See the Canary Islands from a different perspective: get to know rural Tenerife

On this Spanish island with a pleasant climate, the motto is clear: sun, sea, and sangria! As part of the Canary Islands, which offer sunshine almost year-round, Tenerife is a fantastic option for a family vacation, a relaxing getaway for couples, or a short trip with friends thanks to its golden coasts and popular resorts with excellent facilities.

A week just relaxing on the beach not quite your thing? Then leave the resorts and explore what Tenerife’s rural areas have to offer. From majestic volcanoes and underground caves to stunning forests and idyllic coves – there’s so much to discover and enjoy on this impressive island!

Are you an adventure seeker?
What could be more adventurous than standing next to a volcano? Tenerife is one of the many volcanic islands of the Canaries, featuring Mount Teide as its highest peak. Located within a national park recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a must-visit for spectacular landscapes and fantastic hiking trails.

Worried about being engulfed by ash clouds or lava flows? Who wouldn’t be? But don’t worry! Teide has been inactive for over a century. Among the top activities here is taking the Teide cable car to the summit, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the entire island!

Top tip: Visit Teide National Park on a clear night and look up to see hundreds of twinkling stars scattered across the sky. The park also hosts the impressive Teide Observatory, which offers guided tours during the day.

Not a fan of the Spanish heat?
We won’t lie to you: Tenerife can get quite hot during the summer months! While diving into the sea will certainly cool you off, there’s another option that’s much more fun – and it involves a trip to Thailand. Yes, we said Tenerife is hot, but we’re talking about Siam Park, the island’s famous water park.

Stepping through its gates, you’ll feel transported to rural Thailand, thanks to the peaceful temples, lush vegetation, and numerous water features. In fact, Siam Park even claims to have the largest collection of Thai-style buildings outside of Thailand! And what about the rides? Don’t worry, we’ll get to those.

There are plenty of adrenaline-pumping water slides! What else would you expect from a water park voted the world’s best on TripAdvisor?

But that’s not all! There’s also a floating market and a beach lined with Thai eateries. Delicious. Book your tickets in advance to see what it’s all about…

Don’t like crowds?
Determined to come home with strong tan lines? Tenerife has plenty of beautiful beaches. However, if you’re not into sunbathing like a sardine on a lounge chair, drive your rental car to one of the island’s more secluded coves.

Quiet Bollullo Beach, located 4 km east of Puerto de la Cruz, is widely regarded as one of Tenerife’s most beautiful coves. Like many Canary Island beaches, it features dark volcanic sand and is framed by rugged cliffs plunging into the sea on either side of the cove.

This peaceful beach is free of kiosks and water sports stands and can be reached on foot from a parking lot above or via a stunning coastal path from Puerto de la Cruz (a 40-minute walk). Hungry after all that walking? Climb back up the cliff to a small restaurant serving simple tapas with sea views.

Craving a big adventure?
An island holiday doesn’t have to be all about rest and relaxation. Tenerife is brimming with exciting, one-of-a-kind activities! Don’t miss the Cueva del Viento, an underground cave system near the island’s north coast.

The vast tunnels were formed by the lava flow of the nearby Pico Viejo volcano, and the entire 18 km system is considered the largest in Europe! Book a guided tour, put on a helmet, and go underground to discover fossils, stalactites, and lava lakes. The fascinating caves are also home to numerous unique creatures that have adapted to life in complete darkness over the years. A little creepy, but very cool.

Always wanted to visit Peru?
Just inland from Tenerife’s west coast, you might feel like you’ve suddenly been transported to Machu Picchu. Here lies a remote mountain village often described as a mini version of the Peruvian landmark, as it stretches along a ridge with a towering rock above it.

Not afraid of heights? The road to Masca winds through the spectacular peaks of the Teno Massif and is not for the faint-hearted! Once you reach Masca, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time. Cobblestone streets lead to houses and various viewpoints – including the Mirador de Masca – offering incredible views of the surroundings.

Ready to dust off your hiking boots? Take the Masca Gorge Trail through a magical ravine lined with palm trees all the way down to Playa de Masca. The route takes over three hours, but the beach is fantastic and well worth it.

The beach is inaccessible by car, so you’ll need to take a boat to Los Gigantes and then arrange transportation back to Masca to collect your car. It’s worth it, though.

Want to impress your partner?
Traveling with your significant other? Sweep them off their feet with an unforgettable date by packing a picnic and heading to the Las Lajas Forest. Located in the heart of the island, far from the busy beaches, this forest of fragrant pine trees offers some incredible views of the landscape.

Park near the picnic area of Las Lajas (about 10 km along the TF-21 road above Vilaflor) and settle down at one of the picnic tables for a delicious lunch. If you’re not too full afterward, lace up some comfortable shoes and take a hand-in-hand stroll along one of the forest trails. You’ll admire the scenery and spot native bird species like the lively blue chaffinch.

Getting around Tenerife
If you’re heading to rural Tenerife, a car is essential. Rent one when you land at one of Tenerife’s two airports or arrive in one of the main resorts like Playa de las Americas. The island’s roads are in fairly good condition, though you should be more cautious in remote areas where roads are often winding and unpaved.

Want to explore other islands by car during a vacation? Check out our guide to the fantastic São Miguel or discover the best beaches in Sicily and Sardinia.