What to see in Tenerife in 4 days
Tenerife provides the ideal framework in which to have a great time in all sorts of ways and at any time of the year. This particular Canary Island boasts an impressive natural landscape, constantly under the watchful gaze of the Teide volcano, the highest peak in Spain. Its lava streams, which resemble a crispy chocolate cake, are the antithesis of the luxuriant laurel forests, a dreamlike setting from which fairies and elves might emerge at any moment.
A four-day trip to Tenerife will not only give you enough time to get to know its natural setting, but you will also have the opportunity to enjoy whale watching from a catamaran as well as discovering the history of cities like Santa Cruz de Tenerife and La Laguna. If you are interested in wine, be sure to visit one of the many wineries dotted around the island and enjoy the elixir of Bacchus.
Of course, your evenings can stretch out for as long as you wish, because there is no lack of places to have a drink and dance the night away. And if you’re still not convinced, have a look at this itinerary for 4 days in Tenerife.
Itinerary day 1
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Mount Teide National Park
In this national park, you will see a remarkable volcanic landscape formed by flows of lava and incredible structures such as Los Roques de García. Don’t miss going up Mount Teide by cable car, and walking on up to the summit of the volcano. At an altitude of almost four thousand metres, the view is spectacular.
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
La Orotava
La Orotava is one of the most beautiful and historic areas on the island. Its not-to-be-missed views include the Casa de los Balcones (which houses the Museo de Usos y Costumbres [Folk Museum]), the churches of La Concepción and San Agustín, and the Town Hall. You could also take the opportunity to buy your first souvenirs in this town.
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Bodegón Tapias Restaurant (La Orotava)
The perfect establishment in La Orotava for partaking of traditional Canary Island cuisine. On offer here there is a host of wines, artisan cheeses, ham, and authentic traditional dishes such as homemade almogrote [a paté made of hard cheese, garlic, olive oil and peppers] and the ‘house ropa vieja [stewed meat with vegetables] made with shredded roast pork’.
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Puerto de la Cruz
This is the island’s smallest municipality, but also one of the most delightful. It was even prescribed as the ideal place to rest and recover by the British Medical Association in the nineteenth century. It was declared a National Tourist Site of Special Interest in 1955 and has continued to charm visitors ever since with its fishing quarter, La Ranilla, and with its modern Puerto Street Art murals.
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Teno Rural Park
This natural space covering over eight thousand hectares contains a huge diversity of landscapes and cultures. It is the perfect place to gain an insight into Tenerife’s complex terrain, and to wander around cliffs, laurel woods, and the occasional town, such as Masca, where you can admire the traditional architecture. It is also a good place for hiking, mountain biking, paddle surfing and kayaking.
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Las Hierbitas Restaurant (Santa Cruz de Tenerife)
This establishment is spread over several rooms of a nineteenth-century house, and has preserved its original character and décor. The antique furniture and wood-beamed ceilings add the finishing touch to a most pleasant experience where traditional cooking takes centre stage. Of course, you can order the delicious papas con mojo [potatoes with traditional Canary Island sauce], but why not let the waiters advise you and try some of the specialities too?
Itinerary day 2
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The island’s capital is noteworthy for its dignified air, its pretty churches, its historic neighbourhoods, and its oh-so-lively social life. Essential places to visit include the colonial church of La Concepción, the Nuestra Señora de África market, the César Manrique Maritime Park, and the Museum of Nature and Archaeology.
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM
The Adán Martín Auditorium
While you are in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, be sure to visit this auditorium, the work of the renowned architect Santiago de Calatrava. Apart from its modern aesthetic, with its concrete and white trencadís finish, it has a full calendar of events including music festivals and recitals.
12:45 PM - 2:00 PM
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
This historic city enjoys a lively university atmosphere. Stroll along its streets with their abundance of monuments and mansions to see for yourself why it has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. During the daytime, it is a pleasure to visit the city’s Cathedral and museums, and in the evening no-one can resist the temptation to go out for a drink.
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Cofradía La Laguna Restaurant
This restaurant in the heart of La Laguna offers a select menu whose highlights are good fish and seafood. Do not hesitate to order limpets, black rice with squid and fish escaldón [a typical Canarian dish of fish stock blended with gofio—toasted Canarian flour]. It also offers traditional dishes such as ropa vieja [pulled or shredded stewed beef with vegetables]. The restaurant has a very attractive open-air inner courtyard.
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Playa Las Teresitas
Its golden sands, palm trees and pleasant atmosphere make this one of Tenerife’s most popular beaches. Enjoy an afternoon here, strolling by the sea shore, sunbathing or having tapas in the San Andrés fishing quarter.
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Anaga Rural Park
Even if you’re not going to be able to see the whole park, set aside some time to walk along the Sendero de los Sentidos, which once linked the villages of Anaga with La Laguna. There are three options here, all of different lengths, but each of them makes for an enjoyable walk, where you can learn about nature and see examples of laurel woods. On the shortest route, walkways are provided to make the walk accessible for wheelchair users.
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Kazan Restaurant
Holidays are the perfect time to try cuisine from other parts of the world. We can recommend the Japanese cuisine in one of the island’s finest restaurants, which has been awarded a Michelin star. The restaurant is in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and you will need to book in advance.
Itinerary day 3
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Dolphin and whale spotting from Los Gigantes
It is a standing joke among the captains of the vessels dedicated to cetacean-spotting trips that Tenerife has its own aquarium in the ocean. And they could be right, because every time one of these boats sets sail, dolphins, pilot whales, fin whales and sperm whales appear as if by magic. The boats depart from Los Gigantes, Puerto Colón and Los Cristianos. Choose which is most convenient from your hotel.
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Los Gigantes Cliffs
When seen for the first time, the cliffs of Los Gigantes [the Giants] are an awe-inspiring sight. A vertical mass of rock, over 600 metres high, rises next to the sea like a wall. Cetacean-spotting boats sail from the port of Los Gigantes, but if you prefer to stay on dry land, make your way to the La Arena beach, where you can go for a paddle whilst enjoying the views of La Gomera.
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Las Aguas
This traditional restaurant, located in the town of Las Aguas, is the perfect choice if you like rice dishes. It has a very pleasant terrace, as well as excellent service. What more can you ask?
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Cueva del Viento [The Wind Cave]
Have you ever tried caving? Here, you will have the opportunity to enter the biggest volcanic tunnel in the European Union. The cave is made up of labyrinths of passages on three different levels. The visit lasts two hours.
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Garachico
One of the island’s most charming towns, its historical heritage was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1994. Take a stroll through its cobbled streets, and finish by relaxing in one of El Caletón’s natural swimming pools. You will be seduced by both the crystal-clear waters and the stunning views from the water.
8:30 PM - 11:30 PM
El Rincón de Juan Carlos (Los Gigantes)
We recommend that you make a pilgrimage to this restaurant, because it boasts a well-deserved Michelin star. The Padrón Brothers offer a creative Canarian cuisine that seeks to find the balance between modern trends and local flavours. It only serves evening meals.
Itinerary day 4
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Icod de los Vinos
You would probably make your way to Icod de los Vinos because it is home to the famous Drago Milenario [Thousand-Year-Old Dragon Tree], but in any case it’s worth checking out the beauty of its historic quarter, clustered around the Matriz de San Marcos church, the San Francisco convent, and the squares of Lorenzo Cáceres and La Pila. If you decide to linger and have lunch here, try the rabbit with potatoes.
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Siam Park
This is considered to be the best park in Europe, and for good reason. You will be captivated by the architecture inspired by Thailand, the attractions where the water is the main focus, the relaxation areas, and the fact that everyone, of whatever age, fits in here.
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Maresía Restaurant by Hermanos Padrón
Patrons will savour spectacular haute cuisine creations and unique flavours using the best local ingredients as they take in spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean from the rooftop at Royal Hideaway Corales Beach. The Michelin-starred and Repsol-sunned Padrón brothers offer the flavours of the Canary Islands and the sea in a scrumptious culinary offering. Tasting menus are available and recommended for 16 years and older.
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Playa de las Américas
This is among Tenerife’s best-known beaches, located in an area that in the evening is dedicated to the single-minded pursuit of fun. In the morning, enjoy a relaxing dip and the pleasant atmosphere of the seafront promenade.
9:30 PM - 11:30 PM
M.B. Restaurant
This renowned restaurant bears the signature of Martín Berasategui. This chef’s team, led by Erlantz Gorostiza, offers a fresh and imaginative cuisine which seeks to blend Canarian and Mediterranean ingredients. This establishment, boasting two Michelin stars, offers a very special dining experience.