Tenerife is the largest island of the Canary archipelago, but it is also the largest and most populated of all the Macaronesia region. It is also a place where, when you ask yourself what to see in Tenerife, it offers you a thousand suggestions of things to do and places to visit, above all due to its mild climate.
In Tenerife you will be lucky enough to be able to find and visit unique places, such as the longest volcanic tube in Europe, 17 kilometres long or the Teide National ParkThe city of La Laguna, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007, as well as the city of La Laguna, whose historic centre has also been listed as a World Heritage Site since 1999.
Apart from its natural values, of which there are many, the island also offers many other special places, cities such as its capital, Santa Cruz; well-preserved complexes, leisure areas, museums, parks, etc. Here are five places to see in Tenerife.
What to see in Tenerife: five must-see places
Teide National Park
The Teide National Park is located in the centre of the island of Tenerife and is the largest and oldest national park in the Canary Islands. It was declared as such on 22 January 1954 and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.
In this national park you can visit the famous Teide volcano which, at an altitude of 3,718 metres, is the highest peak in Spain. You can also visit the Roques de García, enjoy its spectacular viewpoints, ride the cable car or see the stars from one of the best places in the world for observing the universe. You can find out more about the national parks of the Canary Islands at this link.
Historic centre of the city of La Laguna
La Laguna was founded between 1496 and 1497 by the Adelantado Alonso Fernández de Lugo, which is why it is also known as the City of the Adelantados. Since 1999, it has been recognised as a Cultural Asset and World Heritage Site by Unesco. It is also the first colonial city without walls in the Canary Islands and has preserved its original layout practically intact.
The streets of La Laguna are marked by commercial, gastronomic and leisure activity, but above all its monuments and historic buildings stand out. In the city you can visit the Plaza del Adelantado, the church of La Concepción, the Palacio de Lercaro, the Teatro Leal, etc. In the following link you can learn a little more about this wonderful city.
Anaga Rural Park
Less than an hour's drive from La Laguna and Santa Cruz de Tenerife lies Anaga, a massif of sharp-edged mountains and deep ravines, covered in a green blanket of laurel forest. It was declared a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco on 9 June 2015 and is home to the largest number of endemic species in Europe.
In the Anaga Rural Park you can go on different trails and excursions through the laurel forest, such as the Sendero de los Sentidos, visit impressive viewpoints such as Jardina, swim in incredible wild beaches such as Almáciga or Benijo, or visit villages such as Taganana.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island's capital city
Santa Cruz has been the capital of the island of Tenerife since 1833 and shares the capital of the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Its port is key to maritime communications and receives both commercial vessels and tourist cruise ships.
It is a cosmopolitan city whose streets invite you to enjoy walks and parks such as the García Sanabria, to appreciate emblematic buildings such as the Adán Martín Auditorium or the Tenerife Espacio de las Artes, as well as to enjoy its beaches, such as Las Teresitas, and complexes such as the César Manrique Maritime Park. The city also offers an incredible gastronomic offer. In the following link you can discover seven perfect places to eat in the capital of Tenerife.
Benijo Beach
Benijo is a wild beach of black volcanic sand with an incredible landscape located on the coast of the Anaga Rural Park and belonging to the municipality of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. If you like nature in its purest state, you can't miss it. The beach has privileged views of the Roques de Anaga and offers magical sunsets. It is one of the most isolated beaches in the town of Taganana and to access it you have to walk along a path with stairs.
Tenerife offers many more places to see, so be sure to visit the island and discover them all.
Paula Vera
Photos: elviajerofeliz.com, Santa Cruz de Tenerife Town Hall, holaislascanarias.com
