Tips for planning a holiday in Tenerife

Tenerife travel guide.

If it’s your first time traveling to Tenerife and you’re not sure how to start planning your adventure, I’m here to help. I created this guide with all the information you need about planning a holiday in Tenerife , including things like places to visit, where to stay, and how to get around.

Plan your holiday in Tenerife step-by-step

This Tenerife travel guide will cover everything you need to know so you can organize your trip step-by-step:

1. Best things to do in Tenerife

  • 2. Best time to visit Tenerife

3. Plan your Tenerife travel itinerary

  • 4. How to travel to Tenerife cheaply
  • 5. Where to stay in Tenerife

6. How to get around Tenerife

  • 7. Where to eat in Tenerife
  • 8. Travel budget for a Tenerife trip
  • 9. What to pack for Tenerife + tips
  • 10. Tourist map of Tenerife

People travel to Tenerife for beautiful beaches, scenic landscapes, and charming villages. Whatever you want to do here, I’ll help you plan a memorable trip.

After visiting Tenerife several times as a couple, with family, and with friends, I’ve become familiar with the most beautiful places on the island. No matter your interests, you’ll find endless things to see and do here.

Here is an overview of the best things to do in Tenerife :

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How to climb Mount Teide

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Things to do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

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Guide to hiking the Masca Gorge

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Guide to Anaga Rural Park

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Guide to visiting Punta de Teno

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Things to do in Los Gigantes, Tenerife

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Things to do in Puerto de la Cruz

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Best beaches in Tenerife

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Whale and dolphin-watching in Tenerife

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Things to do in Icod de los Vinos

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Things to do in El Médano

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Things to do in Garachico

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Things to do in La Laguna

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Things to do in La Orotava

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Things to do in Candelaria

As you can see, there are plenty of places to visit during your trip to Tenerife , from traditional towns to natural parks. If you don’t have much time and can only visit part of the island, don’t worry. We have specific guides on things to do in Tenerife North and things to do in Tenerife South , so you can plan a wonderful getaway.

Don’t get overwhelmed; the island isn’t that big, so regardless of where you stay, you’ll be able to visit the main points of interest in the north and south. Your best bet is to rent a car so you can move freely around the island. However, if you’d rather not worry about driving during your Tenerife holiday, there are lots of great excursions around Tenerife that will allow you to discover the most popular attractions .

2. best time to visit Tenerife

If you’re wondering about the best time to visit Tenerife , there really isn’t a bad time to go. The temperatures on the island are quite mild throughout the year, with an average temperature of 77 °F (25 °C) in the summer and 65 °F (18 °C) in the winter.

Keep in mind that there are about 25 microclimates on the island, meaning there may be small thermal variations from one area to another. For example, the south tends to get more sun, so the temperatures are a few degrees higher than in the north. As for the northern part of the island, it usually gets more rain, especially in winter. That said, there are only 2-3 rainy days per month on average, so you’ll still be able to enjoy your vacation to Tenerife .

Overall, you can enjoy a pleasant trip to Tenerife year-round.

Best month to travel to Tenerife

If you want a specific answer for when to travel to Tenerife , it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact time, as the temperatures and weather in Tenerife are mild year-round. Something to keep in mind is that, depending on what you want to do during your holiday in Tenerife , some months may be better than others.

For example, for lazy days on the beach, plan to travel to Tenerife in the summer months, specifically July, August, and September. The temperatures should be around 77 °F (25 °C), with very little rain and up to 12 hours of daylight. That said, during this time of year, there are often sudden changes in temperature from one area of the island to another, depending on altitude. So, if you want to climb Mount Teide , be sure to bring some warm layers to wear. Also, one of the drawbacks of traveling in Tenerife during the summer is that the prices for everything are higher since it’s peak tourist season.

Los Gigantes, travel to tenerife

Best month to visit Tenerife

On the other hand, if you want to go to Tenerife in the winter (January, February, and March) the temperatures will still be quite nice, with an average of 65 °F (18 °C). This time of year also brings more rainfall, although it’s usually no more than 2-3 rainy days per month. So, this could be the best time to travel to Tenerife if you want to go hiking and try other outdoor activities.

The spring (April, May, and June) and the autumn (October, November, and December) are the best for taking a cheap holiday to Tenerife . It’s the low season, so accommodation and food prices will be more affordable. Plus, there will be fewer crowds and the weather will still be pleasant, so you can visit the beach, go hiking, and enjoy other attractions .

Once you’ve decided to travel to Tenerife , it’s time to plan your itinerary. Below, you’ll find all the information you need to organize a trip itinerary and route so you can make the most of your time.

Should you travel to Tenerife North or South?

One of the most common questions I see is whether to travel to Tenerife North or South . Both parts of the island offer beautiful sites and exciting attractions. Depending on your personal preferences, one area will appeal to you more than the other.

First, if you visit Tenerife North , you’ll be able to explore some of the most important metropolitan areas on the island, such as Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Puerto de la Cruz . The north is also home to several charming towns like La Orotava and Garachico , where you can try some authentic Canarian cuisine. There are also incredible natural areas here, like Anaga Rural Park , and beaches like Las Teresitas. So, if you’re interested in history, culture, and stunning hiking trails, you’ll love exploring all the tourist attractions in Tenerife North .

Puerto de la Cruz, tenerife holiday cheap

As for Tenerife South, it’s known for its white sand beaches, where you can practice watersports like kayaking and surfing, as well as dolphin and whale-watching. There are also some lovely historical towns here like Vilaflor de Chasna and El Médano , not to mention magnificent landscapes like the Masca Gorge , one of the best places to visit in Tenerife South . And if you’re looking to enjoy some shopping and nightlife while traveling in Tenerife , there are lots of restaurants, shops, and nightclubs in Tenerife located in this part of the island.

Remember, you can get from one end of the island to the other by renting a car, booking a tour, or taking the bus. So, just because you’re staying in one part of Tenerife, that doesn’t mean you can’t explore other interesting areas. I will say that the quickest and easiest way to get around is by renting a car in Tenerife .

How many days do you need to visit Tenerife?

Most tourists in Tenerife spend 4-5 full days on the island, which is enough time to see all the main points of interest, including Mount Teide . If you want to explore Tenerife in more depth, I recommend spending 7 days here.

Costa Adeje, tenerife holiday family

Of course, if you don’t have that much time, you can still visit Tenerife ’s top attractions in 3 days. To help you plan your route through the island, here are some itinerary ideas:

Itinerary ideas for a Tenerife holiday

7 days in tenerife, 5 days in tenerife, 3 days in tenerife.

Travel route in Tenerife 7-day itinerary

Spend the first day of this trip through Tenerife by getting to know Vilaflor and its otherworldly lunar landscapes. If you take the road from Vilaflor and head towards the Cañadas del Teide, you’ll see some of the most incredible viewpoints in Tenerife. Take your time and capture some photos!

Roques de Garcia, cheapest time to go to tenerife

Day 1 – Efrén Yanes

You can also take the opportunity to picnic in the Cañadas del Teide and wait for nightfall, as this is one of the best areas to stargaze and photograph the Milky Way . You can book this tour , which includes dinner and telescopic observation of the night sky.

Finally, to get the most out of your visit to Tenerife , stay overnight at the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide .

The second day of your holiday in Tenerife can be dedicated to climbing Mount Teide , which is something I recommend everyone do. Most travelers take the cable car up to La Rambleta, then walk the remaining 650 feet to the summit. However, to do the final route, you must request this permit in advance. You can also skip the cable car and make the ascent up Mount Teide by taking the Sendero 7 (Montaña Blanca) route.

Mount Teide, tenerife tourist information

After spending some time on Teide, head back to Santa Cruz de Tenerife for a good night’s rest. Some of the best 5-star hotels in Tenerife are here, such as the Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey ; although the Silken Atlántida Santa Cruz is another good option, and where we stayed during our Tenerife trip . Another excellent accommodation, especially for tight budgets, is Hotel Príncipe Paz , one of the top-rated cheap hotels in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

During your third day traveling in Tenerife , do a tour of the capital city, Santa Cruz de Tenerife . Here, you can see the Castle of San Cristóbal, Our Lady of Africa Market, and Plaza de España.

Las Teresitas Beach, traveling to tenerife

At lunchtime, go to San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are lots of cool places to see in La Laguna , including Plaza del Adelantado and the Palacio de Nava. Later, return to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, stopping at Las Teresitas Beach along the way. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Tenerife , and one of the few white and golden sand beaches in the north.

You can spend the night in the same hotel in Santa Cruz de Tenerife from day 2.

The next day, begin with a visit to Anaga Rural Park , one of the most magical places to visit in Tenerife . Its laurel forests are a declared Biosphere Reserve and look like something out of a fairy tale. Best of all, there are several walking trails here, including the popular Trail of the Senses.

Benijo Beach, is tenerife expensive

Day 4 – Efrén Yanes

After that, make the 35-minute drive to Benijo Beach , one of the wildest, virgin beaches on the island. Be very careful if you go swimming, as there are strong currents and waves. At night, I recommend returning to your Santa Cruz de Tenerife hotel.

My tips for Tenerife day 5 include getting to know Puerto de la Cruz and La Orotava, two important towns in the northern part of the island.

There are many interesting places in Puerto de la Cruz , although you can’t miss Plaza del Charco, Plaza Europa, the port, and the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia.

Plaza del Charco, how to get around tenerife

In La Orotava , you’ll find all kinds of restaurants and beautiful attractions like Casa de los Balcones, Plaza de la Constitución, and the Church of Our Lady of the Conception.

After visiting La Orotava, head to Icod de los Vinos, where I recommend spending the night. There are some small, intimate hotels here, like the Hotel Emblemático San Agustín or the Casa Rural Montiel .

If you’ve spent the night in Icod de los Vinos , you can start your day exploring its lovely town center. You can’t miss the Cueva del Viento, a volcanic cave that formed over 27,000 years ago after the Pico Viejo eruption. The Drago Milenario, an over 800-year-old dragon tree, is another must-see.

Cueva del Viento, travel guide to tenerife

Grab some lunch in Icod de los Vinos, then head to Garachico , which is just 15 minutes away and offers awesome sites like El Caletón , one of the best natural pools in Tenerife . If you have the time, visit the Punta de Teno Lighthouse in Teno Rural Park , where you can witness a magnificent sunset. Otherwise, go directly to Masca and rest up for the final day of your Tenerife holiday . We stayed at Sweet Home Masca .

On the last day of your trip to Tenerife , get to know Masca, perhaps by hiking the Masca Gorge . Keep in mind that this activity takes up the whole day, so you may prefer to visit the town of Masca and Los Gigantes. Here, you can marvel at the impressive cliffs and take one of the best whale and dolphin tours in Tenerife , like this one .

Dolphins in Los Gigantes, holiday in tenerife cheap

Then, take advantage of your last afternoon in Tenerife to explore Playa de Las Américas and its vibrant atmosphere. You’ll find shops, restaurants, clubs, and resorts here, like the Sir Anthony hotel, one of the most luxurious hotels in Tenerife . Some other great options include the Olé Tropical Tenerife , an all-inclusive hotel in Tenerife South ; and Catalonia Oro Negro , one of the best cheap hotels in Tenerife .

Travel route through Tenerife 5-day itinerary

With a 5-day holiday in Tenerife , you can see even more. Start in the capital city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife to visit points of interest like the Castle of San Cristóbal, Our Lady of Africa Market, and Plaza de España. You can also stop by Las Teresitas Beach, one of the best beaches in Tenerife that’s just 15 minutes from the city.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, budget travel holidays to tenerife

To make the most of your time in the capital, I recommend spending the night here. The Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey is one of the best 5-star hotels in Tenerife , but we enjoyed staying at the Silken Atlántida Santa Cruz . And if you’re on a budget, the Hotel Príncipe Paz is a cheap hotel in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

During your second day of traveling in Tenerife , you can visit San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Here, you can’t miss the top attractions in La Laguna , like the Plaza del Adelantado, the convent of Santa Catalina de Siena, the Palacio de Nava, and the Casa de la Alhóndiga.

San Cristobal de La Laguna, tenerife tourist map

You can also spend the day walking through the beautiful laurel forests of Anaga Rural Park . If you have time, check out Benijo Beach, a gorgeous wild beach that’s just a 30-minute drive from Anaga. To end the night, get some rest at the same hotel you stayed at in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

I recommend using your third day in Tenerife to explore Mount Teide, the island’s crown jewel. There are many ways to climb Mount Teide , but most tourists in Tenerife ride the cable car to La Rambleta. From here, it’s a short walk to the summit, but you must request a permit in advance. If you don’t have the permit, you can still ride the cable car to La Rambleta, but you’ll only have access to the Mirador de la Fortaleza and the Mirador del Pico Viejo viewpoints.

Teide cable car, best time to visit tenerife

After visiting Mount Teide, you can travel to Puerto de la Cruz, where I recommend spending the night. There are beautiful hotels in Puerto de la Cruz , such as the Hotel Best Semiramis and the Hotel Las Águilas , which is where we stayed. Alternatively, the Hotel Puerto Palace is one of the best cheap hotels in Tenerife .

If you spent the night in Puerto de la Cruz , you can start day 4 by exploring its main attractions, such as Plaza del Charco and the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia.

Later, consider visiting La Orotava , which is just a 15-minute drive away. Take a walk among the various tourist sites like the Casa de los Balcones, Plaza de la Constitución, or the Gardens of the Marquesado de la Quinta Roja. I suggest making your visit here quick since you’ll also want to stop by Icod de los Vinos , home to the famous Drago Milenario, a must-see during your trip to Tenerife .

Drago Milenario, tenerife travel advice

Depending on how much time you have, you can go to Garachico and enjoy a swim in El Caletón, or check out the Punta de Teno Lighthouse in Teno Rural Park , which boasts the most beautiful sunsets on the island. To wind down, spend the night at the Hotel LIVVO La Quinta Roja in Garachico.

For the last day of your vacation in Tenerife , I recommend visiting the Punta de Teno Lighthouse if you weren’t able to go the day before. Then, travel to Masca, where you can hike one of the best trails in Tenerife , the Barranco de Masca . Of course, this will take the whole day, so if you want another option, just visit the Caserío de Masca, followed by the Los Gigantes Cliffs. This is where some of the best whale and dolphin-watching tours in Tenerife depart, like this one that we took.

Barranco de Masca, holiday in tenerife weather

If your plane home departs this same day, head straight to the airport after your tour. However, if you have time, check out Playa de Las Américas , a lively area with all kinds of entertainment. It’s a good place to spend the night, either at the Sir Anthony hotel, one of the most luxurious hotels in Tenerife ; the Olé Tropical Tenerife , one of the top all-inclusive hotels in Tenerife South ; or Catalonia Oro Negro , one of the cheapest hotels in Tenerife .

Travel route through Tenerife 3-day itinerary

You can start the first day of your 3-day Tenerife trip by getting to know San Cristóbal de la Laguna , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, take a tour through Anaga Rural Park , a declared Biosphere Reserve not far from town.

Hiking in Tenerife, tourist information tenerife

Ideally, you’ll end your day in Santa Cruz de Tenerife , the island’s capital city. If you have time after visiting Anaga Rural Park, I recommend stopping by Las Teresitas Beach, one of Tenerife’s best beaches .

I suggest spending the night in a hotel in Santa Cruz de Tenerife . For example, the Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey , is considered one of the best 5-star hotels in Tenerife , while the Silken Atlántida Santa Cruz is one of the few spa hotels in Tenerife . If you’re on a budget, the Hotel Príncipe Paz is a wonderful cheap hotel in northern Tenerife.

For day two of your holiday in Tenerife , spend some time exploring Mount Teide, a must-see on the island. There are different ways to climb Mount Teide , although the most common way is to ride the cable car to La Rambleta. From there, you can reach the summit on foot as long as you’ve requested this permit in advance. Also, from La Rambleta, you can access the Mirador de la Fortaleza and the Mirador del Pico Viejo, two beautiful viewpoints that don’t require a permit.

Mount Teide, travel guide tenerife

Then, spend the night in one of the top-rated hotels in Los Gigantes , like the Royal Sun Resort , one of the most romantic hotels in Tenerife . Alternatively, the Ona el Marqués is a great apartment in Los Gigantes , while the Aparthotel Los Dragos del Sur is a good option if you’re looking for a cheap hotel in Tenerife South.

For the last day of your Tenerife vacation , take the opportunity to visit some of the most iconic attractions in the south. I recommend starting with a whale and dolphin-watching tour in Tenerife , such as this one . You can also take advantage of the morning hours to visit the imposing Los Gigantes Cliffs by taking one of the excursions that departs from the port.

Dolphins in Los Gigantes, tenerife spain holidays

Afterward, I suggest going to the town of Masca, a declared Asset of Cultural Interest that’s famous for being the starting point of the Masca Gorge route. Next, go to Garachico and take a swim in El Caletón, or visit Icod de los Vinos , home to the Drago Milenario. Another interesting town is La Orotava , a village full of tradition and colonial history.

To end the day, you can stop by Puerto de la Cruz , which is considered the second most important city after Santa Cruz de Tenerife. I recommend spending the night at the H10 Tenerife Playa , one of the best hotels in Puerto de la Cruz . It’s also worth checking out Hotel Marte , one of Tenerife’s best hotels , or the FERGUS Puerto de la Cruz , an all-inclusive hotel in Tenerife .

4. How to have a cheap holiday in Tenerife

Don’t worry if you’re on a tight budget; you can still take a cheap trip to Tenerife while enjoying its most popular sites and attractions.

To plan your cheap holiday to Tenerife , the first thing you should do is decide when to travel. Avoid peak tourist season (summer and winter) since prices will be the highest. I recommend planning your trip for spring or autumn so you can save more money on hotels, food, and activities. Besides, this time of year has fewer crowds, so you’ll be able to enjoy the beach and other outdoor attractions in addition to pleasant temperatures.

I also suggest looking for the best deals for Tenerife , starting from your home country. You can find cheap flights to Tenerife on Kiwi and Skyscanner , which search hundreds of airlines to get you the lowest prices. They’ll even tell you the cheapest dates to fly.

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5% OFF your travel insurance

One of the biggest expenses for your trip to Tenerife will be accommodation, so consider staying in one of the best cheap hotels in Tenerife to cut costs. After all, if you’re not going to use a hotel’s gym, spa, or other facilities, it’s not worth paying extra for a room at one of those resorts.

Finally, if you plan to rent a car in Tenerife , make sure you choose the right rental car company. I recommend arranging your rental ahead of time to save money and time. We always use DiscoverCars to find cheap rental vehicles since the website scours all the different companies in the area to find the best deals. Hold off on getting extras like insurance since the rates are usually higher online. Instead, wait until you pick up the vehicle in person, so you get the cheapest price.

Best Tenerife holiday packages

Another way to save money on your Tenerife holiday is by booking a vacation package that includes your activities, accommodation, and transportation. Of course, you’ll still have to book and pay for your flight to the island. Here are some of the best deals on holiday packages in Tenerife :

  • This 6-day hiking tour includes an expert guide who will take you around Puerto de la Cruz, through Anaga Rural Park and Teno Rural Park, to La Orotava and Teide National Park, and the beaches of Costa Adeje.
  • This self-guided 8-day tour is perfect for experienced hikers who want to explore on their own. It goes to Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Icod de los Vinos, Santiago del Teide, Masca, and Candelaria.
  • This is another 8-day holiday package , but it’s fully guided. You’ll make stops at Teide National Park, the Teno Mountains, the laurel forests of Anaga, Santiago del Teide, and Masca. You’ll also enjoy scenic hikes through Canarian pine forests and volcanic routes. Tour guides and flights are included.

Each of these tour packages includes your accommodation, meals, and transportation, so if you’re looking for the best deals on your Tenerife trip , be sure to book one of these in advance .

5. Where to stay while traveling in Tenerife

There are many places to stay in Tenerife , so you won’t have any trouble finding a hotel that suits your budget and needs. Below, you’ll find some of the top-rated hotels on Tenerife :

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1. Hotel Príncipe Paz

The best hotel in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

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2. H10 Tenerife Playa

The best hotel in Puerto de la Cruz

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3. Hollywood Mirage

The best hotel in Los Cristianos

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4. Iberostar Selection Sábila

The best hotel in Costa Adeje

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5. Catalonia Oro Negro

The best hotel in Playa de Las Américas

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6. Royal Sun Resort

The best hotel in Los Gigantes

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7. Kn Hotel Arenas del Mar

The best hotel in El Médano

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8. Hotel Spa Villalba

The best hotel in Vilaflor

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9. Hotel LIVVO La Quinta Roja

The best hotel in Garachico

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10. Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide

The best hotel for visiting Mount Teide

Depending on your preferences, one type of accommodation may suit you better. The best thing about traveling to Tenerife is that it offers a wide variety of hotels, villas, apartments, and more, so you’ll have no trouble finding a place to stay:

  • Apartments in Tenerife
  • All-inclusive hotels in Tenerife
  • 5-Star hotels in Tenerife
  • Villas in Tenerife
  • Luxury hotels in Tenerife
  • Camping in Tenerife

You can also choose your accommodation based on where you’ll be traveling in Tenerife . For example, if you plan on exploring different hiking trails and learning about Canarian history and culture, you’ll want to stay in the north. On the other hand, if you’d like to enjoy the beach, practice watersports, or go shopping or partying in town, stay in the south.

Best areas to stay in Tenerife North

Hotels in santa cruz de tenerife, hotels in puerto de la cruz, hotels in garachico, hotels in costa adeje, best areas to stay in tenerife south, hotels in las américas, hotels in los cristianos, hotels in el médano, hotels in los gigantes.

  • Rental cars
  • Campervan rentals
  • Public transportation

If you’re not sure how to get around while traveling in Tenerife , be aware that you have several options. The most convenient and practical way to visit different parts of the island is by renting a vehicle through DiscoverCars . We always go through this website because it has the cheapest prices, but if you don’t want to drive, there are other ways to get around .

Rental cars in Tenerife

Again, the most comfortable and practical way to visit Tenerife ’s different attractions is by renting a car in Tenerife . I recommend going through DiscoverCars , a platform that looks through all the available rental companies in the region to find the best deals. You can reserve your vehicle before leaving for your trip so it’s ready for pick-up at the airport when you land in Tenerife.

Tenerife rental car, holiday in tenerife weather

If you’re using DiscoverCars, I recommend declining the extras (with the exception of insurance) and instead purchasing them when you pick up the vehicle in person. This way, it’ll be a lot cheaper.

Overall, if you have no problem driving around to explore Tenerife , this is the best option. The roads on the island are in good condition and well-marked, with the only exception being the road to Teno Rural Park . This road has limited access to protect the surrounding environment, although it’s not usually closed to traffic. In more urban areas, there is more traffic, but travel times are quite good .

Campervan rentals in Tenerife

If you prefer having your mode of transportation combined with your accommodation, you can rent a campervan in Tenerife . This is the best way to enjoy your trip to Tenerife in total freedom, as you can drive around and stop at your leisure. We like renting our campervans through Motorhome Republic or Yescapa , as they offer a wide range of vehicles.

Camping in Tenerife, travel guide tenerife

Keep in mind that free camping in Tenerife is not permitted, but there are authorized areas where you can camp in Tenerife . While you can park your campervan in urban and non-urban areas, you cannot take up more space than what the closed RV or campervan occupies .

Tours in Tenerife, the best way to get around Tenerife without a car

Don’t want to drive? No problem. You can tour Tenerife in its entirety by booking some of the best excursions in Tenerife . Even if you don’t have your own vehicle on the island, you can still see its most popular attractions and beautiful landscapes, as there are tours that depart from the main towns in Tenerife North and South. If you want to make things super easy, I recommend staying at the H10 Tenerife Playa , where you’ll be close to the departure point for many excursions in Puerto de la Cruz .

Punta de Teno Lighthouse, cheap trip to tenerife

If you’re short on time but still want to see all the main points of interest, you can book this tour , which starts in the south and travel around Tenerife , passing through Candelaria, San Cristóbal de la Laguna, La Orotava, Garachico, Masca, and more. There is also this option if you prefer starting in the north. And, of course, a tour of Mount Teide is a must-do while you’re visiting Tenerife !

Make sure that you book your spot for these tours in advance, especially if you’re traveling to Tenerife during peak season.

One of the main advantages of booking an excursion is that it includes your tour guide, transportation, and admission fees, if applicable. For those who prefer touring Tenerife ’s attractions on their own, there is also the option to book a private transfer .

Public transportation, a cheap way to get around Tenerife

To plan a cheap trip to Tenerife , you may also consider using the island’s public transportation system, which connects all the main towns and cities.

Public transportation, when to travel to tenerife

The Canarian buses, or guaguas , are managed by TITSA and make up over 200 bus lines around the island. The buses typically run on schedule and have affordable fares, so you can reach practically any point on the island for very little money.

The only thing to keep in mind is that the buses are designed for locals, not tourists on Tenerife , so it may take considerably longer for you to get to your destination. In general, it’s a slower way to get around, and there are some remote places that you won’t be able to reach by bus .

7. Where to eat while traveling in Tenerife

This Tenerife travel guide wouldn’t be complete without an overview of the island’s best restaurants. I recommend avoiding the more touristy places, as they tend to have higher prices and lower-quality food. Rather, I suggest visiting a guachinche , where you can taste some authentic Canarian cuisine .

One of our favorite guachinches is Casa Edu in Los Gigantes, which serves a wide variety of dishes. I highly recommend ordering the papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes), chicken soup, and sirloin steak, but if you can’t decide, ask for a sampler plate so you can try some different dishes.

There are other delicious restaurants in Tenerife , including Etereo by Pedro Nel in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Restaurante Familiar in El Médano. While traveling in Tenerife , you must also go to Casa Mediterránea , one of the best restaurants in Puerto de la Cruz .

Best restaurants in Tenerife

Best restaurants in puerto de la cruz, 8. travel budget for a tenerife holiday.

Calculating the price for a holiday in Tenerife can be a bit complicated since it depends on many factors, such as the type of accommodation you choose, where you eat, what activities you do, and how you get around the island.

You can get a better idea of the cost to visit Tenerife in this price breakdown:

You will find many places to stay in Tenerife at a wide range of price points, but to give you an idea, this is what a double room in Tenerife would cost:

  • Hotel Taburiente S.C. Tenerife , in Santa Cruz de Tenerife: From €80/night
  • Sol Arona Tenerife , in Los Cristianos: From €80/night
  • Los Amigos Hostel Tenerife , in El Médano: From €60/night

For more options, check out our guide on the best cheap hotels in Tenerife .

  • H10 Tenerife Playa , in Puerto de la Cruz: From €90/night
  • Royal Sun Resort , in Los Gigantes: From €100/night
  • Dreams Jardín Tropical Resort & Spa , in Costa Adeje: From €150/night

You can look at our article on the best hotels in Tenerife for more options.

  • Hotel Botánico y Oriental Spa Garden , in Puerto de la Cruz: From €210/night
  • Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora Resort & Spa , in Guía de Isora: From €215/night
  • Hotel Sir Anthony , in Playa de Las Américas: From €320/night

For more information and other accommodation options, read our guide to luxury hotels in Tenerife .

Another option, if you want to be surrounded by the great outdoors, is to stay at one of the campsites in Tenerife . You can stay in any of the designated camping areas free of charge by requesting a permit on this website , or you can book a spot at a paid campground from €20/night.

During your vacation in Tenerife, you won’t have any problem finding places to eat. Some restaurants specialize in typical Canarian food or tapas, while others serve grilled meats, the catch of the day, and even vegetarian or vegan dishes. Best of all, many of the top restaurants in Tenerife offer amazing food at affordable prices:

  • Breakfast : €3 – €10/person
  • Lunch : €10 – €30/person
  • Dinner : €10 – €30/person
  • Total : €23 – €70/person per day

You can also stay at an all-inclusive hotel in Tenerife and enjoy unlimited food and drinks for a flat, fixed rate.

There are so many things to do in Tenerife , and some of them are free. Depending on what you want to see, you’ll spend more or less of your budget on attractions. To give you a better idea, here are the ticket prices for some of the most popular tourist attractions in Tenerife :

  • Museum of Nature and Archaeology , in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (free)
  • Municipal Museum of Fine Arts , in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (free)
  • Casa del Carnaval , in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (free)
  • Palmetum , in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (€6)
  • Cueva del Viento , in Icod de los Vinos (€20)
  • Drago Milenario , in Icod de los Vinos (€5)
  • Teide cable car (from €40)
  • Castle of San Felipe , in Puerto de la Cruz (free)
  • Botanical Garden , in Puerto de la Cruz (€3)
  • Anaga Rural Park (free)
  • Masca Gorge (free)
  • Teno Rural Park (free)
  • El Caletón , in Garachico  (free)
  • Casa de los Balcones , in La Orotava (€6)
  • Barranco del Infierno (€11)
  • Pyramids of Güímar (from €12.50)
  • Siam Park (€42)
  • Cueva de Hermano Pedro , in El Médano (free)
  • Lunar landscape of Vilaflor de Chasna (free)
  • Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria , in Candelaria (free)

These are the best excursions in Tenerife , so be sure to read our guide for more information about each one:

  • Excursion to Teide with cable car ticket and permit to access the summit (€128)
  • Whale and dolphin-watching tour  (€27)
  • Hiking through Anaga Rural Park  (€17)
  • Excursion to the Masca Gorge  (€35)
  • Boat trip through Punta de Teno (€30)
  • Kayak tour through Punta de Teno (€30)
  • Guided hike through the Barranco del Infierno (€98)
  • Snorkeling with turtles (€38)
  • Stargazing at Teide National Park  (€55)
  • Tour of the island from the north  (€49.50)
  • Tour of the island from the south  (€49.50)
  • Day trip to La Gomera (€95)

There are all kinds of ways to travel around Tenerife , but you’ll enjoy the most freedom and convenience if you rent a car in Tenerife . Rental vehicles start at around €35 per day through DiscoverCars , although the price may vary depending on the model, the duration of your trip, and any extras you purchase.

Besides renting a car, there are other ways to get around during your Tenerife trip :

  • Public transportation – Tourist card  (€10/day)
  • Taxi   (€3 + €1/mile)
  • Private transfer (from €47)

Another option is to rent a campervan in Tenerife , which will allow you to move around the island freely while also having a place to sleep. I recommend these two options:

  • Motorhome Republic (from €104/day)
  • Yescapa (from €75/day)

Below, you’ll see the average total cost for two adults traveling to Tenerife for 4 days and 3 nights. Keep in mind the total price will vary depending on where you stay, eat, and visit:

  • 3 nights at Sol Arona Tenerife : €240
  • Food : €50 x 2 people x 4 days = €400
  • Tourist attractions (Casa del Carnaval, Palmetum, Cueva del Viento, Drago Milenario, Botanical Garden, Anaga Rural Park, El Caletón, Casa de los Balcones, and Barranco del Infierno): €51 x 2 people = €102
  • Excursions (Guided hike to Mount Teide, whale and dolphin-watching tours, and kayaking excursion): €185 x 2 people = €370
  • Transportation (Rental car + gas): €200
  • Total : €1,312 for a 4-day/3-night trip for 2 people (€656 per person)

Remember, you can make your holiday in Tenerife cheaper by visiting free attractions or staying in budget-friendly hotels. Also, if you have more people joining you for your Tenerife trip , you can share some travel expenses like accommodation and transportation, which can also lower the total price.

Planning a cheap holiday to Tenerife

  • Decide when to travel to Tenerife , keeping in mind that prices are usually lower in the spring and autumn. If you travel during these months, you can find cheap flights to Tenerife .
  • Only visit the Tenerife attractions and tourist sites you’re interested in . You’ll enjoy your holiday a lot more, and you’ll save money.
  • Take advantage of free attractions and tourist sites in Tenerife .
  • Save money by booking a room at one of the cheap hotels in Tenerife , and avoid staying in resorts with fancy facilities or services you won’t use.
  • Take advantage of these travel discounts to make your trip to Tenerife cheaper .
  • Get a no-foreign transaction fee credit card to get the best currency exchange rate and save money on withdrawals at foreign ATMs.
  • Just because you’re planning a holiday to Tenerife on a budget , that doesn’t mean you can’t get coverage for unexpected incidents. Get one of the best cheap travel insurance policies to stay protected during your trip.

9. Tips for Tenerife and what to pack

Another thing to consider before traveling to Tenerife is what you should pack. Remember, the holiday weather in Tenerife is quite pleasant year-round, with an average temperature of 77 °F (25 °C) in the summer and 65 °F (18 °C) in the winter. So, you can visit the beaches here any time of year!

That said, there are up to 25 microclimates on the island, which means that depending on which areas you’re going to visit, you may need a certain type of clothing. Keeping this in mind, here is what I recommend bringing along for your Tenerife trip :

  • Swimsuit, towel, flip flops, and sunscreen for days at the beach
  • Water shoes for visiting the natural pools in Tenerife
  • Summer/spring clothing and comfortable walking shoes
  • Warm layers and mountain boots for climbing Mount Teide and doing other  hikes in Tenerife

Passenger in airport terminal, vacation in tenerife

Tips for Tenerife and what to pack

Other things you may want to bring along for your Tenerife trip include:

  • Your camera and an extra memory card
  • Portable battery or power bank  (I have this one and it works great)
  • Chargers for electronic devices you travel with
  • Cash and credit card for the rental car deposit (check out the best credit cards for travel )

Documentation for traveling to Tenerife, Spain

Before  traveling to Tenerife , you must make sure you have the necessary documentation.

First, you’ll need the basics, such as a photo ID and your passport. I also recommend checking iVisa to see if you need a certain Visa, like a Schengen Visa , or some other type of documentation. Be aware that in 2025, the visa requirements are changing, and the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will require all travelers to apply for authorization before traveling to Europe or passing through Europe to other destinations. You can check here for more info.

Moreover, if you plan on renting a car in Tenerife , make sure you have a valid driver’s license. It’s also a good idea to keep digital copies of your boarding passes and reservations for tours and hotels on your phone. If you have Heymondo travel insurance, you can even access your policy information on your phone thanks to the company’s 24/7 app.

Travel insurance for Tenerife

Anytime we fly or travel in general, we get travel insurance. No matter how short your  trip to Tenerife is, you’ll want to be covered in case anything goes wrong. We’ve been using  Heymondo for the past 5 years and consider it to be one of the  best travel insurance companies on the market.

We have a complete guide on  Heymondo insurance , but I’ll tell you here that it stands out for its great value. In addition to excellent coverage for travel and medical-related expenses, Heymondo pays your medical bills upfront, so you don’t have to pay out of pocket and file a claim. Plus, you’ll have a $0 deductible and access to the 24/7 travel assistance app.

With Heymondo, you can enjoy your holiday in Tenerife worry-free, knowing you’re covered by one of the top-rated insurance companies . Don’t forget to take advantage of our  Heymondo discount code to save even more on your policy.

Internet for traveling in Tenerife

To make sure you stay connected and have  Internet while traveling  through Tenerife, I recommend getting a  SIM card for Europe . This way, you can easily look up directions, find reviews for restaurants or Tenerife tourist sites , or book a last-minute accommodation.

We always use the  Holafly eSIM , which has unlimited data and great coverage, so you can use it practically anywhere during your  Tenerife trip . It’s a digital SIM, so you can buy it before or during your trip. Plus, the eSIM is available for durations of 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, and 90 days, so you can find one that fits your  Tenerife holiday .

Getting a travel SIM card will help you avoid roaming fees and a huge phone bill when you return home. Plus, you can save even more by using our  Holafly discount code . Of course, you should check your device’s compatibility with the digital SIM here . If it’s not compatible, or you prefer a physical SIM card, I recommend getting one from SimOptions .

Holafly logo

5% OFF your international eSIM card

Best credit cards for traveling to Tenerife

If you’re an avid traveler, consider getting a  credit card for travel . These cards earn points or miles for things like dining out, shopping for groceries, and booking hotels. Over time, those points add up, and you can redeem them for airline credits toward your dream destination, perhaps a  trip to Tenerife !

Take advantage of your everyday purchases by using your travel credit card and enjoy benefits like cash back, airport lounge access, and exclusive offers for choice hotels. There are lots of cards on the market, so I recommend reading through our guide to find the best options for you.

10. Download a Tenerife tourist map

I recommend having our Tenerife tourist maps on hand so you can plan your Tenerife travel itinerary . You’ll be able to easily locate all the attractions you want to see in Tenerife North and South, as well as restaurants and accommodations.

We have several useful maps in our complete guide, including maps of Tenerife’s best beaches and trail maps.

Other tips for a Tenerife holiday

Now that you have all the necessary information for your Tenerife travel adventure, I want to give you some tips that will make your vacation even more enjoyable:

  • It’s difficult to see all the tourist attractions in Tenerife, so focus on visiting those that really excite you and pique your interest .
  • Take advantage of the places where admission is free to learn more about the history, traditions, and culture of Tenerife .
  • Temperatures are pleasant all year round, but the best time to travel to Tenerife is during spring and autumn when the weather is suitable for all activities, and there are fewer crowds.
  • Regardless of when you travel to Tenerife , you should bring warm clothing to wear in mountainous areas, where temps are lower .
  • Always wear sunscreen, even if it’s winter !
  • Plan your trip in advance and book flights, accommodations, rental cars, and activities beforehand. This way, you’ll have more options to choose from, as well as lower prices.
  • Tenerife has two airports , but you can get from one end of the island to the other without too much hassle, even without your own car. You can get around by bus (find fares and schedules on the TITSA website).
  • Always drink bottled water to avoid stomach problems.
  • Tenerife is safe , but you should always be cautious and use common sense. Remember to keep a close eye on your personal belongings and valuables , and don’t leave your bags in the car. We have several friends who had their cars broken into, and they lost all their stuff.

If you follow these tips, I’m sure that planning your trip to Tenerife will be much easier and you’ll be able to enjoy your vacation to the fullest. Taking into account everything mentioned in this guide, you can make the most of your holiday in Tenerife, Spain , and take advantage of all that this island has to offer.

Visit other Canary Islands from Tenerife

If you’re going to be in Tenerife for several days and you want to take advantage of your trip to visit other Canary Islands, I recommend taking a ferry . This is the most practical option, and you can even bring your rental car on board. There are ferries from Tenerife connecting to La Gomera, La Palma, Gran Canaria, El Hierro, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura. You can also hire a boat in Tenerife with or without a skipper to explore the Canary Islands.

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Best things to do in La Gomera

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Best things to do in La Palma

tenerife travel now

Best things to do in Gran Canaria

tenerife travel now

Best things to do in El Hierro

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Best things to do in Lanzarote

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Best things to do in Fuerteventura

Another option is to book an organized tour to travel from Tenerife to other islands. These excursions are convenient because they include your transportation, tour guide, and any admission tickets to the sites. Below, you can find more information about these guided excursions from Tenerife to other Canary Islands:

  • La Gomera from Tenerife
  • La Palma from Tenerife

FAQs - Traveling to Tenerife

To wrap up, here are the answers to some common questions about traveling to Tenerife :

Where is Tenerife?

The island of Tenerife is in the Atlantic Ocean, off the northwestern coast of Africa.

What is the official language of Tenerife?

The official language of Tenerife is Spanish.

What currency do they use in Tenerife?

Tenerife uses the euro.

Is it better to travel to Tenerife North or Tenerife South?

It depends on what you want to see and do. In Tenerife North, you’ll find charming towns like Santa Cruz de Tenerife , Puerto de la Cruz , La Orotava , and Garachico ; lovely natural sites like Anaga Rural Park ; and popular beaches, such as Las Teresitas. The north is the perfect region to learn about the history and culture of Tenerife .

On the other hand, Tenerife South is full of white sand beaches, ample watersports and activities, and beautiful villages like Vilaflor de Chasna and El Médano . The south also has incredible natural landscapes like the Masca Gorge , plus a vibrant nightlife scene with clubs, restaurants, and entertainment.

So, if you’re looking to explore Tenerife ’s traditions and historical areas, the north may be your best option. If you’d rather spend time on the beach, doing water activities, and partying, the south is a better fit for you.

When is the best time to visit Tenerife?

The best time to travel to Tenerife is in the spring and autumn since the weather will be nice enough for any activity, plus there will be fewer tourists.

What’s the weather like in Tenerife?

You don’t have to worry too much about the weather in Tenerife during your holiday since temperatures are quite stable and mild year-round. The average temp in summer is 77 °F (25 °C), while in winter it’s 65 °F (18 °C).

How easy is it to get around Tenerife?

It’s pretty easy to travel around Tenerife since all the towns are connected by the Canarian buses, or guaguas . You can check the bus lines and schedules on the TITSA website.

The most comfortable and practical way to get around the island is by rental vehicle, which you can find through DiscoverCars . You could also book a private transfer or take some excursions around Tenerife .

Do you need a car to visit Tenerife?

If you want to explore Tenerife in total freedom and reach the most remote places on the island, then you’ll need a rental car. If you plan on staying in town and the nearby surrounding areas, you can get by without a vehicle.

How many airports are in Tenerife?

Tenerife has two airports: the Tenerife North (Los Rodeos – Tenerife Norte) Airport and the Tenerife South (Aeropuerto Tenerife Sur – Reina Sofía) Airport.

How much does a holiday in Tenerife cost?

The cost of a holiday in Tenerife varies depending on the type of accommodation, the number of tours and activities, rental cars, and other factors. In general, the average price is usually €500-700 per person for a 4-day/3-night trip.

How easy is it to travel from Tenerife to other Canary Islands?

The easiest and most comfortable way to travel from Tenerife to other islands is by taking the ferry. You can find ferry schedules and fares on the DirectFerries website. Another option is to go by plane, but this is less practical. If you want to fly, I recommend finding flights on Kiwi .

What is the culture in Tenerife like?

Tenerife has a long history, dating back to the Guanches, aboriginal Berbers of African origin. The Spanish conquest brought more traditions to the island, including a rich gastronomy, which is most represented in dishes like ropa vieja (a type of beef stew) and papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes). Tenerife is also known for its famous festivities, most notably the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Corpus Christi in La Orotava.

Is Tenerife safe to visit?

Yes, traveling to Tenerife is totally safe . Of course, you should be careful and keep an eye on your personal belongings and valuables.

What documents do you need to visit Tenerife?

For your trip to Tenerife , you’ll need a valid passport, copies of your boarding pass and reservations (hotels, tours, etc.). I recommend checking iVisa to see exactly what you’ll need, especially since visa requirements are changing in 2024.

Is Tenerife expensive?

Tenerife is not expensive, especially compared to other travel destinations in Europe.

If you have any other questions about traveling to Tenerife , or you’d like to share your experience and tips, feel free to leave me a comment below. I’d be happy to hear from you!

Enjoy your holiday in Tenerife !

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  • Gran Canaria
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  • Tenerife - Best Places to stay
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Your vacation guide to Tenerife in the Canary Islands

Lori Zaino

The largest and most populous of all the Canary Islands , Tenerife has no shortage of beautiful beaches, charming villages, epic hiking spots and family-friendly activities.

And if you think it's simply too far-flung and getting there would take forever, United's new service starting Thursday, June 9, 2022, is changing that with a brand-new nonstop flight between Newark (EWR) and Tenerife South (TFS).

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Anytime is a good time to visit Tenerife, thanks to year-round sunshine, warm temperatures and no rainy season. Whether you're hoping to wine taste and explore on your honeymoon, visit water parks and hike volcanoes with your family or simply have a getaway filled with sunshine and cocktails with friends, Tenerife is the island for you.

This guide will help you curate your trip in full, from tips on getting there and where to stay to advice on what to do, see and eat during your Canary Islands vacation .

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Not quite sure if Tenerife is the right island for your visit? Check out these guides, which may help you choose another island more apt for your vacation:

  • How to know which Canary Island is right for you
  • Which Canary Island is best for your socially distanced vacation?

Getting there and around the Canary Islands

Tenerife is home to not one but two international airports. There's Tenerife Norte (TFN) and Tenerife Sur (TFS). As each of their names suggests, Norte is in the north of the island in the capital of Santa Cruz. The Sur airport is near the southern tip of the island, closer to popular resort areas such as Los Cristianos, Playa de las Americas and the Costa Adeje.

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As previously mentioned, United Airlines unveiled a new route from Newark, New Jersey, to Tenerife Sur three times a week. The route launches on June 9.

This is the easiest and fastest way to reach Tenerife, which is closer to Africa than Europe. Or, you can always take advantage of Iberia's award chart sweet spots, flying business class starting at 34,000 Avios one-way from a U.S. hub like Chicago (ORD) or New York (JFK) to Madrid, then hop over to Tenerife North (TFN) or Tenerife South (TFS), a flight that takes two-and-a-half to three hours.

You can also combine a visit to Tenerife with another European hub, as many flights operate on both full-fare and low-cost carriers from destinations like Frankfurt, London, Paris, Milan and Amsterdam, among many others. Most visitors coming from European destinations tend to fly into the south airport, which caters more to tourists. However, if you get an amazing deal for the north airport and plan to rent a car, it's about a one-hour drive to some of the more popular resort areas in the south.

Renting a car is essential if you'd like to explore. Public transport on Tenerife is limited to buses that often run on 'island time,' especially on weekends and holidays. Popular car rental companies like Hertz and Avis have a presence at both airports. However, local car rental chains like Plus Car and Orlando tend to be more affordable.

That being said, if you'd prefer to permanently park yourself in a beach lounger at your all-inclusive hotel, you may not need to rent a car. Instead, take a taxi from either airport to your hotel, as there are no ride-hailing programs on the island.

Where to stay

In general, most visitors prefer staying in the south, mainly because the weather is often sunnier and less windy in this area of the island. The west side is also popular for travelers. Looking for all the tourist amenities? Consider areas like Los Cristianos, Playa de las Americas, Los Gigantes and the surrounding Costa Adeje.

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If you're looking to explore Tenerife's wineries, tour the capital of Santa Cruz or hike in Anaga Park, you could consider a base in the north of the island.

Most of the resorts are located in the south and west of the island. For a more local stay, book a home or apartment in the north of the island. Santa Cruz provides all the amenities of an urban oasis, while San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has colorful, vibrant homes reminiscent of the Caribbean and a gorgeous cathedral.

Wine-lovers should consider the rolling hills of Icod de los Vinos. There are rentals in the sunnier south in quieter, less touristy areas such as Las Galletas or surfer enclave El Médano.

Travelers with Marriott points might opt for the Ritz-Carlton Abama (rates start at 40,000 points per night) and the Sheraton La Caleta (rates start at 30,000 points per night). Both of these luxury hotels offer gorgeous views of the sea, with amenities such as saltwater pools and fitness centers.

For a base in the north, the AC Tenerife, which opened in 2021, is an affordable, basic option for Marriott fans (rates start at 25,000 points per night, but it's better to pay cash as rates usually cost well under $100 per night). The hotel features a small rooftop pool and offers a fairly ample breakfast buffet spread, too.

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Another beachfront option is the Hard Rock Tenerife, which boasts a trio of swimming pools and the Rock Spa. The H10 hotel brand has a few hotels throughout the island apt for both families and couples such as the H10 Big Sur and the H10 Costa Adeje.

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Finally, the Melia Palacio de Isora is another luxury option that caters to all types of travelers, with a special floor for adults only called the Red Level and another just for families called the Red Level for Families.

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What to do and see

What's the top activity to do in Tenerife? The beach ! The island is covered with both black sand volcanic beaches, as well as stretches of golden sand. Here are some of the best:

  • For windsurfing, kite surfing and surfing: El Médano.
  • For white sands, shallow waters and all the amenities: Los Cristianos and Las Vistas (walk between them).
  • For white sands in the north: Playa de Las Teresitas.

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  • For windswept black sands: Playa de la Tejita.
  • For a hidden gem: La Pelada.
  • For restaurant and shopping options: Playa del Fanabe.
  • For far-flung, northern black sands: Playa Benijo (spot monolithic sea rocks here!).

Tenerife is perfect for travelers who love adventure. Besides offering all sorts of water sports like diving and snorkeling, kite, wind and regular surfing , paragliding is a popular activity, as is canyoning on Tejina Mountain. You can also explore an ancient lava dome system of craters and caves at Cueva del Viento.

Hiking is another favorite activity in Tenerife. The most famous spot is one of the tallest peaks in Spain, the Teide volcano. There are many paths of varying lengths and difficulties to choose from. For those wanting a more relaxed experience, there's a cable car that takes you almost to the very top.

Note that a trip to the top summit requires a permit, and it's best to buy your cable car tickets well in advance for the beginning of your trip. Make sure to check the day of to confirm the cable car is operating (it often shuts down due to weather conditions), rebooking for later in your trip if it's not.

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Anaga Rural Park is a verdant area to hike. It leads you through twists and turns in varying microclimates past one-of-a-kind mosses and laurel trees, fertile valleys and rocky passes, offering stunning views of the ocean below. Wear layers here — while others may be sunning on the beach, it can be freezing and rainy in areas of this natural park.

Masca is one of Tenerife's most beautiful mountaintop villages . Hike the area, or simply drive through the Macizo de Teno mountains and enjoy the impressive scenery. Certain hikes here offer views of Los Gigantes, towering oceanside cliffs on the island's western side.

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Families will enjoy visiting the Siam Water Park, one of Europe's largest waterparks. Families with older children may also enjoy quad adventures or stargazing experiences. Santa Cruz, the island's capital, is home to the Natural History Museum. The city also features many 15th-century buildings and palm-tree-lined squares ideal for a stroll on a warm, sunny afternoon.

What to eat and drink

Canarias cuisine is hearty and delicious. You'll want to sample papas arrugadas ("wrinkled" potatoes in a delicious, tangy Canarian sauce, Mojo picón), and ropa vieja, a meat dish also popular in Cuba. Of course, you can't go wrong with fresh seafood, either.

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Make sure to dine in some of the most traditional restaurants found in the north of the island , known as guanchinches. These no-frills eateries aren't fancy, featuring simple foods with a limited menu. However, they're the heart and soul of the island's gastronomy.

Traditionally, these restaurants also cultivate their own wine, so make sure to indulge in a glass (or a few). Some of the best ones to try are the colorful Restaurante Bodegón Casa Tomás, famous for its ribs in mojo picón sauce, or Guachinche 3 Dragos (try the fresh cheese or stewed octopus).

Tenerife's volcanic soil is ideal for wine cultivation. Some of the best wineries are in the north of the island, like Bodegas Lomo or Bodegas Monje. The latter offers a gorgeous outdoor patio where you can taste wine while admiring the sunset.

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Bottom line

Tenerife makes for a versatile vacation spot: One where you can either lounge on the beach for days on end, enjoy wine-tasting and waterparks, or explore caves, forests, beaches and beyond.

With mild temperatures and sunshine year-round, plus a new way to arrive nonstop, there's never really a bad time to visit. There's always plenty to do on this affordable island.

One Week in Tenerife: Itinerary for First-time Visitors

This seven-day Tenerife itinerary can help you experience the best of the island in only one week. Tenerife is one of the most popular of the Canary Islands to visit, and for a good reason. What you might not know is that Tenerife is more than a party destination (or one where your family dragged you when you were 10) and offers a surprising mix of beaches, mountains, and forested lands.

Top that off with some delicious and affordable Spanish tapas and you are in for a trip that truly has a little bit of everything for everyone.

To follow this itinerary, it’s best to rent a car – this can be very affordable on Tenerife, with weekly packages as low as 50 EUR. However, Tenerife has a good public transportation system, so much of the trip can also be done by bus.

General tips for visiting Tenerife, Canary Islands

  • Pack clothing for both warm and cool weather. In the Northeast, temperatures frequently dipped to around 5ºC while the Southwest was receiving 25ºC weather.
  • Bring hiking boots! Tenerife is a hiker’s paradise, you can get information of trails that take anywhere from 45 minutes to 8 hours.
  • Check RyanAir for cheap flights. Our flights were roughly 175 EUR each, round trip, from Berlin to Tenerife. Although the flight is roughly five hours long, we found it very afforable. But you have to shop in advance and avoid national holidays to keep the prices low.
  • Renting a car is very, very affordable. Weekly car rentals can go for as little as 50 EUR, perhaps even lower in the off season. Just be mindful that trying to extend your car by just one day can easily double the total cost of the car, so be sure to rent it as long as you’ll use it up front. We always book with Discover Cars for our trips and have had zero issues.
  • Mondays are often when things are closed. Be extra sure to check that the place you want to visit is open on Mondays!

Top things to do in Tenerife

Before going into the Tenerife itinerary, you’ll probably want to check out a couple of activites that can (or should) be booked in advance. Especially as on Tenerife, chances are you’ll be deciding where to stay based on the activites you choose.

Here are some of my favorite things to do on Tenerife during a week-long trip:

El Teide

A 7-day itinerary for Tenerife

Duration 7 days Dates visited April 3-10 Where to stay in Tenerife We booked all our Tenerife accommodation on Booking.com and found it had really great prices. The most expensive place we stayed was Los Cristianos. We also stayed at one Airbnb, which was great but it didn’t have heating and it turns out that’s important in the Tenerife mountains! 😂 Click here to check current availability of Tenerife accommodation on Booking.com.

Legend   ♦♦♦ Must visit   ♦♦ Recommended   ♦ If time permits

  • La Laguna, Santa Cruz, Las Teresitas
  • Anaga Nature Park

Puerto de la Cruz

  • La Orotava, Parque del Drago, Garachico
  • Punta de Teno, Masca
  • Los Cristianos

Day 1: The city and beaches of Northeast Tenerife

Today we’re going to start exporing the Northeast of Tenerife, except for the Anaga region (that comes tomorrow!). We’ll see it all: from the urban heart of the island, to one of its most scenic beaches, and finally ending up in our homebase in the north.

Where to stay – I recommend staying in La Laguna while you are in this area. The town is very pretty, with enough to do and enough places to eat that you won’t get bored by staying here for 2 nights. It’s also central enough that you won’t spent too much time in the car (although that’s the case for almost anywhere on the island so long as the road is paved 😉)

Santa Cruz ♦

Would you believe it if I told you that Tenerife is home to more than one million people? It’s hard to imagine when you’re driving around the island that so many people inhabit Tenerife, and perhaps that only place that makes this seem remotely possible is Santa Cruz de Tenerife .

In fact, nearly half of the residents of Tenerife live in this city. For that reason, it shouldn’t be surprising that the city itself is much less charming than the spots coming up on our itinerary.

My honest review is that you can certainly skip Santa Cruz if you are tight on time, or want to spend more time in other places. However, for the sake of being thorough and getting one glimpse into urban life on the island, it’s also hard to go totally wrong 😄

The Auditorio de Tenerife is probably the city’s most recognized landmark. From here you can climb up the stairs for a view over the Atlantic ocean. Nearby, locals sunbathe and swim in an alcove protected from the buffet of the waves. If you’re in the mood for a water park, you can find one a stone’s throw from the Auditorio as well.

Things to do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

  • Walk around the Parque García Sanabria , the largest public park in the Canary Islands. It has most of what you might find in a botanical garden, but for free 😄
  • Enjoy the pedestrian street of Calle del Castillo , which you can easily take from the tourism office on your way to the public park.
  • Visit the Mercado Municipal Nuestra Senora de Africa (municipal market) for a look at how the locals get their fresh fish and produce. Be sure to arrive before it closes daily at 2:00PM. Closed Mondays
  • Learn all about palm trees at the Santa Cruz botanical garden, known as Palmetum . We didn’t have time to visit here (and were kind of burned out after the Parque Garca Sanabria), but this spot comes highly recommended.

Las Teresitas ♦♦♦

A short drive up the coast from Santa Cruz, and you’re on your way to Las Teresitas , perhaps the most recognizable beach on the island. Here you can take off your shoes, grab a mojito, and soak up the sun.

For a beach chair you’ll have to pay 2-3 EUR, but if you brought a beach towel you can occupy any part of the beach you want to. After you’ve had enough of that, you can drive up to this scenic point for a view over the beach. Here you’ll find some abandoned buildings riddled with graffiti and a rock with a dinosaur skull painted on it. Perfect for photos!

PARKING TIP – There is a ton of parking along the full length of the beach. Don’t pull into the first parking lot you find on the far north of the beach – I’m pretty sure the guys running that parking lot are just scammers 😄 You can park for free, closer to the beach by simply following the coast.

La Laguna ♦♦♦

End the day in San Cristobal de la Laguna , a university town that you could mistake for being in Cuba for its traditionally styled balconies and colorful houses.

I mean, just look at this traditional bodega with wine barrels for tables, a bicycle outside, and an original wooden balcony overhead. If you love Spanish colonial architecture, you will find yourself charmed by this city! This is one place where I could’ve spent even longer on an extended trip to Tenerife.

Where to eat in La Laguna

  • Bodegón Tocuyo de la Laguna – Don’t miss out on this traditional tapas bar, where you get what’s jokingly referred to as “Canarian cola” (an old coke bottle filled with house wine) for just a few euros to share with you and someone special. The house tapas are simple, affordable, and fresh and the service is beyond friendly.
  • Restaurante Guaydil – For a taste of traditional Canarian food with good portions and decent prices. The prices look a bit steep, but with the bread you can easily split one full-sized main course between two people. They also offer half-portions. Just get there before 8PM when the locals start to flock!

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Day 2: Meet Tenerife’s rainforest in Anaga

Few people actually think about rainforests when they think of Tenerife. The typical image that comes to mind is a mojito on the beach, but for those who dare to go off the beaten path there is a special place to discover in the most northeast part of Tenerife.

Before Spanish explorers “discovered” Tenerife, the rainforest spanned much more of the island – which had been inhabited by the Gaunches, the indigenous people of Tenerife. Unfortunately, excessive logging and felling of trees led to where we are today where only a precious small area is still in tact.

However, you can still enjoy this beautiful slice of nature through hiking trails and by visiting the mountain villages accessible only by narrow roads with steep drop-offs. Come with a camera and your hiking boots!

Parque Natural de Anaga ♦♦♦

Start your experience in Anaga by stopping at the Centro de Visitantes, Parque Rural Anaga (Visitors Center at Barrio Cruz Carmen). If you have any questions about which hikes will work for you, the people here can give you a map and help you find a suitable trail.

Just a moment’s walk away from the visitor’s center, you’ll find the most accessible trail. It takes just 45 minutes round trip and will land you in the middle of the laurel forest.

Also near the visitors center is this lookout point, where you can see El Teide , Spain’s highest mountain and volcano. We’ll visit later, but for now just be impressed by how huge it is!

Taganana and Benijo ♦♦

In the distance you can see Taganana, as seen from Benijo, a miniscule village on the northern coast of Tenerife.

From here you can hike to other nearby villages over the mountains or – if you’re like me – stop by Restaurante El Mirador for some excellent papas arrugadas (Canarian potatoes) and sangria.

Las Carboneras ♦

There are a lot of other small villages in this area, so in some way it’s up to you to visit the ones you think are interesting and explore! One spot where I would say was rather remote but provided some lovely views is Las Carboneras . I think the picture speaks for itself.

Day 3: Sun, sea, and sangria in Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz is a cute, beachfront city with plenty of space to watch the waves with a sangria in one hand and an ice cream cone in the other. But before going to the beach, don’t miss one of the most famous botanical gardens on the island.

La Orotava Botanical Gardens ♦♦

One thing that is quite confusing about La Orotava Botanical Gardens is that they’re not actually in La Orotava (which is where we’re going tomorrow). But once you’ved understood that, you’re well on your way to visiting a little slice of nature inside one of the larger cities in Tenerife (well, as much as any ‘city’ is ‘large’ in this place!).

Entrance cost is 3 EUR. While the gardens aren’t big, the highlight is worth the cost: massive trees whose roots stem from their branches and anchor themselves in the ground for additional support. This is called “aerial roots” and is rather similar to how orchids survive without proper soil.

Puerto de la Cruz is also where you’ll find Loro Parque , which is essentially a zoo. Before going to you should be aware that they keep whales and dolphins in captivity, so you can decide whether you wish to support this venue.

The city itself of Porto de la Cruz also has a lovely stretch along the sea where you can order a sangria and people watch. As with many towns in Tenerife, you’ll also find a Spanish-style church, wisteria framing entrances to private homes, and plenty of places to dine al fresco .

Casa del Vino de Tenerife ♦

Did you know that the wines of Tenerife were once some of the most sought after in Europe? Even Shakespeare sings the praises of Malmsey Wine in his Richard III , and Alexander von Humboldt remarked that this wine was celebrated for its excellence in his book Personal Narrative of Travels to the Equinoctial Regions of America .

This museum of wine (which also includes a restaurant and tasting room) explains how the volcanic soil and varying locations on the island lend themselves to excellent conditions for growing wine. You can see some of the traditional wine-making equipment and read up on more than thirty varieties of grapes that are grown on the island. Besides the wine-making process, you’ll also learn about the history of wine production on the island and how it’s carried out today with modern tools.

Naturally, you can buy some of the wines you learn about at the accompanying giftshop 😉

Day 4: Historic cities, ancient trees, and waterfront towns

The historic city center of La Orotava is very well preserved, with countless colorful buildings, streets lined with palm trees, and as always – intricate wooden balconies dating back to colonial times. One of the main “attractions” of La Orotava is Casa de los Balcones , House of Balconies.

Casa de los Balcones ♦

To be honest, I’m not sure if this place is a tourist trap or not. It costs 4 EUR to enter, and more if you want an audio guide. Upon entering, you’re almost bombarded with the same souveniers you can get all over the island, leading me to believe it’s probably just mass produced abroad.

That said, the house is lovely and certainly has a beautiful courtyard. You won’t learn much about the traditional culture or history of Tenerife while you’re here, there are still a few nice spots to take photos and enjoy the sounds of the birds.

At least the next spot on our list can be visited for free if you know how to get there!

Parque del Drago ♦

Even though its claim to fame as the oldest tree on Tenerife has been debunked, this beast is still some 500-600 years old and that’s impressive on its own! Drive to the entrance to the park and continue up the street by foot to the town square where you can get a great view of the tree without paying the fee to enter the park.

There’s not a whole lot else in the area, except a few spots to eat, the staple Spanish-style church, and (in our case) a pair of teenagers smoking some reefer. Continue on to Garachico, one of our last stops on the northern coast of Tenerife!

Garachico ♦♦

A few hundred years ago, a volcanic eruption smothered the historically important port town of Garachico . It never quite recovered to its former glory, though a good part of the town you see today is built on land that was extended by lava. Garachico is a nice spot to grab a bite to eat, and if you have a few extra minutes you can give yourself a tour through the Monastery of San Francisco in the town center.

Day 5: Harrowing drives through the coast and mountains

Today we’ll visit the most western point in Tenerife, accessible only by a super curvy road with rather little between you and a sheer cliff that plunges into the sea. This is a great spot for a picnic, if you end up taking the bus and simply spending an hour out here. After that, we’ll see one of Tenerife’s most recommended scenic spots and see if it’s really worth the hype!

Punta de Teno ♦♦

The area of Punta de Teno is particularly volcanic, with a veritable sea of black rocks stretching out into the sea. The beach itself also has black sand, and what we can see in the distance is the northern face of Los Gigantes (literally, “the giants”), a massive rock formation usually observed from the south.

TIP – It’s not always possible to drive yourself to Punta de Teno, as during peak hours (such as weekends) vehicle access is restricted to buses and other authorized vehicles. You can instead take an hourly bus for 1 EUR each way and let a professional do the driving!

Just about any itinerary you go on will suggest that Masca is one of Tenerife’s must-see villages. Masca Valley itself is very impressive, and the drive there is noted for being a bit nerve-wracking but I found it much less harrowing that those we had in Anaga .

Is it worth it? Have a look for yourself and tell me what you think 😉

TIP Until further notice, the three hour hike from Masca to Los Gigantes through the Gorge is completely closed. The trail head is closed off an inaccessible, however there are other hikes in the area should you be on a mission to enjoy the valley more intimately.

The town of Masca itself is, let’s say, underwhelming. A few restaurants, and a few grumpy locals who are tired of their tiny, tiny town being flooded with tourists day in and day out. To fully enjoy Masca, I’m sure it’s best to stay over night but I can’t say from experience (yet!).

Day 6: Beach life in Los Cristianos

Hopefully until this point I’ve been able to show you that Tenerife has a lot more to explore for visitors than beach bars 500 meters away from their all-inclusive resort. Tenerife has gorgeous terrain ranging from laurel forests in Anaga to volcanic cliffs at Punto de Teno and stunning canyons surrounding Masca.

Bearing all of that in mind – there’s no reason to skip the beaches in Tenerife just to make a point. One of reasons people come to Tenerife is because it’s overall very affordable without being too touristy in any one place. After nearly a week of being on the go, a day on the beach in Los Cristianos was the perfect way to regain some energy before a very active final day.

Los Cristianos ♦♦♦

There are a few main “party cities” in the Southwest of Tenerife, and Los Cristianos is without a doubt one of them. You’ll find plenty of English party-goers watching a football match at one of the “familiar” pubs, and honestly there’s no shame in joining them if you just want to relax – you are on vacation after all!

Things to do in Los Cristianos

  • Walk the boardwalk to Playa de las Americas – Get the lay of the land and do some shopping at the same time. From one end to the other this can take 20-30 minutes.
  • Grab a mojito at Las Salinas – These generously-sized mojitos also come with the option of fresh fruit mixed in, and there are also options besides mojitos in case you’ve had too many the previous night 😉
  • Go out for tapas – We really enjoyed Tapas Revolution which also happens to have a view of the sea.
  • Lay on the beach and read a book – Although you’ll need to pony up 3 EUR for a beach chair, you can relax on the beach under a palm tree for free with your own towel.

Los Gigantes

As seen from the other side of Punto de Teno, Los Gigantes is a striking rock face that can be seen from many angles. You can go on a boat ride or go scuba diving in this area, and many places that will hook you are located in Los Cristianos. Otherwise, the beach with access to Los Gigantes, Playa de los Gigantes , is located a bit up the coast is located at Puerto de Santiago .

Unfortunately when we went, this beach was closed until a future date. So the best view we got from this side was from a view point on the way out of the city. Still impressive!

Day 7: El Teide National Park

You’ve probably seen El Teide, Spain’s highest mountain, from a few different vantage points by now. It’s so high, at over 3,700 meters, El Teide can be seen from just about any corner of the island. The area surrounding this mountain is a National Park, offering a number of hiking trails and places where you can get up close and personal with this volcanic giant.

TIP - One of the most recommended things to do in this park is taking the cable car to (nearly) the summit. For us this was closed because of wind – you can always check this in advance on the Volcano Teide website .

El Teide is super popular and in the high months, make sure you grab a cable car fast-track ticket to avoid waiting in line. You can cancel the ticket 24h in advance for a full refund if the weather conditions look like the cable car could be canceled due to wind.

El Teide National Park ♦♦♦

If possible, take the cable car up the mountain for a view over the island. If you get unlucky like me and it’s too windy, you can still go for a hike in the area – simply stop by the visitor’s center for a map and recommendations for a hike that is suitable for your time and physical state.

Perhaps my number one tip here is not to underestimate how intense the sun can be! Even if it’s cooler up here, you can still get a mega sunburn. Like me. And spend the next week looking like a veritable lobster. Enjoy Teide responsibly!

Have you ever been somewhere like Tenerife?

It’s hard to think that there are many other places in the world with all the features of this place, but I’m sure they are out there. Share in the comments where you’ve been and if you would recommend going!

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About the author

Hi there! I'm Monica, an American expat living in Germany for over six years and using every opportunity to explore the world from my homebase in Berlin. My goal is to capture my memories in photos and posts that show how easy it is to start from scratch and travel the world by working abroad.

Follow along on Instagram , Twitter , Bloglovin , & Facebook .

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The Ultimate Tenerife Itinerary for 7 Days

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Autumn is back with a fun, week-long Tenerife itinerary! You may remember she wrote a huge post on how to teach in Spain , and now she’s here with a nice, long guide on the island where she lived for a year. Enjoy!

Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, has long been a favorite of European holiday makers due to its tropical beaches, diverse landscapes, and (in)famous party scene. If you’re making the trip, it can be easy to get swept up into the crush of 5€ mojito tourist traps with all the elderly German tourists you flew down with. However, this island has so much more to offer.

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Tips for Your Tenerife Itinerary

What to pack for tenerife.

Lucky for you, Tenerife has the most ideal weather all year round, so this makes packing pretty easy. You’ll probably want a mix of clothes as you’ll be doing everything from hiking to sunbathing to sightseeing, so pack accordingly. Besides your normal clothe, accessories, and toiletries, I recommend at least the following:

A Daypack or Smaller Backpack

This is for your outdoorsy days and hiking trips. I’ve always used my trusty Janisport, but you can get something smaller too. The  Gonex Daypack is nice as it folds up super tiny when you’re not using it and is quite durable or if you’re looking for something a bit more stylish, the Troubador Goods Ember backpack is both chic and durable.

Hiking Boots

You don’t need the most heavy duty hiking boots, but you will want something a bit above regular sneakers for any hiking you do here. I like the KEEN Terradora style.

Sunscreen, Really ALL the SPF

T he UVs on Tenerife are like, hella high so make sure to slather on the sunscreen even if you “never burn” or “want to tan anyway.” Don’t skimp either. Get the body lotion , the face stick , the lip balm , and some sunscreen spray for touch ups. It’s also a good idea to make sure your SPF products are ocean safe, which is why I like Sun Bum .

Do you want to look like a used leather couch at a secondhand shop when you get older? Didn’t think so.

Reusable Water Bottle

I always like the Hydro Flask , but Target also has the Simple Modern brand, which is pretty similar style of reusable bottles. The tap water is drinkable, but just be aware it’s desalinated salt water, so it tastes a little funny. If you don’t think you’ll like it, you can look into some sort of water filter.

Some Sort of Hat

Back to those UV rays. Even if you’re not a hat person, it’s a good idea to have some sort of baseball cap or sun hat to protect yourself.

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How to Organize Your Trip

Ask any local and you’ll quickly find that Tenerife is quintessentially divided into two parts: lush, traditional Spanish North and the sun-drenched and tourist-infused desert of the South.

If you’re only in Tenerife for a week, it’s best to divide your time between the two. The island is small enough that seven days is plenty of time to see both.

Getting into Tenerife

The larger of Tenerife’s two airports is Tenerife South Airport (Aeropuerto de Tenerife Sur) , so I’ll assume you’re flying into there.

If you’re flying into the Tenerife North Airport (Aeropuerto de Tenerife Norte) , start at Day 4 and then go back to Days 1 to 3.

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How to Get Around Tenerife

The true key to doing justice to Tenerife is to get a car .  Starting at only 15€ a day, getting a car is very affordable. Just know that it’s mostly (if not all) manual transmissions. It will get you a lot more places than the bus will.

The buses are not on time. The buses sometimes don’t show up. Once I was waiting for a bus to the airport and while I was walking up to it, it just rolled off.

It would not stop even though I was chasing it down faster than a middle age dad chases down that last plasma screen at a Black Friday sale. Seriously. Get a car . You’ll thank me later.

The Perfect One-Week Tenerife Itinerary

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Day 1 – Costa Adeje or Playa de las Americas

Your first point of business, upon arriving at Tenerife South, is to pick up the car I just talked you into renting. The people working at the rental shops are normally at least trilingual in Spanish, German, and English so you shouldn’t have any problems. 

(If you decided not to rent a car, go outside and enjoy waiting an hour or three for your bus to arrive.)

You can choose to stay in Costa Adeje or Playa de las Americas depending on what you’re looking for, which I’ll get into below. You’ll stay here for the first 3 days of your Tenerife itinerary while exploring south.

Costa Adeje

Your first stop is Costa Adeje , which, with its cheap cocktails, black sand beaches, and chic hotels, is the quintessential of tourist towns in Tenerife. Here, you can pull up a chair, grab a drink fruity enough you can no longer taste the booze, and listen to the crash of the waves as you nap on a chair under a nice umbrella. 

At the end of Day 2 and 3 (spoiler alert!) you’re allowed to return to this exact  same chair n cocktail situation. You’re welcome. 

Where to Stay in Costa Adeje:

  • Royal Hideaway Corales Beach
  • GF Victoria

If you’re on a budget, I stayed at  La Tortuga Hostel when I visited.

Playa de las Americas

If you really want to party though, hit up Playa de las Americas instead of Costa Adeje. The last time I was there, I was offered marijuana by four o’clock and then cocaine by seven.

Feeling very out of my league, I instead returned to my Airbnb and watched Harry Potter. No judgements, though. 

Where to Stay in Playas de las Americas;

  • Tenerife Royal Gardens
  • Sir Anthony
  • Coral Ocean View

If you’re on a budget, try the  Olympia   apartments.

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Los Cristianos

Another nice beach area a little further down from Playa de las Américas is  Los Cristianos.  Most of the people here are older and you can go naked if you really want to. There’s also a cool whale watching and swimming tour you can do from here.

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Day 2 – Los Gigantes and Masca

It’s day two, and you’re feeling much more rested and relaxed, if not slightly hungover from whatever debauchery you got up to the night before. Now is the time to really start seeing the islands.

Today has two main stops: Los Gigantes and Masca.

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Los Gigantes

If you don’t speak any Spanish, los gigantes literally means “the giants.” The name speaks for itself: Los Gigantes are enormous, 2,615 feet cliffs that tower over the sea. 

They are very tall.

They are very impressive.

They’re exactly the kind of thing you always wish for when your friend plays that one Taylor Swift song one too many times. ( Sam Note: That was me :p)

After reattaching your dropped jaw to the rest of your face, hop back into your car and head up the road to Masca.

Masca is a tiny blip on the map where fewer than a hundred people and maybe a few goats live. However, its location is stunning enough to make up for the lack of WiFi. Just take a look:

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The road to Masca is not for the faint of heart. It’s steep, full of switchbacks with few side rails, but the pull off points and town itself are worth it.

Again, if you don’t have a car, you can always book this 4WD tour from Playa de las Americas.

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Day 3 – Check Out Mt. Teide

Tenerife, as has been proven (by the images you have seen so far), is even prettier than that one girl in your high school you’ve not spoken to since graduation. 

A large portion of the island is also protected national parks, meaning that it’s perfect to go hiking in. 

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Personally, I’d recommend Mt. Teide, as at 3,718m, it’s the tallest mountain in Spain and the world’s 3rd tallest volcano.

If you wanted, you could get the cable car at sunset and then stay for a  stargazing experience .

Don’t forget that if you want to visit the peak of Mt. Teide, you need a permit, which you can get here.

In such a diverse island as Tenerife, you can find walks ranging from seaside strolls to bucolic forests to scorching desert. I recommend you download WikiHikes or another similar app in order to find something that suits your needs. 

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If you don’t like hiking, just remember this will give you some serious bragging rights. And also help make that Tinder description you wrote about how you “love adventures!” or “the outdoors!” a little less of a lie. 

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Day 4 – Puerto de la Cruz & La Orotava

Your vacation is now half over, and you’ve already (hopefully) seen half of the island. Now it’s time to head north to Puerto de la Cruz ,  which is where you’ll stay for the rest of your itinerary.

Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz is, as I’m sure Sam (the cat-lovin’ lady who normally writes this blog if you’re like, lost or something) would put it, a delightful little seaside town. 

She would not be incorrect in this statement.

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If you didn’t guess from the Spanish signs that have suddenly popped up everywhere, Puerto de la Cruz is a lot less tourist-y and a lot more Spanish than the South. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, buy a fruity ice cream with a freshly-made sugar cone, and go hypnotize yourself with the powerful waves that crash against the thick sea walls.

If you’re not afraid of dying or being bitch slapped by the ocean, Puerto de la Cruz is also the perfect place to surf!

Where to Stay in Puerto de la Cruz:

  • Hotel Botanico y Oriental Spa Garden
  • Plaza del Charco-Muelle
  • Casa el Adina

There are also lots of Airbnb options in Puerto de la Cruz, like this central apartment with parking options or this studio with views of the sea.

If you’re on a budget, try  Hotel Don Cándido .

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In the afternoon, head up to La Orotava for an hour or two. It’s small, but widely said to be one of the prettiest towns on the Canaries. And, as it’s small and very local, it has much better food than you could normally find in one of the big tourist trap cities.

*beep beep just wait for the food guide it’s gonna be real swell*

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Day 5 – Garachico and Icod de los Vinos

Do you like pools? Do you like the ocean? Do you like pool-ocean love children??

Then have I got the spot for you!

Garachico is a small town on the north coast of Tenerife famous for its natural swimming pools. If you go on a weekday (during the morning especially) they don’t tend to be very crowded, and you can swim to your heart’s content without worrying about chlorine content or being dragged to your death by a freak riptide. 

It is, as Hannah Montana once sang, the best of both worlds. 

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Icod de los Vinos

Once you’ve dried off your pruny fingers and checked out the town (which is very cute), you can head over to Icod de los Vinos (which is also very cute). There’s a very famous tree that’s centuries old, some caves, and also just a nice town to check out. 

In my opinion, Garachico is a slightly nicer town than Icod, so definitely plan for more time there.

Day 6 – La Laguna and Santa Cruz

La Laguna, along with La Orotava, is said to be one of the prettiest towns on the island. The Canary Islands share a lot of similar architecture as the Spanish colonies in America. If you’ve been to South Florida, you’ll get some of the same vibes – old buildings, palm trees, and tourists looking like strawberry vanilla swirl ice cream from poorly-applied sunscreen.

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In La Laguna you can take a walk around the old town and sit at one of the many outdoor cafes to order yourself a caña (because nobody actually says cerveza , gringo) and tapas.

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And then, because you only packed pants with elastic waistbands, get yourself an ice cream afterwards.

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During the afternoon, take the tram over to Santa Cruz , the capital of the island that La Laguna practically spills into. Parking in Santa Cruz is always awful, so don’t even bother taking your car.

Like La Laguna, Santa Cruz is a beautiful old colonial-style town that’s perfect for walking around in. There’s the Our Lady of African Market (I have no idea which lady this refers to but knowing Western religious iconography she was probably white) if you like to feast your eyes and/or stomach, a handful of museums if you want to get out of the sun, and, of course, cathedrals. 

While still teeechnically in the north of the island, Santa Cruz has a bit less of a Spanish feel than the very northern coast. You can still get excellent Spanish food and beer, but a lot of signs are in English and English levels might be a little higher. 

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Day 7: :( :( :(

(This is your face when you realize vacay is over and you have to go back to work.)

Depending on your flight time, go to the nearest market or Mercadona (a Spanish grocery store chain), get some nice things for a picnic, and begin to drive south to the airport.

There are lots of pull-off points where you can stop and have one final picnic before your flight departs and your nap is interrupted every six minutes by an overzealous budget airline flight attendant trying to sell you something resembling hot salted styrofoam.

All that’s left to do is take back your car, check your bag, and hope to God you didn’t get assigned the middle seat. 

Returning Your Car

Make sure you fill your car up with gas before you get back to the airport. They will take a kidney from your grandma if you don’t .

Seriously, they have some high fees. Be smarter than I was, kids. 

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And there you have it, Autumn’s perfect, Tenerife itinerary for 7 days. Let us know if you have any tips to add!

For more Spanish travel, read these next:

  • How to Do a Segovia Day Trip from Madrid
  • 5 Charming Things to Do in Segovia
  • 50 Reasons to Visit Madrid
  • 11 Great Things to Do in Granada
  • An Easy Andalucía Road Trip Guide

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wonderful concise, straight-forward general guide that is not obscured by details

Thank you! Glad it was helpful!!

I love your style of writing. So funny. I chuckled a couple of times.

Haha I’ll pass your compliment on to Autumn!

Ooh whens the food guide coming please?

Now that you asked that, I realized we never published one! I’ll have to check with Autumn and see if she can remember her favorite foods and places to eat.

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Hi, I'm Charlotte

CHARLIES WANDERINGS

THE TRAVEL BLOG FOR HIKING LOVERS AND EFFICIENT TRAVEL GUIDES

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BLOG , Canary Islands , Destinations , Europe , Tenerife · December 17, 2023

The Very Best 7 Days Tenerife Travel Itinerary

Looking for an incredible Tenerife itinerary for 7 days? I’ve got you covered! We visited this beautiful island together with our baby César when he was 3 months old. It was his very first holiday abroad and the best decision we made!

A lot of people think that if you’re traveling with a baby your adventurous days are over but that’s really not the case! This Tenerife itinerary is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation . It will take you through the lush forests and mountains of Anaga Rural Park , to the moonlike landscape of Teide National Park and end with some luxurious relaxation.

If you’ve read any of my previous travel guides you know that we absolutely love hiking and that we like a full schedule. And while we weren’t able to simply take off on any hike as we did before we did manage to complete some of the most beautiful hikes on Tenerife .

So if you’re looking for a Tenerife itinerary that offers the best of the best, keep on reading! Baby or no baby, these 7 days in Tenerife will be amazing.

The Very Best 7 Days Tenerife Itinerary

How to reach Tenerife

Reaching the beautiful island of Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands , is a straightforward and accessible journey, no matter where you’re coming from. The island boasts two main airports: Tenerife South Airport (Reina Sofia) and Tenerife North Airport (Los Rodeos) .

Tenerife South, located near the popular resort areas, is the larger of the two and handles the majority of international flights, including many budget airlines from across Europe.

Tenerife North, closer to the capital city of Santa Cruz, primarily serves domestic flights from mainland Spain and other Canary Islands, but also has some international connections.

Once you land, getting to your destination on the island is easy, thanks to a well-connected network of buses (called guaguas locally), taxis, and car rental services available at both airports.

For those preferring sea travel, ferries are available from mainland Spain and other Canary Islands, docking at the ports of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Los Cristianos .

The Very Best 7 Days Tenerife Itinerary

The best time to visit Tenerife

Visiting Tenerife is a delightful experience year-round, but depending on what you’re looking for, some seasons might suit your plans better. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in each season:

  • Spring (March to May): This is a fantastic time to visit if you enjoy mild weather and fewer crowds. The island blooms beautifully in spring, making it perfect for hiking and exploring nature. The average temperature hovers around a comfortable 20°C (68°F).
  • Summer (June to August): Expect warm, sunny days with temperatures around 25°C (77°F). It’s the peak tourist season, so popular spots can be crowded, but it’s perfect for beach-goers and water sports enthusiasts.
  • Autumn (September to November): Similar to spring, autumn in Tenerife is less crowded and offers pleasant temperatures, typically around 23°C (73°F). It’s a great time for outdoor activities and experiencing local festivals.
  • Winter (December to February): With temperatures averaging 17°C (63°F), winter is mild compared to most of Europe. It’s a popular season for those escaping colder climates, and while it’s cooler, it’s still suitable for beach days and exploring.

Each season in Tenerife has its charm, whether you’re after sunny beach days, serene nature hikes, or lively cultural festivals. Just pack accordingly and you’re set for a great time on this versatile island!

We visited Tenerife at the end of November and it was perfect for what we had planned!

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How to get around Tenerife

Getting around Tenerife is quite straightforward, thanks to the variety of transportation options available on the island.

For those who prefer public transport, Tenerife offers a reliable bus service, known locally as ‘guaguas,’ operated by TITSA . These buses cover most of the island, including major tourist destinations, and are a budget-friendly option.

There’s also a tram service in the metropolitan area of Santa Cruz and La Laguna , which is efficient for exploring these cities.

Taxis are readily available and can be a convenient option for shorter trips or if you’re traveling in a group.

However, to truly make the most of your Tenerife adventure, renting a car is often considered the best choice . A rental car offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the island at your own pace, reach remote beaches, hidden villages, and mountainous areas that public transport might not cover.

The roads in Tenerife are well-maintained and offer some spectacular scenic drives , especially in the rural parts of the island. With a car, you can spontaneously stop at viewpoints, find your own secluded spots, and experience the diverse landscapes Tenerife is renowned for.

While other transportation options are available and functional, a rental car unlocks the full potential of a Tenerife journey, offering an unmatched blend of convenience, adventure, and autonomy.

🚗 Rent a car by using  SunnyCars . There’s never any hidden costs with them and free cancellation up to 1 hour before rental start. Their price is transparent and everything is included.

The Very Best 7 Days Tenerife Itinerary

The perfect 7 days Tenerife travel itinerary

The Very Best 7 Days Tenerife Itinerary

Day 1 – Anaga Rural Park

During our days in Anaga Rural Park we stayed at San Cristobal La Laguna . This way we were close to the entrance and most of the hikes. Especially when you’re traveling with a young baby you try to limit your travel time.

La Laguna Gran Hotel

La Laguna Gran Hotel provides express check-in and check-out, non-smoking rooms, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi and a garden.

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Mirador de Jardina

When driving up to Anaga Rural Park you have to make a stop at Mirador de Jardina. It’s one of the most beautiful viewpoints over the island of Tenerife and on a clear sunrise you will see Mount Teide in all its glory.

A big plus on stopping here first is that you’ll pretty much get to enjoy the viewpoint all to yourself.

The Very Best 7 Days Tenerife Itinerary

Roque de Taborno Hike

The trail to Roque de Taborno is  a moderately challenging one, spanning about 3 kilometers, and it takes around 2 hours to complete .

The hike starts in Taborno , a very small town in the heart of Anaga Rural Park. The biggest tip I can give you is to start hiking as early as possible. Parking is extremely limited and otherwise you might have to wait a long time to find a spot.

It’s also wise to bring along water, snacks, and sun protection, as most parts of the trail are quite exposed.

📖 READ MORE – The Spectacular Roque de Taborno Hike In Tenerife

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Day 2 – Anaga Rural Park

Playa de benijo.

Playa de Benijo is a black sand beach all the way in the northern tip of Anaga Rural Park. As anywhere else in Anaga, parking spaces are limited so best to start your day as early as possible. In our case that was always when César had his first feeding of the day.

You can reach Playa de Benijo with the help of a wooden staircase but keep in mind that  swimming here can be challenging due to strong currents and waves . It’s definitely not suitable to go swimming here with children.

The Very Best 7 Days Tenerife Itinerary

Hike the Path of the Senses

The Path of the Senses, or ‘Sendero de los Sentidos’, in Tenerife is a unique and enchanting hiking experience that truly lives up to its name.

The path is split into three routes of varying lengths, with the shortest being just 340 meters, making it accessible to hikers of all abilities, including those with limited mobility.

The Very Best 7 Days Tenerife Itinerary

Camino Viejo al Pico del Inglés

As you set foot on the Camino Viejo, you’ll be instantly captivated by the  dense canopy of laurel forests , a unique ecosystem that dates back millions of years.

Parking can simply be done on the side of the road and once you’re done admiring these ancient walls, make sure to walk towards Mirador Pico del Inglés for an incredible view over Anaga Rural Park.

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Day 3 – Anaga Rural Park

Punta del hidalgo – chinamada hike.

The Punta de Hidalgo to Chinamada hike in Tenerife is  a hidden gem for those who love coastal trails with a mix of cultural insights . This moderately challenging hike starts in the small, picturesque coastal village of Punta de Hidalgo, located in the northeastern part of the island.

The hiking trail starts at Punta del Hidalgo and is an out and back hike up and down the Anaga mountains. This was definitely one of the more difficult hikes that we did in Tenerife. But mostly because the sun was shining and the way up I was carrying César, who already weighs nearly 6kg.

To say that I was red and sweaty is an understatement.

For us the hike took around the house 4.5 hours to complete but that includes taking photos and a feeding for César when hiking back down.

The Very Best 7 Days Tenerife Itinerary

Afterwards it was time to drive South and towards our accommodation for the next couple of days. If you’ve watched my stories on Tenerife you know that I was absolutely not amused with this property. They promised a laundry machine (not there), a heated pool (turns out he means solar heated…), running hot water (should be pretty standard but gone after a 5 minute shower). Oh and from the downstairs bathroom there came a sewage smell…

Needless to say I will not be mentioning or even recommending this place. It doesn’t deserve any attention in my opinion.

If I had to do it all over again I wouldn’t doubt for a second and just spend the rest of our days at The Ritz Carlton Abama .

can’t recommend The Ritz Carlton Abama enough but staying here is what made our trip absolutely unforgettable. It’s only a short drive away from most hiking trails and you won’t have to deal with the daily traffic jams in the south of Tenerife.

We stayed at their Villa Club Deluxe which comes with a semi private heated pool, exclusive access to El Mirador for breakfast and includes complimentary drinks and snacks by the pool.

All in all it was the perfect hotel to stay in Tenerife with our baby.

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Day 4 – Puerto de la Cruz

La rambla de castro.

This beautiful town is located in the north western part of Tenerife and right behind it you’ll find a beautiful palm grove.

The hike La Rambla de Castro is about 4 kilometers long and takes roughly two hours to complete, meandering through banana plantations, rustic bridges, and alongside cliffs offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Along the way, you’ll encounter charming historical landmarks, including the 18th-century Hacienda de Castro and the Fortín de San Fernando, a small fortification that once guarded the coast from pirates.

The path also leads to the beautiful Playa de los Roques , a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the sea breeze. The trail is well-marked and suitable for all ages, making it a great option for a family outing.

💡 TIP – Grab lunch at Restaurante Cafetería Mirador San Pedro afterwards.

The Very Best 7 Days Tenerife Itinerary

This quaint town was once the island’s most important port until a volcanic eruption in 1706 reshaped its landscape. Today, one of Garachico’s main attractions is its natural swimming pools, formed from volcanic lava flows, offering a unique and refreshing swimming experience.

The Very Best 7 Days Tenerife Itinerary

Los Gigantes

Los Gigantes in Tenerife is truly a sight to behold, famed for its imposing cliffs, known as ‘The Giants’, which dramatically drop into the Atlantic Ocean.

The town itself has a charming selection of shops, bars, and restaurants, perfect for leisurely afternoons or evening strolls. The nearby black sand beaches, like Playa de la Arena, are great for sunbathing and swimming.

The Very Best 7 Days Tenerife Itinerary

Day 5 – Masca

Santiago del teide to masca hike.

The first part of the trail is actually pretty boring. But I promise you, once you’ve reached the first top, the views only get better!

Make sure to make a quick detour to Risco Verde , from where you’ll have an incredible panoramic view over the Teno mountains.

Spanning approximately 10 kilometers, the trail takes you through a variety of terrains, from rocky paths to lush valleys, showcasing the diverse natural beauty of the island. As you trek, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the rugged Teno mountains and the deep gorges that carve through them.

The path descends into the Masca Gorge, revealing breathtaking scenery and the opportunity to explore the village of Masca, known for its traditional Canarian architecture and stunning mountain setting.

Despite what AllTrails says I really don’t recommend completing this hike as a loop. After reaching Masca the trail indicator tells you to follow the road back to Santiago del Teide. But this is a main road that winds through the Teno mountains with cars passing by the entire time. So very dangerous if you ask me.

It’s best to take bus 355 from Masca to Santiago del Teide. It doesn’t run that frequently so it’s best to check their timetable from before .

📖 READ MORE – The Incredible Santiago del Teide to Masca Hike In Tenerife

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Day 6 – Teide National Park

Roques de garcia trail.

This relatively easy and accessible trail, located in the heart of Teide National Park , offers some of the most iconic views of Tenerife, including the famous Roque Cinchado and the imposing Mount Teide .

The looped trail is approximately 3.5 kilometers long and takes around an hour and a half to complete, making it a great option for families and those looking for a less strenuous hike.

As you meander through the path, you’ll be treated to a stunning array of geological formations, contrasting landscapes, and unique flora that thrive in this otherworldly environment. The trail is well-marked and offers various vantage points for capturing the perfect photo of the park’s rugged beauty .

Remember to wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and layer up, as the weather can change rapidly at this altitude. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely walk with incredible views, the Roques de Garcia trail is a Tenerife hiking highlight not to be missed.

📖 READ MORE – The Spectacular Roques de Garcia Hike In Tenerife

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Other beautiful viewpoints in Teide National Park

  • Queen’s Shoe
  • Mirador Azulejos II
  • Mirador La Tarta
  • Mirador de Chipeque

Day 7 – Relaxing at The Ritz Carlton Abama

From the moment you step into the lush, palm-lined grounds of the Ritz-Carlton Abama, you’ll feel the warm,  family-oriented atmosphere that makes it an ideal choice for those vacationing with a baby.

The resort understands the needs of parents  and goes the extra mile to ensure that even their youngest guests are well taken care of.

With amenities like child-friendly menus, and spacious, comfortable accommodations, you can enjoy a stress-free holiday knowing that everything your baby needs is at hand. Plus, the serene surroundings and beautiful views are just as enjoyable for parents in need of some relaxation.

We opted to stay at the Villa Club Deluxe with a garden view . These villa’s are separated from the main hotel building, called the citadel, and offer a more tranquil experience.

They also come with their  own semi-private pool  where you can get complimentary drinks and snacks during the day. Including beer, cava, wine and their cocktail of the day. I mean, is there anything better than sipping some cava while laying by the pool with your baby sound asleep on top of you?

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Other Tenerife Blog Posts

  • The Very Best 7 Days Tenerife Itinerary
  • Anaga Rural Park In Tenerife – 9 Very Best Things To Do
  • The Ritz-Carlton Abama – The Best Luxury Hotel In Tenerife To Stay With A Baby
  • The 7 Very Best Hikes In Tenerife (Map + Tips Included)
  • The 9 Very Best Luxury Hotels In Tenerife To Stay With A Baby

If you have any questions regarding our Tenerife itinerary feel free to drop a comment below. Or if you want to know anything specific about traveling to Tenerife with a baby. 🙂

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Charlotte Lint is the founder, main photographer and writer of Charlies Wanderings . She has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice. She is an expert on writing insightful hiking guides and creating unique and efficient travel itineraries . Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.

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10 Essential Tenerife Travel Tips: for the Best Vacation

10 of the best tips for visiting Tenerife, Spain.

Planning to visit Tenerife? You’re in the right place! Tenerife is a wonderful destination to visit; it’s warm, the food is delicious, the sites are incredible and the black sand beaches are truly breathtaking. Tenerife makes for a great place to spend a vacation. You get the best of both worlds by being able to relax on the beach while still being able to explore all that the island has to offer. Keep reading for all of the Tenerife travel tips you’ll need for your epic trip! 

Playa de Fañabe at sunset, Tenerife.

Weather in Tenerife

Tenerife has a subtropical climate offering comfortable temperatures year round. The summer months are the warmest, with sunny days and temperatures in the upper 70s and 80s. In the winter, you’ll find mild daytime temperatures in the high 60s and low 70s. At night, in both the summer and winter, the temperatures will drop about 10 degrees. 

The Southern part of the island (Costa Adeje, Playa de las Americas, etc.) is consistently warmer than the Northern part of the island. However, you’ll find nice weather most of the year all across the island. 

Year round, I recommend a light jacket or sweater, and definitely bring more layers if you’re visiting in the colder months.

Mount Teide Climate

The one major exception to this mild climate is Mount Teide volcano. Mount Teide is definitely a must visit. It’s the highest peak in Spain and the views and landscapes are absolutely incredible. However, due to the elevation, around 3,355 meters (or 11,500 feet), it can get very cold and windy at the top. Year round, make sure you have a jacket and maybe even gloves and a hat. 

While you may be lucky and get warm sunny weather at the top of Mount Teide, this isn’t guaranteed and it’s always better to be prepared. Some travelers will recommend you wear hiking boots. However, if you’re just riding the cable car to the top and going on a short walk to the view points, sneakers are totally fine. If you’re planning on doing some serious hiking, you will, of course, need hiking boots. 

Mount Teide Volcano, Tenerife, views.

When to Visit Tenerife

I recommend visiting Tenerife in the summer in order to have the best weather. However it’s really a great destination year round.

September, specifically, is a great month to visit in order to take advantage of summer weather and temperatures, while avoiding the June-August crowds.

How to Get to Tenerife

Tenerife is easily accessible from the US and Europe. 

If you’re flying from the East Coast of the USA, you can get a nonstop flight on United Airlines to Tenerife. The flight operates out of Newark airport (EWR) from June-September. The flight time is around 7 hours. 

You can also find year round direct flights from all over Europe. These flights depart frequently and are often very affordable.

How Many Days is Enough in Tenerife

While I recommend a week in Tenerife in order to really explore and get to know the island, five days is also a good amount of time for a first trip. 

In 5-7 days you can see many of the most beautiful parts of the island and take part in tons of fun activities. 

Check out my Tenerife post series for more recommendations and tips:

  • The 11 Best Things to do in Tenerife South
  • The Best Towns in Tenerife to Visit on Your Vacation
  • The 11 Best Restaurants in Tenerife

Tenerife Travel Tips

Choose your resort/hotel wisely.

There are a plethora of beautiful resorts all over Tenerife, ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts. 

The first thing you need to decide is how much you want to spend and, next, where on the island you want to be. The majority of resorts are in Tenerife South. This is a great part of the island to base yourself for beautiful beaches, great restaurants and lots of activities. You can also easily explore the entire island on day trips when basing yourself in Tenerife South. 

Tenerife South is certainly the busiest and most touristy part of the island. So, especially during the high season, this is something to keep in mind. 

The Northern part of the island, specifically the town of Puerto de la Cruz, is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience. While Puerto de la Cruz is the largest town in the Northern part of the island, it’s still much quieter than the South. 

From Puerto de la Cruz, you’ll be able to easily visit Tenerife South for day trips as well as have easy access to many other popular towns and tourist attractions in Tenerife. 

If you’d rather be in a small, more local town, check out my post about the Best Towns to Visit in Tenerife . Here you’ll find information about these wonderful towns, the best things to do there and the best hotels/accomodations in each one.

Royal River Tenerife resort in Costa Adeje.

Hotels in Tenerife South (Costa Adeje):

  • Flamingo Beach Mate
  • Dreams Jardin Tropical Resort & Spa
  • Adrián Hoteles Jardines de Nivaria
  • Royal Garden
  • H10 Gran Tinerfe – Adults Only
  • Iberostar Selection Sábila – Adults Only
  • Royal River – Adults Only

Hotels in Tenerife North (Puerto de la Cruz):

  • Puerto Azul
  • Hotel AF Valle Orotava
  • Alua Tenerife

Explore Many Different Parts of the Island

It’s very tempting to visit Teneriife and spend most of your time on the beach. The volcanic black sand and stone beaches are truly beautiful and they make a great place to relax, read, swim, surf and take part in water sports. 

However, in addition to the amazing beaches, Tenerife has so much more to offer! There are a plethora of colorful, beautiful towns all across the island and each one has so much to offer. From viewpoints to markets to volcanos, Tenerife has it all. 

After reading these Tenerife travel tips, be sure to check out my post about all of the best things to do in Tenerife South ! 

My top 5 things to do across the entire island include: 

  • Take the cable car to the top of Mount Teide 
  • Marvel at los Gigantes 
  • Visit Anaga Rural Park
  • See the Dragon Tree and Butterfly Garden in Icod de los Vinos

Parque del Drago Milenario, Dragon Tree in Icod de los Vinos, Tenerife.

PRO TIP: Rent a car

I’ll get more into this later, but in order to be able to explore all of the incredible towns and sites around Tenerife, you’ll definitely want a rental car. 

If you don’t want to rent a car, but still want to see and explore other parts of the island, consider taking some day tours. There’s quite a few to choose from and they’ll allow you to explore the island without a rental car or having to rely on public transportation. 

Tenerife day tours:

  • Tenerife Full Island Tour
  • Day Trip Around the Island of Tenerife
  • Half Day Tour Discovering Anaga Tenerife
  • 6hrs Private Tour in North Coast of Tenerife
  • Private Excursion to Masca, Garachico, Icod in Tenerife
  • Tenerife VIP Tour

Pack for Micro Climates (even in the summer!)

Tenerife has a mild climate year round, with the warmest temperatures in the summer months. Even though you’ll have temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s during the summer months, you’ll still want a sweater for the evenings. 

Additionally, you’ll want to pack warm(er) clothing for your trip to Mount Teide. Even in the summer months, the temperatures at the volcano’s high altitude can be quite low. 

You’ll also find slightly lower temperatures in the Northern part of the island as well as in Anaga Rural Park. For these excursions, you’ll want to make sure you have layers that are easy to put on and take off. 

Playa de las Americas, Tenerife.

Tenerife micro-climate packing list (in addition to regular summer/beachwear): 

  • Light jacket
  • Long sleeve shirt

As I mentioned above, a rental car is a necessity when visiting Tenerife, unless you’re planning on staying in one part of the island for your entire trip (which is also totally valid!) This is definitely one of my most important Tenerife travel tips.

You can drive around the entire island of Tenerife in under four hours (without stops), so it’s a great place to really be able to explore without spending the whole day driving. From Tenerife South, many popular sites and towns are under an hour away. 

There are Ubers in Tenerife South, but, in my opinion, having a rental car is much more convenient. This is especially true if your resort is outside of the main downtown areas. 

Driving in Tenerife is relatively easy and car rentals aren’t too expensive.

You can visit Tenerife on a Budget or have a Luxury Vacation

Tenerife, like many destinations, is a place you can visit on a budget or luxuriously. There are a wide range of hotels ranging from budget friendly accommodations as low as $40 a night all the way up to $600+ a night luxury stays. 

Budget Accommodations: 

  • Sunset Harbour Club
  • Canaan in Tenerife
  • Atlantic Holiday Hotel

Luxury Accommodations: 

  • Bahia del Duque
  • Royal Garden Villas, Luxury Hotel
  • Royal River, Luxury Hotel – Adults Only

Similarly, it’s very possible to find inexpensive food options or to go out to more expensive restaurants for a fine dining experience. 

When traveling, I definitely prioritize eating good, local food. If you stay away from the clear tourist traps and head instead to more local/unassuming restaurants, you’ll have a much better and more affordable experience. 

A few of my favorite affordable restaurants in Tenerife with delicious local food include: 

  • Bistro 22 – Los Gigantes 
  • E l Tejado – Costa Adeje
  • Banh Noï Thaï V iet Food – Costa Adeje
  • Bloom – La Caleta
  • El Limón – Puerto de la Cruz 
  • Makika&Co – Santa Cruz 

For  more restaurant recommendations, be sure to check out my post about the 11 best restaurants in Tenerife . 

When looking at things to do in Tenerife, there are a wide variety of free options. You can visit the many different beaches, go hiking in Anaga Rural Park and explore the quaint towns – just to name a few. 

The streets of Garachico in Tenerife, Spain.

If you have a higher budget, there are also several paid activities you can participate in. Like taking the cable car to the top of Mount Teide, going on snorkeling adventures, paragliding or visiting the wineries. 

Activities and Tours in Tenerife:

  • Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran with a Buffet
  • Teide National Park Sunset & Stargazing with Dinner
  • Tandem Paragliding Flight in South Tenerife
  • Winery Tour and Tasting in Tenerife with the Sommelier

Some Parts of the Island are More Touristy Than Others

The Southern portion of the island, Tenerife Sur, is more touristy than the North. This isn’t to say that there aren’t any tourists in the North, or in the towns on other parts of the island, because there certainly are. 

However, most tourists are concentrated in the resort areas in Tenerife Sur, specifically, Playa de las Americas and Costa Adeje. 

La Orotava, Tenerife streets.

Book Tours in Advance

While in Tenerife, there are tons of great tours and activities to take part in. These range from snorkeling, to stargazing hikes, to whale watching and so much more. 

Like any popular destination, many of these tours book out in advance, so make reservations as early as you can. 

Popular Tenerife Tours:

  • Whale Watching Eco-Adventure from Costa Adeje
  • Jet Ski Excursion (1H or 2H) in South Tenerife
  • Tenerife: Quad Adventure Teide Tour
  • 4 Hours Eco Safari Tour with Electric Car in Tenerife
  • Teide by Night: Sunset & Stargazing with Telescopes Experience

Puerto De la Cruz, Tenerife, botanical gardens.

Make Restaurant Reservations

Similarly to tours and activities, you’ll want to make reservations for popular restaurants in advance. Especially during the summer months, restaurants fill up quickly, especially at peak times like sunset. 

For restaurant recommendations, be sure to check out my post about the 11 best restaurants in Tenerife .

Mirlo restaurant, La Caleta, Tenerife.

Understand the Tipping Culture (or lack thereof)

Coming from the US, many travelers assume tipping 20% everywhere is normal, or even mandatory. That’s not the case in Spain, or in Tenerife specifically. 

Tipping culture:

  • 5-10% at sitdown restaurants is considered normal and is appreciated. 
  • At a bar, an extra euro or two, depending on the total bill. 
  • For taxis, it’s common to round up or to leave an extra euro or two. 
  • At hotels, one-two euros a night for housekeeping and one euro per piece of luggage for bellboys. 
  • For guided group tours, a few euros after the tour is appreciated, but not expected.

Tenerife is Safe, But Always be Aware of Your Surroundings

As a female traveler in my 20s, I felt extremely safe everywhere I went in Tenerife – and I explored the entire island. In general, Tenerife is a very safe destination to visit. 

However, like anywhere you travel, keep an eye on your belongings, especially when you’re at the beach or out at bars and clubs. 

I have read some instances of vehicles getting broken into, especially if purses or valuables were visibly left inside, so be sure to take your valuables with you.

I hope these Tenerife tips have been helpful for you as you plan your trip to the Canary Islands! Tenerife is such an incredible destination and one you’ll certainly want to keep going back to.

If you have any questions, or any other Tenerife tips to add to this post, please let me know in the comments.

Lastly, follow us on Instagram, @twosistersabroad , for more travel inspiration and mini guides!

More Tenerife Guides:

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Travel tips for visiting Tenerife, Canary Islands.

Note: This guide to 10 essential Tenerife tips includes affiliate links. Read our disclosure  here .

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Visiting Tenerife? 12 Tips Every Traveller Needs To Know

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Thinking of visiting Tenerife? Tenerife belongs to a group of volcanic islands named the Canary Islands. This small archipelago is a popular tourist destination, known for its year-round good weather, diverse landscape, and great beaches. 

While it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of planning a trip to Tenerife, it’s also important to remember that planning your perfect vacation is more than just booking flights. Here are insider information and advice to help you stay safe in Tenerife and make the most of your Canary Islands vacation. You will want to know these travel tips for visiting Tenerife before you departure.

12 tips every traveller needs to know before travelling to Tenerife

Getting into Tenerife

There are two main airports in Tenerife: Tenerife South and Tenerife North . And their name suggests where they are located.

If you are visiting Tenerife from outside of Spain, you will most definitely land at Tenerife South Airport. The inter-state or national flight are operated only from Tenerife North. This means you will use this airport if you continue your trip to any other of the five Canary Islands.

What is the best time to visit Tenerife?

Due to its mild and consistent weather, you can visit Tenerife all year round. The temperatures in winter usually don’t drop below 19°C. Because of this winter is the best time for people interested in hiking. 

The high season is from June to September. With around 29°C, August is the hottest month and more preferred by tourists. 

You are most likely to witness rain between November and February. We visited Tenerife in February 2021 and we had a mixture of warm spring weather in combination with rainy and cooler days. 

Please note that at any time of the year you can experience Calima – a wind brining the dessert dust from Sahara. It deteriorates the visibility and can last from a day or two to the whole week. We were told it’s most common in February. 

Which part of Tenerife is the warmest?

We have received many questions whether North Tenerife is colder than South. It’s slightly warmer in the South of the island, where the temperatures are high enough for a swim and sunbathe every month of the year. In addition, you can enjoy a good share of great weather in the West part of the island as well.

The north of Tenerife can be more rainy and cloudy, especially in the winter months. However, you should not take this for granted.

The warmest area to stay

The most obvious choices for people looking for the best weather are the popular tourist resorts around Playa de Las Americas and Los Cristianos or Los Gigantes in the South-West of the island.

Visiting Tenerife - black beach

What is the average sea temperature in Tenerife?

This is a tricky question. Whether the sea is warm enough for you to swim depends on what you consider too warm or too cold. The sea temperature is different in summer and winter. However, generally looking the temperatures are high enough for a swim and sunbathe every month of the year. But the water may feel a little cold in the winter period.

Is it always windy in Tenerife?

Tenerife is windy throughout the year, especially at the North and West coast of the island. The warmest and the least windy areas are Arona, or more specifically, Playa de Las Americas and Los Cristianos, and Costa Adeje. Therefore, it’s no surprise the majority of touristy resorts are located here. 

The island’s windiest part is the Northern part, more specifically La Laguna and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Can you travel to Tenerife in 2021?

The Canary Islands welcomes tourists again since October 2020. The level of openness is categorised from 1 to 4, with 4 being the most restricted. The government revises the levels every 2 weeks.  You can check the current status here .

Before entering Tenerife you need to provide a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours and a signed Spanish health form. To complete and sign the online form click here .

If you stay in an official tourist establishment, you will need to provide negative test results while checking-in. Some will also require a copy of your flight tickets to confirm your actual arrival on the island. We didn’t have to provide the test for private apartments. 

Always make sure to check the latest requirements in Spain as well as in your home country. 

Tenerife tips - landscape

Is Tenerife safe?

It’s completely safe from the perspective of a current health situation. You are required to disinfect your hands and wear masks in indoor places and all public areas. The latter also means when you are completely alone.

The Guardia Civil stopped by one of the viewing points. At that moment we were the only one there, but they still required us to put on the masks. 

From the perspective of safety in general, do pay a special precaution to your belongings. Never leave any things unattended in your car or hotel. We were robbed while hiking at Mt. Teide. They took everything from swimming suits, towels and masks to iPhone adapter. According to locals, people are desperate and will take everything they can sell.

How to go around Tenerife?

The best thing is to rent a car. It’s time effective and provides you with more freedom to explore Tenerife. The petrol prices are lower than in continental Europe and the motorways are clearly marked. We booked our car with Hertz due to the lowest prices. Their service was great, but please keep in mind that electric cars are not made for hills. I’m all about sustainable travel, but there were moments where I thought we won’t make it to the top of the hill and just crashed.

12 TENERIFE TIPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TRIP

Let’s do a recap of the main tips and tricks to make your stay in Tenerife a blast:

  • Pack clothes for warm and cool weather. It can get chilly in the hillsides and at the top of Mt. Teide, especially in the winter months. 
  • Bring sneakers or hiking boots. Even if you are not going to do the proper hiking, note that some viewpoints can de dangerous. I injured my big toe walking in sandals to photograph La Rambla. 
  • Bring sun cream with you. 
  • Rent a car! This is very affordable and if booking in advance can be as little as 60 EUR. Try to avoid hybrid as they are just not made for the hilly road. 
  • Most of the things are closed on Mondays. Be sure to check that the place you want to visit is open. 
  • Keep your belongings with you all the time.
  • Go wine tasting – this area has one of the best and unique wines we have drunk. Where else can you drink the dragon blood? 
  • Reserve a special permit for trekking to the summit fo Mt. Teide or book an organised tour.
  • Book your spot for hiking trails. Some hiking trails have a limitation on the number of visitor per day. They are also booked out quickly. 
  • South of the island (Playa de las Americas, Costa Adeje) is more expensive than the other parts of Tenerife. 
  •  Free parking is available almost everywhere. It’s hard to find a hotel in the city centre offering free parking included. But don’t worry. We never had a problem finding street parking in proximity to our accommodation. 
  •  Save on your data roaming. Double-check whether your accommodation has Wi-Fi and if it has, which areas it covers. For using the internet without limitations, the best thing is to buy a local SIM card. 

12 tips every traveller needs to know to visit Tenerife

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22 comments

I’ve been wanting to go to Tenerife for sooo long! I didn’t know they were mostly “open” during the pandemic, but now that I know, I can get more serious about planning. Thank for the link to their site that lists what 1-4 level they are on right now, that’s super helpful.

Tenerife are currently very popular alongside other Canary Islands. Happy to hear this post inspired you to consider visiting Tenerife. Make sure to check the official website as the levels are at the moment revised every two weeks. I’ll soon published detailed itinerary so stay tuned 🙂

I love Tenerife! These tips are very helpful thanks

Such an interesting and contrasting island. Happy to hear you find them helpful.

You had me at “dragon blood”! Excellent tips, I’ll come back here when we plan our trip to Tenerife 🙂

So delicious! The red wine is something special due to volcanic soil. If you’re a wine person, I highly recommend you do a wine tasting tour. I’ll publish more detailed itinerary in the next post so stay tuned 🙂

Fabulous post! I visited Tenerife yeeears ago with some friends, but we were poor students so we didn’t hire a car or explore as much of the island as I would have wanted. I would loooove to go back and hike up Mt. Teide.

Did you take a boat out whale or dolphin watching? I think that was the highlight for me.

Thank you so much for your feedback! Hiking Mt Teise is such a unique experience. The landscape is breathtaking. Yes, I booked a boat tour and was able to see the dolphins so up close for the first time – definitely a highlight for me as well 🙂

It would never have occurred to me to book my hiking spots in advance! And that would be majorly disappointing to find out upon arrival at the trail head. Thank you!

We were quite surprised as well but on the other side completely understand that it can be too much for nature. We were not able to hike one trail, which was a little disappointing. Now we have an excuse to go back 🙂

A great guide! My girl friends and I usually meet up at least once a year for a girls getaway and we always go to Spain We’re thinking about Tenerife so this is super useful and has got .e excited:)

So happy to hear this! Tenerife is a great location that has so much to offer. My detailed itinerary is coming soon if you need some ideas on what to see 🙂

I’ve heard of Tenerife but didn’t know it in this much detail. Thank you, this is very helpful for my future visit.

So happy you find it useful for your visit 🙂

Never been to Tenerife but it looks like a fun place! Great article 🙂

Wow, there’s so much in this article that I hadn’t even considered. Thank you, it should help everything go smoothly… when times allow us to plan to travel again. Soon perhaps.

Tenerife has a lot to offer, but also requires some preparation before travelling to Tenerife. Just follow these steps and you should be completely prepared. If you have any additional questions, let us know.

I’ll have to resort back to this guide for when I decide to travel! I never even heard of Tenerife before, but these are the kinds of tips I would need to know before traveling. Thanks for this guide!

So happy to hear you find it extremely useful. It’s the purpose of this article to help people plan accordingly and have the best possible experience.

I’ve never had this place on my list but now I’m adding it! It looks so pretty! Thanks for sharing your tips and experiences.

So happy to hear you were inspired to travel to Tenerife. We hope this tips will help you have to best possible experience.

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The Indispensable Tenerife Travel Guide

Mountains around Taganana in Tenerife - Canary Islands

24 Feb The Indispensable Tenerife Travel Guide

The beautiful island of Tenerife is one of the eight Canary Islands . This Spanish archipelago is situated in the Atlantic Ocean opposite the northwestern coast of Africa. Tenerife is very touristy , attracting more than 6 million visitors a year. Beaches, Mountains and Sun are the 3 main reason why people love it! Therefore, you have probably put Tenerife on your bucket list , and if it’s not there yet – you should definitely add it! To help you prepare your trip to this extraordinary island, have a look at this Tenerife travel guide!

I am answering all of the most frequent questions you might have about Tenerife : when to go there, how to reach the island, how long you should stay, what are the best things to do, where you should stay and much more! So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea if you are like me) and read everything about Tenerife in this Tenerife Travel Guide!

Table of Contents

Why to visit Tenerife?

View of Taganana from Playa de Benijo in Tenerife - Canary Islands

Tenerife is the most touristy island of the Canary Islands . It has many assets and people love to come here. Let me tell you in this Tenerife travel guide all the reasons why you should visit it!

First of all, you should visit Tenerife because it offers many beautiful and varied landscapes . Between stunning mountains and magical coastlines , you will be blown away! You will love exploring this island for sure!

Second of all, you should visit Tenerife because it features the most famous volcano of the Canary island, Mount Teide . This volcano is also the highest point in Spain and the third tallest volcanic structure in the world! It’s the most visited natural wonder in Spain. And the Natural Park surrounding it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Thirdly, you should visit Tenerife because it’s a highly picturesque island . It’s a paradise for photographers and it has many Instagrammable places !

Also, Tenerife is a budget friendly destination . So good news: you can travel here without getting ruined!

Last but not least, the weather in Tenerife is rather nice all year long!

So, what are you waiting for to book a trip to Tenerife?!

When is the best time to visit Tenerife?

Playa de Las Teresitas in Tenerife - Canary Islands

One of the first questions that I should answer in this Tenerife travel guide is when is the best time to visit it. And at the same time, I will give you more info about the weather in Tenerife . Tenerife is one of those blessed sub-tropical places where the climate is pleasant all year long! In this island the sun is shining every day with few rainfalls. The winters are mild, and the summers are hot. Therefore, you can visit Tenerife all year long!

August is the hottest month of the year is with temperatures between 31 C and 22 C. And February is the coldest month of the year with with temperatures between 22 C and 15 C. January is the driest month is with no rainfall, whereas October is the wettest month (8 mm of rain over 1 day).

If you want to avoid the crowd and get better deals for your accommodation, it’s better to avoid summer as this is the most touristy period (especially July and August). You can come at any other time of the year! I travelled in Tenerife in January and I had a dry weather and mild pleasant temperatures (around 22 C degrees).  It was perfect!

How to get to Tenerife?

Taganana in Tenerife - Canary Islands

Tenerife being an island, the best way to get there is by flight . There are two international airports on the island: Tenerife Norte (or Tenerife North) in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, and Tenerife Sur (or Tenerife South) in Granadilla de Abona.

Tenerife South–Reina Sofía Airport is the main and busiest international airport on Tenerife . In fact, this part of the island is the most touristy one. It’s located 60 km southwest of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (the capital). Once you are arrived in Tenerife South airport, there are several ways to move around. You can easily hire a car if you want to explore the island on your own. But you can also take a taxi, take a shuttle or the bus (5 different routes are available).

Tenerife North Airport is located 11 km west of Santa Cruz de Tenerife . Once you are arrived in Tenerife North airport, there are several ways to move around. You can hire a car if you want to explore the island on your own. But you can also take a taxi, or the bus (4 different routes are available).

For your trip to Tenerife, I recommend you simply chose the airport close to your first destination in the island . I flew via Tenerife North airport because I decided to explore the north of the island first. If you need to go to the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife, I recommend you choose Tenerife North as it’s only 11 min by car. But if you are in Tenerife to enjoy the beaches and the resorts you should probably arrive via Tenerife South. In addition, be aware that there is only 64km (around 1h10 by car) of distance between the two airports.

If you are coming from another islands in the Canary Islands you can also access Tenerife by boat .

How many days to stay in Tenerife?

Punta Brava in Tenerife - Canary Islands

One of the main questions you are probably asking yourself before booking your trip to Tenerife is how many days to stay . Although Tenerife is a small island (only 2 034 km²), there are many things to do here . So, the best recommendation I can give you in this Tenerife travel guide is to stay at least 1 week .

You can count 3 to 4 days to explore the North of the island and 3 to 4 days to explore the South.

If you do not have so much time you can skip some places and stay for 4/5 days . This can be an option especially if you want to visit other islands in the Canary Islands.

On the contrary, if you want to take your time , you can stay for 10 days . I can assure you that you won’t get bored as there are countless of interesting activities and places to see!

How to move around in Tenerife?

Mount Teide National Park in Tenerife - Canary Islands

I highly recommend you rent a car to move around in Tenerife . It will allow you to explore the island at your convenience . There are many interesting places to visit all around the island. Therefore, Tenerife is a great place to do a road trip! And some of the best areas to visit are quite remote, or in the mountains, like Mount Teide or Masca Valley.

Nevertheless, the island is rather small (2 034 km²). So, you won’t lose too much time in transportation during your trip. Depending on the places you want to explore around the island, you can spend around 45 min/ 1h to drive from one to the other. I would suggest that you organize your road trip from North to South or vice-versa.

It’s quite easy to rent a car from both airports Tenerife South and Tenerife North. And this is also the most practical.

If you want to rent a car in Tenerife or on any of the other Canary Islands, I recommend the company Proarentacar . This company offers economical options for car rental in the Canary Islands or in the Balearics. You can use the code “PROA105” to get 5% discount.

Is Tenerife budget friendly?

Acantilados de Los Gigantes in Tenerife - Canary Islands

This Tenerife travel guide will make you happy because yes Tenerife is budget friendly!

In terms of accommodations , you can find a great variety of prices in Tenerife that will match everyone’s need ( from budget to luxury ). Take a look at the paragraph about the Best Places to stay in Tenerife in this article.

Then, in terms of food , many restaurants have meals that are around 8 EUR/ 10 USD. The drinks are around 3 EUR/ 4 USD.

Renting a car was around 100 EUR / 122 USD for 6 days with 2 drivers for a VW Polo. And the fuel was super cheap. On average fuel in Spain costs less than in Europe and in the Canary Islands it is even more economical. It was around 30 EUR/ 37 USD to fill in the tank of the car when I was there in January 2021.

What are the Best Things to do in Tenerife?

Mount Teide National Park in Tenerife - Canary Islands

Tenerife is an amazing island offering a lot of places to see and things to do . Let me give you a list of the best activities in this Tenerife travel guide!

You can start by hiking in Mount Teide National Park . Mount Teide is the most famous volcano of Tenerife and also the third tallest volcanic structure in the world. The National Park around also worth the visit as it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

If you like hiking you should also have a look at Masca Valley . The unique village of Masca hidden in the Teno Massif is easily one of the most instagrammable places in Tenerife!

But Tenerife also features beautiful coastlines and beaches . Therefore, if you want to relax at the beach, you should head to Playa de Las Teresitas in the South. It’s the prettiest white sand beach in Tenerife. If you prefer dramatic black sand beaches, then choose Playa de Benijo in the North. You can also swim in one of the numerous charco (natural pools). One of the most scenic ones is named “ Charco El Diablo ”.

The giant cliffs of Acantilados de Los Gigantes located in the south west of the island are one of the best places to see in Tenerife!

Additionally, the cities and towns in Tenerife are charming . The best ones to visit are Puerto de la Cruz, Punta Brava, San Cristobal de la Laguna, Taganana, Garachico and Santa Cruz de Tenerife (the capital).

One of the last best things to do in Tenerife is to see dolphins and whales in Playa de Las Americas . A great activity for kids and for adults!

Where to stay in Tenerife?

The best places to stay in Tenerife depend on your budget and the part of the island you want to explore . In this Tenerife travel guide I will recommend you some hotels for your stay with options from luxury to budget .

Best places to stay in Tenerife – Luxury Options

Ritz Carlton Abama in Tenerife - Canary Islands

Ritz Carlton Abama on the western coastline of Tenerife is one of the best places to stay in the island! This 5-star hotel is easily recognizable by its flamboyant terracotta color, its scenic staircases and its Moorish inspired style. It’s very photogenic! You can stay in one of the luxurious rooms or villas. There are many different pools, a spa and the largest Ritz Kids in Europe. You can enjoy no less than 9 restaurants and bars in the hotel, 2 of which are Michelin starred!

Address: Carretera General, TF-47, Km 9, 38687 Guía de Isora.

Book your stay: Ritz Carlton Abama

Rooftop Infinity Pool in Royal River Hotel in Tenerife - Canary Islands

Royal River on the western coastline of Tenerife is also a fantastic option! This brand-new luxury boutique hotel that opened in December 2020 will amaze you! You can stay in one of the numerous stylish villas with private pools . The hotel also features an amazing rooftop infinity pool, a river pool connecting the private pools together, and a spa. There are 4 different restaurants with a beautiful distinctive decoration. All the hotel is instagrammable!

Address: Calle Alcojora, s/n, 38670 Costa Adeje.

Book your stay: Royal River Tenerife

Best places to stay in Tenerife – Mid-Range Options

Check out Hotel Taburiente if you are around Santa Cruz de Tenerife . This chic boutique hotel is located in the center of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital city, next to the beautiful Parque García Sanabria . You can enjoy the rooftop pool offering views on the park and the Atlantic Ocean. There are also a gym and 2 restaurants inside the hotel.

Address: Calle Dr. Jose Naveiras, 24, 38001 Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Book your stay: Hotel Taburiente

TRH Hotel Taoro Garden in Puerto de la Cruz - Canary Islands

TRH Hotel Taoro Garden is a great hotel option in Puerto de la Cruz . This Adult-Only recommended boutique hotel offers a seasonal heated outdoor pool and every room feature a terrace. You can see Mount Teide from here! There are also a bar and a restaurant.

Address: Calle Dinamarca, 3, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz.

Book your stay: TRH Hotel Taoro Garden

Best places to stay in Tenerife – Budget Options

Adventure House Tenerife is a small cool hostel the south west of Tenerife . People appreciate it for its friendly staff, its great location and its cleanliness. And it offers a free new adventure activity for its visitors every day , like snorkeling with turtles, cliff jumping or swimming in volcanic rock pools! It’s ideal to explore the south of Tenerife.

Address: 11 Calle Baja Larga, 38686 Alcalá.

Book your stay: Adventure House Tenerife .

Patio hostel is a great hostel option not far from the airport of Tenerife North. This urban hostel is located in a colonial house in the charming town of San Cristobal de La Laguna. It’s ideal to explore the North of Tenerife! People love it also for its friendly staff, its great location and its cleanliness.

Address: Plaza del Cristo 6, San Cristobal de La Laguna.

Book your stay: Patio hostel

Is Tenerife safe?

Charco El Diablo in Tenerife - Canary Islands

As a female traveler I can understand why anyone would wonder if Tenerife is a safe destination . My Tenerife travel guide will reassure you! As a woman wandering in this island with another girl friend, I always felt very safe . I never felt in danger or had the feeling people were about to steal my belongings.

Nevertheless, you have to take into account that I traveled there in January 2021 during the pandemic. At this time there was a curfew from 11pm to 6am. Therefore, I was not going out late at night. Also, I am always very careful about my belongings . I recommend you do the same and never take any risks wherever the destination you travel to .

How to get a Phone SIM Card in Tenerife?

Orange Prepaid SIM Cards options for Tenerife - Canary Islands

If you want to stay properly connected with the Internet during your trip to Tenerife, you must wonder how to get a SIM Card for your smartphone . So, I thought it would be great to give you my recommendations in this Tenerife travel guide!

I do not remember having seen a SIM Card shop at the Tenerife North airport but there is apparently a Lycamobile store in Tenerife South airport. Nevertheless don’t freak out: you can buy a SIM Card if any phone shop!  You will find those phone shops in all the high streets and shopping malls .

I got recommended by a local to go to Movistar as it apparently offers the best coverage. I went to a big Al Campo shopping mall near Santa Cruz de Tenerife that I spotted on the way and found an Orange shop. There was also a Movistar shop, but they didn’t have the prepaid SIM card I needed without annual subscription. Therefore, I took the Orange SIM Card “Go Fly” package offering 20GB (+15GB extra for free, a total of 35GB) for 17,64 EUR (21 USD). I think in the end I paid something like 20 EUR. It was a pretty good deal!

I found the coverage quite good during my trip (except maybe when I was on the road in the mountains like Mount Teide or Masca Valley).

Orange also had cheaper packages:

  • “Go Run” for 12GB (+15GB extra for free, a total of 27GB) for 13,22 EUR (16 USD)
  • “Go Walk” for 6GB (+10GB extra for free, a total of 16GB) for 8,80 EUR (11 USD)
  • “Navega” for 5GB (+10GB extra for free, a total of 15GB) for 7,91 EUR (10 USD)

What is it like to travel in Tenerife in the time of Covid 19?

Playa de Montaña Amarilla in Tenerife - Canary Islands

I traveled in Tenerife during the Covid 19 pandemic in January 2021, so I can talk about my experience in this guide. I recommend you check the measures existing at the time of your trip to see if the below ones are still valid or not. You can find all the hygienic-sanitary measures on the website of Spanish Ministry of Health .

First of all, to access the Spanish territory and Tenerife at the beginning of 2021 you need to fill in the Health Control Form available on the Spain Travel Health porta l from 48 hours before the flight. You will then obtain a QR Code , that you have to show at the control points upon arrival in Spain . I got mine quite quickly in the next hours after filling in the form online. Also be aware that you need to know your flight number and information, so fill in the form only once you have booked your flight.

Then the second thing you need to access the Spanish territory and Tenerife is a negative PCR Test from less than 72 hours .

Additionally, your temperature will be taken before boarding your flight and at the airport on arrival.

During your trip and your stay, please use a mask , maintain physical interpersonal distance of at least 1.5m with other, wash your hands frequently, and cover yourself if coughing or sneezing .

On top of the measures above you might have to respect a curfew . At the time I was travelling in Tenerife in January 2021, this area was in Tear 2. Therefore, the curfew was between 11pm and 6am. Also gathering was limited to 4 people (not from the same family).

I can only encourage you to respect all those measures so that we can all enjoy a better life in the future!

In Conclusion…

Tenerife is an amazing destination that you will love to discover! I did my best to cover all of the questions you might have before traveling there in this indispensable Tenerife travel guide . If there is anything else that you want to ask, please write your question in the comment or email me! It will be my pleasure to help you!

Do not miss any of the best photo spots in Tenerife by reading the Most Instagrammable Places in Tenerife!

Save it for later on Pinterest!

Tenerife in the Canary Islands is an amazing destination that you will love to discover! In this indispensable Tenerife Travel Guide I am answering the most frequent questions you might have about Tenerife. Get to know when to go to Tenerife, how to reach Tenerife, how long you should stay in Tenerife, what are the best things to do in Tenerife, where to stay in Tenerife and much more! Tenerife trip | Tenerife photography | Everything you need to know about Tenerife | Activities in Tenerife

Hello! I am Ophélie, an avid traveller, photographer and foodista. I am French and I live in Paris.

This blog, will give you all my secrets: my best addresses (sightseeing and food) all around the world and in Paris, and my travel and lifestyle tips!

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tenerife travel now

Aanchal Iyer

What a comprehensive post! You have given so much valuable information. Tenerife is such an amazing destination with so many sites and unique experiences. Saving it for the future in case I decide to visit Tenerife.

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Limitlesssecrets

I am glad you found the article so useful Aanchal! Tenerife should be on everyone’s bucket-list! I hope you can visit this island!

Pingback: Tenerife, Spain | Parallels | Travel the World One Story at a Time

[…] limitless-secrets.com The Indispensable Tenerife Travel Guide – Limitless Secrets In this travel guide I am answering the most frequent questions you might have about Tenerife. It will help you prepare your trip! http://www.britannica.com Tenerife | island, Canary Islands, Spain Tenerife, island, Santa Cruz de Tenerife provincia (province), Canary Islands comunidad autónoma (autonomous community), Spain, located in the … Distant Ramblings by Cory Hess Canary Islands Distant Ramblings Flash Travel Spain Tenerife […]

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Marie laure Robin

Bonjour merci pour ce chouette blog je pars à Ténérife dans quelques jours et je suis tombée par hasard la sur votre page qui regorge de plein d idée de choses que nous allons sûrement aller voir … Par contre Petite question au sujet de la carte sim il me semblait que tout est compris aujourd’hui pour que en Europe on puisse utiliser nos téléphones comme actuellement chez nous… Du coup votre passage sur le fait que ayez eu a acheter une carte là bas me pose question pouvez vous m en dire plus … Nous allons avoir une voiture de location et j ai besoin du gps de mon tél lol pour aller explorer tout cela …

Bonjour Marie Laure ! Merci pour votre message, je suis ravie de savoir que l’article vous sera utile pour votre voyage à Ténérife ! Pour répondre à votre question, j’ai vérifié auprès d’une amie française qui y est actuellement, et elle m’a confirmé que sa carte SIM française fonctionne bien sur place ! Il semblerait donc que j’en ai acheté une locale pour rien >< . Passez un bon séjour et n'hésitez pas si vous avez d'autres questions !

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  • How to get to Tenerife: the complete guide

Plan your trip to Tenerife step-by-step!

  • Ferry Tickets

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and a great destination for holidays all year round. On our Tenerife travel guide , you can find detailed information about what to do on the island, the best beaches, sights, activities and nightlife. But before that, let’s see how you can travel to Tenerife  by ferry or plane with ease.

Flight or ferry to Tenerife?

Tenerife is one of the few Canary Islands that you can visit both by ferry and plane. There are various domestic and international flights to the island’s 2 airports : Los Rodeos Tenerife North Airport and Reina Sofia Tenerife South Airport. 

You can also get a ferry to either of the 2 ports of Tenerife: Santa Cruz de Tenerife on the northeast coast, or Los Cristianos on the southwest coast.

Wondering what's the best way to get to Tenerife? Our personal favorite is traveling by ferry . Here, you can read the key benefits of traveling by ferry to Tenerife:

  • Ferry traveling is more comfortable as you can stroll around and breathe fresh air at the deck, overlooking the amazing Atlantic Ocean.
  • You can bring your car on the ferry to Tenerife and easily explore every corner of the island. 
  • Traveling by ferry with your pet is more convenient than flying. You can bring your little friend onboard and make the trip more comfortable for both of you. 
  • Traveling by ferry to Tenerife is the most eco-friendly way to explore the Canaries. Read all about sustainable ferry travel on Ferryhopper.

The lighthouse at Punta Teno, Tenerife, Spain

The 19th-century lighthouse at Punta de Teno of Tenerife

How to get to Tenerife from the Canary Islands

Getting to Tenerife from the rest of the Canaries by ferry is one of the easiest ways to reach the beautiful island. We gathered below information about the most popular ferry connections and how long it takes to get to Tenerife from nearby destinations. 

Tip : should you need more detailed information about ferry travel and island hopping in Tenerife , make sure to read our blog!

Traveling to Tenerife from Gran Canaria

This is one of the most popular ferry routes in the Canary Islands and can often get busy. There are daily ferry crossings from Gran Canaria to Tenerife all year long, with increased frequency in summer.

Ferries from Gran Canaria depart either from the port of Agaete or from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and they reach the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife .

The Gran Canaria - Tenerife ferry duration is 1 hr 20 min to less than  3 hr depending on the port of departure and the type of ferry. Ferry ticket prices range between €42 and €60 .

Note : there are also direct flights between Gran Canaria and Tenerife (South). The duration of the Gran Canaria - Ibiza flight is around 40 min .

Traveling to Tenerife from La Gomera

This is the fastest way to get to Tenerife, as the trip duration from La Gomera to Tenerife is about 50 min . 

Normally, there are at least 4 daily ferry crossings from the port of San Sebastián in La Gomera to the port of Los Cristianos in Tenerife. 

Ticket prices for the La Gomera - Tenerife ferry route start as low as €42 .

Traveling to Tenerife from El Hierro

The El Hierro - Tenerife route is a great idea for a day trip or a long weekend, moving from the relaxing vibes of El Hierro to the vivid lifestyle of Tenerife.

The ferry route is usually served 6 days per week and the duration of the trip is approximately 2.5 hr .

Ferries from El Hierro depart from the port of Valverde (or Puerto de La Estaca) and reach the port of Cristianos in Tenerife. The ferry price from El Hierro to Tenerife is approximately €54 .

Note : there are no direct flights from El Hierro to Tenerife (South) but you can travel indirectly via Gran Canaria about 3 to 4 times a week. The total duration of the El Hierro - Tenerife flight route is around 2 hr . 

Tip : you can find more information about the available ferry crossings and island hopping in the Canary Islands in our relevant blog post.

Playa de Las Américas in Tenerife

Playa de Las Américas on the southwest coast of Tenerife

How to get to Tenerife from mainland Spain

Are you thinking of getting to Tenerife without flying?

You can travel by ferry from the southern coast of Spain to Tenerife and the Canary Islands. You can catch the ferry to Tenerife either from the port of Cádiz or the port of Huelva .

Despite the long duration of the trip, traveling by ferry from mainland Spain to Tenerife is a great way to transfer your vehicle to the island and enjoy the ride through the Atlantic Ocean. It's also one of the least pricey  and most convenient ways to get to Tenerife.

Discover more tips about the ferry from mainland Spain to Tenerife on our travel guide and read below about the ferry crossings from Huelva and Cádiz to Tenerife.

How to get to Tenerife from Huelva

The Huelva to Tenerife ferry crossing is served at least 3 times per week throughout the year, with ticket prices starting at €96-€120 .

The trip duration from the port of Huelva to the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is between 31-39 hr .

The port of Huelva is in Andalusia , close to the Spanish borders with Portugal.

How to get to Tenerife from Cádiz

There is 1 crossing per week on the Cádiz - Tenerife ferry route. One-way ticket prices start at €175 .

The ferry trip from Cádiz to the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife lasts approximately 44 hr . 

The port of the Bay of Cádiz is in Andalusia, close to the city of Seville. 

Mountain road in Tenerife

Roadtrip in the mountains of Tenerife

Book ferry tickets to Tenerife

Now that you have all the information you need on how to get to Tenerife, you can book tickets with confidence. On Ferryhopper, you can find all the ferry schedules for Spain , compare ferry companies and prices, and buy your ferry tickets online easily and quickly, with no hidden fees .

Pro tip : for combining multiple destinations in one booking, make sure to check out our interactive Map of ferries and plan every step of your excursion in the Canaries.

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Tenerife travel entry requirements – What you need to know before you go

  • Post author By canariasacross
  • Post date 12.12.2023

Planning a trip to the beautiful island of Tenerife? Before you pack your bags and board that plane, it’s important to be aware of the entry requirements for Tenerife. Whether you’re a tourist, a business traveler, or a resident returning home, there are certain rules and regulations that need to be followed.

Passport and Visa Requirements: To enter Tenerife, all visitors must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining from the date of entry. If you are a citizen of a European Union member state, you can enter Tenerife with a valid national identity card. However, if you are from a non-EU country, you may need to apply for a visa before your trip. It’s always a good idea to check with the relevant embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information regarding visa requirements.

COVID-19 Protocols: As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there are additional entry requirements in place for Tenerife. All travelers are required to fill out a health control form online before their arrival. Additionally, depending on your country of origin, you may be required to undergo a PCR test prior to your departure and present a negative result upon arrival. It is also important to check if your country is on the list of high-risk areas, as this might affect your entry requirements and necessitate quarantine upon arrival.

Other Entry Requirements: Apart from passport and visa requirements, there are a few other things to keep in mind before traveling to Tenerife. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, as well as any unexpected events that may occur during your trip. It’s also a good idea to have proof of accommodation, return or onward travel arrangements, and sufficient funds to cover your stay in Tenerife.

Remember, it is always best to check the official government websites or contact the relevant embassy or consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding entry requirements. By being well-prepared and informed, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry to Tenerife.

Tenerife Entry Requirements

If you are planning to travel to Tenerife, it is important to be aware of the entry requirements. In order to enter Tenerife, you must meet certain criteria and follow specific procedures. This article will provide you with all the essential information you need to know about the entry requirements for Tenerife.

COVID-19 Requirements

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there are additional entry requirements in place for Tenerife. Currently, all travelers aged six years and older must present a negative COVID-19 test result upon arrival. The test must be taken no earlier than 72 hours before your departure. Rapid antigen tests and PCR tests are both accepted.

It is also mandatory to complete a health control form before your trip to Tenerife. This form can be filled out online and must be submitted within 48 hours before your arrival. You will receive a QR code, which you will need to present upon arrival.

Travel Documentation

When traveling to Tenerife, you will need to ensure you have the necessary travel documentation. This includes a valid passport or national identity card. Make sure your travel documents are valid for the duration of your stay in Tenerife.

If you are traveling from a non-Schengen country, you may also need to apply for a visa before your trip. Check with the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country to determine if a visa is required.

Other Requirements

Aside from COVID-19 and travel documentation requirements, there are a few other things to keep in mind when entering Tenerife. For example, it is important to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergencies. It is also recommended to have a return ticket or proof of onward travel.

Additionally, it is important to comply with any customs regulations and declare any items of value or restricted items upon arrival in Tenerife.

Please note that entry requirements may change, so it is always a good idea to check the latest updates from official sources before your trip.

In conclusion, before traveling to Tenerife, make sure you are aware of the entry requirements. This includes fulfilling the COVID-19 testing and health control form, having the necessary travel documentation, and meeting any other requirements. By being prepared and informed, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry into Tenerife.

Visa for Tenerife

When planning a trip to Tenerife, it’s important to understand the visa requirements for entry into the island. Depending on your country of citizenship, you may or may not need a visa. Here are the key points to keep in mind:

  • If you are a citizen of the European Union (EU), you do not need a visa to enter Tenerife. You can freely travel and stay in Tenerife for up to 90 days.
  • For citizens of countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, a visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days.
  • If you are a citizen of a country that is not part of the EU or Schengen Agreement, you will need to check the visa requirements for entry into Tenerife. It is advisable to contact the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in your country for the most up-to-date information.
  • It’s important to note that even if you do not require a visa for entry into Tenerife, you may still need to meet certain entry requirements. This may include having a valid passport with at least six months’ validity remaining, proof of sufficient funds to support your stay, a return or onward ticket, and travel insurance.

Before planning your trip to Tenerife, make sure to research and understand the visa requirements based on your country of citizenship. It’s always better to be well-prepared and ensure a smooth entry into this beautiful island paradise.

Passport Requirements for Tenerife

When planning your entry to Tenerife, it is important to ensure that you have the correct passport requirements in place. Here is all the information you need to know:

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Tenerife. It is recommended to have at least six months of validity remaining to avoid any complications during your entry or stay.

Entry Stamp

Upon entry to Tenerife, you will receive an entry stamp in your passport. This stamp serves as proof of your legal entry into the country. Ensure that you keep your passport with the entry stamp safely with you at all times during your stay.

Travel Document

A valid passport is the essential travel document required for entry to Tenerife. Make sure to carry your passport with you at all times as you may be required to present it for identification purposes.

It is advisable to make a photocopy of your passport as a backup and store it separately from your original passport. This can be useful in case of loss or theft.

Remember, the passport requirements for Tenerife may vary depending on your country of citizenship. It is always recommended to check with the relevant authorities or your embassy for the most up-to-date information before your trip.

COVID-19 Travel Restrictions for Tenerife

If you are planning to travel to Tenerife, it is important to be aware of the current COVID-19 travel restrictions and requirements. These measures are in place to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors.

Before traveling to Tenerife, it is mandatory to complete an online Health Control Form. This form can be filled out within 48 hours prior to arrival. You will receive a QR code that you must present upon arrival.

All passengers aged six and above must provide a negative COVID-19 test result. The test must be taken within 72 hours prior to arrival in Tenerife. Only PCR tests are accepted. Rapid antigen tests or antibody tests will not be considered valid.

Upon arrival in Tenerife, passengers will undergo a health screening which may include a temperature check. It is important to follow all instructions given by the health authorities.

Wearing a face mask is mandatory in all public spaces, both indoors and outdoors. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in fines or other penalties.

It is also advised to maintain social distancing of at least 1.5 meters and practice good hygiene, such as regular hand washing or using hand sanitizer.

Restrictions and requirements may change at any time, so it is important to stay updated on the latest information before traveling to Tenerife. It is recommended to check official government websites or contact local authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

PCR Test Requirement for Tenerife

If you are planning to travel to Tenerife, it is important to be aware of the PCR test requirement before your entry into the island. This test is a mandatory requirement for all travelers, including both residents and tourists, in order to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone.

What is a PCR test?

A PCR test, or Polymerase Chain Reaction test, is a diagnostic test that detects the presence of the genetic material (RNA or DNA) of a specific organism, such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19. This test is considered to be highly accurate and reliable in detecting active infections.

PCR test requirement for Tenerife entry

Before traveling to Tenerife, it is mandatory for all travelers to obtain a negative PCR test result. The test must be taken no more than 72 hours before your arrival on the island. It is important to note that the 72-hour window starts from the time the test sample was taken, not when you receive the results.

The negative PCR test result must be presented in either English, Spanish, German, or French. It should include your full name as written on your passport, the date and time the test was taken, the laboratory or healthcare facility where the test was performed, and the result of the test.

Upon arrival in Tenerife, you may be required to present a printed or electronic copy of your negative PCR test result to the authorities. Failure to provide a valid negative test result may result in denial of entry to the island or mandatory quarantine measures.

It is important to note that the PCR test requirement may be subject to change depending on the evolving situation of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is recommended to stay updated with the latest information and guidelines provided by the local authorities and the airline or travel agency you are traveling with.

Quarantine Rules for Tenerife

As part of the entry requirements for Tenerife, travelers should be aware of the quarantine rules in place. These rules are in accordance with the guidelines and regulations set by the local authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of both residents and visitors.

1. Mandatory Quarantine

Upon arrival in Tenerife, it is mandatory for some travelers to quarantine for a specific period of time. The duration of the quarantine period may vary depending on factors such as country of origin, vaccination status, and recent travel history.

It is important to check the latest information provided by the official sources to understand if you fall under the category of travelers required to quarantine upon arrival in Tenerife.

2. Quarantine Exemptions

Some travelers may be exempt from the mandatory quarantine requirement based on specific criteria. Exemptions could include fully vaccinated individuals, those with a negative COVID-19 test result, or individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 within a certain time frame.

It is essential to check the official guidelines and requirements before traveling to ensure that you meet the criteria for quarantine exemptions.

Note: The quarantine rules and exemptions are subject to change, and it is crucial to stay updated with the latest information provided by the relevant authorities.

Before planning your travel to Tenerife, it is advisable to thoroughly research and understand the entry requirements, including any quarantine rules, that may be applicable to you. Adhering to these requirements will help in ensuring a smooth and hassle-free entry into Tenerife, allowing you to fully enjoy your visit to this beautiful island.

Travel Insurance for Tenerife

When planning a trip to Tenerife, it is important to make sure you have the right travel insurance coverage. Travel insurance provides protection against unforeseen circumstances that may arise during your trip, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.

Most travel insurance policies offer a range of coverage options, so it is important to choose one that suits your needs and budget. When selecting a policy for Tenerife, consider the following factors:

  • Medical Coverage: Make sure your travel insurance policy includes coverage for any medical expenses you may incur while in Tenerife. This should include emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical evacuation if necessary.
  • Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Tenerife is a popular holiday destination, so it is important to protect your investment in case you need to cancel or cut short your trip. Look for a policy that offers trip cancellation and interruption coverage.
  • Lost or Delayed Luggage: If your luggage is lost or delayed during your trip to Tenerife, travel insurance can provide compensation to help replace essential items.
  • Personal Liability: Accidents can happen, so it is wise to have personal liability coverage in case you cause injury to someone else or damage someone’s property during your trip.
  • Emergency Assistance: Look for a policy that offers 24/7 emergency assistance. This can be especially important if you encounter any difficulties while in Tenerife and need help or advice.

Before purchasing travel insurance for Tenerife, carefully read the policy terms and conditions to make sure it provides the coverage you need. It is also a good idea to compare quotes from different insurance providers to find the best value for money.

Remember, having travel insurance for Tenerife can provide you with peace of mind and financial protection in case anything goes wrong during your trip.

Tourist Card for Tenerife

If you are planning to visit Tenerife, it is important to understand the entry requirements for tourists. One of the key documents you will need is a tourist card for Tenerife. This card is an essential part of your travel documentation and is required for entry into the island.

The tourist card for Tenerife is a document that you must obtain before you travel. It serves as proof of your purpose of visit and ensures that you meet the necessary requirements for entry into Tenerife. The card contains important information such as your passport details, duration of stay, and the purpose of your visit.

To obtain a tourist card for Tenerife, you will need to provide some personal information and travel details. This includes your full name, passport number, nationality, and the dates of your visit. You may also be required to provide information about your accommodation in Tenerife and your contact details.

It is important to note that the requirements for obtaining a tourist card may vary depending on your nationality and the duration of your stay. Some countries may have specific agreements or arrangements with Tenerife, which may affect the application process for the tourist card. It is advisable to check with the relevant authorities or consult the official Tenerife tourism website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Once you have obtained your tourist card for Tenerife, it is important to keep it with you throughout your stay on the island. You may be required to show the card at various checkpoints, such as at the airport or when checking into your accommodation. Failure to present your tourist card when requested may result in delays or denial of entry.

In summary, the tourist card for Tenerife is an essential document for entry into the island. It serves as proof of your purpose of visit and ensures that you meet the necessary requirements for entry. Be sure to check the specific requirements for your nationality and the duration of your stay to ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry into Tenerife.

Entry Fees for Tenerife

When planning a trip to Tenerife, it is important to be aware of any entry fees that may apply. Here are the entry requirements and fees for visiting Tenerife:

Flight requirements

If you are traveling to Tenerife by air, you will need a valid passport. Make sure to check the expiration date of your passport, as some countries may require it to be valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure from Tenerife. Additionally, depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Tenerife. It is recommended to check with the consulate or embassy of your country for specific visa requirements.

COVID-19 requirements

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there are additional entry requirements for Tenerife. All travelers need to complete a health questionnaire and undergo a temperature screening upon arrival. Furthermore, visitors must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of their arrival in Tenerife. Alternatively, they can also provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.

Currently, there are no specific entry fees for visiting Tenerife. However, it is important to note that there might be additional costs associated with COVID-19 testing or any required health insurance coverage. It is recommended to check with your airline, accommodation provider, or travel agent for any potential fees or expenses related to your trip to Tenerife.

By understanding and fulfilling the entry requirements for Tenerife, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey to this stunning island destination.

Tenerife Entry Permit

If you are planning to visit Tenerife, it is important to familiarize yourself with the entry requirements and obtain the necessary entry permit. The entry permit allows you to enter and stay in Tenerife for a specific period of time as per the guidelines set by the local authorities.

The entry permit is required for all visitors, regardless of their nationality or purpose of visit. To obtain the entry permit, you will need to provide certain documents and meet the eligibility criteria set by the Tenerife government.

Some of the documents that may be required for the entry permit application include a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months, a completed application form, proof of accommodation in Tenerife, a return ticket, and sufficient funds to cover your stay in Tenerife.

It is recommended to apply for the entry permit well in advance of your planned trip to Tenerife to ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry process. The processing time for the entry permit may vary, so it is advisable to check the official Tenerife government website for the most up-to-date information.

Once you have obtained the entry permit, it is important to carry it with you at all times during your stay in Tenerife. Border control officers may request to see your entry permit upon arrival or during random checks, so it is essential to keep it easily accessible.

Non-compliance with the entry requirements or failure to obtain the necessary entry permit may result in denial of entry to Tenerife or other legal consequences. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully follow the entry procedures and ensure all required documents are in order.

By obtaining the Tenerife entry permit and complying with the entry requirements, you can enjoy your visit to Tenerife and make the most of your time on this beautiful island.

Tenerife Entry Form

If you are planning to visit Tenerife, you will need to complete a Tenerife Entry Form prior to your arrival. This form is mandatory for all travelers and helps the local authorities keep track of visitors entering the island.

Where to Find the Tenerife Entry Form?

You can find the Tenerife Entry Form online on the official website of the Tenerife Government. It is a simple and straightforward form that you can fill out in a few minutes. Make sure to provide accurate information to avoid any complications during your entry to Tenerife.

Information Required in the Tenerife Entry Form

The Tenerife Entry Form will require you to provide several pieces of information, including:

  • Personal details such as your full name, date of birth, and passport information
  • Contact details, including your email address and phone number
  • Travel details, such as your arrival date, flight information, and accommodation details
  • Health information, including any recent COVID-19 tests or vaccinations
  • Any additional information required by the Tenerife Government

It is important to fill out the Tenerife Entry Form accurately and honestly. Providing false or misleading information may result in difficulties or even refusal of entry to the island.

Once you have completed the form, make sure to have a copy of it with you when you travel to Tenerife. The authorities may request to see it upon your arrival.

By filling out the Tenerife Entry Form, you are helping to ensure a smooth and safe travel experience for yourself and others visiting the beautiful island of Tenerife. Remember to stay updated on any changes or additional requirements before your trip.

Health Declaration for Tenerife

As part of the entry requirements for Tenerife, all travelers are required to complete a health declaration form.

The health declaration form is a document that asks travelers to provide information related to their health and travel history. The purpose of this form is to assess the health risks associated with each individual and to ensure the safety of everyone in Tenerife.

When filling out the health declaration form, travelers are required to provide their personal information, such as their name, contact details, and passport number. They are also asked to disclose any recent travel history and any symptoms they may be experiencing.

It is important to note that providing false information on the health declaration form is considered a criminal offense and can result in serious consequences.

Once the health declaration form is completed, travelers must present it upon their arrival in Tenerife. It is advised to keep a copy of the form for personal records.

The health declaration form is just one of the many measures implemented by the authorities in Tenerife to protect the health and safety of both residents and visitors. By following these requirements, travelers can contribute to the overall well-being of the destination and have a safe and enjoyable stay in Tenerife.

Tenerife Entry Checklist

Before traveling to Tenerife, it is important to make sure you have completed the necessary entry requirements. Here is a checklist to help you prepare:

  • Check your passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in Tenerife.
  • Visa requirements: Check if you need to obtain a visa before traveling to Tenerife, depending on your nationality.
  • COVID-19 testing: Familiarize yourself with the COVID-19 testing requirements for entering Tenerife. Make sure to get tested within the specified timeframe and obtain a negative result.
  • Travel insurance: It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers any unexpected medical expenses or travel disruptions.
  • Flight bookings: Make sure you have booked your flights to Tenerife and have all the necessary travel documents ready.
  • Accommodation confirmation: Have confirmation of your accommodation in Tenerife, whether it is a hotel reservation or staying with friends or family.
  • Transportation arrangements: Plan your transportation to and from the airport in Tenerife, whether it is by taxi, public transportation, or rental car.
  • Additional documents: Carry any additional documents that may be required, such as proof of purpose of visit or onward travel.
  • COVID-19 safety measures: Familiarize yourself with the current COVID-19 safety measures in Tenerife, such as mask requirements and social distancing guidelines, and be prepared to comply with them.
  • Check for updates: Stay updated with the latest travel advisories and entry requirements for Tenerife, as they can change before your trip.

By ensuring you have completed this checklist, you will be well-prepared for your entry to Tenerife and can have a smooth and enjoyable trip. Safe travels!

Customs Regulations for Tenerife

When traveling to Tenerife, it is important to be aware of the customs regulations in place. These regulations are in place to ensure the safety and security of both the island and its visitors. Below are some key customs requirements to keep in mind:

  • All travelers arriving in Tenerife must pass through customs upon entry. It is important to have the necessary travel documents, including a valid passport and any required visas.
  • There are certain goods that are prohibited or restricted from entering Tenerife. These include illegal drugs, firearms, and certain animal and plant products. It is important to familiarize yourself with these restrictions to avoid any complications at customs.
  • When entering Tenerife from a non-European Union country, there are limits on the amount of goods that can be brought in duty-free. These limits vary depending on the type of goods, so it is important to check the current regulations before your trip.
  • If you are carrying more than 10,000 euros (or the equivalent in another currency) in cash, you are required to declare it at customs upon arrival in Tenerife.
  • Tenerife has strict regulations in place regarding the import and export of protected species. It is prohibited to bring in or take out any endangered animals, plants, or their products without the necessary permits.

By familiarizing yourself with the customs regulations for Tenerife and ensuring that you comply with them, you can help make your entry into the island a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Tenerife Entry Process

Tenerife has certain entry requirements in place that must be met in order to enter the island. It is important to familiarize yourself with these requirements before planning your trip. The entry process to Tenerife involves the following steps:

By following these steps and meeting the entry requirements, you can ensure a smooth entry to Tenerife and enjoy your vacation on this beautiful island.

Entry Points for Tenerife

Tenerife, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain, offers several entry points for visitors arriving by both air and sea.

Tenerife has two main airports: Tenerife North Airport (TFN) and Tenerife South Airport (TFS). These airports are well-connected to major European cities and serve as the primary gateways for international visitors coming to the island.

Tenerife North Airport is located in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, approximately 11 kilometers from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island’s capital. It primarily serves inter-island flights and some European destinations.

Tenerife South Airport, on the other hand, is located in Granadilla de Abona, about 60 kilometers from Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This airport is the main hub for international flights and handles a significant number of tourists throughout the year.

If you prefer to travel by sea, Tenerife offers several ports that you can choose from.

The Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the largest port on the island. Situated in the capital city, it receives both large cruise ships and ferries from nearby islands such as Gran Canaria and La Gomera.

Another popular port is the Port of Los Cristianos, located in the municipality of Arona in the south of Tenerife. This port is well-connected to several other Canary Islands and serves as a departure point for ferry services to La Gomera, La Palma, and El Hierro.

Additionally, the Port of Los Gigantes in the municipality of Santiago del Teide is a starting point for boat excursions and fishing trips.

Regardless of your preferred mode of transportation, Tenerife offers a variety of entry points to accommodate your travel needs. Whether you choose to arrive by air or sea, you can look forward to exploring the beauty and attractions that this island has to offer.

Documentation for Entry to Tenerife

When planning a trip to Tenerife, it is essential to understand the documentation requirements for entry into the island. Whether you are a tourist, a business traveler, or a student, there are certain documents you need to have in order to enter Tenerife.

Here are the important documents you need:

It is important to note that these are the general documentation requirements. Depending on your country of residence and the purpose of your visit, there may be additional documents or specific requirements. It is always advisable to check with the relevant authorities or the Spanish embassy in your country for the most up-to-date information.

By ensuring you have the necessary documentation, you can avoid any issues or delays when entering Tenerife and fully enjoy your time on the beautiful island.

Entry Requirements for Minors to Tenerife

When traveling to Tenerife, it is important to be familiar with the entry requirements specifically for minors. These requirements ensure the safety and well-being of children traveling to the island. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Valid Passport

All minors, regardless of their age, must have their own valid passport to enter Tenerife. The passport should have a minimum validity of six months from the date of entry. Make sure to check the expiration date of your child’s passport before planning your trip.

2. Permission Letter

If a minor is traveling without both parents or legal guardians, it is essential to have a permission letter from the absent parent(s) or guardian(s). This letter should include the contact information of the absent parent(s) or guardian(s), as well as their consent for the minor to travel to Tenerife.

Please note that the permission letter may need to be notarized or legalized, depending on the country of origin. It is advisable to check with the relevant authorities or consult with an immigration lawyer to ensure compliance with the specific requirements.

3. Birth Certificate or Proof of Relationship

To further establish the relationship between the minor and the accompanying adult(s), it is recommended to carry a birth certificate or any other official document that proves the relationship. This can help facilitate the entry process and prevent any unnecessary delays or complications at immigration.

It is essential to have all the necessary documents ready before traveling to Tenerife with minors. This will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry process, allowing you and your family to enjoy all that the beautiful island has to offer.

Tenerife Entry for Students

If you are a student planning to visit Tenerife, it is important to be aware of the entry requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey. Here are the essential things you need to know:

  • Passport: Make sure you have a valid passport that will not expire within the next six months. Without a valid passport, you may be denied entry into Tenerife.
  • Visa: Check if you need a visa to enter Tenerife. Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be exempt from obtaining a visa or may need to apply for one in advance. Visit the official government website or contact the nearest embassy or consulate for accurate and up-to-date information.
  • COVID-19 requirements: Due to the ongoing pandemic, there are additional requirements for entering Tenerife. You may need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken within a certain time frame or proof of vaccination. Make sure to check the Tenerife government’s guidelines for the latest information.
  • Health insurance: It is highly recommended to have valid health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Tenerife. This will ensure that you are prepared for any unexpected medical expenses or emergencies.
  • Accommodation: As a student, you should have your accommodation arrangements in place before traveling to Tenerife. This includes booking a hotel, dormitory, or arranging a homestay. Having proof of accommodation may be required at the immigration checkpoint.
  • Financial means: It is advisable to carry enough funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Tenerife. This can be in the form of cash, credit cards, or a combination of both. You may be asked to provide proof of sufficient funds upon arrival.
  • Student documentation: If you are traveling to Tenerife for educational purposes, make sure to carry all necessary student documentation, such as an acceptance letter from a university or institution, student ID, and any other relevant documents.

It is crucial to stay updated with the latest entry requirements and travel advisories for Tenerife. Check the official websites and consult with your educational institution or travel agent for any specific guidelines that may apply to students.

Tenerife Entry for Business Travelers

If you are a business traveler planning to visit Tenerife, it is important to be aware of the entry requirements. To enter Tenerife, you must meet certain criteria and provide the necessary documents.

Firstly, you need a valid passport with at least six months of validity from the date of arrival. Make sure your passport is in good condition and has blank pages for the entry stamp.

Secondly, depending on your country of origin, you may need to obtain a visa before traveling to Tenerife. Check with the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country to determine if you require a visa.

In addition, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there are additional entry requirements in place. All travelers, including business travelers, must complete a health control form before arrival. This form includes personal information, contact details, and a declaration of good health. It is recommended to fill out this form online before traveling to save time at the airport.

Furthermore, business travelers may be required to provide proof of the purpose of their visit. This could include documentation such as letters of invitation from business partners, conference registrations, or proof of business meetings or events.

Upon arrival in Tenerife, business travelers may be subject to health screenings, such as temperature checks and COVID-19 tests. It is important to follow all instructions from the authorities and adhere to any quarantine or self-isolation requirements that may be in place.

Overall, business travelers planning to visit Tenerife need to ensure that they meet the entry requirements, including a valid passport, a visa if required, completion of the health control form, and any necessary documentation related to the purpose of their visit.

Tenerife Entry for Medical Tourism

If you are considering visiting Tenerife for medical tourism, there are certain requirements you need to be aware of to ensure a smooth entry into the country. Tenerife is known for its advanced medical facilities and highly skilled healthcare professionals, making it a popular destination for those seeking medical treatment abroad.

Before planning your trip, it is important to check the entry requirements for Tenerife. In general, visitors from most countries will need a valid passport with at least six months remaining before expiration. Some nationalities may also be required to obtain a visa before traveling to Tenerife. It is advisable to check with the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date information.

In addition to the standard entry requirements, visitors coming to Tenerife for medical tourism may also need to provide certain documents. These may include medical records, recommendation letters from healthcare professionals, and proof of scheduled medical appointments or treatments. It is recommended to have copies of these documents as well as the originals to present to immigration officials upon arrival.

It is also important to have sufficient travel and medical insurance coverage when visiting Tenerife for medical purposes. This will ensure that you are protected in case of any unforeseen medical emergencies or complications during your stay. Make sure to thoroughly review your insurance policy to understand what is covered and what is not.

Once you have fulfilled the entry requirements and obtained any necessary visas, you are ready to embark on your medical tourism journey to Tenerife. With its top-notch medical facilities and beautiful surroundings, Tenerife offers an ideal location for receiving quality medical care while enjoying a relaxing vacation.

Entry Regulations for Tenerife National Parks

If you are planning to visit one of the breathtaking national parks in Tenerife, it is important to familiarize yourself with the entry regulations beforehand. These parks offer stunning landscapes, unique flora and fauna, and countless opportunities for outdoor activities.

Below, you will find the entry regulations for Tenerife’s national parks:

Make sure to check the official websites of the national parks for the most up-to-date information regarding entry regulations, permits, and any restrictions that may be in place.

By following the entry regulations, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to Tenerife’s national parks. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning beauty of these natural wonders!

Tenerife Entry for Volunteers

If you are a volunteer planning to enter Tenerife, there are certain requirements you need to be aware of:

COVID-19 Testing

All travelers entering Tenerife, including volunteers, must provide a negative COVID-19 test result. The test must be taken within 72 hours before arrival. The accepted types of tests are PCR, TMA, LAMP, and antigen tests. Make sure to check the specific requirements of your airline and the local health authorities.

Health Control Form

Prior to your arrival, you must complete the health control form on the Spain Travel Health website . This form generates a QR code that you need to show upon arrival in Tenerife.

Quarantine or Self-Isolation

Volunteers entering Tenerife may be required to undergo a mandatory quarantine or self-isolation period, depending on the current regulations. Make sure to stay updated on the latest guidelines and restrictions imposed by the Spanish authorities.

Travel Insurance

It is highly recommended for volunteers to have appropriate travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including those related to COVID-19. Check with your insurance provider to ensure you have adequate coverage during your stay in Tenerife.

Additional Documentation

Depending on the nature of your volunteer work, you may be required to provide additional documentation, such as a letter of invitation from the organization you will be volunteering with or any necessary permits. Make sure to clarify these requirements well in advance to avoid any issues upon entry.

By following these entry requirements, volunteers can ensure a smooth and hassle-free arrival in Tenerife. It is essential to stay informed about any updates or changes to the entry regulations before traveling. Enjoy your volunteer experience in Tenerife!

Tenerife Entry for Journalists

If you are a journalist planning to visit Tenerife, there are certain entry requirements you need to be aware of. As you enter Tenerife, you will need to present a valid journalist visa or work permit, along with your passport and any supporting documents related to your profession.

It is also important to note that journalists may be subject to additional screening or questioning upon arrival. This is due to the nature of their work and the need to ensure the safety and security of the island.

Before you travel to Tenerife, it is recommended that you contact the Embassy or Consulate of Spain in your country to clarify any specific entry requirements for journalists. They will be able to provide you with the most up-to-date information and assist you in obtaining the necessary documentation.

Once you have arrived in Tenerife, you may find it helpful to familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations regarding journalism. This will ensure that you are aware of any restrictions or guidelines that may apply to your work.

Additionally, it is always a good idea to respect the privacy and cultural norms of the local community when conducting your journalistic activities in Tenerife. This includes obtaining proper consent before photographing or interviewing individuals, as well as respecting any restrictions on filming or recording in certain areas.

By following these entry requirements and respecting the local laws and customs, you can ensure a smooth and successful journalistic experience in Tenerife.

Tenerife Entry for Sports Events

If you are planning to visit Tenerife to participate in a sports event, you need to be aware of the entry requirements. Tenerife is known for hosting various sports events throughout the year, including marathons, triathlons, and surfing championships. Whether you are a professional athlete or an enthusiastic participant, you must ensure that you meet the necessary requirements for entry.

COVID-19 Measures

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Tenerife has implemented strict measures for entry into the island. These measures aim to protect both visitors and residents from the spread of the virus. Before traveling, you must check the latest guidelines and requirements set by the local authorities.

All visitors to Tenerife, including participants in sports events, may be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result. The test must be taken no more than 72 hours before the departure to Tenerife. It is important to keep in mind that the specific testing requirements may vary, so it is essential to check the latest information from the official sources.

Note: It is recommended to get travel insurance that covers COVID-19 related expenses in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

Event Registration

Once you have met the necessary entry requirements, you should proceed with the registration process for the sports event you plan to participate in. Each event may have its own registration procedures and deadlines, which you should adhere to. Make sure to provide all the required documentation and complete the registration process within the specified timeframe.

Additionally, it is important to stay updated with any changes or updates regarding the event. This can be done by regularly checking the official website or contacting the event organizers directly. By staying informed, you can ensure a smooth entry and participation in the sports event in Tenerife.

Tenerife Entry for Film Productions

If you are planning to shoot a film in Tenerife, you need to be aware of the entry requirements for film productions. Tenerife is a popular destination for film and television shoots due to its diverse landscapes and favorable shooting conditions.

Entry Permits:

To film in Tenerife, you will need to obtain the necessary permits and licenses. This includes a filming permit from the local government, which ensures that your production complies with local regulations and laws.

Visas and Work Permits:

Depending on the country you are coming from, you may need to apply for a visa or work permit to legally work in Tenerife. It is important to research and comply with the immigration requirements to avoid any legal issues during your production.

Local Support

When planning your film production in Tenerife, it is recommended to acquire the services of a local production company or fixer. They can assist you with the necessary permits, location scouting, and coordination with local authorities. Local support is crucial for a smooth and successful production.

Filming Locations

Tenerife offers a wide range of diverse filming locations, including stunning beaches, volcanic landscapes, picturesque villages, and modern urban areas. Whether you are shooting a period film or a contemporary piece, Tenerife has the perfect settings to bring your vision to life.

Tenerife offers a film-friendly environment with professional crews, state-of-the-art production facilities, and a favorable climate throughout the year. Ensure that you have all the necessary documentation and local support in place to make your film production a success in Tenerife.

Entry Requirements for Tenerife Cruise Ship Passengers

If you are planning to visit Tenerife as a cruise ship passenger, there are certain entry requirements you need to be aware of. These requirements ensure the safety and well-being of both the passengers and the local community.

Before boarding the cruise ship, all passengers must provide a negative COVID-19 test result. The test should have been taken within a specific timeframe, typically 72 hours before the embarkation. This is to minimize the risk of spreading the virus and to ensure the safety of everyone on board.

Health Declaration

Passengers will be required to complete a health declaration form, providing information about their current health status and any potential symptoms. This helps the authorities to identify individuals who may pose a risk and take appropriate measures for their safety and the safety of others.

Port of Call Information

It is important for cruise ship passengers to have their port of call information readily available. This includes the name and location of the port, as well as any specific instructions or requirements set by the local authorities. Having this information at hand will facilitate a smooth entry process.

By following these entry requirements, Tenerife cruise ship passengers can enjoy a safe and hassle-free visit to the beautiful island. It is always recommended to stay updated with the latest travel regulations and guidelines to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Tenerife Entry for Famous People

Tenerife, with its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, is a popular destination for people from all walks of life, including famous celebrities, politicians, and influencers. However, even famous people need to meet certain entry requirements when visiting Tenerife.

Firstly, famous people who are citizens of countries within the Schengen area do not need a visa to enter Tenerife. They only need a valid passport that will allow them to stay in Tenerife for up to 90 days. However, it is important to note that there may be additional requirements at the discretion of border control authorities.

For famous people who are citizens of countries outside the Schengen area, they will need to check the visa requirements for their specific country. Some countries may have visa-free agreements with Spain, which includes Tenerife, allowing famous people to enter for a certain period without a visa. Others may need to apply for a visitor visa prior to their trip.

COVID-19 Entry Requirements

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, all travelers, including famous people, need to comply with additional entry requirements when arriving in Tenerife. These requirements may include:

  • Presenting a negative PCR test taken within a specific time frame before arrival
  • Filling out a health form with contact and accommodation details
  • Undergoing a temperature screening upon arrival
  • Following any quarantine or self-isolation measures imposed by the local authorities

Tourist Attractions and Experiences in Tenerife

Tenerife offers a wide range of tourist attractions and experiences that famous people can enjoy during their visit. From the stunning beaches and natural landscapes to the vibrant nightlife and luxury resorts, Tenerife has something to offer everyone.

Famous people can indulge in water sports such as surfing or diving in the crystal-clear waters, explore the unique volcanic landscapes, or simply relax and unwind on the picturesque beaches. They can also enjoy fine dining at world-class restaurants, experience the local culture and traditions, or party at trendy clubs and bars.

Overall, famous people visiting Tenerife can expect a memorable and enjoyable experience, as long as they meet the necessary entry requirements and comply with any COVID-19 regulations in place.

Question-answer:

What are the current entry requirements for traveling to tenerife.

The current entry requirements for traveling to Tenerife depend on where you are traveling from. Generally, all travelers must complete a health form online and undergo a temperature check upon arrival.

Do I need to have a negative COVID-19 test to enter Tenerife?

Yes, all passengers aged 6 years and above must have a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours before their arrival in Tenerife.

Can I get a COVID-19 test at the airport upon arrival?

No, you cannot get a COVID-19 test at the airport upon arrival. You must have a negative test result before you travel to Tenerife.

What happens if my COVID-19 test result is positive?

If your COVID-19 test result is positive, you will not be allowed to enter Tenerife. You will be required to follow the local health protocols and self-isolate.

Are there any quarantine requirements for travelers arriving in Tenerife?

No, there are currently no quarantine requirements for travelers arriving in Tenerife. However, you may be subject to health screening and additional testing upon arrival.

What are the entry requirements for Tenerife?

The entry requirements for Tenerife are that all travelers, regardless of their nationality, must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival, or a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours before arrival. They also need to complete a health control form and show proof of accommodation.

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tenerife travel now

Tenerife wants more Americans to visit after moaning there's too many British tourists

A mid the overtourism crisis gripping the Canary Islands, one of the archipelago's most popular destinations - Tenerife - is seeking to rebrand itself and appeal to a new market: America.

On April 20, around 120,000 Canarians took to the streets of Tenerife's capital Santa Cruz, claiming their islands were bursting at the seams, with more tourists than they could handle.

Despite the Canaries only having a population of around 2 million, last year nearly 14 million tourists descended on the islands, according to Statista.

Now it appears that Tenerife's leaders are looking to pivot away from high volume, mass market tourism, to lower volume luxury visitors.

As it stands, Brits are the most frequent visitors to the island, more so than mainland Spaniards.

However, soon the hope is that Americans will comprise the largest part of Tenerife's tourism clientele.

And Tenerife Tourism's plan already seems to be working, after launching the initiative in 2022. Dubbed the "Hawaii of Europe", last year a record 5.6 million US visitors landed on the island.

Compared to the number of American visitors from January to September in 2019, the number of US tourists more than doubled in 2023.

The hope is for the islands to become a year-round holiday destination for the American market, and Tenerife's incredible microclimate is a selling point the tourism industry is hoping to exploit.

John Jairo Cortes, a driver for a Tenerife travel company explained: "If you want a cold climate, you go to the north, or a hot climate, you go to the south."

Local business people that rely on tourism back the pivot to US consumers.

Luis Zamora Toste, a Sales Executive in one of Tenerife's most luxurious hotels, Hotel Botánico, proudly explained the long history of high-end US clients: "We had a visit from Michael Jackson in 1993 when he performed a concert on our island.

"We have also had President Bill Clinton and famous actors such as Sylvester Stallone, Henry Cavill, and Jake Gyllenhaal."

He adds: "With the United Airlines flight, we have noticed a great increase in American tourists, to the point that last year it became our 4th largest market (after UK, Germany, and Spain)."

Beach Tenerife, Spain

Top tips for getting around Tenerife, from sky-high road trips to coastal cycle rides

Kerry Walker

Jun 24, 2022 • 6 min read

Tenerife,Canary Islands,Spain - June 19, 2019: Titsa buses at the Central Bus Station of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Tenerife has an efficient bus service that covers a sizable chunk of the island © svf74 / Shutterstock

Tenerife is an island, but it’s a big one, particularly when you venture off the autopista (highway) and onto the narrow roads that rollercoaster into the remote mountains rippling across the north. 

If you’re planning a road trip, you’ll be in your element on Tenerife, breezing through otherworldly landscapes with the volcanic peak of Teide hovering on the horizon, or feeling your stomach flip as you career along cliff-edge roads with the Atlantic raging far below. 

Renting a car makes it easier to reach off-the-radar places, but you can get around Tenerife in plenty of other ways. Buses dash between the big towns and resorts for small change, and inexpensive shuttles make airport transfers a breeze. If you want to go greener, rent a bike or an e-bike to see the island in glorious slow motion. 

Here are eight of the best ways to get around on your visit to Tenerife.

A jeep driving toward a mountain on a road lined with cars

Rent a car to reach the beach and Tenerife's volcanic heights

With its cinematic volcanic landscapes and coastlines, Tenerife can be a joy to explore by car, but twisty roads and tailgating buses in the mountainous north can put even the most confident drivers on edge.

The island is pretty easy to navigate, especially if you stick to the big roads. The TF-1 highway links the capital of Santa Cruz de Tenerife  in the northeast to Costa Adeje in the southwest, while the TF-5 highway connects Santa Cruz to Puerto de la Cruz in the north. But more fun – and gear-crunching, camera-grabbing drama – awaits on the roads that swing around hairpin bends up to Teide National Park (TF-21), Masca (TF-436) and the Anaga Rural Park (TF-12). Avoid peak season if you don’t want to be harassed by impatient bus and coach drivers. The highways also can get jam-packed at rush hour. 

Finding a free parking space, particularly near the beach, can be a headache, especially in high season when roads are full of cars trying to cram into too few spaces (make sure you don’t park on any yellow lines). Paid parking generally costs around €1.80 an hour, which adds up over the course of a vacation, so it’s worth seeing if your accommodations offer parking. Never leave valuables in cars, as petty thieves have been known to pounce quickly in towns and resorts.

All the major car rental companies have desks at Tenerife South Airport, with car rental costing a reasonable €15 a day on average. If you want to up your eco game, Cicar rents out electric cars, and Chargemap lists e-vehicle charging points around the island.

Take the quick route to your resort in a taxi or shuttle

Ride-hailing services like Uber have yet to reach Tenerife, but official white taxis with meters are readily available at airports, in resorts and at taxi ranks in bigger towns. If you want to call one, good options include Servitaxi Tenisur in the south and 24-hour Official Taxi island-wide. Make sure you get an estimated cost for your journey before hopping in. A short 15-minute ride – from Tenerife South Airport to Playa de las Americas, for instance – will set you back around €26.

If you're traveling solo or as a couple, it’s cheaper to jump aboard one of the many shuttle buses that ply the island, doing the airport and door-to-door resort rounds. Some also offer affordable private transfers. Reputable companies include Holiday Extras and Hoppa . You can expect to pay as little as €4.50 for a 45-minute transfer from Tenerife South Airport to Costa Adeje.

Hop on a public bus for a budget-friendly spin around the island

No desire to drive? You don’t have to: Tenerife has an efficient bus service that covers a sizable chunk of the island. Titsa  runs guaguas – pronounced wa-was – or public buses. You can find timetables, routes and a handy journey planner on the website. 

If you intend to travel a lot by bus, invest in a Ten+ daily or weekly travel pass, which cost €10 and €50 respectively. You can buy contactless versions at ticket machines and bus stations or use the ten+Móvil app. 

Ride the tram from the old capital to the new

The most exciting way to get from La Laguna to Santa Cruz is by tram . The journey takes 40 minutes, and at €1.35, one-way tickets cost next to nothing. The tram runs from 6am to midnight Monday through Friday, and around the clock on weekends. Tickets can be purchased at machines and service centers, and refilled at newsstands and kiosks.

Cyclist riding on a road with the sun beating down, through the volcanic landscape of Teide National Park in Tenerife

Get on your bike to breeze along the coast or climb to Mt Teide

Tenerife has taken off as a cycling destination recently, with  routes crisscrossing the island and a mild climate making it possible to get on your bike year round. Pro road cyclists often train here in the winter, limbering up on the phenomenal climbs to Mt Teide.

You can easily rent road bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes in all the main resorts and towns. Expect to pay between €15 and €35 per day, depending on how fancy the wheels are. On the south coast, Free Motion and Bike Point are both good bets; the latter has put together a great selection of GPS routes  and offers guided bike tours, both on and off-road. Cycling in Tenerife ’s tours swing from a road-bike tour to Masca to a downhill MTB trip at Teide.

Stretch your legs on seafront promenades and mountain trails

Whether it’s to be a sunset stroll along a wave-hammered seafront promenade or a hike into the fantasy laurel forests of the north, Tenerife is a terrific island for walking. Yes, you’ll need wheels to get from A to B, but you can break up the journey by stretching your legs on the paths threading along the coast and into the mountains.

For day or multi-day hikes, Rother and Cicerone publish walking guides that will point you in the right direction. The Tenerife Topo Maps app is also helpful if you plan to stray beyond the beaten track.

Woman using an electric wheelchair and enjoying the beach

Accessible travel in Tenerife

Tenerife has made great progress to become more accessible in recent years. Modern south-coast resort towns have often been designed with mobility needs in mind, including well-equipped hotels with ramps, wheelchair-accessible rooms and traffic-free seafront promenades.

Shuttle companies such as Holiday Extras and cab companies like Official Taxi Tenerife offer wheelchair-accessible transport at no extra cost. Newer public buses are equipped with ramps, and the tram between Santa Cruz de Tenerife and La Laguna is accessible. If you want to rent a wheelchair or mobility scooter during your visit, try Active Mobility Tenerife .

For more travel tips, download Lonely Planet’s Accessible Travel eBook.

Why e-bike is my favorite way to travel in Tenerife

Tenerife is an island with a heck of a lot of altitude, with roads whipping up from the coast to 2000m (6562ft) above sea level, where the stark, rocky, red desert–like landscapes of Teide National Park make you feel like you’ve landed on Mars.

You can blaze up here by car, but to really see the landscape unfold – from ocean to pine forest to rugged, barren mountain – an e-bike is the way to go. It’s possible to road bike up here if you’re super fit, but for everyone else, an e-bike takes the sweat out of the grueling climb to the top, allowing you to focus on those sensational views.

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IMAGES

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COMMENTS

  1. Best places to visit in Tenerife

    Los Gigantes Diving Centre plunges into the deep blue to find stingrays, barracuda, and turtles swirling between the volcanic arches and caverns. In 2021, Tenerife's west coast was declared Europe's first Unesco Whale Heritage Site. Its mild climate makes it one of the world's best places for whale watching.

  2. Can I Travel to Tenerife: Everything You Need to Know

    Yes, you can travel to Tenerife now. The island has reopened its borders to visitors and is welcoming tourists. Are there any travel restrictions in place for Tenerife? Yes, there are some travel restrictions in place for Tenerife. Visitors must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. They also need to ...

  3. Things to know before you come to Tenerife

    Booking hiking permits in advance. Tenerife's top natural thrill is the chance to summit Spain's tallest peak, 3718m (12,198ft) El Teide, located at the heart of the lunar-like Parque Nacional del Teide. The key thing to be aware of is that you'll need a pre-booked permit to hike up to El Teide's summit.

  4. 22 Best things to do in Tenerife & Best places to visit (2024 Guide)

    Best day trips and excursions in Tenerife. TOP PARKS TO VISIT IN TENERIFE. Siam Park (Voted the best water park in the world); Loro Parque (World famous animal park in Puerto de la Cruz); HIKING TOURS AND NATURAL WONDERS IN TENERIFE. Mount Teide Tour with Cable Car Ticket & Transfer (Discover the most-visited national park in Europe on a guided tour); Masca Ravine Breathtaking Hiking Adventure ...

  5. Tenerife Restrictions: Latest Updates on Travel Restrictions in Tenerife

    12.12.2023. Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, has been closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and implementing necessary measures to control the spread of the virus. With the number of cases fluctuating, travel restrictions and quarantine rules have been put in place to protect residents and visitors alike.

  6. 14 best things to do in Tenerife

    Tenerife alone has around 140 plant species that exist nowhere else in the world. Get a taste at the peaceful Palmetum in Santa Cruz, a 12-hectare (30-acre) landfill now ingeniously reborn as a one-of-a-kind botanical garden devoted to palms from all over the globe.

  7. Tenerife COVID-19 Regulations: What You Need to Know

    Yes, you can travel to Tenerife right now. However, it is important to check for any travel restrictions or requirements before your trip. Some countries may have specific guidelines or entry requirements in place. It is also advisable to follow all COVID-19 safety precautions during your travel.

  8. Tenerife Travel Guide

    This Tenerife travel guide wouldn't be complete without an overview of the island's best restaurants. I recommend avoiding the more touristy places, as they tend to have higher prices and lower-quality food. ... Now that you have all the necessary information for your Tenerife travel adventure, I want to give you some tips that will make ...

  9. Tenerife

    Los Cristianos Carnival 2025 - Largest carnival in Tenerife South (Arona) Published on April 22, 2024. The carnival in Los Cristianos (Arona municipality) is the second-largest Carnival in Tenerife and the most popular carnival in the south of Tenerife with around two weeks of events for all ages and audiences. Tenerife Events in Tenerife.

  10. Visit Tenerife

    Osom One Limited | Company number: 12393319 3rd Floor 86 - 90 Paul Street, London, United Kingdom, EC2A 4NE

  11. Your vacation guide to Tenerife, Canary Islands

    The largest and most populous of all the Canary Islands, Tenerife has no shortage of beautiful beaches, charming villages, epic hiking spots and family-friendly activities.. And if you think it's simply too far-flung and getting there would take forever, United's new service starting Thursday, June 9, 2022, is changing that with a brand-new nonstop flight between Newark (EWR) and Tenerife ...

  12. One Week in Tenerife: Itinerary for First-time Visitors

    Here are some of my favorite things to do on Tenerife during a week-long trip: 1. Mount Teide Hiking + Cable Car Tenerife's volcanic mountain, famous for hiking. You can take a cable car mid-way up, which you need to book in advance but can cancel within 24h. Check availability.

  13. The Ultimate Tenerife Itinerary for 7 Days

    Autumn is back with a fun, week-long Tenerife itinerary! You may remember she wrote a huge post on how to teach in Spain, and now she's here with a nice, long guide on the island where she lived for a year.Enjoy! Tenerife, the largest of Spain's Canary Islands, has long been a favorite of European holiday makers due to its tropical beaches, diverse landscapes, and (in)famous party scene.

  14. Tenerife travel

    Tenerife. Spain, Europe. Tenerife is the striking grande dame in the archipelago family. Attracting over six million visitors a year, the island's most famous southern resorts offer Brit-infused revelry and clubbing, combined with white sandy beaches and all-inclusive resorts. But get your explorer's hat on and step beyond the tourist spots ...

  15. The Very Best 7 Days Tenerife Travel Itinerary

    Booking a rental car definitely is the best way to explore Tenerife. The perfect 7 days Tenerife travel itinerary. The perfect 7 days Tenerife itinerary. Day 1 - Anaga Rural Park. During our days in Anaga Rural Park we stayed at San Cristobal La Laguna. This way we were close to the entrance and most of the hikes.

  16. 10 Essential Tenerife Travel Tips: for the Best Vacation

    This is definitely one of my most important Tenerife travel tips. You can drive around the entire island of Tenerife in under four hours (without stops), so it's a great place to really be able to explore without spending the whole day driving. From Tenerife South, many popular sites and towns are under an hour away. ...

  17. Visiting Tenerife? 12 Tips Every Traveller Needs To Know

    Due to its mild and consistent weather, you can visit Tenerife all year round. The temperatures in winter usually don't drop below 19°C. Because of this winter is the best time for people interested in hiking. The high season is from June to September. With around 29°C, August is the hottest month and more preferred by tourists.

  18. Restrictions for Tenerife: What You Need to Know

    As of now, Tenerife has implemented certain travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Travelers are required to provide a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival. Additionally, they are required to fill out a health form and undergo a temperature check upon arrival. It is also mandatory to wear face masks in public areas ...

  19. The Indispensable Tenerife Travel Guide

    The Indispensable Tenerife Travel Guide. The beautiful island of Tenerife is one of the eight Canary Islands. This Spanish archipelago is situated in the Atlantic Ocean opposite the northwestern coast of Africa. Tenerife is very touristy, attracting more than 6 million visitors a year. Beaches, Mountains and Sun are the 3 main reason why people ...

  20. Best time to visit Tenerife

    Once known for its wild all-night parties, Tenerife now enthralls with even wilder landscapes - and a million and one ways to embrace them. Time your visit right and you can ride massive Atlantic rollers, watch whales, hike through prehistoric laurel forests ripe for a Tolkien fantasy, flop on volcanic beaches and pedal through crater-pocked lunar landscapes with Mt Teide peeking over your ...

  21. Getting to Tenerife: A Complete Guide

    The Gran Canaria - Tenerife ferry duration is 1 hr 20 min to less than 3 hr depending on the port of departure and the type of ferry. Ferry ticket prices range between €42 and €60. Note: there are also direct flights between Gran Canaria and Tenerife (South). The duration of the Gran Canaria - Ibiza flight is around 40 min.

  22. Tenerife travel entry requirements

    COVID-19 Travel Restrictions for Tenerife. If you are planning to travel to Tenerife, it is important to be aware of the current COVID-19 travel restrictions and requirements. These measures are in place to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors. Before traveling to Tenerife, it is mandatory to complete an online Health Control Form.

  23. Tenerife wants more Americans to visit after moaning there's too many

    And Tenerife Tourism's plan already seems to be working, after launching the initiative in 2022. Dubbed the "Hawaii of Europe", last year a record 5.6 million US visitors landed on the island.

  24. More Than 20 Universities from Around the World Will Participate in the

    More than 20 universities from around the world will present research at the Tenerife Global Summit 2024, which will be held from 19 to 21 June 2024. ... is now open at www.tenerifetsa2024.com ...

  25. Getting around in Tenerife

    For more travel tips, download Lonely Planet's Accessible Travel eBook. Why e-bike is my favorite way to travel in Tenerife Tenerife is an island with a heck of a lot of altitude, with roads whipping up from the coast to 2000m (6562ft) above sea level, where the stark, rocky, red desert-like landscapes of Teide National Park make you feel ...