The 10 best adventure activities in Tenerife
Quick answer: Tenerife is a paradise for adventure lovers. Among the best activities are quad bike tours on Mount Teide, paragliding along the coast, canyoning, whale watching, hiking in the National Park and diving in volcanic waters. There are options for all levels, on land, at sea and in the air.
Tenerife isn’t just about beaches and sunshine. Beneath its idyllic climate lies a volcanic island made for adventure: mountains taller than the peaks of half of Europe, ravines, seabeds teeming with life and landscapes that look like something from another planet. If you’re looking for adrenaline and unforgettable experiences, here’s our selection of the 10 best adventure activities in Tenerife, ranked to help you choose.
1. Quad bike trip to Mount Teide
Our favourite – and we’re not just saying that because it’s our own business: exploring the volcanic landscapes of Teide National Park at the controls of your own quad bike is an experience that’s hard to beat. You’re in the driver’s seat, you feel every stretch of the route, and you can access viewpoints and tracks that lie far off the beaten track.
It’s suitable for all levels — you don’t need any previous experience, just your driving licence — and works just as well as a couple, with a group of friends or as a family (children can come along as passengers). You can choose the daytime route, with Mount Teide bathed in light, or the sunset route, when the sky is ablaze above the sea of clouds. A helmet and thermal jacket are included, and you’ll have an expert guide with you from start to finish.
Ideal for: those who want to drive, experience the adventure and discover Mount Teide from the inside.
2. Paragliding along the coast
Paragliding from one of the island’s launch sites — such as those in the south — offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the ocean. Tandem flights with an instructor mean you can take the plunge even if it’s your first time, and the sensation of gliding silently over Tenerife is unforgettable.
Ideal for: those looking for an adrenaline rush in the air, with no experience required.
3. Canyoning in the northern forests
The north of Tenerife, which is greener and more humid, is home to ravines that are perfect for canyoning: abseiling, natural slides and pools of cold water amidst the laurel forest. A guided activity that combines technique, nature and plenty of thrills.
Ideal for: water lovers and those who enjoy physical challenges.
4. Whale-watching
The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are home to stable colonies of dolphins and pilot whales all year round. Setting out to sea to see them in the wild is one of the island’s most special experiences, and one of the most environmentally responsible if you choose a licensed operator.
Ideal for: families and lovers of marine life.
5. Hiking in Teide National Park
Walking amongst lava flows, rock formations and fields of pumice at an altitude of over two thousand metres is an adventure in itself. Trails such as those around the Roques de García offer some of the most photographed landscapes in the Canary Islands.
Ideal for: walkers looking for otherworldly scenery.
6. Diving in volcanic waters
Tenerife’s volcanic seabed — with its caves, arches and black sand — provides a unique setting for scuba diving. There are dive sites for beginners, offering introductory dives, and others that are more technical for qualified divers.
Ideal for: those curious about the underwater world and experienced divers.
7. Kayaking and snorkelling with turtles
On the south-west coast, you can kayak to areas where sea turtles swim and, if you’re lucky, go snorkelling alongside them. It’s a peaceful activity, but one full of magical moments.
Ideal for: those looking for a gentle adventure and the chance to get up close to marine life.
8. Climbing and via ferrata routes
The island’s volcanic landscape offers cliffs and via ferratas for all levels. Climbing with the ocean as a backdrop is a different way to explore Tenerife – always with a guide and approved equipment.
Ideal for: adventurers who aren’t afraid of heights.
9. Mountain biking along volcanic trails
The island’s tracks and trails are a magnet for mountain bikers, with technical descents and landscapes that shift from pine forest to volcanic desert in the space of just a few kilometres.
Ideal for: cyclists looking for varied and challenging terrain.
10. Surfing on the northern and southern beaches
With waves for much of the year, Tenerife is a great destination for beginners or those looking to improve their surfing. The island’s surf schools offer lessons for all levels on black and golden sandy beaches.
Ideal for: those who want to combine sport and the beach in their adventure.
How to choose your adventure in Tenerife
The best activity depends on what you’re looking for: excitement on land, at sea or in the air; a solo trip or a family outing; pure adrenaline or peaceful natural surroundings. Our advice: if you can only choose one and want to combine driving, unique scenery and adventure for all levels, start at the top — literally — with a quad bike tour of Mount Teide.