Best Thing to Do in Tenerife – Active Travel Guide

Active travel, wild landscapes & the most beautiful side of the island

Tenerife completely surprised us!

Before visiting, we had the same image most people do: big resorts, crowded beaches, and a typical “fly-and-flop” destination. But once we started exploring the northern part of the island, it felt like a completely different place.

Think volcanic landscapes that look almost like Mars, misty forests straight out of a fairytale, dramatic cliffs dropping into the ocean, and hidden natural pools carved into lava rock.

We based ourselves in Puerto de la Cruz, and from there, we explored the island on day trips and honestly, it was the perfect way to experience Tenerife.

This guide focuses on the active, nature-filled side of Tenerife, with all the places we visited, practical tips, and everything you need to plan your own trip.

Why Stay in Puerto de la Cruz?

If you’re deciding where to stay in Tenerife, this is one of the most important choices you’ll make.

We chose Puerto de la Cruz (we stayed in GF Noelia), and after seeing both the north and the south, we’d 100% make the same decision again.

Located on the northern coast, Puerto de la Cruz feels:

• greener
• more local
• more authentic

It’s also perfectly positioned for day trips. Within 1–1.5 hours, you can reach:

• Teide National Park
• the Anaga Mountains
• the wild west coast (Masca & Los Gigantes)
• and countless coastal viewpoints and natural pools

Compared to the south, which felt much more resort-heavy and built-up, the north offers a more diverse and experience-based trip especially if you enjoy road trips and exploring.

Best Things to Do in Northern Tenerife

🌋 Teide National Park – Tenerife’s Most Iconic Landscape

One of the absolute highlights of Tenerife is Teide National Park, home to Spain’s highest peak at 3,715 meters, Mount Teide.

Driving through this area feels surreal. The landscape constantly changes from pine forests to vast volcanic plains, lava formations, and colorful rock fields that look almost otherworldly.

You don’t necessarily need to hike to enjoy it. Even just driving through the park and stopping at viewpoints is an experience in itself.

We visited Teide twice during our trip – once for sunrise and once for sunset. The sunrise was incredibly peaceful, with soft light and hardly any people around, which made the whole experience feel even more special. We also returned for sunset, hoping to stay for stargazing, as this is known to be one of the best places in the world for it. Unfortunately, it was cloudy that evening, so we didn’t get to see the stars, but on a clear night, the visibility here is supposed to be amazing.

If you want to get closer to the summit, you can take the cable car, which takes you up to over 3,500 meters in just a few minutes. A return ticket costs around €40 for adults, and the ride itself takes about 8 minutes. From the top station, you’ll already have incredible panoramic views above the clouds. However, if you want to hike all the way to the actual summit of Mount Teide, you’ll need a special permit for the final section of the trail. These permits are limited, free of charge, and often book out weeks in advance, so it’s important to plan ahead.

🌄 Masca & Teno Rural Park – Tenerife’s Wild Side

The drive to Masca was easily one of the most memorable parts of our trip and honestly, it’s worth visiting for the road alone.

Located inside Teno Rural Park, Masca is a tiny mountain village hidden deep between steep valleys and rugged peaks. The setting feels incredibly dramatic, and completely different from the rest of Tenerife.

Getting there is part of the adventure. The road is narrow, winding, and full of sharp turns, with very limited space in some sections. At times it can feel a bit stressful, especially if you meet oncoming cars but the views along the way make it absolutely worth it.

This whole area feels raw and untouched, far from the resort-heavy parts of the island.

Once you arrive, Masca itself is small but incredibly atmospheric, with traditional houses, palm trees, and panoramic views stretching across the valley. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to slow down and just take it all in.

The famous Masca Gorge hike also starts here, leading all the way down to the ocean. However, it’s now regulated and requires a permit, with limited daily access, so make sure to plan ahead if this is on your list.

Even if you don’t do the hike, Masca is still absolutely worth visiting. The combination of the drive, the scenery, and the unique setting makes it one of the most unforgettable spots in Tenerife.

🌊 Los Gigantes – Cliffs That Drop Into the Ocean

Not far from Masca (about a 30-minute drive down the winding roads of Teno Rural Park), you’ll find Los Gigantes, one of the most dramatic coastal landscapes on the island. These massive cliffs rise nearly 600–800 meters straight out of the Atlantic, creating a jaw-dropping contrast between sheer rock walls and deep blue waters below.

What to do at Los Gigantes:

• Stop at the main viewpoints along TF-436 and TF-445 for iconic photo opportunities.
• Take a stroll along the marina and promenade in the village of Los Gigantes.
• Embark on an ethical boat tour to see the cliffs from the water and spot wild whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. Companies like White Tenerife or Freedom Whale Watching focus on responsible wildlife encounters.

🌿 Anaga Mountains – The Most Unexpected Part of Tenerife

If there’s one part of Tenerife that completely changed our perception of the island, it was the Anaga Mountains. This region feels like stepping into a different world, far from the sun-soaked beaches and touristy resorts of the south.

The mountains are cloaked in lush laurel forests, with mist rolling through moss-covered trees, narrow winding roads that feel both thrilling and slightly intimidating, and viewpoints that rise above the clouds, offering panoramic vistas you won’t soon forget. It’s a place that begs you to slow down, breathe deeply, and soak in the raw beauty of the island.

We hiked the Sendero Bosque de los Enigmas, a trail that feels like a fairytale come to life. Towering trees, winding paths, and hidden clearings make every turn feel like discovering a secret world. The trail is moderate in difficulty and perfect for active travelers who love immersive forest hikes.

🌴 Icod de los Vinos – The Famous Dragon Tree

In the town of Icod de los Vinos, you’ll find one of Tenerife’s most unique landmarks: the Drago Milenario, an ancient dragon tree that has become a symbol of the island.

It’s a quick stop, but definitely worth it especially if you’re already exploring the north coast.

🌊 Garachico – Lava Pools & Coastal Charm

Garachico quickly became one of our favorite towns in Tenerife.

It has a relaxed, authentic feel, with beautiful streets, ocean views, and natural lava pools formed after a volcanic eruption.

It’s the perfect place to slow down a bit:

• walk along the coast
• explore the town
• or just enjoy the atmosphere

🏖 Natural Pools & Hidden Coastal Spots

One of the most unique things about Tenerife’s north coast is the number of natural swimming pools formed by volcanic rock.

We visited:

• Charco de la Laja – Unfortunately closed during our visit, but still worth a look for the dramatic rock formations.
• Piscinas Naturales de Jover – A calm pool perfect for swimming, surrounded by volcanic rocks.
• Piscina Natural El Caletón de Garachico – A series of pools in the historic town of Garachico, perfect for sunbathing and ocean views.
• Piscina Natural de Bajamar – A more remote pool along the northern coast, surrounded by natural scenery.
• Piscina Natural de Punta del Hidalgo – Popular with locals, a great stop after a coastal hike.
• Piscina Natural de Los Patos – A hidden gem near the village of San Juan de la Rambla, calm and scenic.

Unfortunately, conditions can change quickly due to waves and weather, so closures are common.

💡 Always check:

• local conditions
• safety flags
• and never swim if the ocean is rough

🌴 Playa Castro – A Hidden Oasis

Even though Playa Castro was closed when we visited, it still stood out as one of the most beautiful locations.

Surrounded by palm trees and cliffs, it feels like a hidden oasis completely different from typical European beaches.

🏙 Santa Cruz de Tenerife

We only drove through Santa Cruz de Tenerife, but it immediately felt vibrant, modern, and full of energy. The city is a lively mix of urban life, historic architecture, and beautiful coastal views, a refreshing contrast to the natural landscapes of the north. If you have extra time, it’s definitely worth exploring more.

North vs South Tenerife – Which One Should You Choose?

We also explored parts of the south, and the difference was very noticeable.

The south is:

• sunnier
• more developed
• full of large resorts and hotels

The north, on the other hand:

• is greener and more diverse
• feels more local and authentic
• offers better opportunities for hiking and exploration

If you’re looking for an active, experience-based trip, the north is the better choice.

Where to Stay in Tenerife

For this itinerary, staying in Puerto de la Cruz is ideal. We spend one week at GF Hotel Noelia, and it was a lovely place, the half board made our days quite easy.

It gives you easy access to all the main regions of the island while offering a more relaxed and authentic atmosphere.

👉 Planning to stay in Puerto de la Cruz? Book your hotel here!

My Tenerife Map (All Locations Included)

To make planning easier, I’ve saved all the locations from this guide (and more) into a detailed Google My Maps.

It includes:

• exact spots
• viewpoints
• hikes
• hidden gems
• parking locations

📍 You can get the map here: MAP

This is exactly what we used during our trip and it saves hours of research.

Final Thoughts

Tenerife is so much more than a typical beach destination.

If you focus on the northern part of the island and explore it actively, you’ll discover:

• volcanic landscapes
• lush mountains
• dramatic coastlines
• and hidden places that feel completely untouched

It’s one of those destinations that keeps surprising you and one that’s definitely worth exploring beyond the usual tourist spots.