April 6, 2026
As the largest of the Canary Islands, there are plenty of things to do in Tenerife. Whether hiking Mount Teide, enjoying the waters, or exploring old villages, this island will keep you busy.
We set off to this sunny island with P&O cruises, but this time not an actual cruise. Intrigued? Read on…
Visit Attractions in Tenerife with P&O Cruises
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One of Britain’s favourite cruise lines, P&O Cruises, has just launched its brand-new Fly-Canaries itineraries. These exciting itineraries start in October 2022. The 3,100-person ship, Azura, will be based on Tenerife’s shores for the entire winter.
The winter temperatures in the Canary Islands are surprisingly moderate, with averages of around 20°C and minimal rain. This makes it the perfect climate for busy days of touring Tenerife and exploring the stunning volcanic landscapes.
For half-day tours, P&O’s shore experiences start at £40 to £50 per person. A full-day outing will cost you around £60 to £100. If you’re seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, P&O offers these at around £100 to £200.
We were flown out to Tenerife to experience all the incredible shore experiences on offer whilst on the winter cruises.
Exploring Tenerife: Things to Do
When it comes to things to do, Tenerife won’t disappoint. Have a look at these top Tenerife activities:
Kayaking at Los Gigantes Cliffs
One of the best ways to see these 600-metre-tall cliffs on Tenerife’s west coast is from the ocean on a kayaking tour. Our kayaking trip kicked off at the Marina Los Gigantes, connected to a charming town of the same name.
We departed on a 2-hour round-trip in double and single kayaks. The perspective from the sea of the rugged coastline and stunning volcanic cliffs of Los Gigantes is incredible. There are rest stops factored in so you can enjoy discovering the isolated coves and beautiful coastline.
Catamaran Adventure & Whale Watching
The Tenerife coast is abundant in marine life and home to many dolphin and whale species. We embarked on a 3-hour whale-watching catamaran cruise from Puerto Colón Harbour, which included a delicious lunch.
The highlight of our trip was spotting a pod of short-finned pilot whales. These large dolphins, not actual whales, can grow up to 7.2 metres long. Incredible to learn about the species in their natural environment from their customs to food and migration.
Pirámide de Arona – Hard Rock Cafe Dinner & Live Show
If you’re seeking a little break from the cruise line’s exciting itinerary, you’ll love dinner at Hard Rock Café. This popular hard rock-themed restaurant is in the Pirámide de Arona auditorium, in the southern part of Tenerife.
You can book a dinner through Musement and enjoy a night of live music and comforting food. Musement offers guests the opportunity to book their own tickets and brings flexibility to P&O Cruises shore experiences.
Masca Valley, Quad Biking & Rustic Lunch
The Masca Valley (and the road leading to it) is one of Tenerife’s prettiest villages. We stopped by the Masca Valley Viewpoint for breathtaking views of the verdant valley.
This “natural balcony” sits over a thousand metres high and can only be reached by a narrow, winding road. Part of this Masca shore experience is a quad biking tour, with lunch included. This will be perfect for those who love an adrenaline rush.
A Visit to Garachico Village
Founded in 1496, the colonial town of Garachico in northern Tenerife is one of the oldest villages in the Canaries. It was a popular trading port and stop between Europe and the Americas.
Unfortunately, the 1706 eruption of Trevejo left much of the previously prosperous village and harbour in ruin. Nonetheless, much of the town is still spectacularly preserved. Its beautiful historic quarter was named a Site of Cultural Interest in 1994.
Be sure to visit the heart of Garachico, Plaza de la Libertad. You’ll find plenty of shaded benches to relax on and watch the locals go about their day.
Exploring Cueva del Viento
A 20-minute inland drive from Garachico, is the wind cave, one of the largest volcanic tubes on earth. The 18-kilometre-long tube of volcanic rock is the product of the Pico Viejo volcano’s eruptions. It’s such a unique experience to walk where lava once flowed.
Wine & Food Canary Style
Our two-part, Canary-style wine and food tour kicked off with a cooking class at El Calderito de la Abuela. This restaurant was passed down to brothers Mario and Fabián by their father.
The passionate brothers source vegetables and herbs from their organic garden and local producers. So the food we prepared and ended up savouring was impressively fresh. The restaurant also offers spectacular views of the Orotava Valley and the ocean.
Next, we headed to Bodega Monje, a 10-minute drive away. There, we enjoyed a tour of the vineyards and winery to learn more about the wine-making process. The tour concluded with wine-tasting some of their best locally produced wines.
Beach Yoga & Mojitos at Playa de las Teresitas
Besides being an excellent place to soak up the sun, this 1.5 km artificial beach is also a popular spot for beach yoga. Many consider Las Teresitas as the best beach in Northern Tenerife, with its white sands shipped from the Sahara, the spectacular mountain backdrop and lush palm trees.
We enjoyed a relaxing yoga session on the beach before unwinding with Mojitos. A real fun shore experience.
La Laguna World Heritage Site and Unesco Forest Walk
Declared a World Heritage Site in 1999, San Cristobal de La Laguna was the first non-fortified Spanish colonial town. Founded around 1496, the design was distinctive for its time and even served as the blueprint for other Spanish colonial cities in the Americas. So you’d be right to think this city resembles towns like beautiful Cartagena, Lima and Havana.
We explored the old town with its colourful facades and range of religious sites. Stop by Plaza del Cristo market to purchase a hand-crafted souvenir.
After admiring the old town, we headed to Cruz del Carmen circular route. The trail forms part of the lush green Anaga Rural Park, declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2015. The viewpoint of Mount Teide from Cruz del Carmen is simply breathtaking.
San Pedro Walk and Abaco Mansion
Our tour through the 18th-century Abaco Mansion felt like teleporting back in time. The vast grounds and antique interiors are beautifully preserved and depict the level of luxury that the Spanish conquerors enjoyed. Our tour concluded with a lunch on the manicured grounds.
After that, we took a 10-minute drive to the nearby San Pedro walking trail and its breathtaking lookout point. This viewing point also has a quaint restaurant where you can enjoy a barraquito, an alcoholic coffee drink unique to the Canary Islands.
Orchid Gardens & Puerto de la Cruz
The spectacular Jardín de Orquídeas de Sitio Litre is the oldest surviving garden in Tenerife and is over 200 years old.
This spot is home to tropical plants from Africa and America and a fragrant collection of orchids. The gardens have also played host and muse to notables like the Beatles, Richard Francis Burton, Marianne North, and William Wilde.
After visiting the gardens, there is also time to stroll through Puerto de la Cruz. Here, you’ll find sights like the fishing district of La Ranilla and the San Telmo Promenade.
Mount Teide National Park & Mount Teide Cable Car
One of the top attractions in Tenerife is Spain’s highest mountain, Mount Teide, standing 3,718 metres tall. The surrounding Mount Teide National park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the Las Cañadas Caldera.
The origins of the Las Cañadas crater are still up for debate among the scientific community. It’s thought that Mount Teide rose from this taller ancestor, which collapsed and partly slid into the sea ±200,000 years ago.
Before and during its collapse, the volcano’s eruptions created interesting layers of lava and ash. One of the best spots to see these geological layers is at the Mirador La Tarta. Easily accessible via a paved road, the viewpoint also provides sweeping views of the valley and Mount Teide in the distance.
A further drive from this viewpoint, you’ll come across the Mirador Llano de Ucanca. This spot is great for a closer view of Mount Teide and for exploring the Mars-like landscape.
For a breathtaking experience, you can take the 8-minute cable car ride up to the mountain’s peak. This point offers views stretching across Tenerife, and you may spot other islands in the archipelago.
Starry Night Sky at Mount Teide
One of the best things to do in Tenerife is to go stargazing at Mount Teide. The area has been awarded the Starlight Certificate and is among the best places in the world for stargazing.
Free from light pollution, this high peak offers undisturbed views of the Milky Way. We even saw the Hubble Space Telescope moving across the sky. Dress warm, as the mountain can get quite cold at nightfall and prepare yourself for a magical shore experience.
Jet Ski Safari and Beach time
Tenerife’s blue waters are well worth exploring and perfect for a jet ski adventure. We went on an exciting 2-hour water safari along the southwest coast. It’s a great way to explore the
coastline, cliffs and beaches. After getting the adrenaline pumping, the second half of the experience includes some beach time.
The Water Kingdom – Siam Park
Siam Park is the largest aquatic theme park in Europe and also one of the best in the world. Set against a backdrop of thai architecture from lazy rivers to free-fall slides, the huge four acres have something to keep everyone happy.
Tickets can be booked through Musement for a fun-filled day of water activities, shows, and ice cream. Some top rides include the 28-metre-high Tower of Power slide, The Dragon and the Mekong Rapids.
Final Thoughts on What to Do in Tenerife
This extensive list doesn’t even cover all the Tenerife attractions, which is surprising for such a small island.
When travelling with P&O they take care of all the arrangements and promise transparent pricing, accessible shore excursions, and knowledgeable local guides. Their booking system is quite easy too, all you’ll have to do is book the shore excursions of your choice online.
P&O also puts a ton of effort into partnering with the best local guides and companies. So you can trust that you’ll get an authentic experience worth every pound.
For more information on the brand new Fly-Canaries itineraries and other cruises head to P&O Cruises.
Be sure to also take a look at my guide to Mallorca, one of Spain’s other exciting little islands brimming with adventure.
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