What to see in London
,regionOfInterest=(2808,1872))
,regionOfInterest=(2808,1872))
,regionOfInterest=(2150,1434))
,regionOfInterest=(2150,1434))
Culture
,regionOfInterest=(2150,1434))
,regionOfInterest=(2150,1434))
,regionOfInterest=(2150,1434))
,regionOfInterest=(2150,1434))
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
| 1 | Teide National Park | Masca and Los Gigantes | Southern coast of Tenerife |
| 2 | La Laguna and Santa Cruz | Las Teresitas Beach and Anaga | Puerto de la Cruz |
| 3 | Garachico and Icod de los Vinos | Volcanic north of the island | Coastal walk and viewpoints |
This 3-day route through Tenerife begins at Spain's highest point, El Teide, where you'll feel the earth's power beneath your feet. The first day is for exploring the island's volcanic heart and some of the most impressive viewpoints in the Atlantic. Complete this itinerary with the guide on what to visit in southern Tenerife.
The morning of the first day is dedicated to the island's most iconic location. Here you'll discover unique volcanic landscapes that will help you connect with the island's energy.
Teide National Park is the main star of any 3-day Tenerife tourist guide.
Declared a World Heritage site, this park is home to the majestic Teide, the highest peak in Spain and one of the most impressive volcanoes in the world. The Roques de García formations are also noteworthy.
From the summit, you can begin the descent by car towards the next point via the Esperanza road or go directly down towards the Orotava Valley.
The Masca Viewpoint offers views of one of the most impressive ravines in the Canary Islands. From here, you can see the mountains surrounding the small village of Masca, a place that seems frozen in time.
This viewpoint is one of the most photographed spots on the island, mainly due to its rugged and wild landscape.
From the viewpoint, you can continue driving to the village of Masca in just 10-15 minutes. The road is narrow and winding, so drive with caution.
The afternoon is dedicated to some of the most spectacular coastal landscapes in the west of the island. An essential area if you're looking for ideas on what to do in Tenerife in 3 days.
The village of Masca is one of the most surprising places in Tenerife. Nestled between mountains and ravines, its traditional Canarian houses and cobbled streets create a very special atmosphere.
Walking through the village allows you to understand what rural life was like on the island years ago. You’ll also discover the essence of Canarian rural architecture.
After exploring it, you can continue the route by car towards the famous Los Gigantes cliffs, a journey of about 40 minutes.
The Los Gigantes Cliffs are one of the most striking coastal landscapes in the west of the island and the entire archipelago. These volcanic walls rise several hundred metres above the Atlantic Ocean.
It's an essential spot on any 3-day Tenerife itinerary, especially if you're looking for a place to watch the sunset over the sea.
After the visit, you can continue the journey by car towards the south of the island, a drive of approximately 30 minutes.
End this first day in the southern area, where the evening atmosphere and the promenade allow for a relaxed dinner after an intense day of sightseeing. If you feel like extending the night, areas like Costa Adeje offer a wide range of bars and entertainment venues.
,regionOfInterest=(2150,1434))
,regionOfInterest=(2150,1434))
This second day focuses on discovering the cultural and natural heritage of the north of the island. You’ll explore historic cities and green landscapes that contrast with the volcanic environment of the south. If you want more info, the guide on what to visit in northern Tenerife has many other ideas.
The morning begins in a UNESCO World Heritage city that exudes culture on every corner.
The city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna is notable for its colonial layout, historic churches, and lively squares. Walking through its pedestrian streets allows you to discover stately palaces, inner courtyards, and a very characteristic university atmosphere.
Recommendation: take the opportunity to have breakfast in a typical Canarian courtyard. Don’t miss the guide on what to visit in La Laguna.
From here, you can easily reach the next point by car or public transport. It won’t take more than 10-15 minutes.
The island's capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, combines modern architecture, tree-lined avenues, and a lively urban atmosphere.
Among its most outstanding landmarks is the Auditorium of Tenerife, an architectural icon by the sea that should be part of this route on what to see in Tenerife in 3 days.
Here’s a complete guide on what to visit in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
After visiting the city, continue towards the northeast coast of the island in the direction of Las Teresitas beach, which you’ll reach in about 15 minutes by car.
The afternoon of the second day focuses on the nature of the northeast of the island. A perfect plan to relax and disconnect.
Las Teresitas Beach is one of the most famous in Tenerife. Its golden sand and its location, protected by mountains, make it a perfect place to enjoy the sea, offering an incomparable sense of well-being.
Head towards the next natural park, located about 20-30 minutes away by car.
Anaga Rural Park is one of the oldest natural areas in the Canary Islands.
The laurisilva forest and the mountainous environment create a landscape here that is very different from the rest of Tenerife. Discovering the area by car allows you to better appreciate its changes in relief and vegetation, and the viewpoints along the way.
The route can take around an hour if you make stops at the viewpoints. When finished, head to Puerto de la Cruz, a journey of about 45-60 minutes.
The evening of the second day can end in Puerto de la Cruz, one of the most emblematic cities in the north of the island.
Its promenade, Plaza del Charco, and the atmosphere in the centre make it an ideal place for dinner and to round off the day.
The last day is designed for exploring some of the island's most recommended villages and concluding the route with a more complete vision of Tenerife.
Garachico is one of the most historic villages on the island. After a volcanic eruption in the 18th century, the village was rebuilt and today retains a very special charm.
Its natural volcanic pools and its historic centre make it a must-visit stop if you want to get to know Tenerife in 3 days.
From here, you can continue the route towards Icod de los Vinos, inland in the north of the island, in just 10-15 minutes by car.
The town of Icod de los Vinos is famous for being home to the Millennial Dragon Tree, one of the most emblematic trees in the Canary Islands. Walking through its streets allows you to discover traditional Canarian architecture and better understand the island's agricultural history.
Continue the route along the north coast by car, a journey of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the volcanic coast of the north.
This area of the island is notable for its lava landscapes, small coves, and viewpoints over the Atlantic Ocean. It's a perfect place to enjoy the last stretch of this 3-day Tenerife route. If you want to explore it at a relaxed pace, allow between 1 and 2 hours, including stops at the viewpoints.
From here, the journey to El Médano or Playa de las Américas usually takes between 1 hour and 1 hour and 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
A great way to end the trip is from a terrace in Playa de las Américas or El Médano, watching the sun set behind La Gomera.
Both areas are easily accessible on foot from the southern tourist area.
,regionOfInterest=(2769.5,1855.5))
,regionOfInterest=(2769.5,1855.5))
If you wish, you can follow the order of the following places to complete this itinerary:
,regionOfInterest=(2150,1434))
,regionOfInterest=(2150,1434))
A guide on what to see in Tenerife in 3 days should include a balanced combination of nature, villages, and coast.
The landscape changes between the north and the south, and this contrast is part of what makes exploring the island so interesting.
It’s also advisable to wear comfortable footwear, as a good part of the itinerary involves walks through historic centres, viewpoints, and natural areas.
Other guides to complete your Tenerife trip by days:
Three days are enough to discover a very representative part of Tenerife when the route is well organised. In that time, it’s possible to combine a visit to Teide National Park, historic cities like San Cristóbal de La Laguna, the atmosphere of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and iconic landscapes such as Anaga, Los Gigantes, or Masca.
Among the sites to visit in Tenerife, this selection allows you to get a complete idea of the island on a short getaway. The 3-day Tenerife tourist guide you’ll find below is designed to distribute visits more evenly and make the most of each day with greater logic.