Whatever you enjoy doing while on holiday you can be sure that you can do it in Tenerife and it will be as good if not better than anywhere else. See below for just a taster of what’s in store. Excursions, sporting activities, culture and much, much more.
For the majority of these activities, tickets can be purchased from your holiday representative, travel agent or counselor, or excursion outlets throughout the tourist areas.
Shows
Carmen Mota's shows at the Piramide de Arona, (Playa de las Americas, opposite the CC Safari Center) For the price of a day out to a tourist attraction you can enjoy a totally different type of entertainment. Carmen Mota’s new show combines amazing costumes and incredible flamenco, humour, ballet and live music. There is a box-office outside the Piramide open 10.00 - 13.00 and 17.00 - 19.00 or phone 922 75 75 49 to reserve tickets. http://www.airammusical.com/eng/index...
The Magma Arte y Congreso Centre situated in Costa Adeje offers a wide programme of different kinds of entertainment. Concerts featuring the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra have been announced for 2007 as well as a jazz festival later in the year. Tickets can be purchased at the box-office or from many hotels.
Medieval Night (San Miguel Castle) great for families, join the King, the Queen and their Knights for this colourful pageant, exciting sword fighting, jousting and superb horsemanship, followed by the Drifters Show. Banquet (eat with your hands) and drinks are included in the price. http://www.castillosanmiguel.com/cast...
Divine Soul
Experience the Magic of Motown with The Drifters, Diana Ross, The Temptations, The Four Tops. Live music until 3.00 am, bar stays open until 4.00 am. http://www.divinesoultenerife.com/
Just for Fun
Bubblicious Foam Party (Summer months only) Take a purpose built castle, 500 scantily dressed girls and boys, throw in all the best dance and old skool... and... err... what else was there? Oh yeah... masses and masses of foam! Shake briskly for 3 hours. Costs around €40 and includes a coach to and from the venue, your entrance fee and an all-inclusive bar.
Pleasure Island can be enjoyed by all the family for either relaxation or an adrenalin rush! There’s golf, a bungee rocket, bungee trampoline, rodeo bull, a Volcano Ride, Astro Canyon Coaster and the Slot Car Boogie. As well as the rides, there is a children's play area consisting of an inflatable magic mountain, bouncy castle, arcade games, pool tables and air hockey tables.
Charming Towns
Santa Cruz is the capital of Tenerife. - A bustling city and shipping port (one of the busiest in Spain and deepest in the world). Shopping is excellent from the Plaza de España on the seafront to Plaza de Candelaria. The most visited place in Santa Cruz is "La Plaza de España" by the sea, where the futuristic auditorium stands. The city also has large landscaped areas, which maintain the calm of the modernist architecture. There are also lots of tree-lined avenues, parks and squares, which are ideal for taking a stroll.
La Orotava a beautiful old town full of magnificent architecture, shady squares and mellow houses. The old historic centre should certainly be visited. The town also has a botanical garden - "La Hijuela del Botánico" with more than 3,000 different tropical and subtropical plants.
Garachico is a small fishing port that was almost totally destroyed by lava flowing down to the sea in 1706. Today the town is charming with lots of unique architecture.
Icod de los Viños one of Tenerife's oldest towns, with a famous Dragon Tree that is said to be over 1000 years old and a butterfly farm
Island Tours many operators offer full island tours that take in most of the cultural and historical areas of Tenerife.
Inter-Island Tours from the South of Tenerife you can see another Island, La Gomera. Unspoilt by tourism this island is very traditional. You can visit the capital San Sebastian where Columbus set sail on his voyage of discovery and you can also experience the native whistling language unique to the island.
Wildlife Parks
Loro Parque (Puerto de la Cruz) www.loroparque.com as well as seeing the magnificent Orcas brought to Tenerife from Sea World in Florida you will also see Sea-Lion, Dolphin, and Parrot Shows, Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Tigers, and the worlds largest Penguin house where 12 tons of snow falls each day. All of the attractions are in beautifully landscaped gardens. You can do a behind the scenes ‘Discovery Tour’ which makes sure you miss nothing.
Parque las Aguilas (Eagle Park or Jungle Park in Chayofa - lots of names for the same place) www.aguilasjunglepark.com is a fantastic zoo and botanical park with over 500 birds and animals and acres of jungle. Take part in the Jungle Raid where you can walk across suspension bridges, waterfalls, lagoons, and caves, or take a ride on the jungle toboggan. Great fun but you must be fit! There are also exotic birds and birds of prey shows where you can get up close. You can buy a reduced price ticket if bought in conjunction with entrance to the Aquapark. Free bus service from many locations, just pick up a leaflet for times and places.
Animal Farm Granja - http://www.tenerifedonkeys.com/ Is a traditional working farm and banana plantation called La Caldera Del Rey ("The King's Crater"), just 10 minutes drive from from the resorts of Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos. The Caldera is a protected zone and is considered an area of "extraordinary natural importance" by the government of Tenerife. Surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, it is also a great place for the whole family to enjoy a few hours, seeing how a traditional farm works.
Camel Park (La Camella) - free bus services from Los Cristianos & Playa de Las Americas. Not suitable for those in poor health or who easily suffer from sea sickness. The ride lasts for about 1 hour. Located about 5 mins from Los Cristianos. Open 10.00 - 17-00 for list of pick up points telephone 922 721 121 or 922 721 080
Monkey Zoo Park (Just off the TF1) only 5 minutes from Los Cristianos and Las Americas you will find the most wonderful animal park in Tenerife. As they say, ‘their animals don’t do tricks’ but what their animals do is let you walk through their environment and feed them, stroke them and they will climb all over you. You will not find any gift shops, but do make sure you buy lots and lots of monkey food.
This is probably one of the cheapest attractions in Tenerife and you will want to return again and again. Only €10 for an adult and €3 for a child over 4 years.
Off the Beaten Track
Enduro Ride (San Miguel) a current motorcycle licence is preferred but not essential, as ride outs with no road work are available, so do something different on your next holiday. Motocross365 can supply you with the finest gear and boots. Prices start from €175 per day. This activity can be prebooked, check out their website www.motocross365.com or phone UK: 01942 845410 or Tenerife 922 721 848
Motocross (San Miguel) your Yamaha is ready to go so why not try out one of the best tracks in Europe. With prices from €125 per session, motocross 365 provides fantastic value for money. From one days riding to a full months training with a race included, MX365 has packages to suite everyone. This activity can be prebooked, check out their website www.motocross365.com or phone UK: 01942 845410 or Tenerife 922 721 848
Go-Karting (Karting Club Tenerife just off TF1 at Parque de la Reina) best facilities, best safety. Two different courses: an international one (number one in Europe, 1200 m. long and 8m. wide is for 16 years old and over) and a course for kids.
Quad Park (La Camella) 10 minutes from Los Cristianos. The only 100% off road Adventure Park. Fun for the all the family. No license required. Free local transport can be arranged.
Quad Safari all you need is your driving license, everything else is provided. You'll be driving automatic Polaris 250cc quad bikes across off road trails. If you are staying in southern Tenerife you'll be picked up from your hotel and brought back again.
Rafting Bike – With no pedalling required this fun run is suitable from anyone aged 9 to 69. Ride downhill from the volcano to the seaside (22 miles). Easy descent at limited speed on surfaced roads. www.raftingbike.com
Rent a Moto – Calle Venezuela, Costa Adeje – See the island from a bike, rent anything from a 50cc Scooter to a Yamaha XT660 R.
Barranco del Infierno 'Hells Gorge' a walker's paradise and takes only two and a half hours. Parts of the walk are in the deep ravine that can be quite dark and cool. They only allow 200 visitors into the gorge per day so book in advance or get there early. Tel: 922 782 885
Horse Riding (Aldea Blanca) 10 Km from Los Cristianos first class horses and personal service make you feel special on this typical Spanish Farm. They breed Spanish horses and have a collection of rabbits, goats, sheep, ducks, chickens and dogs. Tel: 646 807 234. Alternatively if you want a much more up market and of course costly operation try the Rancho Bonanza, Tel: 686 547 062, both organizations offer different hacks and lessons for all ages.
Excursions
Mount Teide – by Day at 12,402 ft Mount Teide is Tenerife’s most famous landmark. You will notice the climate changes through 4 distinct temperature zones. An Optional cable car to 12,000 ft is available weather permitting. 
Mount Teide – by Night for that special occasion take an unforgettable trip in a 4 x 4 Landcruiser. Watch the sun setting from 7000 ft above the clouds. A professional astronomer will map out the night sky for you and on top of that a typical Canarian meal is included. Departure times change through the season due to sunset.
Piramides de Guimar www.piramidesdeguimar.net visit these rare and interesting step-pyramids, constructed like those in Mexico, Peru, and ancient Mesopotamia. Besides the 6 step pyramids, the park also has a museum, a life-size replica of the reed ship RA II, Auditorium/Cinema, cafeteria and an ecological souvenir shop.
The Cliffs of the Giants (Los Gigantes) massive cliffs drop almost sheer into the sea from a height 800m. Across the bay lie the towns of Los Gigantes and, Puerto de Santiago. The only way for you to get closer to these amazing cliffs is by boat.
Pueblo Chico is located close to Puerto de la Cruz, this tourist attraction stand in 20,000 square meters of land and is home to miniature models all of which you will find in the Canary Islands. Open from 09:00 till 18:00
All at Sea
Whale Watching (Puerto Colon also Los Gigantes and Los Cristianos) experience whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. View the coastline of Tenerife. Swim off the back of the boat. A 3-hour sailing on the Freebird Catamarans. Cold buffet, wine, beer and soft drinks included. There are a number of other operators also offering this trip.
Parascending experience the tranquility of floating above the water. Great views of Playa de las Americas. It's easy and safe and you don't even have to get wet. The trip lasts about an hour with rides lasting approximately 10 minutes.
Jetbikes No experience necessary. Driver must be over 16 years old. Passengers can be any age. Race around buoys for approx. 20 minutes.
B.O.B. Dive one thing that makes the Breathing Observation Bubble diving so special is that there is no breathing apparatus. An underwater scooter with a bubble of air on top. Diving instructors are with you the whole time when you go down to 5 meters. Dive lasts approximately 25 minutes.
Scuba Diving a wonderful way to explore the underwater world with visibility up to 60mtrs. Learn to snorkel in the morning and scuba dive in the afternoon. All equipment provided. Lots of diving takes place in Abades Cove as it has the best underwater viewing in the south. There are also 'P.A.D.I' courses for advanced divers.
Sport Fishing choose from either 3 hours Bottom Fishing where fish such as Sama Breca etc can be caught, or 5 hours trolling trip where you fish in the deeper regions of the sea for Tuna Barracuda or Marlin. Lunch included. www.mardeons-tenerife.com or www.yatesofia.espana.as
Submarine Safaris operating off the coast of Amarillo Golf, Golf del Sur and Costa del Silencio. The Sub Fun Cinco leaves everyday and trips take approximately 1 hour giving you an opportunity to make a fascinating underwater journey. The submarine is air-conditioned and is perfect for both young and old, pregnant women, heart patients and people with ear problems. Offices in Local 1 & 2 Avda del Atlantic, Golf del Sur Tel 922 736 629
Powerboat Training Novice to Advanced based at the Puerto Colon Marina see www.powerboat-training-tenerife.com
Aqualand (Costa Adeje) A water attraction in Tenerife with rides such as the Kamikaze; Super Slalom, Twister, Anaconda, Crazy Race and Mini Park all this plus a superb dolphin show. Reduced rates if you also visit the Jungle Park.
Siam Park The most incredible water park in Europe. http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Travel-g... and for videos see http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/members-...
A Little Luxury
Vitanova Spa (Hotel Gran Tacande) spa circuit includes many different experiences from Turkish baths to refreshing icy showers. Full changing facilities and lockers available.
Aqua Club Thermal (Torviscas) the spa and thermal bath area features a large swimming pool with some 300 water jets, where you can relax and treat yourself to a full thermal circuit.
Trabajos Aéreos Insulares Flights offers you the chance of flying over the island. This is an unforgettable experience that everyone should try. The flight time is approximately one hour during which you will be able to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the island, including the cliffs of Los Gigantes. Based in the cargo terminal at Reina Sofia airport.. www.aereosinsulares.com
The Beaches
What else can you find in an island that has almost 365 days of sunshine. The beaches of course. Tenerife has high quality, beaches. Most have good access, meet stringent European standards of cleanliness and most offer shower facilities, sun beds, and shades. (The credit for the information in this section goes to Real Tenerife Drives http://www.realtenerifeislanddrives.c...)
Costa Adeje
Playa Fañabe stretches from the upmarket Del Duque area of the resort to the more budget friendly Torviscas and is also home to the Iceberg Park, a big inflatable iceberg – the only kind of iceberg that isn’t going to melt in these temperatures.
Playa la Pinta, a small pleasant golden sand beach bordered on one end by El Faro’s mock lighthouse and cannon and the Puerto Colón Marina on the other.
A rocky coastline separates Puerto Colón from Playa de el Bobo and Playa Troya I and II (formerly Playa de las Américas I and II until Adeje reclaimed and renamed this bit of the coast). Three more golden sand beaches with sun beds, thatched umbrellas and plenty of water sports to keep children of all ages amused.
Playa del Duque - Another man made affair which has been developed with panache and imagination. If a beach could feel upmarket, it’s this one. Small enough to feel intimate, it’s striped beach huts and palm frond umbrellas give it an air of St Tropez meets the Caribbean. The large volcanic rock which borders the beach’s southern side blocks out the concrete vista beyond. But where is it? Located at the very western end of Playa de las Américas, (or as the PR people would say, the ‘exclusive’ resort of Costa Adeje).
Playa de las Américas
Quite surprisingly much of the Playa de las Américas coastline hasn’t been turned into man made beaches and the area which runs from the border with Costa Adeje at Playa Troya II to Punta del Camisón is quite rocky with a few rock pools and only a handful of sun beds. This undeveloped quality makes it perfect for people who prefer a more natural looking coastline and it’s a popular spot for local surfers to ride the waves.
Playa de las Américas’ one developed beach is Playa del Camisón in front of the smart Sir Anthony hotel. It’s a relaxing golden sand beach backed by palm trees which slopes gently into aquamarine waters. There are plenty of sun loungers and thatched umbrellas, but it can get quite busy.
Los Cristianos
Arguably the south of Tenerife’s best beach, Playa las Vistas, a long golden sand beach which links Playa de las Américas with Los Cristianos. There are rows upon rows of sun loungers, but the size of the beach absorbs them. A huge fountain at the shoreline near the midway point of the beach keeps sunbathers cool when temperatures go ballistic. One of the most commendable qualities of Play las Vistas is that facilities include specially developed areas for people with mobility problems which include amphibian chairs – part of Arona council’s commitment to creating a barrier free paradise which can be enjoyed by all, able bodied or otherwise.
Los Cristianos boasts not one, but two good beaches. The town beach of Playa Los Cristianos is only marginally less impressive than las Vistas, but it does overlook the harbour so it’s a great spot for watching the comings and goings of the inter island ferries, pleasure cruises and fishing boats. There’s a volley ball court at the rear of the beach as well as a sailing school for anyone who fancies a bit of tacking and jibing.The further along the beach you travel, the less people there are and the less developed it is until you reach Playa Callao below Montaña de Guaza, a real get-away-from-it-all beach hardly a stone’s throw from one of the south of Tenerife’s main tourist resorts.
Both of Los Cristianos' main beaches have been developed so that people with mobility problems can enjoy being at the beach and playing in the water as much as anybody else. It's part of the town's commitment to creating a holiday destination for everyone.
El Médano - A rarity for a beach on Tenerife, a golden(ish) beach which isn’t man made. One of the longest beaches on Tenerife, book ended on one side by El Médano and Montaña Roja on the other. A bleached wooden boardwalk runs almost the length of the beach passing surreal pumice rock formations and scores of rainbow bright windsurfers and kite-boarders. The presence of these ‘surf dudes’ should warn you that the wind is a constant companion here. It might make pretty patterns in the sand, but it isn’t always ideal for sunbathing. One of the most interesting beaches on Tenerife.
El Puertito - Nestling between the resorts on the south and south west coasts, the bay at El Puertito is probably what Tenerife ’s southern fishing hamlets looked like before the property developers moved in. Whitewashed buildings, a fish restaurant, aquamarine water, brightly coloured fishing boats and fine sand make you feel as though you’re on an island that hasn’t been discovered yet. It’s also popular with ‘unofficial’ campers during summer months. A simple, but picturesque spot to wiggle your toes in the sand; it’s close to resorts in geographical terms only. But where is it? A small sign points the way from the TF47 just outside Armeñime on the road west to Los Gigantes.
Playa de los Abriguitos - The road to this beach leads through a new housing development which looks completely out of place in the barren pumice landscape. Fear not, a series of pale golden sand coves lapped by turquoise waters too tempting to resist dotted along the coast at Los Abades make for a heavenly spot to top up the tan and frolic in the surf. But where is it? Take exit 18 sign posted Los Abades from the TF1 and follow the road to the coast.
Playa Grande - The nearby wind farm might suggest that Playa Grande at Punta de Abona might not be the most comfortable spot to go for that golden glow, but the quiet cream coloured sloping beach is protected by the headland which curves into the sea around the beach, keeping the water and the wind relatively calm. Paths lead to the fishing hamlet above the beach, the Abona lighthouse and a small jetty with an unusual fish sculpture. But where is it? Take exit 17 from the TF1 sign posted Poris de Abona
Black Beaches in Tenerife
Playa Socorro - Medium sized beach of black volcanic sand, typical of many of the beaches in the north of the island, located on one of the most picturesque stretches of Tenerife’s coastline. The approach road winds through banana plantations and charming old haciendas to this very popular beach. On Sundays, during summer, you’ll struggle to find a space to park as cars line roadside for the kilometre or so up to the main road. The beach shelves gently into the rolling waves; perfect for people who like to keep their feet on the ground, but be warned this is a surfer’s beach, the waves here pack a punch. There’s a good little beach bar restaurant overlooking the beach. But where is it? Follow the signs for Playa Socorro from the TF820 between Puerto de la Cruz and Icod de los Vinos, just beyond the San Pedro mirador.
Roque Bermejo - The black sand beach here is definitely for people who want to travel far from the madding crowd. Situated beside the tiny fishing hamlet of Roque Bermejo, you might struggle to find this one as there’s no road leading to the village. The only way in or out is by boat; alternatively, a two hour walk from Chamorga at the end of the TF123 will bring you to this beach at the eastern tip of Tenerife’s world. But where is it? At the very eastern tip of Tenerife. If you don’t have access to a boat, you’re in for a long hike
Playa Bollullo - Playa de el Pozo and Playa de los Patos: These three coves cut into the cliffs are accessed via a single track road, which can make manoeuvring past oncoming cars quite hairy. Persevere, it’s worth the effort. The reward is a beautiful black sand beach with tsunami sized waves and a great little beach bar overlooking the bay where time can disappear very easily, especially if you’ve got an ice cold cerveza in your hand. The more adventurous can follow the path along the coast to Playa Pozo and Playa de los Patos, nudist beaches popular with surfers and people who literally want to let it all hang out; unfortunately I’ve never seen anyone do both at the same time; now that would make a good photo. But where is it? Just outside Puerto de la Cruz, a road leads almost from the TF5 exit 32 towards El Rincon.
Playa Las Gaviotas - is almost always overshadowed by its sexier, tropical paradise neighbour; Las Teresitas. Las Teresitas might be man made with Saharan sand, but it’s probably the most stunning beach on the island; magnificent backdrop, golden sand, palms and calm crystal clear lagoon-like waters. However, if you prefer a more intimate setting where the only entry requirements are that you get your kit off, then bypass Las Teresitas and follow the road east to this small black sand nudist beach at the foot of the Anaga Massif. But where is it? About 10 kilometres beyond Santa Cruz. Access is from the TF121. Parking is limited and the beach can get very busy in summer.
Playa Jardín - This ‘garden beach’ is a play area for visitors and locals alike. A kilometre of black sand backed by landscaped gardens runs from the San Felipe Castle to the Punta Brava. The waves here are big and bold, which is great fun for confident youngsters, but can take the legs away from unsuspecting, more mature paddlers. The beach shelves sharply into the sea at the Puerto de la Cruz end, less so at the Punta Brava end. In between there's a small area exclusively for surfers. The beach with the best view of Teide. But where is it? Simple, in Puerto de la Cruz.
Playa San Juan - A pebbled beach set in a sheltered bay beside the town’s harbour. Maybe once, but nowadays a faceleft has transformed it into a sandy beach. Whether nature will leave it that way is debatable; it's already taking on a distinctly two-tone look. Although barely a half hour’s drive from the sprawling main southern resorts, this is more Canarian cool, than ‘kiss me quick’in character. Playa San Juan has a quiet style which will suit people who don’t like their beaches packed to the gunwales. But where is it? On Tenerife’s southwest coast, on the road linking Los Gigantes with Playa de las Américas.
Playa San Marcos - A local favourite. Some 70’s style apartment blocks on one side of the beach don’t make for the prettiest of vistas, but this small beach, beside a fishing harbour and backed by fish restaurants, has a certain charm. Plus it’s set in a sheltered inlet, which makes it suitable for kids. But where is it? On the coast below Icod de los Vinos.
Playa de la Arena - Look at any decent map and you might find up to four ‘Playa de la Arenas’ around Tenerife’s coastline. It simply means ‘sandy beach’. The best one is found at the resort of the same name. A small, blue flag beach .with great views to the island of La Gomera and stunning sunsets, this is a sun worshipper’s dream. But where is it? On Tenerife’s sunny west coast, near Los Gigantes, in the centre of the small resort
Playa de las Arenas - An attractively laid out beach with plenty of parking and a unique looking restaurant, El Burgado. A pleasant coastal walk leads to a series of black sand and pebble beaches, rock pools and coves which lie below the Mirador de la Monja and the dramatic Teno Cliffs. But where is it? The beach lies beyond Buenavista del Norte, beside the golf course of the same name.
Los Gigantes - following the rock fall on 1st November 2009 the beach at Los Gigantes is currently closed to all visitors
There are also several naturist beaches in the South
PLAYA DE DIEGO HERNANDEZ is a nudist beach close to La Caleta.
Playa de la Tejita - Another pale golden beach so long and wide you could land a jumbo jet on it, which isn’t beyond the realms of possibility considering it’s right next to the airport. It’s another windy beach which makes it the ideal location for Granadilla’s annual kite festival in September. The Montaña Roja end of the beach is popular with nudists. Kite-flying and nude sunbathing…interesting combination. But where is it? Beyond El Médano, on the other side of Montaña Roja.