A popular vacation destination and a frequent port for cruise ships, the island of Tenerife lies off the northwestern coast of Africa. Part of Spain’s Canary Islands, Tenerife offers a wide variety of attractions and activities: water parks, golf courses, beaches, sailing, forested hiking trails and Teide National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes Spain’s highest peak. It is also one of three Starlight Reserves in the archipelago, and Teide’s volcanic landscape provides one of the best spots for stargazing.
© Tenerife Tourism
If your ship docks in Tenerife and you have just one day to explore, consider this practical itinerary that highlights nature, reclaimed green spaces and local flavor.
Start with a coastal walk through the Malpaís de Güímar nature reserve to discover native plants and wildlife. The area — often called the Badlands of Güímar — resulted from ancient volcanic eruptions that shaped cones, ridges and smooth lava fields across the 290-hectare shoreline. Well-maintained paths wind among lava stone formations and coastal vegetation, with birds and lizards commonly spotted along the route.
© Tenerife Tourism
Next, visit the Palmetum of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a remarkable botanical garden built on what was once a massive landfill. Beginning in the 1990s, a large mound of waste was transformed into a lush, 131-foot-high green space through the efforts of landscape and civil engineering teams and botanists. Today the Palmetum features extensive palm collections and carefully designed water features that create a tranquil, park-like setting.
The development of the garden included germinating many palms in greenhouses and supplementing the collection with specimens from gardens worldwide. The result is a varied landscape of waterfalls, streams, ponds and sculpted stonework that supports diverse plant life and creates a memorable urban oasis.
© Tenerife Tourism
Opened to the public in 2014, the Palmetum now hosts nearly 600 palm species and over 3,000 additional plant species. Collections are arranged by biogeographical region, showcasing rare palms, wild plumeria varieties, fruit trees and other botanical highlights that illustrate the planet’s varied ecosystems.
Finish your day with a stroll through the historic quarter of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Wander the narrow, cobbled streets and soak up the local atmosphere before sitting down for a satisfying meal at La Hierbita (The Herb). The restaurant’s brightly painted façade opens onto outdoor tables along the street, while the interior dining rooms occupy an atmospheric old mansion with original tile floors.
© Tenerife Tourism
While you wait for your meal, take time to admire the restaurant’s antique Italian espresso machine and the warm, vintage décor. The menu features a mix of seafood and meat dishes alongside regional specialties such as hearty black bean soup and a flavorful fried goat cheese. Finish with a slice of cake — the blueberry Tarta de Arándanos is a popular choice — and reflect on a full day of coastal scenery, reclaimed green space and authentic Canarian cuisine.