If you think Tenerife is just beaches and resorts, think again. Having grown up here, I can confirm: Tenerife’s true magic lies far beyond the tourist trail. From incredible volcanic landscapes that look like another planet, to lush green forests and crystal clear waters in the Atlantic sea, Tenerife has so much more to offer.
Here are 10 epic outdoor adventures that will make you fall in love with the island’s wilder side.
1. Hike to the Summit of Mount Teide (3,718 m)
Climbing Mount Teide isn’t just another hike, it’s a true adventure to the highest peak in Spain. Starting from the Montaña Blanca trailhead, the journey takes you across a surreal volcanic wilderness where every step feels like you’re walking on another planet. Ash fields crunch underfoot, rivers of frozen lava twist across the landscape, and strange rock formations glow red and gold in the morning light.
The trail climbs steadily for hours, gaining nearly 1,500 meters in elevation, before reaching the Altavista Refuge, where many hikers rest before tackling the final push to the summit for sunrise. From there, the air grows thinner, the ground steeper, and the views even more spectacular. When you finally reach the top, standing above the clouds as the sun rises over the Atlantic, it’s a moment you’ll never forget!
And if you’d rather skip the full ascent, you can always take the Teide cable car most of the way up and hike the final stretch to the crater (you’ll still need a permit for the summit trail). But for the adventurous, hiking the full route from Montaña Blanca is the real experience – the kind that leaves you breathless in every possible sense!
2. Walk the Misty Trails of the Anaga Forest
The Anaga Rural Park is where Tenerife’s ancient soul still thrives. Shrouded in mist and carpeted in laurel forests, this region feels worlds away from the dry south. Hiking trails twist through moss-covered forests, and lead you to cliffs that drop straight into the Atlantic.
Try the Chinamada to Punta del Hidalgo route for incredible views, or the Camino de los Sentidos for something shorter and magical.
3. Relax on Tenerife’s Black Sand Beaches
Tenerife’s black sand beaches are a reminder that this island was born from fire. Shaped by ancient volcanic eruptions and polished by centuries of Atlantic waves, their fine, silky sand glistens under the sun like dark glass. These beaches feel raw and elemental – a world away from the artificial golden stretches you’ll find in the resorts down south.
Each beach tells a different story. Playa de Benijo, tucked away on the north of the island, is a photographer’s dream, where jagged sea stacks rise from the water. On the island’s west coast, Playa de los Guios sits beneath the towering cliffs of Los Gigantes, one of Tenerife’s most breathtaking natural backdrops. Watching the sunset here, with the 600-meter cliffs glowing gold above you, is truly unforgettable.
4. Stargaze in Teide National Park
There’s a reason Teide National Park is a certified Starlight Reserve – the night sky here is otherworldly.
When night falls over Teide National Park, the island’s rugged volcanic landscape transforms into one of the best stargazing spots on Earth. At over 2,000 meters above sea level, far from city lights and often above the clouds, the sky glows with more stars than you’ve can imagine.
You can join a guided astronomy tour at the Tenerife Observatory for a closer look through powerful telescopes, or simply find a quiet spot near the Parador Nacional or the Llano de Ucanca viewpoint which provide a bit of foreground if you’re into astrophotography too. Wrap up warm, lie back, and let the Milky Way sweep over you.
5. Descend the Masca Gorge
The Masca Gorge is one of Tenerife’s most legendary hikes. It’s a dramatic descent through a deep volcanic canyon that winds all the way from the tiny mountain village of Masca down to a secret black sand beach.
Unfortunately, recent changes mean the only way to hike the Masca Gorge is on a guided tour, which starts in the nearby town of Santiago del Teide and ends at the beach. From there, you’ll need to hop on a boat back to Los Gigantes, but it gives you a fantastic close-up view of the Los Gigantes cliffs on the way!
6. Hike on Tenerife's Northern Coast
While the south is all sunshine and beaches, Tenerife’s northern coast is where you’ll find lush valleys, dramatic cliffs, and some of the island’s most rewarding coastal trails. It’s wilder, greener, and packed with local charm.
One of the best routes is the trail from Los Silos to Buenavista del Norte, which weaves past banana plantations, ocean viewpoints, and hidden coves. Another favourite is the El Socorro to San Juan de la Rambla hike, where waves crash against black lava cliffs and the scent of sea salt fills the air.
If you’re looking for rugged beauty without the crowds, this is it – Tenerife’s untamed Atlantic edge.
7. Visit A Canarian Banana Plantation
Bananas aren’t just a fruit in Tenerife, they’re part of the island’s identity. As you drive around, you’ll see endless banana plantations clinging to the hillsides and visiting one gives you a glimpse into local life and the island’s agricultural heritage.
Many local fincas open their doors to visitors, offering guided walks through the groves where you’ll learn how Tenerife’s famous “plátanos” are grown, harvested, and exported (mostly to mainland Spain and Europe). It’s a surprisingly fascinating experience, especially when combined with a nearby hike.
8. Go Scuba Diving Beneath the Atlantic
Beneath the waves, Tenerife is a whole other world. The island’s volcanic origins have created spectacular underwater landscapes – caves, arches, and lava reefs teeming with marine life. You’ll find everything from sea turtles and rays to colourful fish swirling through the blue.
Whether you’re a first-time diver or an experienced adventurer, there are fantastic dive sites all around the island. Abades and Las Eras on the east coast are great for beginners, while Tabaiba’s sunken shipwreck is a must for advanced divers.
9. Go Whale Watching in Southern Tenerife
Few experiences capture Tenerife’s magic quite like spotting whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. The deep waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are home to resident pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins year-round. Tenerife is one of the best places in Europe to see them.
Tours sett off from Los Gigantes, Costa Adeje, and Puerto Colón, ranging from small eco-friendly boats to luxury catamarans. Sail beneath the towering Los Gigantes cliffs, watch pods of dolphins and whales glide alongside the boat, and maybe even freshen up with a swim in the Atlantic ocean.
10. Swim In Tenerife's Natural Rock Pools
After a long hike or drive, there’s nothing better than cooling off in one of Tenerife’s natural volcanic rock pools. Carved by ancient lava flows and shaped by the Atlantic, these pools offer calm, crystal-clear water surrounded by black volcanic stone – perfect for a refreshing dip with a view.
Some of the best spots include Charco de la Laja and Charco del Viento near San Juan de la Rambla, and the famous El Caletón pools in Garachico. Each has its own charm, from hidden coves to larger pools where locals gather for a swim.
Tenerife might be famous for its beaches, but its wild side is what truly makes it special. Whether you’re hiking volcanic trails, stargazing at 2,000 meters, or swimming in lava pools, the island’s energy is pure adventure.
So next time you’re here, skip the sun lounger – grab your boots, pack your camera, and get out there. Tenerife’s waiting!
