Tenerife North: 5 Unique Things to Do This Summer
Carol with views of Las Teresitas beach in Tenerife
Tenerife is a beautiful island, but let’s be honest, many of its most popular spots now feel overcrowded and far from the authentic experience people are really searching for.
After visiting Tenerife year after year, we’ve naturally gravitated towards the quieter side of the island, where life feels slower, landscapes are wilder, and experiences still feel genuinely local.
In this guide, we’re sharing the 5 of our favourite things to do in Tenerife North, including lesser-known experiences we’ve discovered over time that show just how special this part of the island really is.
In a hurry? Plan your trip to Tenerife now!
We’ve gathered top-rated recommendations for transport, accommodation, services, and tours below:
- Southern luxury: Bahia del Duque (9.0/10)
- Northern charm: Hotel Botanico y Oriental Spa Garden (9.3/10)
- In the capital: Hotel Emblemático Hi Suites (9.4/10)
1. Cueva del Viento
Cueva del Viento, Icod de los Vinos
Location: Icod de los Vinos
This is Europe’s longest volcanic lava tube, stretching over 17 kilometres and ranking among the longest in the world.
It’s pretty much the only volcanic cave in Tenerife open to the public, and this is an activity you won’t get to do often, so make it count!
Although it doesn’t really pose a danger to visitors, we do recommend reading the safety rules in advance.
Booking in advance is required. Entry tickets for adults cost $29 and for children $10, which feels very reasonable.
While most visitors tend to base themselves in the south, we found that unless you are planning a strictly relaxing, all-inclusive holiday, renting a car is practically mandatory to explore the rest of the island. We’d recommend renting a car through QEEQ. We always use QEEQ for our own trips because they consistently offer the best deals, and the booking process is really smooth and easy to use.
2. Guided canyoning experience
Location: Los Arcos
We might be a little biased, but this is genuinely one of our favourite things to do in Tenerife North, and the best part is that it’s perfectly suitable for beginners.
Canyoneering probably isn’t the first activity that comes to mind when you think of Tenerife. Still, the terrain here is incredibly surprising and dramatically sculpted, almost reminiscent of landscapes you’d expect to find in Jordan.
Alongside sharing the best things to do in Tenerife North, we also want to point you towards the right organiser, because that can really make or break the experience. For this adventure, Natura Xtreme Tenerife is the one to go with. You’ll be part of a small group (limited to just nine participants), making it a fun, adrenaline-filled, and safe experience that truly feels like a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Bear in mind that the meeting point for this activity is in Aguamansa, so unless you book a taxi or rent a car, it will be very difficult to reach this town. Don’t forget to check rental car prices on QEEQ.
3. Organic vineyard with tasting and tapas
Location: Arafo
This is one of our favorite cultural experiences in Tenerife North, and a brilliant way to slow down and experience the island differently. How many times do you get the chance to taste wine grown on volcanic soil? After this experience, you’ll be able to say you have!
In this experience, you get to try 4 different wines grown, Canarian cheeses and assorted croquettes. It’s simple, relaxed, and cultural.
By the way, if you are interested in finding local food spots, beaches, towns, landmarks and more, we’ve created a Google Maps list with over 100 locations in Tenerife that will really help during your trip.
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4. Anaga hiking tour & Enchanted Forest
Location: Anaga
In the north of Tenerife, you’ll find two of the island’s oldest and most dramatic landscapes: the Teno Massif and the Anaga Massif. For us, Anaga is the real standout, especially if you love getting outdoors.
While this hike does require a reasonable level of fitness, it is worth every penny. I never knew Tenerife had laurel forests and green landscapes this beautiful.
It lasts around seven hours, but it’s not hiking all the time. There are plenty of stops to take in the views, take pictures with incredible scenery, and also enjoy the picnic prepared by the organisers.
If you are not renting a car, this activity does include pick-up, so make sure to check it out!
Hotel Botanico y Oriental Spa Garden
Luxury hotel surrounded by gardens with views to Mount Teide
Book Now →
5. Teide National Park guided buggy tour
Location: Teide National Park
Although the meet-up point for this activity is in the south, Mount Teide sits right in the heart of the island. Personally, this is an incredibly fun experience. Yes, you could drive up to Mount Teide by car, but there’s something very unique about doing it in a buggy.
While you will be given a briefing on how to drive them, the buggies are quite simple to manage, so there is no need to stress. You will probably want to buy one after this!
The best part is that you get completely unobstructed, 360-degree views since the buggy is open. It feels truly magical, and depending on who you ride with, it can also be very romantic.
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog, and if you have additional questions about Tenerife, do not hesitate to drop them in the comments section below!
