This comprehensive guide to Tenerife gives you all the information that you’ll need for planning your own trip. Tenerife, the largest of the seven Canary Islands, is well known for its beaches, historical towns, national parks, fantastic weather, and it’s crowning glory, Mount Teide.
The wonderful climate draws people to the island year-round. Whether you are looking for relaxation, fun-packed activities, energetic hikes or charming historical towns, Tenerife is a perfect holiday choice.
In this Tenerife travel guide you will find all the details you need to put together your own trip and itinerary. From the best way to get around the island, the top 10 things to do in Tenerife, where to stay and when to visit.
Plus, we share general Tenerife tips to ensure you have an unforgettable holiday experience.
Simply follow this travel guide to Tenerife and start planning your trip with ease. Here’s everything you need to know.
YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO TENERIFE
WHY VISIT TENERIFE?
Is Tenerife worth visiting you may ask. What are the main Tenerife tourist attractions?
Tenerife is the largest and most popular of the Canary Islands archipelago. Located in the Atlantic Ocean, somewhat adrift from mainland Spain, the climate is warm and pleasant all year round.
Beach resorts in south Tenerife may entice those seeking all-inclusive treatment and 5-star Tenerife hotels, but Tenerife is an island of extraordinary beauty and so much more than its beaches.
For such a small island, Ténérife is a versatile holiday destination. Packed with enough attractions and sights to please every type of traveller, its popularity is soaring.
There are black sand beaches, fun waterpark,s and whale-watching tours. Lush ancient forests, stunning landscapes, and incredible hiking trails. But the best part of Tenerife lies away from the resorts in the south.
From charming towns with colourful colonial-era buildings, otherworldly volcanic landscapes, mist-wrapped peaks and laursilva forests. To the spectacularly rugged, isolated beaches and the hauntingly exquisite Teide National Park.
Tenerife Spain is full of surprises and ripe for exploring.
TENERIFE OVERVIEW: ABOUT THE ISLAND
Tenerife is an island marked by its outstanding geographical contrasts.
Tenerife was created millions of years ago, by volcanic eruption in the Atlantic Ocean. The island you see today, was formed by the fusion of the mountain ranges Anaga, Teno and Valle de San Lorenzo, due to volcanic activity from Teide.
El Teide’s crater is 11 miles long at some points, and visible from most parts of the island.
The island’s closest neighbour is La Gomera which lies 18 miles (30km) west.
GUIDE TO TENERIFE: PRACTICAL ESSENTIALS
1. HOW TO GET TO TENERIFE
Tenerife Spain has two international airports, Tenerife Norte (TFN) and Tenerife Sur (TFS). The south airport, located 11 miles (18km) east of Los Cristianos, is where you will likely arrive if you have booked a package holiday to Tenerife.
Most of the luxury beach resorts and hotels around areas such as Playa de las Americas, Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje, are located on the southern tip of the island.
So which airport should you arrive at on your Tenerife vacation? Tenerife north or south?
Most international flights use Tenerife Sur (also known as Reina Sofia Airport), while the North Airport mainly handles inter-island traffic.
If you are planning to road trip Tenerife, it really doesn’t matter where you arrive, as you will be driving around the island.
BY AIR:
- Flight time from UK is 3.5 to 4.5 hours, with many airlines offering cheap flights to Tenerife south airport.
- From USA, flights go via major European airports such as Madrid and can take 12-13 hours.
- Check flight comparison sites such as Skyscanner and Google Flights for the cheapest flights to Tenerife.
BY FERRY:
- Ferry operators such as Fred Olsen and Naviera Armas, connect with other islands such as La Gomera, La Palma and Gran Canaria.
- Fred Olsen and Naviera Armas also run regular ferry from Spain to Tenerife. The Huelva to Tenerife ferry ferry crossing is the most popular. The trip is normally faster than the Cádiz to Tenerife ferry route, run by Trasmediterránea.
2. THE BEST TIME TO GO TO TENERIFE
Tenerife is great to visit at any time of the year, with many activities to keep you busy year-round. With a warm sub-tropical climate all year, deciding when to visit Tenerife is an easy choice. In fact, one of the most appealing aspects of the island IS its climate.
The Teide Massif divides the island into two climatic zones, north and south. The closer you are to Mount Teide National Park and El Teide, the more changeable the weather becomes.
At times, you can leave the coast in full sunshine and find snowfall in the park.
North Tenerife is warm, but there can be more rain and cloud due to northerly trade winds.
South Tenerife is the warmest and sunniest, with little rainfall and few clouds.
Below is a chart showing Tenerife weather by month.
- The best month to visit Tenerife is September.
- The minimum and maximum annual average temperatures in Tenerife in winter are 15 °C (59 °F).
- The minimum and maximum annual average temperatures in Tenerife in Summer are 24 °C (75.2 °F).
- Overall, the best time to visit Tenerife Canary Islands is the months of May, June, July and August, if you also want to swim in the sea.
- To avoid the crowds and get cheaper accommodation deals, do not visit in Summer (July/August)
- If you check the 10-day weather for Tenerife, the temperatures remain constant.
- We found Tenerife in February to be perfect for hiking and walking around major attractions. Most days were clear blue sunny skies, though we didn’t go in the water.
3. PASSPORTS, VISAS & VACCINATIONS
- PASSPORTS: All Non-EU nationals require a full valid passport. You need this, together with a valid drivers license to hire a car.
- VISAS: No visa is required for stays up to 90 days.
- VACCINATIONS: None are required.
GETTING AROUND TENERIFE
1. TENERIFE BY CAR:
The best way to explore the island, is by renting your own vehicle. Driving in Tenerife is easy and straightforward, and the roads in Tenerife well maintained. Popular car rental companies such as Avis and Hertz have desks at both airports, making renting a car in Tenerife a breeze.
We always compare prices on our favourite platform, DiscoverCars.com, one of the best rated comparison sites. They have a huge selection of high-quality cars for rent, all at competitive prices.
Book early to lock in the best price, and the largest selection of vehicles to choose from.
For the best Tenerife travel experience, you want to explore the dramatic coastline, stunning Teide National Park, lush forests of Anaga Rural Park and more.
A Tenerife Road trip is a fantastic way to take in all Tenerife best sights, experience the differing landscapes and discovering the true essence of Tenerife. Getting around in Tenerife by car is also convenient, practical, and affordable.
You must show a valid driving license and passport to rent a vehicle. There are some things you need to be aware of when driving around Tenerife. Our Driving in Tenerife and Renting a car in Tenerife guides will tell you everything you need to know.
From laws, rules and regulations, these articles will get you up to speed.
If you prefer to use public transport, Tenerife is well set up with the following options:
2. TENERIFE BY BUS
Tenerife buses are run by TITSA , and are an affordable way of seeing the island. The buses (guaguas) are green, air-conditioned, comfortable, and popular with locals.
Tenerife bus routes cover all major destinations, and most minor destinations on the island. They offer a practical and cheap option for getting around Tenerife without a car.
Be aware that not all buses go directly to their end destination, which makes journeys quite time-consuming. It may mean you having to change buses or lines enroute.
We recommend you picking up timetables from bus stations, tourist offices or online.
If you plan on travelling around Tenerife by bus, you can purchase your ticket from the bus driver, and can pay with cash or a bank card.
Buying a return ticket saves you 10% discount, off the cost of a single ticket.
New Tourist fares are available for unlimited trips. A DAY TRAVELCARD costs €10, while a SEVEN DAY TRAVELCARD costs €50.
TITSA have a great interactive map showing all bus routes to give you an idea of the areas in Tenerife that are covered. You can also read the details about tourist fares.
3. USING TAXIS
Finding a taxi in Tenerife is easy. You will find them at the airport, all resorts and spotted driving around. If you are staying in a resort for the entirety of your trip, taxis are an inexpensive method of transport. All journeys are metered.
If you are going further afield, fixed fares to the most popular destinations are displayed at main taxi ranks.
Taxis should have an official plate on the front and rear bumpers, with the letters SP (servicio publico). A green light is displayed in the windscreen when the taxi is available.
4. TRAM SERVICE
A tram service runs between Santa Cruz de Tenerife and La Laguna, making it ideal if you are staying in either town. Check the timetable for tram times.
HOW MANY DAYS IN TENERIFE DO YOU NEED?
If you are planning your first trip to Tenerife, you may be asking yourself how many days in Tenerife you should spend. You want to explore the island and see the best sights and attractions.
With Mount Teide located in the center of the island, there are many winding roads full of twists and turns to navigate. Moving around places can take time which you need to factor into your planning.
We consider the perfect Tenerife itinerary to include a mix of sightseeing, hiking, relaxing and exploring. But ask yourself, how many days can you allocate to the trip, and what do you want to see.
For a small island, there are plenty of activities to do in Tenerife to fill your time.
There are many interesting things to do in north Tenerife, including hiking in Anaga Rural Park, and exploring charming towns such as La Laguna and Santa Cruz.
While things to do in south Tenerife include the hair-raising drive to Masca, having fun at a water park and of course chilling out at the many beach resorts.
Plus, the main highlight, and best place to go in Tenerife, stunning Teide National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
So, if you have the time and the opportunity, go for at least 7 or 10 days to Tenerife, which will give you the opportunity to visit the island at a more relaxed pace.
When planning your trip, we have the following Tenerife travel tips, depending on how long you can spend on the island:
- With 3/4 days – See the highlights of Anaga, Teide National Park and explore Santa Cruz and La Laguna.
- If you have 7 days – Travel Tenerife by car on an epic road trip. While you can drive around the whole island in about 4 hours, you can stop along the way.
- In 10 days – Enjoy driving around Tenerife at a slower pace. Add in a couple of excursions from Tenerife, such as a trip to La Gomera, and finish with a couple of days being pampered at one of the 4-star Tenerife hotels.
IS TENERIFE CHEAP?
Compared to most other European destinations, Tenerife is an affordable place to visit. Of course, this depends on which country you are coming from. In which case, your flight to Tenerife might be your biggest expense.
HOW TO VISIT THE ISLAND ON A BUDGET:
- Grab great deals on flights by booking far in advance and not sticking to specific flight times. Budget carriers such as EasyJet, Jet2 release their seats in blocks, many months in advance.
- Plan your visit during the shoulder season (March-May, October & November) for cheaper flight prices, car rates and accommodation rates. You can enjoy the island when it is less crowded.
- If you want to save money, avoid Christmas, New Year, Carnival Festival, Easter, and Summer Season (July/August)
- Book your rental car as far in advance as possible, as prices generally rise as the starting date of your trip gets closer. DiscoverCars.com allow you to make changes or cancel for free up to 48 hours before pick-up if your plans change.
- Invest in a travel pass if you are travelling around Tenerife by bus. Titsa public buses are an affordable way to get around to explore.
- Visit Tenerife’s biggest draw, Mt Teide, by bus.
Although it can be wreathed in cloud, El Teide and the surrounding moonscape Teide National Park shouldn’t be missed.
Two public buses run to the area, where you can then take the cable car, go for a hike or just enjoy the stunning scenery.
Bus 348 goes from Puerto de la Cruz in the north, while Bus 342 departs from Costa Adeje in the south.
- Choose your accommodation wisely.
While there are some luxurious Tenerife Villas to choose from, there are plenty of ways to save money on accommodation costs. If you’re traveling as a family or with a group of friends, renting a self-catering apartment or villa is the way to go. You can split the cost, and dine in.
Instead of staying in popular Tenerife resorts like Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje which are costly, move one bay over, and your accommodation costs will be less.
Don’t pay for beach chairs and umbrellas on popular beaches when you can take a picnic and have a small remote beach to yourself.
- Eat Canarian-style at a guachinche – You may be sitting in a garden shed or garage, but you will eat hearty traditional food at a fraction of the cost of restaurants.
Picnic food can be purchased in well-stocked public markets, where you can mingle with locals and pick up delights including volcanic wines, smoked goat cheese, fresh bread, chorizo, chili-spiked mojo and ripe tropical fruits.
Other tips include asking for tap water, avoiding seafront eateries, and making lunch your main meal of the day. If you want to eat out for small change in Tenerife, make lunch your main meal.
For as little as €10, including an appetizer, main course, glass of wine and dessert or coffee, you can eat from the menu of the day at many simple cafes and restaurants.
WHAT TO DO IN TENERIFE
If you are looking for an exciting range of activities, Tenerife won’t disappoint. The island offers the perfect combination of history, culture, nightlife and nature. While there are plenty of places to visit in Tenerife, make sure you don’t miss the hidden, off the radar attractions.
Here are some of the best Tenerife recommendations that you should include on your list.
1. MOUNT TEIDE
Any Tenerife tourist guide will show glossy images of the highest peak in Spain. This crown jewel, overlooks Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take a scenic drive through the park to see the volcanic terrain and other worldly landscapes. Ride the cable car to the upper station, or if you are feeling energetic, hike up the top from the base station.
We think the park is the best place in Tenerife for nature lovers, in search of hiking and staggeringly beautiful scenery.
In the evening, book a Teide by Night stargazing tour, and witness the clear skies which make the National Park famous.
2. ANAGA RURAL PARK
One of the best places to visit in northern Tenerife is the Anaga Mountains, clothed in ancient laurel forests. This Biosphere Reserve is home to the largest number of endemic species in Europe.
Take your pick of hiking trails to explore this verdant landscape as you traverse valleys and rocky passes.
3. MASCA VILLAGE
The rather nerve-racking journey along a narrow mountain road is part of the reason to go to Masca. Twisting and turning, the road gives glimpses of the glorious views as you ascend to the tiny town.
Perched on the side of a mountain, the town has breath-taking views down the valley. Several walking trails showcase the unique vegetation found in the area, plus the incredible oceanside cliffs on the west side of the island.
4. TENERIFE TOWNS
When it comes to towns in Tenerife, it’s not just the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife that is worth exploring. The island’s former capital, La Laguna, is filled with colourful mansions, each reflecting the island’s trading history.
Other ancient and pretty towns to walk around include, La Orotava, with its famous Casa de los Balcones or house of the balconies. Puerto de la Cruz is a popular resort with beaches, attractions, and restaurants.
5. TENERIFE BEACHES
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and having a warm year-round climate, Tenerife’s beaches are a major draw for visitors. Tenerife has many black sand beaches, but there are also some golden sand beauties.
- If you are looking for a remote black sand beach with incredible views, head to the far north, and Playa Benijo.
- El Medano is popular for kite surfing and windsurfing.
- Popular golden sand beaches, include Playa de Las Americas, in south Tenerife, and glorious Playa de Las Teresitas, near Santa Cruz.
6. OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
One of the most popular places to visit in Tenerife South, is Siam Water Park. But getting out on the water itself, is a great way to view the coastline and the sheer cliffs of Los Gigantes.
Popular tours include whale watching, dolphin spotting, snorkeling, diving and wind surfing.
WHERE TO STAY IN TENERIFE
When it comes to accommodation Tenerife offers something for every budget and personal preference. From hotels, villas, apartments, and holiday villages, Tenerife can oblige.
Where to stay in Tenerife will ultimately depend on your budget, and what you plan on doing during your stay.
Before you visit Tenerife, you need to decide which areas of the island you want to explore and the activities in Tenerife you’d like to experience.
Most visitors on Tenerife holiday packages are based in the south of the island, in apartments or beach resorts. Some of the best and luxurious Tenerife villas are located in areas such as Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Santa Úrsula.
Tenerife enjoys warm temperatures all year round, making it a popular tourist destination. So wherever you choose to stay, I recommend booking accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment.
WHERE TO STAY IN TENERIFE SOUTH
Some of the best places to stay in Tenerife South are in the resort area of Costa Adeje. Also some of the best hotels in Tenerife are in Costa Adeje, which is close to beaches, waterparks, and the best things to do in south Tenerife.
- Luxury option: Iberostar Selection Sábila – Adults Only
- Mid-Range option: Dreams Jardin Tropical Resort & Spa
- Budget option: MYND Adeje
If you prefer a self-catering option, there are plenty of luxurious villas in Costa Adeje to rent. Or if glamour is what you want, check out The Ritz-Carlton Abama, further along the coast. It could possibly be the best place to stay in Tenerife for couples.
WHERE TO STAY IN TENERIFE NORTH
Basing yourself in the north of the island makes sense if you plan on visiting Anaga Rural Park, wineries and the capital of Santa Cruz. From here towns of La Laguna, La Orotava and Puerto de la Cruz are easily accessed.
- Luxury option: Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey
- Mid-Range option: Hotel Tigaiga
- Budget option: Hotel Principe Paz
IN CONCLUSION
Tenerife in the Canary Islands is a great destination for travelers all over the world. Hopefully this guide to Tenerife has given you all the information you need to start planning your own trip to Tenerife.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment below.
MORE POSTS ON TENERIFE
There is so much to discover in the Canaries, so don’t miss our other in-depth guides to help you plan your trip.
- How to visit Mount Teide
- Exciting Tenerife Itinerary
- Best Villas in Costa Adeje
- Excursions from Tenerife
- Best Tenerife Villas
- La Laguna Tenerife
- Renting a Car in Tenerife
- Things To Do in South Tenerife
- Things To Do in North Tenerife
- Things To Do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- La Orotava Tenerife
- Anaga Rural Park
- Driving in Tenerife
And click here to find guides to other destinations.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase through this link. This income goes towards the sites running costs and enables us to provide our readers with free content. Read our Disclosure.