Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, is renowned for its year-round pleasant weather and its diverse, otherworldly landscapes.
The lush, hilly north is where ancient vines produce distinctive wines, while the arid south is dotted with banana plantations, cacti and succulents growing on the bedrock. In the center of the island, Mount Teide dominates the skyline, surrounded by scenes that feel straight out of a Martian movie set. As the country’s tallest peak and third-highest volcano in the world when measured from its base on the ocean floor, Teide is undisputedly the island’s main attraction. But with more than 300 volcanoes — several of them active — Tenerife’s 12-million-year-old volcanic landscape continues to expand.
Most visitors barely scratch the surface of this diverse island, but a well-planned itinerary will allow you to get a taste of its compelling dual personality. Here’s a guide to what to do in Tenerife on a three-day escape, from coastal luxury to volcanic adventures.
Day One in Tenerife
Fly into Tenerife South Airport and make your way to Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star The Ritz-Carlton, Tenerife, Abama. The salmon-hued, Moorish-inspired resort has enough swimming pools, fine dining options and leisure activities to keep you entertained for the duration of your trip. It’s also a convenient base to explore the island. Its 462 rooms are divided between the colorful Citadel and the luxurious Retreat, where newly renovated suites face river-shaped pools offering enhanced privacy and VIP service.
After settling into your suite, hop on the private trackless train directly to the hotel’s exclusive strip of sand at Abama Beach, where complimentary sunbeds and umbrellas await. The golden sand and calm waters in this secluded cove provide the perfect introduction to Tenerife’s coastal allure. For a change of scenery, consider an afternoon at nearby Playa del Duque in Costa Adeje, known for its upscale atmosphere and opportunities for stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking.
The afternoon calls for serious relaxation at the resort’s impressive 27,000-square-foot spa. The thermal water circuit, inspired by ancient Roman traditions, features a central hydrotherapy pool with an assortment of water jets designed to ease away tension while purging the lymphatic system. Don’t miss the Turkish hammam and, if you’re feeling adventurous, try one of Europe’s few artificial snow cabins, designed to improve circulation alongside cold plunge pools that refresh and revitalize.
Come dinner time, head to Verde Mar, where vegetables reign supreme and meat dishes are considered optional sides. You’ll have a hard time choosing between chef Jorge Domínguez’s delectable creations, but you can’t go wrong with the Chinese cabbage croquetas and the crispy Thai eggplant, made with satay sauce, pickled red onion and goat’s milk yogurt. Pair them with Malvasía, the aromatic white wine that’s been produced from local grapes for centuries.
Day Two in Tenerife
Begin your second day with breakfast at La Veranda, where you can enjoy a well-stocked buffet served with great ocean views. Then gear up for an early journey to Teide National Park, where planning proves essential — cable car tickets must be purchased online, as they frequently sell out, particularly during peak season.
The drive to the base station takes you through increasingly dramatic landscapes as you ascend from sea level through pine forests to lunar-like volcanic terrain. Arrive by 9 a.m., when the cable car begins operation, to beat the crowds and enjoy the clearest skies. Pack layers generously, as the eight-minute ascent to 11,663 feet above sea level brings a dramatic temperature drop — while it might be a balmy 79 degrees Fahrenheit at your breakfast table, expect a brisk 61 degrees at the summit.
From the cable car’s upper station, you’ll have access to several walking trails offering panoramas across the volcanic scene. The thin air at this altitude makes even short walks feel more strenuous, but the otherworldly vistas are worth every labored breath.
Should the cable car be cancelled due to high winds or adverse weather conditions — a common occurrence — don’t despair. The drive through Teide National Park offers equally spectacular scenery, especially at the Roques de García viewpoint, where perilously inclined rock formations serve as the backdrop to your vacation’s most social media-worthy shots.
For lunch, the cable car base station’s café-restaurant offers Canary Island specialties with sweeping volcanic views — at nearly 8,000 feet, it’s Spain’s highest dining experience. Or consider packing a light picnic and saving your appetite for dinner.
Stargazers should consider visiting Teide at night as an alternative to the daytime cable car experience. Sure, you’ll sacrifice the hikes and barren lunar landscape, but the clear, unpolluted Tenerife skies at this altitude provide exceptional visibility for guided astronomy tours that include access to professional telescopes and expert commentary on celestial objects.
Return to the resort refreshed and ready for dinner at Akira Back Tenerife, where the acclaimed chef’s innovative approach to modern Japanese cuisine provides a delicious end to a day spent exploring the island’s natural wonders. Choose among the à la carte, omakase and tasting menus. The mystery box, with six kinds of sashimi selected by the chef, is a definite highlight.
Day Three in Tenerife
Your final day takes you into Tenerife’s cultural heart through the verdant northern regions. Start early, as this ambitious circuit requires careful time management and confident driving skills for the winding mountain roads ahead. After breakfast, head straight to Icod de los Vinos, home to a famous thousand-year-old dragon tree known as El Drago Milenario, one of the island’s most iconic symbols.
Continue to Garachico, a historic coastal town that showcases traditional Canary Islands architecture at its finest. Once the island’s principal port before a 1706 volcanic eruption dramatically reshaped the coastline, Garachico retains its authentic charm. Wander the cobblestone streets lined with colonial buildings that survived nature’s dramatic intervention. Don’t miss the natural swimming pools carved from volcanic rock along the waterfront.
Next, tackle the serpentine drive to Masca hamlet, a remote village tucked into the Teno Mountains. The challenging TF-436 road, famous for its hairpin bends and narrow passages, often requires one car to pull into turnouts while another passes. The reward for this white-knuckle drive is one of Tenerife’s most dramatic settings, where traditional stone houses seem to cling to the mountainsides. Of course, if you’d rather leave the driving to those with more experience on the tight turns, a host of guided tours is available.
In Masca’s tiny plaza, savor papas arrugadas con mojo picón (wrinkled potatoes with spicy red or green sauce that captures the island’s culinary soul) before making your way to the airport.
