Tenerife is a spectacular destination and offers so much more than just it’s coastal resorts. From the fascinating volcanic landscapes of the Teide National Park to the picturesque villages of Masca and Taganana, the country is rich in history. Explore the former fishing villages of Los Cristianos and La Caleta or wander the wide boulevards of Santa Cruz. Be sure to leave the beach behind and take a day or two to discover the island.

Golf is a very serious business in Tenerife, and you’ll find plenty of great courses to choose from. Visit Golf Las Americas, an 18-hole course with stunning views, or head to the Golf Costa Adeje course, which has dramatic mountains on one side and sea views on the other. The Abama Golf Course, designed by Dave Thomas in 2005 to combine large greens and wide fairways, rises to 480 metres above sea level and it has great views of the island of La Gomera.

There’s no better way to cool down on a hot summer’s day then a trip to one of Tenerife’s waterparks! Siam Park, in Costa Adeje, has been described as one of the world’s biggest and best, and has some fantastic slides to choose from. Or, head to Aqualand where you can also watch a wonderful dolphin show in between trips down the lazy river or racing down the flumes.

Calling all windsurfers! Tenerife is a popular destination for watersports, and El Médano Beach is the one surfers and windsurfers like best. On days when the sea is rough, large waves provide some great surfing opportunities. Along the coast you’ll find various schools offering tuition and rental for surfers, perfect for beginners to experts.

The south-west coast of Tenerife is home to colonies of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins which remain here throughout the year. They live so close to the coast that Tenerife has become the most important place in Europe for the number of persons who carry out free-living-whale-watching. You can find up to 21 different species in these waters, and there are a number of organised boat trips leaving from the south ports and harbours.

Along the coastline you’ll find plenty of places where you can hire bicycles for the afternoon. A great way to burn off some energy, keep fit and explore Tenerife’s bustling resorts! Or, why not pack a picnic and head inland to discover the beautiful countryside and lovely scenery?

The most exciting way to visit Mount Teide and the lost village of Masca can be on the Jeep Safari excursions, leaving from most south resorts. Usually travelling in a convoy, this is a fantastic way to get off road and see a little more of the Tenerife countryside.

Set in the north of the island in Puerto de la Cruz, this world class animal park is a perfect day out for everyone. Attractions range from the famous Orca Ocean, Dolphins, Sea Lions, Gorillas, Penguin World and over 700 Parrots, all set in the tropical gardens of Loro Parque.

Playa De Ajabo in Callao Salvaje is a man-made beach with typical Canarian black volcanic sand, lined with pretty shrubs leading down to the sea. The sheltered bay means the wind and waters are calm - perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The beach is easily accessible and has good facilities including toilets, changing rooms and a snack bar.

El Médano Beach is the longest on the island, with over 1 mile of fine golden sand that ends at a volcanic cone called "Montaña Rojo" (Red Mountain). The surrounding area is a protected nature reserve due to its important ecological value. The beach has a range of facilities and a very pleasant seafront walk to stroll along, but is most known for the ideal place to go windsurfing. You’ll also find calm, shallow waters and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Playa del Camison is one of the many beaches lining the coastline between the resorts of Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje. As with all these beaches it has a wide range of services and facilities both on the beach and just the other side of the promenade. You’ll find a good choice of enjoyable water sports, plus swimming conditions are excellent due to the breakwater, which protects the beach from currents and waves.

Connected to El Médano beach via the Montaña Roja nature reserve, La Tejita beach is a ¾ mile long beach of fine golden sand that is set well away from the town. This small cove is mainly used by nudists and has no facilities, except a small stand selling drinks. However, it is exactly this natural environment, its clean sand and calm waters that attract visitors to this beach.

Las Vistas Beach is a long stretch of find golden sand, man-made from the surrounding seabed. One of the most popular beaches in Tenerife, it’s located between the resorts of Los Cristianos and Las Américas and has a wide range of facilities. The sea is calm and ideal for swimming thanks to its breakwater, which protects it from waves and ocean currents. There is a fun fountain capable of shooting seawater high into the sky, as well as pedaloes and jet-skis available for hire.                  

Located in Pal Mar, Playa Arenita is a pebble and shingle beach. The rocks that jut out at various points are popular fishing stands, and it is the perfect place for snorkelling and scuba diving. There is a small chiringuito (beach bar) where you can rent sunbeds and enjoy a cocktail. At the far end of the promenade you will also find the Bahia Beach bar which is a more up market chillout restaurant and beach club.

The main beach in Playa de las Americas, Troya Beach has fine golden sand and calm seas. Located in a very central area, there is a good choice of bars, cafés and restaurants. The sea is great for practising watersports, including pedaloes, stand-up paddle boarding, parasailing and banana boats. This Blue Flag beach has a lifeguard service, sun loungers and parasols for hire, showers, changing rooms and a taxi rank and bus stop nearby.

Playa de Los Cristianos is a sweeping sand beach offering wonderful views of the neighbouring harbour. You’ll find a good of choice watersports on offer, including kayaks, windsurfing and stand-up paddle boarding. Great for families, the calm waters in the sheltered bay are ideal for paddling and there’s also a children’s play area. The beach is lined by a long promenade with lots of shops, restaurants and bars.

Located in the heart of Playa de la Arena, this stunning Blue Flag beach is formed of natural black sand. With clear waters the beach is popular for snorkelling and there are a range of watersports on offer including diving and windsurfing. There are a number of restaurants and shops lining the beach, so you’ll find everything you need within easy reach.

Playa La Pinta, set next to the Puerto Colon in Costa Adeje, is on the coastal walkway, with Los Cristianos one way and La Caleta the other. This soft sandy beach slopes gently to the sea with safe swimming. Sun beds are available for hire and there's lots of beach left for those who just want to place their towels on to the sand and chill out. There are also watersports and a floating play area for hire for all age groups.

On the coast of Costa Adeje the neighbouring beaches of Torviscas and Fanabe make up one long, sandy beach. The beach is a mixture of sand and shingle, and the sea is mainly calm. You’ll find a complete range of facilities from sunbeds and parasols to pedaloes, watersports and trampolines, creating a great atmosphere of non-stop fun. The beaches are joined by one long, popular promenade lined with restaurants and shops, where many people relax and enjoy the beautiful sunshine.

Playa Del Duque is a beautiful beach of imported, fine golden sand dotted with palm trees. Located in one of the newest areas of Costa Adeje, the beach is bordered by a lovely seafront promenade which joins together over 8 beaches. You’ll find all the facilities you need including sun loungers and parasols service, as well as restaurants, bars, showers and changing rooms.

Playa de Las Americas boasts the Playa de Guincho, which is popular with surfers and windsurfers, though it is a bit rocky for sunbathing.