Holidays to Tenerife
Tenerife highlights
Beach paradise
The beaches in Tenerife are yours for strolling, swimming and lazing around with a good book. And you can choose a different stretch each day. Rent a sun lounger on the golden sands of Playa de las Teresitas to rest after snorkelling. Explore the volcanic rock formations at the wild Playa La Tejita or head to Playa Jardin for a mix of black sands and botanical gardens.
Volcanic hiking trails
If you’re up for a challenge on your holiday to Tenerife, take on the six-hour hike up Mount Teide for incredible views over the caldera and lava cones. Otherwise, reach the top on the cable car. An easier hike is the Mirador De Samara. In about two hours you’ll conquer the crater to the top and back with spectacular views across to Mount Teide.
Fun theme parks
The island’s many free beaches make for a cheap holiday to Tenerife. But if you’re looking for thrills and spills, its theme parks are a must-visit. Shoot down the Mekong Rapids ride in an inflatable rubber boat or gently float down the Mai Thai River at the Thailand-inspired Siam Park. For more fun, zip line through the trees at Forestal Park and get up close to sea lions at Loro Park.
Tenerife: Know before you go
| Language | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time zone | UTC+0 (WET) and UTC+1 (WEST) |
| High season | July – August and December |
| Low season | May and October |
Find the best time to go to Tenerife
Weather in Tenerife
March – May: The weather in Tenerife is comfortable and pleasant all year round. Spring brings occasional showers that don’t usually last long.
June – August: Summers are sunny, dry and clear — and hotter in the south than the north. If the winds are blowing up from the Sahara, expect the days to get hotter and dustier.
September – November: Beach days continue into autumn. Starting in October, rain becomes more likely. November is one of Tenerife’s cloudiest months, when it’s overcast about half the time.
December – February: Winter is sunny and dry. Though the water gets a bit chilly, you’ll still see surfers taking advantage of the bigger swells.
Events in Tenerife
Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife (February): This popular event is considered the most Brazilian of all Spanish Carnival celebrations. Festivities last for two weeks, featuring parades, costumes and wild street parties.
Fiestas de San Juan (June): Spain marks the start of summer with bonfires on the beach. In Puerto de la Cruz, witness the traditional bathing of the goats ritual. Hundreds of goats are brought from the mountains to the beach for a dip in the Atlantic.
Canarias Jazz & Más (July): International artists descend on sites across the Canary Islands for this annual ‘jazz and more’ festival.
The best neighbourhoods in Tenerife
Puerto de la Cruz
For a great blend of local history and relaxation, Puerto de la Cruz is the best area to stay in Tenerife. In the old port, discover the imposing stone walls of San Felipe Castle and Casa de la Aduana, dating back to 1620. Cool down at the Lago Martianez swimming complex, designed by artist Cesar Manrique, before strolling the promenade where you’ll find lively bars and restaurants.
Good for: History, dining, swimming
Puerto de Santiago
Puerto de Santiago is one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Tenerife for black sand beaches and coastal walks. Set out on the trail to the dramatic cliffs of Los Gigantes or enjoy a whale-watching boat tour from the marina. Shop and dine in the bustling avenue behind Playa de la Arena, and don’t miss a single spectacular sunset over the sea.
Good for: Coastal walks, beaches, boat trips
Costa Adeje
Family-friendly beaches and upmarket boutiques blend with the neon signs of bars on the Costa Adeje. And its neighbour, Playa de las Americas, hosts the island’s nightlife hot spots. This is where to stay in Tenerife for all-inclusive resorts, ice creams along the promenade and water sports at Puerto Colon Marina and Playa Fanabe.
Good for: Families, water sports, nightlife
Things to do in Tenerife
Family friendly things to do
Dolphin and whale watching trips are among the many things to do with family in Tenerife. Spot resident pilot whales year-round, and breaching humpbacks from November to February. Off the water, visit Jungle Park to get up close to pythons and alligators or thrill the teens with quad bike rides through Teide National Park.
Shopping
For souvenir shopping in Tenerife, make your way to Los Cristianos Market. Open Tuesdays and Sundays, you can rummage for handmade crafts and antiques at this popular local market. Or pick up bohemian jewellery and natural beauty products at Medano Market on Saturdays. Got a bigger budget? The Golden Mile in Playa de las Americas features a range of luxury brands.
Take in the culture
Rent a car for day trips to historic villages such as Garachico, where traditional yellow and blue houses line cobbled streets. Also set aside plenty of time to visit the museums in Tenerife. Budding astronomers will love the Museum of Science and the Cosmos and its hands-on exhibits. Explore more than 500 years of history in Santa Cruz’s Old Town before stopping at the Municipal Museum of Fine Arts, which has 14 rooms of paintings.
Nightlife
The music never stops in Playa de las Americas, where Veronica’s Strip is the bar and club-hopping centre. If you prefer to sip sangria in elegant bars, do so in Santa Cruz and watch a show at the Auditorio de Tenerife. When the sun goes down in Puerto de la Cruz, street performers entertain in restaurant-filled plazas. Note that some nightlife in Tenerife doesn’t kick off until midnight.
Places to eat
Restaurants in Tenerife offer a diverse range of dining experiences. Try Canarian potatoes smothered in spicy sauce and wash it down with local wine in cheap and cheerful ‘guachinches’ (small, family-run establishments). Or splurge at Michelin-starred restaurants such as M.B. Reservations are recommended. If you’re a seafood lover, head to Masia del Mar for fresh fish with a side of ocean views.
Beaches
It’s easy to spend all your days on the beach on holidays in Tenerife. Stroll along the longest stretch, El Medano, for a body surf in gentle waves. Sink into a hotel cabana bed at stylish Playa del Duque after joining sunrise yoga classes. Looking for seclusion? It’s worth the effort to hike from Chamorga village to the glittering black sands of Playa de Roque Bermejo, one of the most beautiful beaches near Tenerife.
Get ready for Tenerife
Budget
From beautiful beaches to sweeping landscapes, the best things in the Canaries are often free. For a cheap holiday to Tenerife, plan your days around exploring nature. On a typical night out, you might pay as little as six euros (€) for a short taxi ride. Budget around €15 for an inexpensive meal and less than €3 for a cappuccino or a domestic beer.
Day Trips from Tenerife
Start your day with breakfast or lunch in the gorgeous UNESCO-listed city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Then hike through the lush laurel forests of Anaga Rural Park. For stunning mountain views, drive 90 minutes to Masca, a charming town known for great hiking and its interesting ethnographic museum.
Getting Around Tenerife
Getting around Tenerife is easy. Stroll along resort towns on foot or use public buses and the La Laguna–Santa Cruz tram. For tickets, buy a rechargeable Ten+ card. Cycling is another option. Hire a road bike or e-bike to explore at your own pace. Larger towns have taxis and shuttles. And well-maintained roads make hiring a car ideal for day trips.
