Tenerife's rich and dazzling assortment of natural wonders and its mild year-round climate make it hard for its visitors resist the pull of the outdoors. As a result, Tenerife has become the go-to destination for both adventure tourists and nature lovers alike, who know they can experience their favorite outdoor activities – and discover new ones. Come with us now to experience some of the exhilarating outdoor adventures you'll enjoy on this unique and beautiful island.

Tenerife delights nature lovers with a fertile supply of flora and fauna – including many native floral species unique to the island. Tenerife's numerous gardens and parks include the well-known Orchid Garden Sitio Litre in Puerto del la Cruz. More than 200 years old, the garden is home to Tenerife's largest orchid collection, as well as the Icod Dragon, the largest dragon tree in the world. Thought to be about 800 years old, the tree is regarded by the Guanches, the island's original inhabitants, as a symbol of fertility and wisdom, with the ability to predict the future.

The island's rich marine life is also ripe for discovery. One of the world's largest colonies of pilot whales (calderon) can be spotted in the straits off the island's southern coast, along bottlenose dolphins, porpoises and, on occasion, white whales.

Bird watching is also a very popular island activity, and sightings of Tenerife's large avian population are frequent and rewarding. In addition to the many colorful and melodic species that make their home here, visitors can enjoy spotting canaries – the ubiquitous Canary Islands mascots – in fields, pine forests, bushes, thickets and ravines.

Active tourism is also a favored activity in Tenerife. Its diverse settings and landscapes, as well as its enviable moderate climate, have created a wide variety of micro-climates and landscapes that you can explore in a variety of fun and rewarding ways.

Novices to extreme athletes can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, canyoning (rappelling), caving, horseback riding and more. In addition, Tenerife's abundant volcanic formations and mountains – including the famous dormant volcano Mount Teide, Spain's highest mountain – are prime destinations for exploration. Savor breathtaking island views by ascending Mount Teide by foot or cable car, or enjoy unique pursuits like stargazing from the world's largest volcanic caldera in Mount Teide National Park or exploring one of the world's largest lava tubes on a guided tour at Cueva Del Viento.

But whatever your outdoor preferences, be sure to take time to visit Tenerife's bustling cities and charming local towns. An island of Spain, Tenerife borrows influences from Europe, Africa and the Americas to create a vibrant Canarian culture all its own. From its mountains to the shorelines, Tenerife brims with exceptional food, architecture, accommodations, festivals and carnivals just waiting to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.