Budget Travel: 5 Things To Do For Free In Tenerife

Many travelers are finding themselves out of pocket following the pandemic, so it’s always good to look at destinations you can enjoy for little cash. While Tenerife has some luxurious resorts on its south coast, many of the best things to do on this lovely Spanish island come free of charge. Whether you are looking for a good beach, beautiful nature, or historic sites, Tenerife has all this and more. Let’s briefly explore some of the best things to do for free on the Canary Island of Tenerife in Spain.

1. Go stargazing in Parque Nacional del Teide

Parque Nacional del Teide is a fascinating place in the daytime, with the 12,198-ft Pico del Teide volcano rising from the stark, almost lunar landscape. However, on clear moonless nights, the park turns into one of the best places to stargaze in the northern hemisphere.

The Observatorio del Teide draws astronomers from around the world for its dark-sky viewing. Meanwhile, between December and March, visitors can participate in a free tour. This will offer the chance to peek through a giant telescope to view the wonders of the universe. At other times of the year, a good pair of binoculars will reveal the Milky Way. On top of this, view meteor showers and 83 of the 88 official constellations.

2. See the ancient Drago Tree in Icod de los Vinos

The Drago (or dragon) Tree has likely stood in this spot on Tenerife for 1,000 years. Located in the north of Tenerife in Icod de Los Vinos, it is believed to be the oldest and largest of its kind in the world. Meanwhile, shaped like an umbrella, this ancient, gnarled tree is a fascinating sight.

The tree is located in Drago Park, where you have to pay to see it. However, if you head to Plaza Andrés de Lorenzo Cáceres, the town’s 16th-century square, you can view this beauty for free.

3. Enjoy a forest barbecue

An old tradition with the tinerfeños (people of Tenerife) is to head into the island’s tree-shaded áreas recreativas (recreational areas). Here, friends and family meet in various forests over the island to enjoy a barbecue lunch. There are dozens of these shaded picnic spots with stone barbecue areas and picnic tables. Here, visitors can dine al fresco with the beauty of nature surrounding them. All you need to pay for is your food.

4. Playa Las Teresitas and its Saharan sand

Visiting the beach costs nothing and Tenerife has many gorgeous spots to relax on black or golden sands. One particular beach is Playa de las Teresitas, a mile-long stretch of honey-colored sand. Like most of Tenerife’s beaches, it is backed by palm trees and overlooks the turquoise waters. However, the difference here is the backing of the Anaga Mountains and the fact that the sand was imported from the Sahara Desert. Weekends see crowds of locals at the chiringuitos (beach bars) enjoying fresh, catch-of-the-day fish and ice-cold cocktails. Take a stroll to the mirador at the eastern end of the beach to enjoy epic views over the sand and the sea.

5. Forest camping in Tenerife

While wild camping is off-limits in Tenerife, the island has several free-to-visit forest campsites. These beautiful spots of nature are hidden in the shade of pine trees in remote areas of the island and are free to camp. The only thing you will need is a permit, which you should book in advance, to enjoy a night under the stars with only nature for company.

Enjoy these and many more free attractions on the lovely, Spanish Canary Island of Tenerife. You will find yourself returning to explore the island further.