10 best free things to do in Tenerife

Tenerife is an island full of amazing landscapes and possibilities, so we always advise people to venture out of their resort to explore their what the island has to offer. You can do this in many ways, either by using the local bus system, hiring a car and driving yourself, or by going on an organized tour.

The destination is also perfect for people looking for a family holiday, as you have plenty of things to do with the kids in Tenerife.

Most people come to Tenerife either for the amazing weather, since it's one of the warmest places in Europe during winter, or for the party atmosphere: there is always something going on, some sort of fiesta, plus the big carnival in Tenerife, which is the second-largest in the world after the one in Rio de Janeiro.

What to do for free in Tenerife

The island is a destination to be explored and discovered beyond its beautiful beaches and you can have a great time here even if you want to do Tenerife on a budget.

1. Visit Teide National Park

This is the island's NO. 1 attraction and you definitely should NOT miss a visit during your stay.

Entering the park is free and if you have your own hired car it's easy to explore and hike the many trails inside Teide Natural Park.

Hiking on Mount Teide itself is also free, but you do have to get a permit for the summit, which is also free, although you have to register in advance due to the limited number of permits per day.

However, there is a fee if you want to go up by cable car, which is what most people choose to do.

But even if you don't want to climb to the top of Mt Teide, you can still explore the national park, see the sights, the landscapes with the lava and the volcanos and you can also go on several other hikes, which is all free to do. 

2. La Orotava and Hijuela del Botánico gardens

The town of La Orotava is like an open-air museum, with old buildings and great architecture.

With its steep streets, La Orotava is not a friendly destination for those with mobility problems. But the town is extremely beautiful and even if you don't pay to see the famous Casa de los Balcones, you still have plenty of free things to see.

We recommend a visit to the garden called Hijuela del Botanico, situated behind the Town Hall.

It's a sort of small botanical garden, with lots of flowers and types of trees, which is interesting to see all year round, even in winter.

Entrance to Hijuela del Botanico is FREE

3. Explore the best beaches in Tenerife

If there's something that Tenerife has plenty of, that is sunny days and beautiful beaches.

All beaches in Tenerife are public and everyone has free access to them (this is the case in all of Spain in fact, not just Tenerife or the Canary Islands). Of course, you have to pay if you want to use a sunbed or an umbrella, but other than that, there are no restrictions to access a beach in Spain and there's no such thing as a private beach.

Take a look at our list of the most beautiful beaches in Tenerife and you can pick a different one for each day of your holiday. This is probably the best free thing to do in Tenerife at any time of the year since here you can (almost) always find a sunny spot if you're willing to travel a bit.

4. History and Anthropology Museum in Tenerife

Address: Casa de Carta - Calle el Vino, 44. Valle de Guerra 38270, San Cristóbal de la Laguna

FREE on Fridays and Saturdays from 2 p.m. until closing time (for Casa de la Carta)

Otherwise, the entrance fee is €5 for adults, €3.50 for students and retirees and free for children under 8.

If you're visiting La Laguna either on Friday or on Saturday, it's worth going to see the History and Anthropology Museum, even if only for the beautiful gardens.

It is not a big museum so it will not take you a lot of time to visit, but you will find out more info about the rich culture and history of Tenerife. 

5. The Dragon Tree in Icod de los Vinos

The famous Dragon Tree in Icod de los Vinos is said to be around 600 years old. Although access to the garden where the tree is located is not free, the best view of El Drago is actually from Town Square, which is obviously free for everyone to enter.

6. Swim in Tenerife's natural pools

Did you know that Tenerife has a lot of natural pools all around the island and you can swim in them for free (when it's safe to do so)?

During the summer months, the natural pools in Garachico get super popular and you will see many locals here also. After you're done cooling down, you can continue exploring the town - read our full guide of things to do in Garachico and don't miss a visit to the oldest port town in Tenerife.

7. Go to Punta de Teno

Although entering the lighthouse itself is not possible, you should still go there for the beautiful view.

You can admire the cliffs of Los Gigantes from another perspective, spend time on the small rocky beach and even swim there on warm and sunny days (we usually go there in winter or spring and even then we've seen people swimming here).

We have a detailed article about Punta de Teno, where you can learn more about access rules since the place has grown in popularity and the authorities have restricted access by personal or rental car. 

8. Explore Anaga Rural Park

This a unique place in Tenerife and you should allow for time to explore this beautiful forest. Go on the Trail of the Senses which starts at Cruz del Carmen and be prepared to see some amazing places (we recommend you do the longer route, but you have a choice of 3 path lengths, depending on how much time you have).

Or you can do the amazing hike through the Enchanted Forest in Anaga, which is one of our favourite experiences in the north of Tenerife.

9. Historical Military Museum of the Canary Islands

This is a nice museum to visit if you are passionate about history and want to learn more about the historic Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife that took place on July 25th in1797.

Entrance to the Military Museum in Santa Cruz is free, but donations are accepted.

The museum is closed on Mondays.

10. Join the fiesta at the Carnivals in Tenerife

Did you know that Tenerife is home to the second largest carnival in the world, after the one in Rio de Janeiro?

Taking part in the carnival parties is free and although there are some galas and events where you do need a ticket, the most popular days and events during the carnival are free for everyone to join. 

If you're visiting Tenerife and you want to have fun at the carnival, these are the ones we recommend:

• Santa Cruz de Tenerife carnival - the largest carnival in Tenerife that takes place in the island's capital
• Los Cristianos carnival - largest carnival in the south of Tenerife
• Puerto de la Cruz carnival - a huge carnival in Puerto de la Cruz, where we recommend to go see the men's on heels race called "Mascarita Ponte Tacón".
• Los Gigantes carnival