Things to do in Tenerife Spain, Spring Break Getaway

While cruising the Mediterranean or sipping on a pina colada in the Caribbean may be the spring break you are dreaming of, don’t rule out Tenerife, Spain. Two months ago, I had never heard of the Canary Islands, never mind figuring out things to do in Tenerife. Fellow travel bloggers Eileen and Corey quickly convinced me this tropical destination offers relaxation and adventure all in one place! Rest assured there is something for everyone, I personally hope to plan many more Tenerife Island holidays in the future.

Sunbathe Poolside in Your Own Holiday Rental

poolside-pack-things to do in tenerife

Here at Pure Wander, we travel in packs, and this getaway was no exception. A group of seven of us went in on a HomeAway rental in the heart of Costa Adeje. This village, located in the southern part of the island, is a quick fifteen-minute drive from the airport. Our rental included breathtaking views of the Atlantic, state of the art kitchen, and a private pool.

This vacation wasn’t all play for me, but moving from pool to hammock is one of the shortest commutes I’ve ever experienced. The area also has an array of restaurants and cafes to work or drink sangria out of!

Things to do in Costa Adeje: Siam Water Park

Named the number one water park in the world, Siam Water Park has something to offer children and those who are young at heart. Choose to ride one of the tallest water slides, float underneath a shark tank, or coast along the Mai Tai lazy river. I personally spent a few hours sipping on a mojito at the wave pool.

To get the best rates (not to mention free food/drink vouchers), book online through Attraction Tix. It made the check-in seamless too once we arrived at the water park and we didn’t have to wait in any lines – ideal for our giant group of vacationers!

Take the Plunge in the Natural Pools of Garachico

One of the most memorable moments of the trip was my ‘graceful’ plunge into the natural pools on the west coast of the island. Once I gathered my dignity, floating in the clear turquoise water was serene. The rock pools allow for a safe swimming area (with lifeguards in the summer) next to visitors necessities like shopping and dining!

Eileen and I at the Garachio natural pools post my graceful plunge!While at the pools, be sure to bring plenty of sunblock and towels, once you arrive you’ll want to jump right into the blue water! The natural pools are a short walk from the car park, if you can resist walking past one of the many artisan ice cream shops along the way. The pools were one of my favorite things to do in Tenerife!

We worked up quite an appetite after swimming, so we dried off and began to explore Garachico in search of tapas and sangria. We dined alfresco on a lovely square adjacent to the Iglesia de Santa Ana church. Once we stuffed our faces with manchego and iberico ham, we headed back to the car for a very windy drive back to Costa Adeje. If you are planning a holiday in Tenerife, consider renting a car for easy access to the different things to do and to get the most out of the diverse landscape.

The Natural Pools of Garachico are also right next to an old castle from the 16th century. The castle, Castillo de San Miguel, now functions as an entertainment hall — specifically a Medieval Times show with food and a tournament! Six knights battle it out on the 50-meter floor which provides a fun and exciting evening activity perfect for a big group.

Things to do in Tenerife with the Adventure Junkies in your Pack

If your crew is looking for to rack up steps on the Fitbit, take a ride over to Mt.Tiede National Park. It’s a beautiful national park, one of the oldest in the Canary Islands, and is full of volcanic landscapes. For a small fee, you can even take the cable car up to the world’s third highest volcano peak (and the highest in Spain!).

It’s also possible to climb to the very top of Mt. Tiede. If you would like to hike the remaining 170 meters to the top, you’ll need to acquire a permit beforehand. After the 40-minute climb to the peak, you’ll be able to see panoramic views below. However, beware of Guayota, the King of Evil, who is rumored to have lived inside Mt. Tiede according to Canary Island aboriginals.

Be sure to check the website before visiting and booking tickets. This way you’ll be able to get the most out of your trip. It’s also good to know that the cable car does close for inclement weather, or in our case for maintenance. If the cable car is closed, there is still plenty of other terrains to hike and stunning landscapes to take in. We passed through craters and the plentiful plants and animals due to the rich volcanic soil. We chose to take it slow on the drive back down, stopping for the obligatory vacation selfies.

My Tenerife Island holidays bucket list

Six days turned out to be not nearly enough to check off all the items on my bucket list on what to do in Tenerife. Guess that means I’ll just have many more Tenerife Island holidays to come! With more time, we would have checked out the following:

Jam to the beats of the Heineken Jazz Festival at the iconic Auditorio de Tenerife Opera House.
Taste fresh tropical fruits at the Market of Nuestra Senora de Africa in the heart of Santa Cruz
Stroll through the historic streets of La Laguna, a UNESCO World heritage site. If you are looking for the island’s’ best history, be sure not to miss the energy of this town.