Active on Tenerife
Activities & Excursions
From a tandem flight over the coast to a dolphin trip on the Atlantic, the finest experiences around the holiday home.
Boat trip, whales & dolphins
Off the south-west coast, right on your doorstep, pilot whales and dolphins live all year round. It is one of the most reliable whale-watching areas in Europe. Boats leave daily from the harbours of Los Cristianos, Puerto Colón and Los Gigantes, from a small sailing catamaran to a large excursion vessel.
Choose a small-group tour with the eco label “Barco Azul”, they keep a respectful distance and explain a lot about the animals along the way. Many trips include a swim stop in a cove you could not otherwise reach. The sea is usually calmest in the morning, ideal against seasickness.
- Start
- Los Cristianos / Puerto Colón / Los Gigantes
- Duration
- 2–5 hours
- Tip
- Mornings = calmer sea
Hiking, from the coast to the summit
Tenerife is a hiker’s paradise with every landscape at once: the dramatic Masca gorge, the mossy laurel forest of Anaga, the moon landscape near Vilaflor and the barren lava fields around the Teide. In a single day you walk through several climate zones here.
Beginners are well served by the waymarked loops in Anaga or the coastal path near Costa Adeje; experienced hikers take the Masca gorge (ticket required) or the high routes on the Teide. Always take water, sun protection and a jacket, at altitude and in the north it is much cooler than by the pool.
- Areas
- Anaga · Teno/Masca · Teide · Vilaflor
- Duration
- Half to full day
- Tip
- Sturdy shoes, water, check the weather
Go-karting
When it is not a beach day: on the kart track in the south (around Arona/Las Galletas) you lap a real circuit, from family-friendly karts to the fast racing version for adults. Great fun, especially with teenagers, and just a short drive from the house.
There are separate tracks and vehicles for children, plus lap timing for the family contest. Do not forget closed shoes. If you like a thrill, ask about the two-seaters for the very little ones.
- Getting there
- approx. 15–20 min (south)
- Duration
- 1–2 hours
- Tip
- Kids’ karts available too
Paragliding, floating above the coast
The south of Tenerife is one of Europe’s best paragliding regions: reliable thermals, mild weather all year and a landing spot right by the sea. On a tandem flight you sit strapped in front of an experienced pilot and need to do nothing but enjoy it, the view of the coast, the Teide and the Atlantic is unforgettable.
Launch sites lie high above Adeje; depending on the wind you float for 20 minutes to over an hour. Operators usually pick you up near the coast. Sturdy footwear and a light jacket are enough, the operator provides everything else.
- Start
- Mountains above Adeje
- Duration
- Flight 20–60 min
- Tip
- Best conditions in the morning
Surfing, SUP & watersports
The Atlantic coast offers waves all year, and the south in particular has beginner-friendly spots. At the surf camps around Las Américas and El Médano you learn to stand on the board in a few hours; experienced surfers find stronger waves on the windy east coast. If you prefer it calmer, rent a stand-up paddle board and glide over the smooth water of a bay.
El Médano in the east is also a world-class spot for wind and kitesurfing, made possible by the steady trade wind. Courses and rentals are everywhere along the coast; a wetsuit is usually included in the price.
- Spots
- Las Américas · El Médano
- Duration
- Taster from 2 hrs
- Tip
- El Médano for wind & kite
And also: diving, cycling & quad
Underwater the south is crystal clear: diving and snorkelling trips lead to caves, reefs and even sea turtles and rays. Road cyclists prize Tenerife as a training mecca, the climb to the Teide is considered one of the toughest and most beautiful in Europe, and pro teams train here in winter.
For the adventurous there are guided quad and buggy tours into the mountains, jeep safaris into the Teno range and stargazing walks on the Teide. Whatever you are after, from the holiday home you usually reach the starting point in half an hour.
- Includes
- Diving · Snorkelling · Road cycling · Quad
- Duration
- Half to full day
- Tip
- Book tours in advance
Arrive first, then get going
Secure your dates at the holiday home, we plan the rest together once you are here.