Free Things to Do in Tenerife: Beaches, Walks, Towns and Nights Out
Updated 29 October 2026 · DoTenerife
Some of Tenerife’s best experiences are free: driving into Teide National Park, every public beach on the island, the seafront promenade from Los Cristianos to La Caleta, the old towns of La Laguna, La Orotava and Garachico, and the island’s fiestas and carnival parades. In the evenings, plenty of bars in the south put on live entertainment with no entry charge, so you only pay for drinks.
Nature and landscapes
Teide National Park
Entry to the park is free, and the drive through the lava fields and pine forest is spectacular. Stop at the Roques de García for an easy circular walk, the Minas de San José pumice fields and the Llano de Ucanca viewpoint. You only pay for the cable car, the summit permit fee (for non-residents) and some regulated trails. See the Mount Teide guide.
Anaga Rural Park
Free to drive and walk, with ridge-top viewpoints such as Pico del Inglés and Cruz del Carmen, laurel forest trails and remote villages. A few popular paths have required a free permit, so check before you go.
Los Gigantes cliffs
See them free from the marina, the Mirador Archipenque viewpoint on the road above town, or Playa de la Arena at sunset.
Stargazing
Tenerife has some of Europe’s darkest skies. Drive up towards Teide after dark (bring warm clothes) for a free view of the Milky Way.
Beaches and coast
All beaches in Spain are public. The best free swimming spots include Playa del Duque, Fañabé, Playa de las Vistas, Los Cristianos, La Tejita and Las Teresitas. The natural lava pools at Garachico are also free. See our Tenerife beaches guide.
The southern promenade
A paved seafront walk links Los Cristianos, Playa de las Americas, Torviscas, Fañabé, Playa del Duque and La Caleta. Walk as much as you like, stopping for a swim.
El Médano kitesurfers
Sit on the beach and watch some of the best windsurfers and kitesurfers in Europe.
Towns and culture
| Place | What’s free |
|---|---|
| La Laguna | UNESCO old town walk, plazas, church exteriors, student atmosphere |
| La Orotava | Historic streets, viewpoints, some gardens |
| Garachico | Lava rock pools, old port, castle exterior |
| Candelaria | Basilica, Guanche king statues on the seafront |
| Santa Cruz | Parque García Sanabria, Auditorio exterior, Plaza de España |
| Puerto de la Cruz | Old harbour, Playa Jardín gardens, promenade |
| Icod de los Vinos | View of the Drago Milenario from the plaza (the park itself charges) |
Free museum entry
Several public museums in Santa Cruz and La Laguna have offered free entry at certain times or on set days of the week. Rules change, so check before you go.
Fiestas and events
- Carnival (February–March): parades in Santa Cruz, Puerto de la Cruz and Los Cristianos are free to watch. See our Santa Cruz carnival guide.
- Corpus Christi (late May to June): La Orotava’s sand and flower carpets are free to see.
- Local fiestas: almost every town has a patron saint festival with processions, music and fireworks.
- Noche de San Juan (23 June): bonfires and beach gatherings in many coastal towns.
Browse upcoming events for what’s coming up during your stay.
Free evening entertainment
In the south, many bars put on live bands, solo singers, tribute acts, karaoke and quiz nights with no entry fee, provided you buy a drink. DoTenerife’s free entertainment tonight page lists shows with no cover charge and Tenerife-time start times.
Markets
Street markets in Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, Puerto de la Cruz and Santa Cruz are free to browse, and the farmers’ markets are great for cheap local fruit, cheese and wine. See Tenerife markets for days and times.
Free walks worth doing
- Roques de García circuit (Teide) – an easy 3.5 km loop around the island’s most famous rock formations.
- Los Cristianos to La Caleta promenade – flat, paved and as long or short as you like.
- Montaña Roja (El Médano) – a short climb with views over La Tejita beach; stay on marked paths in the protected area.
- Anaga ridge trails – laurel forest walks from Cruz del Carmen.
- Puerto de la Cruz seafront – from Playa Jardín to the old harbour and Lago Martiánez.
Check whether a trail is regulated before you set out. Some high-mountain routes on Teide now need a reservation or fee.
Tips for a cheap holiday
- Use TITSA buses with a rechargeable card rather than taxis.
- Eat the menú del día at lunch in local restaurants for good-value set meals.
- Shop at supermarkets for picnics and drinks.
- Fill bottles at your hotel where safe, or buy large bottles of water.
- Check our Tenerife prices guide for typical costs.
Frequently asked questions
Is Teide National Park free to enter?
Yes. There is no charge to drive into Teide National Park or to walk its non-regulated trails. The cable car, the summit permit fee for non-residents and some newly regulated trails do cost money.
Are Tenerife beaches free?
All Spanish beaches are public and free to use. You only pay if you rent sun loungers or umbrellas.
What can you do for free in Tenerife at night?
Many bars in the southern resorts have live music, tribute acts or karaoke with no entry charge as long as you buy drinks. Stargazing from a dark spot away from the resorts is also free.
Are museums free in Tenerife?
Some public museums offer free entry on certain days or times, and several are free on International Museum Day in May. Opening hours and free-entry rules change, so check each museum's website.
Can you walk between the southern resorts?
Yes. A seafront promenade runs for several kilometres from Los Cristianos through Playa de las Americas to Costa Adeje and La Caleta, and it's one of the best free walks on the island.