Top Things to Do in Tenerife, Spain: Volunteering with AWdF
The thought of visiting Tenerife, Spain was already exciting, but combining travel with volunteering to protect whales and dolphins and raise awareness about plastic pollution made it a dream come true! In this post, I’ll share my personal experiences and recommend the top things to do when visiting Tenerife.
Preparing for Tenerife
I left Birmingham, UK, on December 30th, meaning I would spend New Year in Tenerife—an unforgettable start to my trip! Packing for two weeks in just one 10kg bag and a small rucksack was tricky. Between my MacBook and DSLR gear, it seemed impossible, but I somehow managed. My roommate even called it the “Mary Poppins bag”—perfect for this adventure!
Living in Tenerife and Meeting Amazing People
Upon arrival, I met some incredible people. The accommodation was unique: three small houses arranged in a hostel style. My favourite was the main house, with its hippie-style terraces and lounges. And there were three friendly cats, which instantly made the atmosphere warm and welcoming.
Every day brought something new: kayaking, pottery, horse riding, paragliding, snorkelling, scuba diving, beach days, exploring the island, and my personal favourite—boat trips watching whales and dolphins.
Top Things to Do in Tenerife
1. Playa de las Teresitas and San Andres Village
One of my favourite trips was Playa de las Teresitas, a stunning beach near Santa Cruz. The combination of ocean, mountains, and palm trees created a picture-perfect view. Nearby, the hilltop village of San Andres offered charming Spanish streets and breath-taking panoramic views—well worth the short walk.
2. Santa Cruz
From San Andres, we explored Santa Cruz, the vibrant capital of Tenerife. Highlights include:
· Plaza de España – A small square with pubs, a relaxing pond, and the iconic Santa Cruz lettering.
· Parque García Sanabria – A large exotic park, similar to a botanical garden, perfect for strolling and relaxing.
· Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África – A bustling market where locals shop for fresh fruit, vegetables, and fish (open daily except Mondays until 2 PM).
· Old Town & Conception Church – Wander pastel-painted streets, enjoy traditional food and sangria, and don’t miss the historic church with its iconic bell.
3. Teide National Park
For trekking enthusiasts, Mount Teide is a must. The highest peak in Spain offers incredible views over the island. We explored by car and caught the sunset, which made the park even more magical.
4. Las Galletas
We stayed a week in coastal cabins near the beach. Walking a half-hour along a winding path brought us to Las Galletas, a small, authentic town. We enjoyed its quaint beach, marina, and the best paella at Romoletto’s.
5. Los Cristianos
This area is ideal for tourists seeking sun, beaches, and nightlife. Predominantly British and Nordic visitors enjoy pubs, football, and relaxing by the sea.
6. Los Gigantes
The cliffs of Los Gigantes were my favourite views in Tenerife. We kayaked with Teno Activo, getting up close to these awe-inspiring rock formations. With no walking paths around the cliffs, the best way to experience them is by boat or kayak.
Volunteering with AWdF
Whale and Dolphin Watching
One of the most rewarding parts of my trip was the volunteer work with Atlantic Whale and Dolphin Foundation (AWdF). On boats, we monitored resident pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and migratory species, learning about conservation and plastic pollution.
Some facts I learned:
· Dolphins in captivity live less than half as long as those in the wild.
· Whales ingest kilograms of plastic, which can block their digestive systems.
· Some animals’ sonar confuses plastic with squid or jellyfish.
Supporting conservation might feel small, but every action counts. If you believe you don’t have the time, you can still support others who are making a difference.
How You Can Help
· Join the Social Plastic® movement by going Plastic Neutral through Plastic Bank.
· Consider volunteering with AWdF to contribute to whale and dolphin conservation.
Even small efforts create a chain reaction, inspiring others and helping protect our oceans.
Final Thoughts
My two weeks in Tenerife were unforgettable. From kayaking near Los Gigantes, exploring the island’s authentic villages, relaxing on its beaches, to volunteering to protect marine life, this experience changed my perspective.
Volunteering gave me the opportunity to make a difference, learn, and grow. Tenerife isn’t just a beautiful island—it’s a place where travel meets purpose.