Tenerife has famous beaches, Teide and major viewpoints, but it also has a less obvious island that appears when you slow down: paths through the mid-altitude countryside, farmers’ markets, small wineries, historic neighbourhoods, natural pools, volcanic coastline and well-planned nature activities. This 2026 guide brings together alternative plans for discovering Tenerife more calmly and with less reliance on autopilot.
Before choosing an activity: alternative does not mean improvised
The island has protected natural areas, trails with visitor quotas, bathing areas exposed to waves and activities that depend greatly on the weather. Tenerife ON and Tenerife Tourism are useful references for checking trails, permits, activity companies and current recommendations.
The simple rule: if a place looks fragile, small or overcrowded, go early, do not leave the trail, do not park where you obstruct others and leave the place better than you found it. That is the difference between alternative travel and merely looking for the least repeated photograph.
15 alternative things to do in Tenerife
- Take an easy walk through Anaga: laurel forest, viewpoints and hamlets, always checking permits when the trail requires one.
- Discover Teno without rushing: Buenavista, Los Silos, Garachico and the rural roads of the north-west.
- Take a winery route: Tacoronte-Acentejo, the Orotava Valley, Abona or Güímar, depending on where you are staying.
- Shop at a farmers’ market: Tacoronte, Tegueste, La Matanza and Adeje are good options for local produce.
- See the stars on Teide: an organised activity is best if you do not know the area or want telescopes and an explanation.
- Try guided diving or snorkelling: Radazul, Las Galletas, Los Cristianos or Los Gigantes depending on conditions.
- Take a tandem paragliding flight: Tenerife has flying areas such as Adeje, Güímar, Los Realejos and Fasnia, always with an authorised company.
- Tour natural pools: Garachico, Bajamar, Punta del Hidalgo or Mesa del Mar, after checking sea conditions.
- Explore seafaring neighbourhoods: El Pris, San Andrés, Alcalá, Las Galletas and Los Abrigos.
- Take a guachinche route: northern Tenerife, with a sober driver and confirmed opening hours.
- Visit small museums: Casa del Vino, Casa de la Miel, MUNA, TEA or interpretation centres.
- Look for local art and architecture: La Laguna, La Orotava, Icod, Garachico and Santa Cruz beyond the most obvious streets.
- Walk through pine forest: Vilaflor, Corona Forestal or marked routes through the mid-altitude countryside.
- Take a responsible kayak or boat trip: especially in areas with cliffs and wildlife watching, choosing authorised operators.
- Create a food route: local breakfast, market, winery, guachinche and a Canarian sweet without turning it into a heroic binge.
Alternative plans according to where you are staying
- From the south: El Médano, Montaña Roja, Vilaflor, Abona, Los Gigantes, Alcalá and wine routes through the mid-altitude countryside.
- From the north: Anaga, Tacoronte, La Orotava, Garachico, Icod, Teno and farmers’ markets.
- From Santa Cruz or La Laguna: Anaga, Palmetum, La Recova, the beaches of San Andrés and nearby trails.
- From Puerto de la Cruz: the Orotava Valley, Los Realejos, Rambla de Castro, Icod and the Garachico coast.
A car is very helpful on this kind of trip because many alternative activities are not directly connected. But you do not need to use it all day: park, walk and let each area set its own pace.
Active tourism without taking foolish risks
Walking, diving, paragliding, kayaking, cycling and canyoning can be fantastic experiences, but they are not activities to improvise with flip-flops and a bottle of warm water. Use authorised companies, check the weather and understand your actual level.
- Walking: check Tenerife ON, trail conditions and permits.
- Diving: an authorised centre, insurance, an instructor and suitable sea conditions.
- Paragliding: a specialist company, suitable wind and included insurance.
- Kayak or boat: authorised operators and respect for marine wildlife.
- Swimming in natural pools: if the swell is strong, look from outside. The Atlantic does not negotiate.
Alternative two-day route
- Day 1, north: Tacoronte Farmers’ Market, Agua García Forest, lunch at a guachinche and sunset in El Sauzal or Mesa del Mar.
- Day 2, west: Garachico, Los Silos, Buenavista and the Teno viewpoints, with short stops and no attempt to reach everything.
If you are staying in the south, replace the first day with El Médano, Vilaflor and Abona, and leave the west for Los Gigantes, Alcalá and Santiago del Teide. The idea is to keep the same spirit: fewer checklists and more sense.
Common mistakes
- Going to small places at the busiest time of day.
- Copying routes from social media without checking permits or trail conditions.
- Putting too many activities into a single day.
- Driving after a winery or guachinche route.
- Swimming in natural pools during a ground swell because someone else did it first.
Alternative Tenerife is not found by doing everything differently. It is found by doing fewer things, choosing them better and showing greater respect.
Frequently asked questions
What is an alternative activity in Tenerife?
It is an activity away from the most typical route that lets you discover towns, nature, food, local culture or responsible activities at a calmer pace.
Do I need a car to discover alternative Tenerife?
Not always, but it helps greatly. Many markets, wineries, trails, viewpoints and towns are better connected by car than by public transport.
Where can I check trails and permits in Tenerife?
Tenerife ON is the most useful reference, where you can see routes, trail conditions, recommendations and permits when required.
Which alternative activities are good with children?
Farmers’ markets, historic centres, Palmetum, natural pools when the sea is calm, short laurel-forest walks and towns such as Garachico or La Orotava work very well for families.
If you are putting together a more complete itinerary, also save our Tenerife in 3 days route and our general guide to what to see in Tenerife to organise your time and travel distances.
