EXCITING TENERIFE ITINERARY

With a little planning, your Tenerife Itinerary can include the most dramatic and spectacular sights on the island.

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is presided over by the mighty Mount Teide volcano and buffeted by the Atlantic Ocean. This is an island of drama and promise.

Nature has a staring role here, with the ancient laurel forests of Anaga Rural Park, snow-dusted volcanic peaks and fabulous hiking trails.

Add in the architectural history and beauty of cities and towns such as Santa Cruz de Tenerife, San Cristóbal de la Laguna, and La Orotava, and you have a winner.

No visitor should miss the chance of visiting Teide, undisputed star when visiting Tenerife.

However, other activities well worth trying on a short break in Tenerife, are the chance of enjoying traditional Canarian cuisine and spotting wildlife.

So if you are planning on spending a long weekend in Tenerife, this itinerary will give you the perfect combination of both sights, gastronomy and relaxation.

What You’ll Find In This Article

HOW TO GET TO TENERIFE
WHEN TO VISIT TENERIFE
DRIVING IN TENERIFE
RENTING A CAR IN TENERIFE
DAY 1 OF YOUR TENERIFE ITINERARY
DAY 2 OF YOUR TENERIFE ITINERARY
DAY 3 OF YOUR TENERIFE ITINERARY
MORE POSTS ON TENERIFE

HOW TO GET TO TENERIFE

Tenerife has two airports, although most international flights use Reina Sofia Airport (Tenerife Sur) in the south of Tenerife. Situated about 18km east of Los Cristianos, this is the airport that package holidays will arrive into.

The second airport, Los Rodeos (Tenerife Norte) is near La Laguna, and handles mainly inter-island and Spanish air traffic.

WHEN TO VISIT TENERIFE

Tenerife enjoys a warm climate all year round, making it a popular island with holiday makers, including those in search of winter sun.

With an average annual temperature of 22 degrees Celsius, any month is a good time for a visit. However, the summer months can be very hot and crowded, and not a perfect time to visit if you will be hiking.

On balance, for outdoor activities and less crowds, the months from November to May are ideal.

We visited Tenerife in early February and the weather was perfect for walking and exploring.

DRIVING IN TENERIFE

Driving in Tenerife is easy, and the best way to enjoy your Tenerife trip. Exploring Tenerife by car, on a road trip, gives you the greatest flexibility and opportunity to stop whenever and wherever you want.

Roads in Tenerife are in good condition and easy to navigate.

RENTING A CAR IN TENERIFE

Renting a car in Tenerife is straightforward and rental car companies are located at both Tenerife north airport and Tenerife south airport.

We highly recommend booking your preferred vehicle in advance, especially if you require an automatic transmission as opposed to a manual.

We always use Discovercars.com, as they are one of the best customer-rated comparison sites on the market.

The platform is user friendly with great customer service, and compares deals from 500+ trusted providers. We personally always choose unlimited mileage and full insurance cover.

ABOUT THIS ITINERARY

Upon arrival, many visitors head straight to the resort areas of Costa Adeje, Los Gigantes and Los Cristianos. They are happy to relax on black sand beaches, spend the day at Siam Park and enjoy Tenerife day trips such as whale watching.

If you have one week in Tenerife, you have plenty of time to experience the south coast resorts, as well as north Tenerife.

This Tenerife travel itinerary is different.

We feel that the north of Tenerife offers a quieter, more authentic atmosphere. If you only have 3 days in Tenerife, we suggest you focus on the outstanding attractions on the island. These are all included in this long weekend itinerary.

DAY 1 OF YOUR TENERIFE ITINERARY

Arrive In Tenerife

You will arrive into one of the island’s two international airports, namely Tenerife South Airport or Tenerife North Airport. After you pick up your rental car, start your Tenerife road trip by driving to the island’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Travel time from Tenerife South – 40minutes | 61km
Travel time from Tenerife North – 20minutes | 40km

One of the best cities to visit in Tenerife is the island’s capital, Santa Cruz.

The city is home to a well-preserved old town, modern architecture, and come February each year, a UNESCO-listed carnival.

Explore Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Looking across swimming pool in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Although there are plenty of things to do in Santa Cruz Tenerife, take the opportunity to stroll around and see the main architectural highlights.

* ADAN MARTIN AUDITORIUM – (Avda de la Constitución 1)

This contemporary white-wave showstopper, is minimalistic in appearance, and even if you don’t have time to catch a concert, it’s a worthwhile stop.

Famed both for the architectural design and its acoustics, be sure to view the building from all angles, to fully appreciate its shape.

Join a guided tour which take place from 10am to 5pm Monday through Friday, and from 10am to 2pm on Saturdays (except holidays). Cost is €5.00.

Complete your visit with a coffee stop in the cafe, located within the sweeping main entrance.

* MUSEO DE LA NATURALEZA Y EL HOMBRE – (Calle Fuente Morales)

This museum is a great place to start understanding Tenerife’s historical and geographical aspects, through various exhibits.

A standout highlight are the Guanche mummies and skulls, the ancient inhabitants of the Canary Islands. Their appearance is slightly gory with shriveled skin and hair, and contorted faces.

Depending what time you have arrived, and what your interests are, here are some other attractions to include:

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción – a beautiful 16th century Catholic Church.
Plaza de España – the city’s largest square with the ruins of a historic fort & an artificial lake.
Palmetum – a 12-hectare botanical garden.

Leave Santa Cruz and continue to San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a 15minute drive away. La Laguna will be your base for the duration of your Tenerife 3 days itinerary.

Explore La Laguna

House along San Agustin in La Laguna, Tenerife

Just inland from Santa Cruz, La Laguna is in the ideal location to make the most of the time during your short break in Tenerife.

The UNESCO listed historical center, is incredibly well preserved and a delight to wander around. Discovering pastel-coloured 15th century mansions, museums, churches, plazas and a beautiful cathedral, are just some of the things to do in La Laguna.

Here are some of La Laguna’s notable attractions:

Casa Salazar
Museo Historia de Tenerife
Mercado Municipal De La Laguna
Iglesia Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion
Catedral de La Laguna

La Laguna is a wonderful and charming place to stay during your Tenerife vacation, and an ideal base for exploring north Tenerife.

As you stroll along its streets, passing the many mansions and buildings, you’ll understand why the town was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest.

Where To Stay In La Laguna

inside a bedroom at La Laguna Gran Hotel — La Laguna Gran Hotel

Budget | Casa Del Casco Historico is a great budget option. Guests enjoy en-suite rooms and have access to a shared lounge, kitchen, garden, and sun terrace. The property is within easy walking distance to many eateries, in the old town. Guests also have complimentary WiFi.

Midrange | La Laguna Gran Hotel is a beautifully presented top-rated hotel in the old town. Featuring a stylish lobby, and large comfortable rooms with fluffy towels and gorgeous toiletries, some of which have a terrace. Guests can enjoy a seasonal rooftop pool, free WiFi and a garden. Highlights include a breakfast buffet, on-site restaurant, gym and a friendly atmosphere. In addition, you can park for free behind the hotel, or for an additional charge, in the hotel parking lot.

Midrange | Anchieta 60 provides apartment accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking, in the heart of the pedestrianized old town. Guests enjoy a fully equipped kitchen with fridge, oven, microwave, dishwasher and coffee machine. Highlights include free on-site parking, and a short stroll to restaurants, supermarket and historic sights.

Luxury | Hotel Boutique San Diego – Adults Only has a timeless elegance. A beautifully colonial style bolthole with only 5 rooms, each stylishly decorated with bold floral prints, period furniture and floaty drapes. Guests love the intimate atmosphere, perfectly manicured gardens, honesty bar and attentive, friendly service. Highlights include a buffet breakfast served in the conservatory overlooking the garden. With the old town a 10 minute walk away and on-site parking, this hotel feels like a luxurious treat.

Look for other La Laguna accommodation options.

Where To Eat In La Laguna

You will find a surprising number of restaurants to choose from, to enjoy dinner on your first evening. Here are some great options:

Terrace Lassotea – Rooftop drinks at La Laguna Gran Hotel
La Hormiga – Mediterranean, European, & Spanish, on Calle Anchieta 7
La Tasca de Los Patos – Mediterranean & Spanish, on Calle Bencomo 26
Bodegón Tocuyo de la Laguna – friendly and warm local haunt on Calle Juan de Vera 16

DAY 2 OF YOUR TENERIFE ITINERARY

Day 2 of your Tenerife itinerary takes you to some big-hitting beauty spots and deep into the ancient laurel forest of Anaga Rural Park. Be sure to get an early start, as parking is limited at your second stop.

Drive To Playa de Las Teresitas

Leave La Laguna and head to Santa Cruz, where you join TF-11 which follows the coast to Av. Marítima de San Andrés in San Andrés. Continue on TF-121 to this iconic beach.

You will start the day with a stop at one of the island’s lovliest beach. Imported golden sand from the Sahara, lies in a perfect arc, lapped by shallow waters, with the picturesque Anaga Mountains providing a wonderful backdrop.

After soaking up the view, return to the village of San Andrés and head inland on the TF-12, to Taganana. Get ready for a stunning drive.

Drive To The Hamlet Of Benijo

Cutting through the mighty Anaga Mountain range, this narrow road winds its way for 18 km, at which point you will turn right onto TF-134. Stay on this road all the way to Benijo.

There are several viewpoints (Miradors) along TF-134 on the way to Taganana including:

Mirador Túnel de Anaga
León de Taganana
Mirador Risco Amogoje (don’t miss!)

As you descend from Taganana the views are incredible. Continue past the lovely beaches of Playa Del Roque and Playa de Almáciga, until you reach Restaurant El Fronton.

There is parking on the right, guarded and controlled by a friendly local, where you can park all day for 2 euros.

Hike To El Draguillo

This is your first chance to enjoy the stunning scenery and spectacular landscapes along the northeast coastline. At only 2.3km, it isn’t a difficult hike, but it certainly delivers in terms of wow factor.

Follow the road past El Mirador Restaurant, where you will see a sign marking the start of trail PR – TF 6.3 Benijo – Cruz del Draguillo.

From the trail you are afforded beautiful panorama views of isolated Benijo Beach, which is accessed via a series of wooden steps. Take care on the beach as the currents are strong and not suitable for swimming.

Hugging the coastline, the views across the ocean are sublime. Jutting out of the sea, are the Roques de Anaga rock formations. Even if you only follow the trail for a short time, you can enjoy the spectacular views.

Once at El Draguillo, a signpost directs you to the right, in the direction of Chamorga. You will feel the 270m elevation gain as you follow the trail uphill to an intersection, where you will turn right.

Head downhill to your starting point, enjoying the fantastic views along the way.

Enjoy A Traditional Canarian Lunch

Depending on the time of year when you visit, here are some suggestions of places to eat, unless you pack your own lunch:

El Mirador Restaurant (Benijo)
El Frontón (Benijo)
Casa Paca (Benijo)
Restaurante La Ola (Roque de las Bodegas)
Restaurante Roque Las Ánimas (Roque de las Bodegas)
Guachinche Bibi y Mana (Taganana)
Xiomara Restaurante (Taganana)

Drive To Parque Rural Anaga Visitor Centre

The drive from Benijo to the visitor centre, takes you through Anaga Hills. Return along TF-134, passing the white houses and palms of Taganana. Turn right and briefly join TF-123, before turning right onto TF-12, Anaga Mountain Road.

There are several viewpoints to watch out for along this scenic stretch of road.

Mirador Bailadero
Mirador hacia Taganana
Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe

The visitor centre is the starting point of a wonderful and easy hike, that leads you through Anaga’s lush and ancient laurel forest.

Path of the Senses Forest Walk

This short hike starts directly from the car park, and takes you along a choice of three paths, with the longest being Route 3.

The circular 1.3km track is the longest , encompassing routes 1 & 2 also. It descends even further to the Llano de los Loros Viewpoint, where we can enjoy views of Santa Cruz and the Tahodio Ravine and Dam.

The trail is also called “Sendero de los Sentidos” and is one of the most popular trails, especially with families.

Drive To La Laguna & Stay Overnight

After your hike, be sure to check out the displays in the visitor centre before you head back to La Laguna.

At the back of the car park is a great viewpoint “Mirador Cruz del Carmen”, that offers panoramic views of the island and Teide mountain. You can also see down the valley to La Laguna, on a clear day.

Watch out for the following viewpoint as you descend Anaga Mountain Road, and bid farewell to the incredible and spectacular Anaga Massif, declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2015.

Mirador De Jardina offers beautiful views of La Laguna valley below.

DAY 3 OF YOUR TENERIFE ITINERARY

Day 3 of your Tenerife itinerary takes you to Spain’s highest peak, through pine and laurel forests and otherworldly volcanic landscapes. This is what everyone comes to visit on Tenerife island.

In fact, if you are planning a Tenerife 1 day itinerary, Teide National Park should be the highlight. Be sure to get an early start, as driving through the park as the sun rises is magical.

Drive To Teide National Park

The route starts at the 9km exit of TF-5 in La Laguna, and mainly follows the TF-24 motorway, via La Esperanza. The distance from La Laguna is 55km.

There is so much to do in Teide National Park, including summiting El Teide (permit required), hiking across Las Cañadas caldera, and driving through the park.

We suggest you read our How to Visit Mount Teide guide, to decide what to prioritize during your day in the park.

Your last chance to refuel on this route, is at El Rosario Petrol Station (km 5). Teide National Park is a protected area, and has no fuel stations.

Get ready to journey towards the third largest volcano in the world and the highest peak in Spain, Mount Teide. Today is all about the journey AND the destination. Here are some viewpoints along the way:

Mirador de Montaña Grande
Mirador de Ortuño
Mirador de Chimague
Mirador de Chipeque – a wonderful spot to catch the sunrise above the clouds.
Mirador de Ayosa
Mirador de La Crucita
Mirador La Tarta (km 31)

The multicoloured layers of lava can be seen here, and you can distinguish between the strata of different volcanic materials dating from different eras.

Teide Observatory – get a look at the world’s largest solar observatory, which dedicates its scientific work to solar observation and robotic astronomy. It can only be visited on a guided tour which you can book ahead.
Mirador de El Corral del Niño – Enjoy great views of the Teide Observatory’s astrophysical observation towers to your left, and a group of black volcanic cones in the background, which emerged at the beginning of the 18th century.
Minas de San José – Amazing landscape of sand and rock with a spectacular view over the caldera.

Now you’ve arrived at the visitor centre and the base of the cable car.

Standing at 3,718m above sea level, the impressive silhouette of Teide Volcano, is surrounded by a unique landscape of craters, volcanoes and rivers of petrified lava.

There are various ways for you to explore Teide National Park, and experience it’s beauty.

Explore Teide National Park

Visit Mount Teide and the Roques de Garcia trail surrounded by twisted rock formations

If you want to summit Pico del Teide, read how to get permits and how to pick your ascent route in our Visit Mount Teide guide. Permits must be applied for at least 3 months ahead of your trip.

We suggest with a full day to spend in the park, that you combine a gondola ride and hike with a drive through the park. This way, you can admire the breathtaking scenery and view its surreal moonscape landscapes.

Take an early cable car up to La Rambleta (upper station) and enjoy spectacular views of the park and the neighbouring Canary Islands. From here you can join 3 trails to varying viewpoints.

Trail No. 10, Telesforo Bravo, to the Peak of Mount Teide. (Permit Required)
Trail No. 11 to the La Fortaleza viewpoint from where you can see the northern side of the island.
Trail No. 12 to the Pico Viejo viewpoint from where you can see the southern side of the island.

Afterwards, drive to Parador Nacional, and read the facts and figures of this stunning Park.

Las Cañadas caldera is a volcanic wonderland and the walking trails offer some fabulous scenery and diverse landscapes.

Roques de Garcia Loop Trail (known as trail number 3)

This popular trail starts at Mirador de la Ruleta, across the road from Parador Nacional.

Leave Teide National Park and continue to Vilaflor, a 30 minute drive away. The town of Vilaflor is situated at an altitude of 1,400m and will be the last stop of your Tenerife 3 days itinerary.

Stay Overnight in Vilaflor

If you are flying out of Tenerife South airport the next morning, Vilaflor is only a 35 minute drive from the airport. For your last night in Tenerife, we have a couple of accommodation options:

Budget | Casa Altavista is a great budget option. The one-bedroom apartment has a kitchen with a microwave and a fridge, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and bathroom with a shower.

Mid-Range | Hotel El Tejar & Spa makes a great mid-range accommodation option. Rooms are well furnished and guests can enjoy a garden, terrace and restaurant.

Luxury | Hotel Spa Villalba is the best place to stay in town. Offering a peaceful setting, high in the mountains of Tenerife, bright and comfortable rooms come with a minibar and air-conditioning.

Guests can enjoy a relaxing sun terrace and garden, while the spa and fitness centre include a Turkish bath, sauna, pebble path, a pool and hot tub. A particular feature is the wonderful buffet breakfast.

Look for other Vilaflor accommodation options.

Where To Eat In Vilaflor

Vilaflor only has a limited number restaurants to choose from. Here are some good options:

Fuente Hermano Pedro – serving regional Canary dishes.
La Vendimia Restaurantat (Hotel Spa Villalba) – canarian gastronomy at its best.
Restaurant at at Hotel El Tejar & Spa

Depart Tenerife

From Vilaflor, you have a 35-minute drive to the Tenerife South Airport for your flight home.

Do You Have An Extra Day?

Why not extend your stay on the island, and finish your trip on a real high, with some relaxation time. The south coast resorts offer luxury accommodation, where you can relax on the beach or be pampered.

You can find the best villas in Costa Adeje, and some luxurious hotels, including Iberostar Selection Sábila – Adults Only, Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur, and Royal River, Luxury Hotel – Adults Only.

Would You Like To Visit For a Week?

Traveling to a destination for the first time that offers so many options can be overwhelming. You want to see all the best sights and attractions, but putting an itinerary together can be stressful and time consuming.

We have done all the hard work for you! This 7-day itinerary, curated from our own experiences, includes where to stay and eat, and everything to do to ensure you see the best of this beautiful canary Island. This is THE itinerary to ensure you have an amazing time.

Now you have a perfect Tenerife Itinerary for a long weekend. The itinerary is designed to take you to the best sights on the island, if you are on a small timescale. Does this article make you think about visiting Tenerife island?

As always, if you have any questions about this article, please leave a comment below. Enjoy exploring Tenerife!

EXCITING TENERIFE ITINERARY FOR A PERFECT LONG WEEKEND