Of all the Canary Islands we’ve visited so far, Tenerife is by far my favourite! This is primarily due to the fact that the island has a diverse and impressive natural environment to offer: From unique beaches to volcanoes and breathtaking green cliffs. The island is ideal for adventure, but at the same time you will also find plenty of sights to relax and unique photo spots on Tenerife.
The diversity of Tenerife offers photographers in particular ideal conditions and motifs for spectacular photos. In this article, I have compiled the most beautiful photo spots on Tenerife for you, including my very special insider tips and recommendations for the best time of day or photographic subtleties. You can find all the marked spots on my map of Tenerife.
When is the best time to visit Tenerife?
Tenerife enjoys a mild climate all year round and is therefore a great holiday destination at any time of year. In winter, temperatures reach around 17°C, which is ideal for hiking, while in summer they can climb up to 30°C.
Good to know: There are noticeable differences in the weather between the north and south sides of Tenerife. Clouds tend to cling to the 3750 metre high Teide volcano in the centre of the island, where they tend to rain down. As a result, the north is somewhat rainier and cooler, while the south tends to stay warm and dry. The differences in climate are also reflected in the landscape: the north is green and subtropical, while the south is very dry and desert-like.
How many days are ideal for Tenerife?
The island of Tenerife is perfect as a holiday destination for a few days, but also for a longer stay. Around 5 days are enough to capture the most beautiful photo spots on Tenerife. However, if you also want to spend a few days relaxing on the beach, a week is ideal.
How to get from place to place on Tenerife
To be able to move around Tenerife flexibly and independently, a hire car is the ideal choice – not least so that you always have your photo equipment with you. The easiest way to pick it up is directly at one of the two airports after landing. The roads on Tenerife are in very good condition throughout and are easy to drive on. If you still prefer not to use a car, the bus on Tenerife is a good alternative. It travels to all spots around the island. There is even a bus service to Teide National Park in the centre of the island.
→ Royal River Luxury Hotel (the most beautiful hotel in Tenerife on the sunny side of the island)
→ La Laguna Gran Hotel (Boutique Hotel in La Laguna in the North of Tenerife)
→ Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora (huge but elevated resort in the South of Tenerife, directly at the ocean with the longest pool in Europe)
→ Boutique Hotel San Roque (beautiful Boutique Hotel in the cute coastal town Garachico)
My map with the best sights & photo spots in Tenerife:
The best photo spots in Tenerife
📍 The green North 🌿
Overview of the most beautiful photo spots in the north of Tenerife:
- San Cristóbal de La Laguna – view of the Plaza del Adelantado with the Convento de Santa Catalina
- Playa de Castro – Hidden waterfall by the sea
- Bodegas Monje – Winery with a view
- Anaga Rural Park – Roque de Taborno, Path of Senses, Carretera de Taganana viewpoint, road to Playa Benijo
San Cristóbal de La Laguna – Colonial flair & old town charm
San Cristóbal de La Laguna was the first town to be founded on Tenerife in the 15th century – today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The narrow streets lined with colourful houses with picturesque courtyards and the beautiful historic churches are overwhelming testimonies to that time.
With its colourful doors and windows, ornate lanterns and cobblestones, the city is perfect for street photography.
My tip: You should come here early in the morning before the streets are full of people.
Photo spot: The view of the Plaza del Adelantado with the Convento de Santa Catalina is beautiful.
Hotel tip: La Laguna Gran Hotel– The boutique-style hotel has a large roof terrace with pool and a cosy inner courtyard. → Book your stay here!
Playa de Castro – Hidden waterfall at the beach
One of my favourite sights and therefore one of the most beautiful photo spots on Tenerife is the black beach Playa de Castro. It’s not just the dark sand and its location between cliffs that make this beach so special, but above all a secret bay with a waterfall that plunges down the cliffs – directly into the ocean.
Directions: If you are travelling by car, it is best to park at the Mirador San Pedro restaurant and walk down to the beach. The path with several viewpoints is already worth seeing. Although you have to walk a few metres uphill from the car park to get to the beach (and of course back up again on the way back), it’s worth it.
Important: To reach the waterfall on the beach, you should avoid high tide and days with strong swell. The tide changes depending on the time of year. I strongly recommend that you check online beforehand.
Best time: The morning is very suitable – for soft light & long exposures with a tripod.
Winery with a view – Bodegas Monje
Bodegas Monje in the north of Tenerife is not only known for its wines, but also for its fantastic views. After a guided tour of the winery, you can enjoy a tasting with a view of the Atlantic. The restaurant offers delicious Canarian dishes and is also popular with locals – perfect for a relaxed lunch with a fantastic backdrop. A great spot for photos and a little break!
→ I linked the guided tour with tasting here!
Anaga Rural Park – cloud forest & spectacular views
Almost the entire north-eastern tip of Tenerife is made up of the Anaga Rural Park, which is known for its spectacular coastline, hikes to viewpoints and moss-covered forests. The laurel forest is the last primeval forest in Europe and has been a biosphere reserve since 2015. As the park has so much to offer, it is worth planning a full day to explore it. Anaga Rural Park is home to some of the most beautiful and impressive photo spots on Tenerife, which you should definitely not miss.
My tip: Use the early morning to experience the mystical foggy atmosphere up close.
Photo spots in the Anaga Rural Park
Roque de Taborno – a free-standing rock with panoramic views
There are numerous opportunities for hikes in the Anaga Rural Park. We opted for the hike to and around the Roque de Taborno rock. During the hike, you will be able to enjoy unique views of the coastline.
Directions: The route starts in the small village of Taborno, with only a few houses and one road. Park your car at the end of the road and walk past the small chapel on the right to the Mirador sobre Barranco La Fajana viewpoint. From here, a small staircase on the left leads down into the forest. The entire hike takes you clockwise around the rock and back to the chapel. It took us around 2.5 hours to walk the 4 kilometres, including a few photo stops.
Please note: I would describe the difficulty level as moderate. In some places, the path is more like a path along the cliff or you have to avoid prickly cacti. However, if you are fit and wear good shoes, this hike is no problem and will reward you with unforgettable views – including some of the most beautiful photo spots on Tenerife.
Path of Senses
This easy walk will immerse you in a ‘hobbit forest’ atmosphere. Typical vegetation in the Anaga Rural Park are the moss-covered laurel forests, which create a mystical atmosphere, especially in foggy weather. Small circular trails lead from the large car park at Cruz del Carmen into the forest and take at least 10 minutes and up to 2 hours – depending on which trail you follow. But don’t worry, everything is signposted. Just follow the ‘Path of the Senses’ sign at the car park and then your desired route.
Carretera de Taganana viewpoint
From the highest point of the Carretera de Taganana, you can enjoy a fantastic view over the rugged north coast and the picturesque village of Taganana. You can reach it directly by car and after a short hike. Find the exact location on my map with all Tenerife Photo Spots!
Road to Playa Benijo
A drive to Playa Benijo is perfect for sunset – with views of the rugged coastline and dramatic waves. From the black sand beach, you can enjoy a great view of the coastline of the Anaga Rural Park. There are black volcanic rock formations in the sea, which also make brilliant photo opportunities.
📍 The magical West 🌅
Overview of the most beautiful photo spots in the west of Tenerife:
- Garachico – Castillo de San Miguel, natural lava pools, Parque De La Puerta De Tierra
- Los Gigantes – Mirador Archipenque, boat tour
- Teno Rural Park & Masca
Garachico – Colorful coastal village with lava pools
Garachico was once the island’s commercial center with the largest port until most of the town was destroyed during a volcanic eruption in 1706. The pretty old town with colorful houses and a great promenade invites you to stroll and linger and also offers fantastic photo spots that you shouldn’t miss.
Hotel Recommendation: The Boutique Hotel San Roque is the most beautiful & unique Hotel in Garachico → Book your stay here!
Photo Spots in Garachico:
Castillo de San Miguel
The small fortress is located on the promenade of Garachico and was built in the 16th century to protect the harbor. Fortunately, it survived the volcanic eruption in 1706 and today offers a beautiful backdrop with a view of the coast.
Natural Lava Pools
They are located directly on the coast and offer the opportunity to bathe in calm sea water. I was particularly fascinated by the enchanting reflections on the surface of the water and the exciting movements of the water, which are perfect for long exposures.
Parque De La Puerta De Tierra
The Parque De La Puerta De Tierra is a beautiful oasis in Garachico and thanks to its elevated position, you can enjoy a unique view of the town from here.
Los Gigantes – majestic cliffs
The settlement of Los Gigantes owes its name to the surrounding steep cliffs on the ocean. On a small black sand beach (Playa de los Guíos), which is protected from strong waves, you can see them up close. Due to its easy accessibility and small size, Playa Los Gigantes is usually much busier than other beaches on Tenerife. However, the view of the impressive cliffs, which are up to 600 meters high, is simply gigantic.
My tip: there are usually no people at the end of the beach, so you can still take photos that make it look like you’re all alone. Perspective is everything!
Best time: It’s best to choose sunset – the light bathes the cliffs in warm colors.
Los Gigantes Photo spots:
Mirador Archipenque
From this vantage point, you have the perfect view of the cliffs and the small harbor. To the right, at the end of the island on the Punta Tena headland, you will see an imposing lighthouse whose appearance is reminiscent of bygone days of seafaring.
Boat tour
A boat tour offers you a completely different and special perspective – directly from the water.
Teno Rural Park – Wild & untouched
The Teno Rural Park is a mountain massif over 1300 meters high that covers the entire western tip of the island. As it used to be a separate island and only later merged with Tenerife, an independent landscape with special biodiversity has developed here. Winding roads lead through the remote mountain landscape with beautiful green valleys, allowing you to explore and marvel at the area from afar, as well as numerous hiking trails. As you can imagine, there are plenty of impressive photo spots waiting for you here.
My Tip: The roads in Teno Rural Park are very narrow and full of tight bends, so if you are not a very experienced driver, I recommend a guided tour with a buggy → This Buggy Tour to Masca is rated the best!
Masca – the hidden mountain village
A special attraction in the Teno Rural Park is the tiny village of Masca, which is located in the Masca Valley and consists of just a handful of houses. The village itself is not very spectacular, but the view of the small settlement with its dramatic location, surrounded by rugged mountains and a green-covered monolith, is a spectacular motif. The drive down into the valley alone is breathtaking.
Best time: Two hours before sunset, when the golden light falls into the valley before disappearing behind the mountains.
My Tip: During the return trip from the valley up into the mountains, the sun comes out from behind again. This way you can experience a second sunset.
📍 The sunny south of Tenerife ☀️
Overview of the most beautiful photo spots in the south of Tenerife:
- Las Margaritas Banana Experience – banana plantations up close
- Playa Amarilla – unique rock formations
Las Margaritas Banana Experience – Banana Plantations up close
Banana plantations are absolutely typical of the Tenerife landscape. The Las Margaritas banana farm is an authentic plantation that still practices traditional organic banana cultivation. A visit gives you the opportunity to learn more about Tenerife’s banana cultivation and products.
Photo spots: The huge banana leaves make an excellent natural setting for creative compositions. You can also create fascinating pictures with close-ups of the bright yellow banana plants or purple banana blossoms.
My Tip: I recommend taking part in a guided tour with a tasting of bananas and local banana products (even banana wine!). Afterwards you can take photos undisturbed. The entrance fee with tasting is only 10 EUR!
→ I’ve linked the Tour here!
Playa Amarilla – Unique rocks & turquoise blue water
The golden yellow volcanic rocks, which have formed artistic shapes through erosion, gave the beach its name. Playa Amarilla is a popular swimming and snorkeling spot for holidaymakers and locals alike. The color contrast between the shimmering golden rocks and the turquoise blue water makes the beach one of the most beautiful photo spots on Tenerife for me.
Best time: Early morning creates a calm atmosphere and soft light.
Photo tip: Playa Amarilla is perfect for detailed shots and portraits in a special setting.
📍 The volcanic center of Tenerife ⛰️
Overview of the most beautiful photo spots in the center of Tenerife:
- Teide National Park – Los Roques de Garcia, Queen’s Shoe, Minas de San Jose, cable car to the summit of Teide
Teide National Park – volcanic landscape like on Mars
In the center of Tenerife, the roads lead from 0 meters to almost 2500 meters above sea level, because the Teide National Park is home to the highest elevation in Spain and on all the islands in the Atlantic: the volcano Mount Teide with a height of 3715 meters. Over the millennia, it has overlooked the island with fascinating rock formations – the last time it erupted was in 1909. As you drive into the national park, you can already see the black lava fields, which are still covered in green forest at the beginning. The higher you go, the fewer plants you see and the landscape is reminiscent of Death Valley in the USA.
My tip: Plan enough time for your trip through the national park and keep your eyes open, as spectacular views and landscapes await you, which are definitely some of the most beautiful photo spots on Tenerife.
Best time: At sunset, you will be above the clouds. This creates a magical light and the rocks start to glow red. After dusk, this is an ideal place for breathtaking star photography. Incidentally, Tenerife generally has one of the darkest night skies in the world – almost no light pollution.
At the entrance to the national park you will see Canary Island pines …
… but the higher you get, the landscape becomes more and more desert-like
Photo Spots at the Teide National Park, Tenerife
Los Roques de Garcia – Fascinating rocky landscape
The best pictures of Teide can be taken from the Roques de García parking lot and the surrounding area. The bizarre rock formations provide a beautiful foreground with the Teide summit in the background. The Roques de García themselves also offer a variety of opportunities for photographers. There is a pleasant circular path that leads through the mighty rock formations.
Photo tip: Use a wide-angle lens to emphasize the massive rocks in the foreground.
Another great view of the rock formations is from the Mirador de La Ruleta, opposite the rocks. There are also fewer visitors here than at the rocks themselves.
Minas de San Jose
The viewpoint of the Minas de San Jose is located at an altitude of 2000 meters in a moon-like landscape of unique rock formations, which is completely covered with fine-grained pumice stone and glows in yellowish to green-bluish colors in the sun.
Photo tip: From here you have a unique view over the valley and the peaks behind.
Cable car to the summit of Teide – panoramic views over the whole of Tenerife
To get (almost) to the summit of Mount Teide, you can take the Teleferico Teide cable car. It starts at an altitude of 2356 meters and goes up to 3555 meters. From up here, you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of the entire island – one of the most beautiful photo spots on Tenerife.
Important note: On the → Website der Teide Seilbahn you will find a webcam with live images of the summit, as well as information on whether the cable car is open, as the cable car does not run in windy weather (which is often the case on the summit of Mount Teide).
Price: A return ticket costs 38 euros per person. If you only want to take the cable car one way and walk the other, you pay 21 euros for an adult. Tickets can be booked either on site or, ideally, online.
Of course, you can also hike to the summit of the volcano, but a guided tour is recommended for this ascent!
The most beautiful photo spots inn Tenerife – my conclusion
Tenerife has once again shown me that the island offers so much more than just a sunny beach vacation. The varied landscape makes the island a real paradise, full of fascination photo spots – whether you are a photographer or simply curious to explore the surroundings. I hope my article has given you some helpful photo spot tips and inspired you to discover your own favorite motifs on Tenerife!
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