Why Everyone’s Obsessed With These 7 Brilliant Hobbies in Tenerife (And You Will Be Too)

Right, let’s talk about something that’s been on my mind lately. You know how some places just seem to bring out different sides of people? Well, Tenerife’s one of those magical spots where both locals and visitors suddenly discover they’re into things they never thought they’d try. And honestly? It’s absolutely brilliant.

I’ve been watching this phenomenon for years now, and there’s something special about how this island transforms people’s free time. Whether you’re a local who’s lived here forever or someone who’s just touched down at Tenerife South, these hobbies have this weird way of pulling you in. Trust me on this one.

The Ocean Calls (And Nobody Can Resist)

Let’s start with the obvious, shall we? The Atlantic Ocean surrounding Tenerife isn’t just pretty to look at. It’s basically a massive Code Playground that’s turned practically everyone into some sort of water enthusiast.

Surfing here isn’t just a hobby; it’s almost like a religion. Head to Playa de las Américas any morning and you’ll see what I mean. There’s this mix of weathered locals who’ve been riding waves since they could walk, and pale tourists wobbling on boards for the first time. The beautiful thing? Nobody judges. Everyone remembers their first wipe out.

But here’s what really gets me: it’s the diving and snorkelling that truly captures hearts. The waters around Tenerife are home to over 500 species of fish, and once you’ve seen a loggerhead turtle gliding past you at about 20 metres down, well… you’re hooked for life. Los Gigantes is particularly special for this. The underwater volcanic formations there? Absolutely mental. In the best possible way.

Hiking: Where the Real Magic Happens

Now, I’ll be honest with you. Before moving here, I thought hiking was just walking but with more expensive boots. How wrong I was. Tenerife’s trails have this way of humbling you whilst simultaneously making you feel like you’ve conquered the world.

The Teide National Park is obviously the crown jewel. But here’s a local secret: forget the main tourist routes for a moment. Try the Masca Gorge instead. Yes, it’s challenging. Yes, your legs will hate you the next day. But when you finally reach that hidden beach at the end? Pure magic. Just remember to book the boat back unless you fancy the climb up again (learned that one the hard way).

What really strikes me is how hiking here has become this wonderful social thing. You’ll see groups of locals meeting every Sunday morning, armed with bocadillos and thermoses of coffee, ready to tackle whatever trail they’ve chosen that week. It’s community building disguised as exercise, and I love it.

The Unexpected Star: Paragliding

This one surprised me, I’ll admit. But paragliding in Tenerife has exploded in popularity over the past few years, and once you understand why, it makes perfect sense. The island’s unique topography creates these incredible thermals that make it one of Europe’s best spots for flying.

I watched a friend do it last year. She’s terrified of heights, mind you. But something about launching off from Izaña at 2,200 metres above sea level, with the entire island spread out below and Africa visible on the horizon… it changes people. She landed with tears in her eyes and immediately booked another flight.

The instructors here are phenomenal too. They’ve got this calming way about them that makes even the most nervous first timer feel safe. And the views? Well, seeing Tenerife from above is like finally understanding a painting you’ve been staring at up close for years.

It’s funny how people find different ways to get their thrills here. Some throw themselves off mountains with a parachute, others prefer their excitement a bit more grounded. I was chatting to a British couple the other day who split their time between morning paragliding lessons and evening entertainment. He mentioned they still enjoy not on Gamstop UK slots online from their terrace, but said the real gamble now is whether they’ll catch the perfect thermal for that extra long flight. Different kinds of adrenaline rushes, I suppose, but Tenerife caters to all of them.

Food and Wine: More Than Just Consumption

Here’s where things get properly interesting. The food and wine scene in Tenerife isn’t just about eating and drinking (though there’s plenty of that). It’s become this whole cultural exploration thing that locals and visitors are equally mad about.

Wine tasting in the volcanic vineyards of the north has become massive. And I’m not talking about your typical “swirl, sniff, and pretend you taste hints of blackcurrant” nonsense. These are proper experiences where you learn about volcanic soil, ancient grape varieties, and why Tenerife’s wines taste like nowhere else on Earth. The Bodegas Monje experience is particularly brilliant if you want to dive deep into this world.

But what really gets me excited is the cooking class trend. Locals are opening up their homes and teaching traditional Canarian recipes. Last month, I learned to make proper papas arrugadas with five different mojos from a 70 year old woman in La Laguna. She didn’t speak a word of English, I barely speak Spanish, but somehow we communicated through food. That’s the magic of it.

The Creative Explosion

Something’s happening in Tenerife’s creative scene that’s absolutely fascinating. Photography workshops have become huge, and it’s not hard to see why. This island is basically showing off 24/7. From the black sand beaches to the lunar landscapes of Teide, from the colonial architecture of La Laguna to the street art in Santa Cruz, there’s always something begging to be captured.

But it’s not just photography. Pottery classes using volcanic clay, jewellery making with local materials, even traditional basket weaving, they’re all having a moment. There’s this hunger to create something with your hands, something that connects you to the place. And Tenerife provides the perfect backdrop and materials for it.

Stargazing: The Hobby That Chose Tenerife

This one’s special. Tenerife didn’t just become good for stargazing; it’s literally one of the best places on the planet for it. The island has some of the clearest skies in the world, and Teide National Park is actually a Starlight Reserve certified by UNESCO.

What started as tourists booking occasional stargazing tours has evolved into something much bigger. Now you’ve got locals investing in serious telescopes, photography equipment for astrophotography, and even building their own observatories. There are astronomy clubs meeting regularly, sharing equipment and knowledge.

The thing is, once you’ve seen the Milky Way from up on Teide on a clear night, without any light pollution, it changes something in you. You can’t help but want to see more, learn more, understand more. It’s addictive in the most wonderful way.

Why These Hobbies Matter

Here’s what I’ve realised after all this time: these aren’t just hobbies. They’re connections. Connections to the land, to the culture, to each other. When a German tourist and a Canarian local are both struggling up the same hiking trail, or when British and a Venezuelan immigrants are learning to surf together, barriers just… disappear.

These activities create this beautiful common ground where everyone’s just human, trying something new, probably failing a bit, laughing about it, and trying again. That’s the real magic of Tenerife’s hobby scene.

Your Questions Answered

What’s the best hobby to start with if I’m new to Tenerife? Honestly? Start with hiking. It’s free, you can go at your own pace, and it’s the best way to really see the island. Download the Wikiloc app, pick an easy trail, and just go. The Chinyero circular route is perfect for beginners.

Are these hobbies expensive? They can be, but they don’t have to be. Hiking’s free, beach activities just need basic equipment you can buy second hand, and many cultural activities like photography walks or astronomy clubs are very affordable. Paragliding and diving certification are investments, but worth every penny.

Can I do these activities year round? That’s the beauty of Tenerife! The climate means pretty much everything’s available all year. Summer’s obviously perfect for water sports, but even winter surfing is popular (you’ll just need a wetsuit). Hiking’s actually better in winter when it’s cooler.

Do I need to speak Spanish? It helps, but it’s not essential. Most activity providers speak English, and honestly, a smile and some enthusiasm go a long way. Plus, shared activities are a brilliant way to pick up the language naturally.

A Final Thought

You know what? Writing this has made me realise something. These hobbies, these activities, they’re not just ways to pass time in Tenerife. They’re how people fall in love with this place. They’re how visitors become locals, how locals become ambassadors, and how everyone becomes part of something bigger.

So whether you’re here for a week or a lifetime, pick something from this list. Try it. Fail at it. Laugh about it. Try again. Because that’s what Tenerife does to people. It makes them braver, more curious, more willing to say “why not?”

And who knows? You might just discover that thing you never knew you were looking for. That’s the Tenerife effect, and honestly, it never gets old.