Here’s our Anti-Tourist Guide to Tenerife to make sure you take the best of it while feeling like a local

Ditch the typical sightseeing spots and get a feeling of what it’s like to live on the biggest and most populated Canary Island, Tenerife. With its island charm, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a warm climate, you’ll find something to do all year round. Follow this anti-tourist guide to Tenerife to discover volcanic landscapes, spectacular beaches, and the best stargazing spots.

Let’s find answers to the most important questions about traveling to Tenerife to have the most amazing experience there!

How many days should I save to visit Tenerife?

Tricky question! You could easily spend months exploring all the beaches, restaurants, and hiking trails—just like on many other European islands. Considering most visitors arrive in Tenerife by plane, a stay of 7 to 10 days is usually enough to cover the must-see attractions as well as many off-the-beaten-path spots. I recommend using Los Amigos Nest Hostel as your home base. From there, you can explore the entire island—or, if your stay is shorter, focus on the southern part.

Now that this is covered, our next question is…

What is Tenerife known for?

Tenerife is famous for its unique cultural blend of indigenous Guanche heritage, Spanish colonial history, and Latin American influences. This is especially evident in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, the island’s former capital and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its university and lively student population, the city feels vibrant and authentically local. In contrast to the busy tourist hubs in the south, the north of the island, where La Laguna is located, remains a bit quieter. Founded in the 15th century by Spanish colonizers, La Laguna still preserves its original cobbled streets, which give the city a timeless charm.

Start your morning at the Mercado Municipal, where you can browse fresh local produce and mingle with residents.

Afterward, don’t miss the Museum of the History of Tenerife, a great place to grasp the island’s long and complex past. As a bonus, admission is free on Fridays and Saturdays after 4 p.m.

Another thing Tenerife is renowned for is stargazing. I never thought of it before but it makes perfect sense: Thanks to its low light pollution, high-altitude landscapes, and proximity to the equator, the island is one of the best places in Europe to admire the night sky. There are plenty of viewpoints to choose from, depending on how much hiking you’re up for, but no matter where you go, the experience is unforgettable. Be sure to set aside at least one evening—or even better, a whole night—to let yourself be enchanted by the stars.

Anti-tourist beaches in Tenerife

I can almost guarantee that one beach after another will leave you speechless, no matter where you go. Still, I’ve put together a list of my favorite beaches around the island—some more hidden than others. The tucked-away ones reward you with untouched beauty and serenity. Let’s begin:

• Playa de los Roques: Not the best spot for swimming, but the view alone is worth it—especially when the sun’s rays hit the rocks and bring them to life.
• Masca Beach: Getting here is a bit of a workout, but that’s exactly why it stays uncrowded and pristine. Bring plenty of water and wear proper hiking boots. Depending on where you enter, swimming is allowed.
• Mirador Los 500 Escalones: A perfect place to watch the sunset over the horizon. Thanks to the stairs near the viewpoint, you don’t need to worry about making your way back before dark.
• Playa del Roque de las Bodegas: Even the drive to this beach is breathtaking. Once there, you can stretch out on the sand, take a dip, or even surf—all while gazing at the lush green mountains behind you.
• Playa de Benijo: Famous for its dramatic waves crashing against the rocks. It’s a true masterpiece of Mother Nature, where the raw power of the ocean is on full display.

Anti-tourist hiking trails in Tenerife

One of the main reasons you’ve probably come to Tenerife is its stunning natural landscapes. And the best way to truly connect with the island’s flora and fauna is to head out on a hike. Just remember to wear proper hiking gear, pack enough water, and don’t forget sunscreen. The island offers trails for all levels—from easy walks to challenging treks—so there’s something for everyone:

• Chinamada to Punta del Hidalgo: Located in the north of Tenerife, this trail is ideal for experiencing the island’s greener, milder side. I recommend starting in the idyllic cave village of Chinamada in the Anaga Mountains. After several hours of hiking, you’ll reach the public, free, open-air seawater pool at Piscina Natural de Punta del Hidalgo – a refreshing reward after the effort. Keep in mind, though, the route is about 14 km long and quite demanding.
• Sendero Roques de García: Starting from La Ruleta Lookout Point in Teide National Park, this is an easy yet breathtaking trail that loops around the Los Roques rock formations. It’s the perfect hike to appreciate that this island is, in fact, built from a series of volcanoes.
• Masca: This picturesque village sits 650 meters above sea level, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and ravines. From here, you’ll find plenty of hiking trails, or you can simply stroll around the village itself and enjoy the scenic panoramas.

Masca mountain village – Tenerife

Authentic culinary moments

The last thing that is missing on our anti-tourist guide to Tenerife are the local dishes that you can’t miss under any circumstances.
If you’re looking for tasty yet affordable places to eat, don’t worry. We’ve put together a cheap eats list that will satisfy both your taste buds and your wallet.

• Papas arrugadas with mojo sauce: These “wrinkled potatoes” are a true Canarian classic, usually served with a chili-and-garlic mojo sauce. They’re often paired with meat, but even if you’re vegetarian, you’ll definitely want to give them a try. You can never go wrong with this dish.
• Gofio: A traditional flour made from toasted grains and corn. It’s incredibly versatile and appears in all kinds of dishes across the island. Sometimes sweet, sometimes savory, but always unique to the Canary Islands.

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