine. Why not stop by a local café or store, grab a picnic, and spend a day enjoying the easy life on the sand?

Experience the Pirámides de Güímar

If you are a history lover, Tenerife has plenty of options, but we’d recommend Pirámides de Güímar. An open-air museum lets you experience the six pyramids, their link to astronomy, and a range of gardens highlighting the island’s extraordinary flora. The gardens include a poisonous garden with toxic plants, a sustainable garden and the Tropicarium, which shows how plants survive in tropical climates.

READ MORE: Tenerife: Off the tourist trail

Feast on the delicious local cuisine

One of the best bits of travelling is getting to try a range of unique and exciting foods, and the Canary Islands are a perfect place to do so. Thanks to the volcanic soil the islands are made up from, the produce grown here has a distinctive and unique taste and their mixture of Spanish cuisine and Northern African influence only elevates that.

The food is so good that Chris, the blogger at Girl Takes Mundo, advises a day of cycling and snacking is the best way to spend your time on the island: “Rent a bike and cruise along the breathtaking Tenerife coastline. Make stops and enjoy refreshing mojitos, indulge in tasty local snacks like papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) and take in the breathing sights that only the Canary Islands can provide. I guarantee you’ll want to return.”

We won’t go into the details here, but from flavoursome mojo sauces to ‘wrinkly potatoes’ and some of the world’s favourite vineyards, learn more in our article, Must-try Canary Island’s food specialities.

How to spend your stopover in Tenerife, Canary Islands:

Visit Teide National Park
Enjoy the famous Siam Park
Explore San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Hike the stunning Anaga Forest
Relax on the beautiful beaches
Experience the Pyramids of Güímar
Feast on the delicious local cuisine

Are you planning to join us on a Winter Sun Cruise and want to make sure you’re making the most of your stops? When stopping in Tenerife, there is something for everyone. Whether you are looking to enjoy amazing animals at Loro Parque during your visit or hike in Teide National Park, you’ll be able to make the most of your time.

Whether you are looking for more destination advice or want tips for your next cruise, visit our blog.