tenerife island trip

• Gran Canaria
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• Tenerife - Best Places to stay
• Gran Canaria - Top Places to stay
• Lanzarote - Best Accommodation
• Fuerteventura - Best Places to Stay
• La Gomera - Where to stay
• La Palma - Best Accommodation
• El Hierro - Best Areas To Stay
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• Tenerife Tours
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22 Best things to do in Tenerife & Best places to visit (2024 Guide)

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and also the island with the largest number of visitors in the archipelago. This is due to the diversity of landscapes and things to do, as Tenerife has something to offer for each type of guest, from great weather all year round to parties and sports competitions.

What to do in Tenerife & Best Attractions

1. explore tenerife's popular tourist resorts, theme parks in tenerife: water parks and animal parks, 2. siam park, 3. aqualand costa adeje, 4. loro park, 5. jungle park, 6. explore the beautiful beaches in tenerife, 7. visit teide national park, 8. los gigantes cliffs, 9. visit masca, the prettiest village in tenerife, 10. whale & dolphin watching trip, 11. visit garachico, tenerife's most charming town, 12. see the dragon tree in icod de los vinos, 13. snorkeling in tenerife, 14. go on a submarine dive, 15. visit san cristobal de la laguna , 16. discover the unique anaga rural park , 17. sunset teide tour and stargazing experience, 18. visit the capital: santa cruz de tenerife, 19. hiking in tenerife, 20. coastal walks in tenerife, 21. tenerife carnival - the best carnival in spain, 22. day trip to la gomera, 23. punta de teno, 24. shop at the local markets in tenerife, 25. eat authentic local food at a guachinche.

Even if you're visiting Tenerife for the warm winter weather or great beaches, we encourage you to also spend some time exploring the island and discovering its many natural wonders and beautiful traditional towns, where you can get a taste of the local culture and architecture.

Tenerife is much more than a simple beach destination, so we highly recommend that you explore the island while you're there and visit some of its most interesting sights.

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 (Hike the Masca Ravine, one of the most amazing places in Tenerife)
• 2-Hour Hiking Tour in Anaga Forest (Discover flora and fauna unique in the world)
• Icod de los Vinos: Dragon Tree & Botanical Garden Ticket (See the  Millennial Dragon Tree up close)

If you're staying in the southern part of Tenerife, which is where the island's main tourist resorts are located, it's quite easy to get around and explore various areas.

Depending on where you're staying you can even walk between places, like from Costa Adeje to Los Cristianos, or from Playa La Arena to Los Gigantes. 

If you want to move around you can also hire a car (although parking can be difficult in most resorts), use the bus (guagua) or you can use the local taxi.

The main tourist areas and resorts in Tenerife are:

• Playa Las Americas
• Costa Adeje
• Los Cristianos
• Los Gigantes
• Playa La Arena
• Callao Salvaje
• Puerto de la Cruz (the only resort on this list that is not in proximity to the other resorts)

The famous Siam Park was named as the best water park in the world for the second year in a row. You can visit the park at any time of the year, as the pools are heated to a comfortable 24 Celsius. We usually go to Tenerife in winter, so we visited the park in January and February and we had a great time, as it's far less crowded than in summer (just be sure to choose a sunny day for your visit if you are heading over in winter).

• Full-day entrance ticket to Siam Park
• Experience the biggest man-made wave in the world
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

Aqualand is usually best suited for people traveling with younger kids, as they also have included access to a dolphin show at the same price. Some people recommend Aqualand over Siam Park because they had more attractions for younger kids, but Siam Park has recently opened a brand new area for kids, so if we had to pick one, we definitely prefer Siam Park over Aqualand, but it's good to know that you have options.

• Entry into the park with use of all water rides
• Dolphin show

Loro Parque is considered to be the best zoo in the world, as it was voted on first position by Tripadvisor users who have visited. We have visited Loro Parque several times and we loved it every time, all the animals are well taken care of and they have several shows that you can attend. 

•  Tenerife’s world-famous animal adventure park
• One of the top attractions in the Canary Islands
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund

If you plan to visit both Siam and Loro Parque you can buy a combined twin ticket, as it's more convenient this way.

• Book online: Loro Park & Siam Park Combined Ticket

Jungle Park is another animal park in Tenerife, this time located in the South, very close to Los Cristianos. The park is beautifully landscaped and it truly looks like a jungle in some areas, with the luxurious vegetation and colorful flowers. 

The park offers a free bus transfer from several resorts in Tenerife South, so it's easy to get there even if you don't have a rental car.

• Entry to the park
• Birds of prey in free flight show
• Exotic birds in free flight show
• Sea lion show
• Penguin feeding time

Ever wondered how many beaches there are in Tenerife? We have prepared a list of 101 beaches in Tenerife for you to discover and enjoy, but we're certain that you can still find some that are not on our list.

So please don't go to the same beach every day and go out to explore more of Tenerife. Also, here's a shorter list of the best beaches in Tenerife (in our opinion). 

This is a MUST while in Tenerife. You get to see a unique volcanic landscape, with lots of great views, with Mt Teide at the center of it all.

Explore Mount Teide's most iconic places with an official guide, then hop on the cable car, which takes you almost to the summit. The cable car takes you all the way to 3.555 m, which will give you spectacular views over the national park. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes and also bring a jacket or a cardigan, no matter the time of year since it can be very windy sometimes.

• Includes transport from the North and South of the island
• Official guide
• Includes Teide cable car ticket
• Discover the most visited National Park in Spain

If you want to climb on top of Mount Teide, you should reserve a permit ahead of time. 

Don't miss the chance to see the cliffs in Los Gigantes or Acantilados de Los Gigantes as they are named in Spanish. You can spend some time on the beach (Playa Los Guios), but if you want to enjoy one of the best views of the cliffs you should head over to Mirador de Archipenque (this is the perfect spot to watch the sunset, as it offers a lovely view of La Gomera, the neighboring island).

From the marina in Los Gigantes, you also have the option to go on boat trips and the cruise by sail boat is one of the most popular in this part of Tenerife.

• Time to swim and snorkel
• Fresh fruit, home-made sandwiches (vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options) & Beverages, including cava, white and red wine, beer and soft drinks
• 3-hour whale-watching cruise and time to swim and snorkel

Masca is a picturesque village , settled inland in a location where residents of Tenerife used to hide when they were being attacked by pirates. If you have a hire car you can get there on your own, but you should try to get there as early in the morning as possible, otherwise, it gets really crowded.

The views are spectacular and there is a restaurant overlooking the valley, where you have to go even if only for a cup of coffee (the view is definitely included in the above-average price, but it's worth it).

No holiday to Tenerife would be complete without a boat trip where you can see dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are ideal for spotting these majestic mammals and this 3 hours cruise also includes unlimited drinks, champagne, snacks and hotel pick-up.

• Includes unlimited drinks
• Champagne, Ham, cheese, and salad baguettes
• Sonar equipment for listening to the dolphins and whales

A visit to Garachico is like going back in time: this small town has a rather dark history, being destroyed not once, but two times by volcanic eruptions.

Walk on its narrow streets, eat great ice cream on the seashore, and if you're visiting during the summer months, go swimming in the natural pools.

The natural pools in Garachico are actually a huge Tenerife attraction in summer, and they are popular not only with tourists but with the locals as well, so be prepared for big crowds, especially during those hot July and August weekend days.

El Drago or the Dragon Tree is the island's most popular tree. The best view is the one from the town square, so there's no need to pay to see it up close. We totally recommend spending some time visiting Icod de los Vinos , a small town where you can see some buildings with typical Canarian architecture and wooden balconies. Garachico and Icod de los Vinos are situated very close to one another, so you should visit them on the same day.

If you want more ideas for a holiday that doesn't break the budget, read our article about free things to do in Tenerife .

Snorkel alongside turtles in a non-intrusive way on a kayaking adventure in Tenerife that respects the animal's welfare and freedom. 

Home to up to 5 different species of dolphins, including bottlenose dolphins, the waters just off the island’s coast are ideal to marvel at these lovable creatures.

Take a submarine dive in the lesser-explored waters of southern Tenerife.

This is a pretty unique experience and an exciting thing to do with kids in Tenerife, since they will be so thrilled to hop on a submarine and see the most exciting marine creatures in their natural environment. 

The submarine dive takes around 50 minutes and it's a great activity for the entire family while on holiday in Tenerife.

The town of San Cristobal de la Laguna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it deserves at least a few hours to walk around and see the beautiful buildings. If you're with the kids you may want to visit the Museum of Science and the Cosmos and why not also the Museum of History and Anthropology. 

The Anaga forest is one of the most magical places in Tenerife, with its laurel trees and wild beaches like the popular Benijo beach. If you have rented a car for your holiday, don't miss a day trip to this part of the island as it's one of Tenerife's most amazing places to see and visit. Look up at the weather forecast before you make the trip though, as sometimes it can be cloudy and foggy (especially during the winter months).

Did you know that Tenerife is a great location for stargazing? 

Watching the sunset in Teide National Park while sipping from a glass of champagne is really a unique experience, the views are incredible, you get to see the best sights inside the park and then you get to have a nice dinner, followed by a session of stargazing.

We went on this tour with Teide by Night a few years ago and our guide was really funny and knowledgeable, so we not only found out a lot of new things about Tenerife, but we were really blown away by the stargazing experience inside the national park.

• Includes 3-course meal with wines, water, and coffee
• Pick up from the South Coast of Tenerife
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before activity starts

If you're having a cloudy day in the south and you don't know what to do in Tenerife besides laying by the pool, you could go and visit the island's capital - Santa Cruz de Tenerife . You have many things to do, including great shopping opportunities (the only Primark on the island is located inside Meridiano Shopping Center).

Tenerife is an amazing destination for hiking and the best time for this activity is between October and May when the temperatures during the day are ideal for walking (during the summer it can be too hot).

We have an entire article about the best hiking trails in Tenerife (in our opinion, based on the hikes we did) but even out of those we definitely recommend you do the Chinyero Loop and the hike through the Enchanted Forest El Pijaral (Bosque Encantado), in order to see up close the beauty of the Anaga forest.

In case you don't want to hike or you just don't have the proper hiking equipment with you... you can also walk and discover the beauty of Tenerife by choosing an easy path. We've walked from Los Gigantes to Playa San Juan (not in one go, but it is possible) and we've walked almost the entire southern coast, another town or resort every day, usually walking by the ocean on the promenade (when possible).

The carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is considered the second largest in the world after the one in Rio de Janeiro and it is truly an amazing experience, especially if you want to mingle with the locals and party all night long. We've participated in the 2019 edition of the carnival and we loved the parades (especially the one on Friday, when the carnival is inaugurated), and then of course we loved the parties in the various squares in the city, the costumes, and the music.

La Gomera is the island that you see every day if you are staying in the south of Tenerife. The island is much smaller compared to Tenerife, but it hides tremendous beauty, an amazing national park and forest and winding roads that lead to lookout points with modern architecture.

From Tenerife South, you can book a day tour that includes the ferry ride, transfer on the island in order to see all the best places, and lunch at Mirador Abrante (probably the most Instagrammed place on La Gomera).

• Pickup from the south of Tenerife
• Transfers & ferry (with live tour guide)
• Lunch at Mirador Abrante

The view from Punta de Teno is amazing, as you get to see the cliffs of Los Gigantes from the other side. You can't visit the lighthouse, unfortunately, but the view is enough to be worth the drive there. There is also a small and pebbly beach there and when the ocean is calm you can swim here while enjoying the sight of the Los Gigantes Cliffs.

We have been to Punta de Teno several times, as it's one of our favorite places to visit in Tenerife, due to the spectacular views of the ocean and the cliffs, and we can tell you that the experience varies a lot depending on the weather. The place still looks impressive even when it's cloudy or rainy (some may even like the dramatic colors), but for a first-time experience, we definitely recommend visiting Punta de Teno on a dry and sunny day.

Most of the tourist resorts in Tenerife have a weekly market, where you can buy all sorts of things, from clothes, souvenirs, and handmade items to fake bags and watches, so if you want to do some shopping while there, check out the list of markets in Tenerife to see which is the nearest one to you.

Los Cristianos, Adeje, Alcala, and El Medano, all have a market and the items sold there are very similar since most vendors move daily from one market to the other.

What is a Guachinche you may ask?

Well, a Guachinche is a type of local place to eat, specific to the island of Tenerife, or more specifically to the north of the island. A Guachinche should only serve local food, which should be accompanied by local wine (most of the Guachinches actually produce their own wine and this is a way to sell the wine directly to the public).

Most of the Guachinches that you can find in Tenerife are located in the following municipalities: Tacoronte, El Sauzal, Tegueste, La Matanza de Acentejo, La Victoria de Acentejo, Santa Úrsula, La Orotava, Los Realejos, Icod de los Vinos. As you can see, these are not the usual tourist places, so here you'll find that most of the customers are residents, and it would be great if you could speak some Spanish, as most of the servers don't speak English.

Even so, eating at a Guachinche is one of the unique experiences in Tenerife and we always try to find new ones, especially around Tegueste, Los Realejos, or La Orotava, which are our favorite areas for this, as we really like the wine in those parts.

• Best Apartments in Tenerife: Kn Aparthotel Columbus (Playa de Las Americas) • Aparthotel Los Dragos del Sur   (Puerto Santiago) 
• Popular hotels in Tenerife: H10 Costa Adeje Palace 4* (Costa Adeje) • Iberostar Bouganville Playa 4* (Playa de Las Americas) • Barceló Santiago (Puerto Santiago)
• Luxury 5* hotels in Tenerife: Adrián Hoteles Roca Nivaria (Adeje) • Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur (Adeje)
• See our dedicated guide for the best places to stay in Tenerife .
• Best Excursions & Tours: Whale & Dolphin Watching with Drinks & Snacks • Loro Parque Entry Ticket and Shows

Warmest Canary Island in Winter - December, January & February

10 Best Things To Do in Playa de las Americas, Tenerife

17 Best things to do in Costa Adeje 2024 - Top Attractions

13 Best Things To Do in Los Cristianos, Tenerife - 2024 Guide

10 Best Things To Do in Los Gigantes, Tenerife

Playa de la Arena - A Great Place To Stay In Tenerife

Tenerife Itinerary: How To Spend From 3 To 7 Days In Tenerife

Posted on Last updated: March 26, 2024

Located in the Canary Archipelago, just off the coast of Morocco, this Spanish island will steal your heart. Tenerife offers a huge variety of awesome things to do, stunning landscapes and comforts for travellers.

If you’re planning a trip to Tenerife, you’ve made an excellent choice! After spending four months on the island I put together this ultimate Tenerife itinerary, to ensure you make the most of your trip.

Tenerife is so much more than just a tourist resort destinations, where retired Germans or young British party-goers go in search for some European winter sun.

It’s a beautiful island that should feature on everyone’s Spain bucket list!

Exploring the beautiful landscapes of Tenerife

In this guide I have put together some sample Tenerife day-by-day itineraries, outlining how to spend 3 days, 5 days or 7 days in Tenerife.

The longer itineraries are built up on the shorter ones, starting with the main attractions in Tenerife and expanding to lesser-known spots.

Feel free to adapt the itineraries to fit your personal interests. One of the things I love most about Tenerife is the variety of things to do, and how it can suit different types of travellers.

Whether you’re an avid hiker, a keen surfer or a professional beach bum, Tenerife has something for all of you! So without further ado, let’s dive in and discover the ultimate Tenerife itinerary!

• 1.1 Day 1: Explore Teide National Park
• 1.2.1 Visit the town of Masca
• 1.2.2 Relax in Los Gigantes
• 1.3 Day 3: Explore Anaga National Park
• 2.1.1 Hike in Rambla de Castro
• 2.1.2 Swim in the natural pools of Garachico
• 2.1.3 Discover the town & Dragon of Icod de los Vinos
• 2.2 Day 5: Relax in the south coast of Tenerife (and maybe try some water sports?)
• 3.1.1 La Laguna
• 3.1.2 Playa de Las Teresitas
• 3.2 Day 7: Teno Mountains
• 4 Where to stay in Tenerife
• 5 How to travel around Tenerife

A beautiful sunset over the hills and southern coast of Tenerife

Essentials to book before you read on!

Best tours in Tenerife

Teide National Park Romantic Sunset, Dinner & Stargazing

Tenerife Whale Watching Cruise

2-hour hiking tour in Anaga Forest

Best hotels in Tenerife

Budget: Banana Surf House

Mid-range: El Dorado Residence  

Luxury:  The Ritz-Carlton Abama

Get 5% off your travel insurance here!

Tenerife itinerary: 3 days

Three days is the absolute minimum you should spend in Tenerife. While it won’t be enough to see the whole island, it will give you the opportunity to see the main sights and to get a feel for Tenerife.

These are the places I believe you should visit if you only have three days in Tenerife.

Day 1: Explore Teide National Park

With its 3,715 metres, Mount Teide is the highest point in Spain, as well as one of the tallest volcanoes in Europe.

Hiking to its peak features on many Europe bucket lists , so it’s only natural that it should feature in this Tenerife itinerary.

Teide National Park covers an area of almost 200 square kilometres, and is home to a huge variety of landscapes. From pine tree forests to volcanic desert expanses, it’s guaranteed to leave you breathless.

The Teide summit from the Mirador of Samara hike

Besides the actual hike (or gondola ride) to the peak, there are also many beautiful hiking trails in the Teide National Park. Some of the most famous are Roque de Garcia and Samara.

These trails give you the opportunity to experience the beauty of Teide, while admiring the stunning natural landscape. There are also many viewpoints around the national park, which you can both hike or drive to.

Depending on what hikes you choose to do and what miradors to stop at, you can easily spend a whole day exploring Teide National Park.

There are many awesome tours that you can do exploring Mount Teide, I have linked below some of the best ones:

• Mount Teide Summit Hiking Tour
• Mount Teide Sunset Cable Car Tour
• Romantic Sunset & Star Gazing Experience At Mount Teide

The start of the Roque de Garcia trail, with the Teide peak in the back, Tenerife

Hiking the Montana Samara Circuit Trail in Tenerife, with a view of the sea and clouds

Day 2: Masca & Los Gigantes

Visit the town of masca.

On your second day in Tenerife, you have to visit Masca. Masca is a small town of less than 100 inhabitants, nestled amongst the Teno Mountains on the western corner of the island.

The town is surrounded by the tall mountains, and is extremely scenic. The drive down to Masca is very winding so make sure to take it easy and steadily.

You can spend a few hours wandering around the cute town, exploring the cobbled side streets and admiring the beautiful views.

For the more adventurous and active travellers you can also do the Barranco the Masca hike. It’s a 3-4 hour return hike with considerable elevation change, since it starts in Masca and goes all the way down to the sea.

The village of Masca and surrounding mountains

Relax in Los Gigantes

After visiting Masca you can head to the nearby Los Gigantes. Los Gigantes is a town on the west coast of Tenerife, named “The Giants” because of the imposing cliffs that tower over the town.

The cliffs range from 500m to 800m in height, and are quite the spectacular sight. Close to the town there are both a beach and some beautiful natural pools, where you can relax and swim in the sea after your hike.

From Los Gigantes you can also do a dolphin and whale spotting tour . The best time to do this is late afternoon, since the golden hour light over the tall cliffs is meant to be simply magical.

Click here to book your dolphin and whale watching sailing cruise in Los Gigantes!

View over the town and cliffs of Los Gigantes

A pair of pilot whales we spotted in Tenerife

The catamaran we did our whale watching cruise with

Day 3: Explore Anaga National Park

Anaga National Park is possibly my favourite place in Tenerife. Located in the north of the island, this national park is home to the most gorgeous green landscape.

Here you will find dramatic cliffs over the sea, a jagged green coastline, black sand beaches and sweeping views that will give you serious Jurassic Park vibes. I’ve never been to Hawaii, but I picture it looking somewhat like Anaga.

There are many awesome hiking trails in Anaga, spanning a wide variety of difficulty levels and durations. That makes it the perfect destination for all types of travellers and hikers.

My personal favourite hike is the one to the lighthouse of Igueste. This hike is relatively short (2 to 3 hours) but very steep. You will go from pretty much sea level up to around 600m, enjoying the stunning views all throughout.

The view over Tenerife from Mirador Cruz del Carmen

Close to the Anaga information point you will find Mirador Cruz del Carmen.

This viewpoint offers incredible views over the surrounding valley all the way to the peak of Mount Teide. Here there are also some very picturesque hiking trails in the local forest.

Depending on how much you feel like walking, you can easily spend a whole day in Anaga National Park, admiring the beautiful green coastlines, conquering challenging hikes and relaxing on black sand beaches.

The hiking trails in Tenerife are usually well marked, but if you prefer a guided experience you can also do an organised hiking tour of Anaga .

Click here to book your hiking tour in Anaga!

Enjoying the view while hiking at the Semaforo of Igueste

Tenerife itinerary: 5 days

For those who are planning to spend 5 days in Tenerife, here are some suggestions of awesome places to visit during your extra two days.

Day 4: Northern coast of Tenerife

Your fourth day is dedicated to the northern coast of Tenerife. Here you will find a combination of panoramic hikes, cute colonial towns and stunning natural pools.

Hike in Rambla de Castro

Start your day nice and early with a hike, so that you can do it before the sun gets too high and hot. Rambla de Castro is a 10km hike with a gradual 380m elevation change, which usually takes around 3 hours.

This trail is part of a very popular Tenerife shore excursion for cruise travellers, and you’ll soon see why!

Enjoying the coastal views during the Rambla de Castro hike

It’s a casual coastal hike on a well-marked and beaten path, lined with palm trees and with stunning views over the sea and cliffs.

I loved this hike because it felt different from other parts of the island, and was giving me some serious Bali vibes.

You can also hike down to Playa de Castro. The beach is rocky and isn’t the most comfortable for relaxing or tanning, but with the steep cliffs surrounding it it’s incredibly scenic.

There is also a small waterfall at the end of the beach that you can get up close to. If you want to get close to the waterfall make sure to visit at low tide, as it can be very slippery and dangerous when the tide is high!

Enjoying the waterfall in Playa de Castro after hiking Rambla de Castro

Swim in the natural pools of Garachico

After your hike you will probably want to relax a bit, preferable somewhere where you can actually lie down and swim in the sea! So why don’t you head over to Garachico, a cute town just a short 30-minute drive away.

The pools are natural but there have been some man-made additions around them, so that there are flat surfaces that you can lie on and sunbathe.

You can spend some time here relaxing and cooling down in the natural pools.

On the day I was visiting there were strong waves washing into the pools. In these situations be careful as it can be dangerous, although it also made it super fun and similar to a natural water park.

The Piscinas Naturales de El Caleton in Garachico, Tenerife

Discover the town & Dragon of Icod de los Vinos

After hiking and relaxing on the beach, it’s only fair to end your day with a bit of city exploration. Close to Garachico you will find Icod, a beautiful colonial town in Tenerife.

Besides displaying some traditional Canarian architecture, Icod is home also to the Drago Milenario de Icod de los Vinos. This is the oldest and largest living specimen of dragon tree, and is said to be over a thousand years old.

You can see the tree as you drive into Icod and from the nearby park, or you can enter the Parque del Drago for a small fee to get up close to this impressive tree.

The Parque del Drago is also a botanical garden that you can walk around and explore.

The famous Drago Milenario de Icod de los Vinos in Tenerife

Day 5: Relax in the south coast of Tenerife (and maybe try some water sports?)

After such a jam-packed itinerary, I figured you might want at least one day to relax.

While I always stress that there is more to Tenerife than just beach resorts, there is a reason why it’s such a popular European winter destination .

The southern most tip of the island is home to Costa Adeje, Las Americas and Los Cristianos, three areas that while very touristy, are home to some gorgeous beaches. Here you can also learn to surf!

It’s one of the best surfing spots in Tenerife , where I personally spent four months surfing. You will have to wear a wetsuit if you’re visiting Tenerife in winter , but the water is temperate enough to go for a dip without one.

Me surfing in Fitenia, Tenerife

If you want a slightly less busy spot you can also go to El Medano, another town only 15-minute drive away from Las Americas.

El Medano is much quieter, and a popular windsurf and kitesurf destination, as it’s always windy!

Given how popular Tenerife is amongst water sports lovers, I figured no Tenerife itinerary would be complete without a day of beach chilling and little bit of either surfing or windsurfing.

The popular kitesurfing beach in El Medano, Tenerife – Photo by Valentina Borghi of BeBorghi

Tenerife itinerary: 7 days

For those who can spend one week in Tenerife, here are some suggestions of awesome things to do in Tenerife for your two additional days.

Building on all the awesome spots we’ve already seen, these additional activities will make your Tenerife itinerary even more unforgettable.

Day 6: La Laguna & Playa de Las Teresitas

Personally what I love most about Tenerife is the wild nature, but there are also many beautiful cities and towns to discover.

The historical city centre of La Laguna in Tenerife

San Cristobal de La Laguna is a city in the northern part of the island, which should feature on every Tenerife itinerary.

The historical centre of La Laguna was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Here you will find houses built in the traditional Canarian style, with wooden balconies and quaint colours.

You can easily spend a few hours wandering around La Laguna, admiring the Canarian architecture and tasting delicious local food. Just remember the weather here is much colder than the south, and bring a sweater!

Playa de Las Teresitas

If you’re anything like me, you probably won’t want to spend a whole day exploring a city. So after soaking in the chill vibe of La Laguna, head to Playa de Las Teresitas, one of the most famous beaches on the island.

Playa de Las Teresitas is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Tenerife, and it’s easy to see why.

With its pristine white sand, turquoise water and the scenic cliffs that surround it, it makes for a stunning beach.

You can get a sunbed for as little as 2 EUR for the whole day, a worthy investment if you ask me! Here you can sit in the sun, relax, swim in the beautiful sea and work on your tan.

Playa de las Teresitas from above

Day 7: Teno Mountains

After a few days of beaching, relaxing and visiting cities, how do you feel about taking back out the hiking boots? Another awesome hiking spot you are yet to discover is the Teno mountain range.

These are the mountains located in the north-western most corner of Tenerife, which are also part of the range surrounding Masca.

Here you will find dramatic green cliffs similar to those of Anaga, but more rugged and wild (if that’s even possible)!

Hiking the Punta de Teno trail in Tenerife

Hiking in the Teno mountains in Tenerife

The Punta de Teno hike, starting high up in the mountains and heading all the way down to sea level at the Punta Teno lighthouse, is one of the most popular hikes in the Teno Mountains.

It’s a 10km hike with 800m elevation change (descending) where you will see an incredible variety of landscapes, as well as an interesting flora change.

Once you reach the lighthouse you can also swim in the sea, and refresh after your hike. From Punta Teno lighthouse you can then take the public bus back to Buenavista.

It’s a one-way hike (unless you want to hike 10km back up) so make sure to plan and coordinate with your car and public transport accordingly.

Admiring the cliffs of Los Gigantes from Punta Teno Lighthouse

Where to stay in Tenerife

The best place to stay in Tenerife will depend on your personal interests. The island is extremely varied, which different types of travellers will find themselves more at home in different regions of the island.

For example if you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday you might look at staying in Costa Adeje, if you’re looking for fun nightlife you will want to stay in Las Americas, or if you love hiking you might stay in the north of Tenerife.

If you want to do a bit of everything you might choose to start your Tenerife itinerary in one location, and then change accommodation to a different town. That said, Tenerife is a fairly small island.

You can cross the island in around one hour, and can easily drive to and back from most places within the day.

I’m usually a big supporter of on-the-road itineraries, but in this case you could select one place as base, and from there explore Tenerife on day trips.

The sunset view from my apartment at El Dorado Residence in Las Americas, Tenerife

I listed below some cool accommodation options around the island for every budget.

Budget:  Banana Surf House   – This cute surf house is perfect for those looking for a cosy stay in a great location, without breaking the bank. It also has a huge rooftop with great sea views.

Click here to book your stay at Banana Surf House!

Mid-range:  El Dorado Residence    – I spent my first two months in Tenerife in an apartment in this residence, and loved every day of it. My apartment was spacious, in a great location (close to both the beach and supermarket) and had awesome sea and sunset views. I can highly recommend it.

Click here to see the latest prices and availability for apartments in El Dorado residence!

Luxury:  Hotel Rural La Correa Del Almendro  – This hotel is set in a traditional Canarian barn from the 1720s, and it still retains the rugged look, while having modern comforts like a pool. Located in Arona, it’s perfect for those who want to be close to Las Americas, without being in the heart of the party town.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Rural La Correa Del Almendro!  

The pool at Hotel Rural La Correa Del Almendro in Arona, Tenerife

How to travel around Tenerife

The easiest way to get around Tenerife is to rent a car, as it will give you the most flexibility. You can find very cheap rental deals with Plus Cars .

Tenerife also has a fairly good public transport system. The public buses connect all the main cities and towns, as well as doing stops also along the road in remote locations, and they’re also very cheap.

However the buses don’t run that regularly, and if you want to do some of the awesome hikes in Tenerife , they might not take you all the way to the trailhead.

If you want to make the most of your Tenerife itinerary, make sure to rent a car.

Me and my friend Ari enjoying the views during the Roque de Taborno hike

Final thoughts on the ultimate Tenerife itinerary  

There you have it, the ultimate guide to planning a perfect Tenerife itinerary! The sample itineraries I included are designed to take you to all the best spots in Tenerife, both famous attractions and local secret spots.

I started with the shorter itineraries going to the absolute must-sees, and then building on day-by-day with attractions that aren’t as essential, but still worthy of a visit.

Obviously feel free to mix and match days based on your personal travel interests.

Have you been to Tenerife before? Are there other places in the island that you think should feature in this itinerary? Let me know in the comments!

In my opinion, Tenerife should feature on everyone’s Spain bucket list , especially if you’re travelling to Europe in winter , maybe for a unique Christmas trip !

Mallorca , Menorca and the other Balearic Islands often receive more attention, thanks to their beautiful hidden coves , but I personally think Tenerife is second to none when it comes to landscapes and beaches.

I hope you find this Tenerife itinerary useful in planning your time on this beautiful island. From beaches to volcanoes, Tenerife has it all, and it deserves to be explored.

Looking for more Spain travel tips? Check out these guides!

• How to spend an awesome weekend in Seville
• 15 gorgeous Instagram photo spots in Barcelona
• The best tapas tour in Barcelona?
• Visiting the Alhambra: The Ultimate Guide
• The Best Granada day tours from Malaga

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The 14 best things to do in Tenerife, from ground-breaking galleries to Spain’s highest peak

Jun 17, 2022 • 9 min read

When it comes to activities, Tenerife packs a big punch ©️ Jose A. Bernat Bacete / Getty Images

Crammed with volcanic peaks, primeval laurel forests and Atlantic-washed shorelines, soulful Tenerife tempts with much more than its balmy weather and beach-vacation buzz.

On the largest island in Spain’s Canary Islands , you can meander around lively neighborhood markets and linger at low-key terrace cafes before diving into forward-thinking art, brightly painted architecture or cliff-hugging hiking trails. And it's all set against a spectacular natural backdrop that feels unlike anywhere else on earth. 

From the cultural thrills of the dynamic capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife to tricky-to-find foodie delights and otherworldly hikes, here’s our pick of the top things to do in Tenerife. 

Discover Canarian flavors at Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África

Settle into Tenerife life at Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África , the capital’s fresh produce market . The scents of c innamon, cumin, paprika and other spices waft through the air as you wander past subtropical plants, mountains of colorful fruits, towers of Canarian cheeses and counters piled high with fresh seafood. The peach-orange building was built back in 1944 with Islamic-style arches and a sky-reaching clocktower. 

Delectable local treats range from olive oils and wines to toffee-colored palm honey, specialty coffee from La Orotava and tubs of almogrote (a cheese-based paste from La Gomera). Don’t miss the chance to buy your fish at the market and then have it cooked up at one of the cafe-bars dotted around its edge.   

Get creative at Santa Cruz’s Tenerife Espacio de las Artes

Swiss architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron – in collaboration with Canarian Virgilio Gutiérrez – are behind the boundary-pushing design of Tenerife Espacio de las Artes , the island’s unmissable art gallery housed in a bold concrete-clad building inspired by the surrounding volcanic landscapes. The free expert-led tours offer a detailed introduction to the TEA’s wonders, which include works by the Tenerife-born surrealist Óscar Domínguez, an astonishing collection of 20th- and 21st-century Canarian art and a 24-hour glass-walled library. 

Right opposite stands one of Tenerife’s oldest churches, the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción (built in the 1490s and later remodeled), and a 10-minute stroll south takes you to the sweeping wave-shaped Auditorio de Tenerife , designed by Santiago Calatrava. 

Hike through age-old laurel forests in the Anaga mountains

Welcome to the oldest (and arguably most spectacular) part of the island. Shrouded in mist and ancient laurisilva (laurel forest), the isolated Anaga mountains stretch across the northeasternmost tip of Tenerife, protected as both the 144-sq-km (56-sq-mile) Parque Rural de Anaga and, since 2015, as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve. The best way to explore this natural paradise is on foot, hiking between clifftop hamlets along the 400km (249 miles) of pathways, which you can learn more about at the Centro de Visitantes Cruz del Carmen . Standout routes include the PRTF3 through the laurel forest and willow trees (8km/5 miles round trip) and the PRTF8 linking Afur, Taganana and Tamadite beach (14km/8.5 miles round trip). 

On the south side of the range, gold-sand Playa de las Teresitas is one of Tenerife’s most beautiful beaches, perfect for cooling off post-hike. 

Cool off in the Atlantic sea pools

One of Tenerife’s greatest joys are its twinkling natural sea pools, where you can join the tinerfeños for a dip in the emerald Atlantic. Rough weather and high tides can make swimming dangerous, so time your visit for low tide. 

On the north coast, Bajamar has a duo of calm, restored salt-water pools set into a concrete terrace right by the waves, and they're perfect for families. Venturing southwest, you’ll find wilder north-coast swim spots at Charco de La Laja and Charco del Viento, located between Puerto de la Cruz and Icod de los Vinos. And then you reach Garachico , one of Tenerife’s most fascinating historical towns, with a string of tempting rock pools created by an 18th-century volcanic eruption. 

Over in the west, jump in at Charco de la Jaquita in Alcalá (which has views of La Gomera), Charco de Isla Cangrejo (overlooking the Los Gigantes cliffs) and hidden-away Playa Abama. On Tenerife’s less-touristy eastern shoreline, low-key Radazul has ladders plunging into the Atlantic beneath soaring magma-molded cliffs.

Explore Spain’s most beloved national park

Few visitors can resist the pull of Spain ’s highest peak, 3718m (12,198ft)  El Teide , which rises at the core of the eerily beautiful, Unesco-protected  Parque Nacional del Teide , the country’s most-visited national park. Sidestep the crowds by hitting the rewarding walking trails that plunge across a silent lava-shaped valley or track up near-deserted volcanic cones.

If you’re planning to hike up to El Teide’s summit, you’ll need to book permits and (if needed) cable car tickets as far ahead as possible. It's around 40 minutes to the top from the upper cable car station at 3555m (11,663ft) along the Sendero Telesforo Bravo path or five hours (9km/5.5 miles) if you hike all the way up from the foot of Montaña Blanca at 2349m (7707ft) without using the cable car. 

But there are endless other exhilarating (and permit-free) trails through this astonishing lunarscape, including hikes up 3135m (10,285ft)  Pico Viejo and around the Roques de García . 

Join the winter Carnaval

Rivaled only by Cádiz as Spain’s greatest Carnaval city , Santa Cruz bursts into riotous, sequin-clad fun for three weeks each February, with street parties, colorful parades, fashion competitions and galas spilling out across town. With roots in the 16th century, Tenerife’s Carnaval was banned during Franco’s dictatorship but powered on by recasting itself as a “winter festival.” Book accommodations far in advance. The dates change each year depending on when Easter falls. For those who can’t make it during the festivities, Santa Cruz’s Casa del Carnaval offers a taster. 

Ride the waves in El Médano

With rainbow-colored kitesurf sails rippling across the waves and a sprawling golden Blue Flag beach, bohemian-feeling El Médano ranks among Europe’s prime kitesurfing destinations. Well-established 30 Nudos Kite School runs two-hour kitesurfing sessions for beginners, along with more in-depth three-day courses for a variety of ability levels. They offer classic surf classes too. The best months are November to March and June to September, though conditions are good almost year-round. Don’t miss refreshingly undeveloped Playa de la Tejita overlooked by the Montaña Roja volcano, both part of a protected nature reserve.

Taste volcanic Canarian wines 

Tenerife’s distinctive climates and abrupt geology mean wine-making here is all about rare, autochthonous pre-phylloxera grapes, such as malvasía , negramoll and listán negro . Ancient vines have been grown across the mineral-rich, lava-flow slopes since at least the 15th century, and most are still harvested by hand in the island’s five Denominaciones de Origen (DOs; Denominations of Origin). 

Drop in for a tour and tasting at the award-winning Bodegas Insulares Tenerife , a 660-member cooperative in the northern DO Tacoronte-Acentejo or (with advance booking) at family-owned Suertes del Marqués in the DO Valle de La Orotava, which prioritizes traditional, sustainable production techniques. For a deep-dive into small, artisan tinerfeño vineyards, Tenerife Wine Experience offers private bodega-hopping tours. 

Feast on Tenerife classics at a guachinche

Beloved by tinerfeños , Tenerife’s guachinches are simple, great-value food spots specializing in traditional home-cooked cuisine, typically set in repurposed garages, garden shacks or country fincas (estates) whose owners make and serve their own wine. 

The best area to hunt one down is northern Tenerife, particularly around La Orotava, where you’ll be digging into garbanzas (chickpea stew), grilled meats, ultra-fresh fish, ropa vieja (a meaty stew), Canarian cheeses and other favorites. It’s best to get recommendations locally, but you can find a few online guides.

Enjoy watersports and whale-watching in Los Gigantes

Plunging into the Atlantic from 600m (1969ft) above, northwestern Tenerife’s basalt cliffs of Los Gigantes make up one of the Canaries’ most spectacular coastal landscapes. The dreamiest views are from out on the cobalt-blue water, which means kayaking and paddle-boarding are a delight, especially at sunset. It’s also Tenerife’s top spot for diving and snorkeling, with stingrays, barracudas, sea turtles, endangered Canarian lobsters and other creatures bobbing around the cliffs.

In 2021, a 2000-sq-km swath of ocean surrounding western Tenerife and neighboring La Gomera was declared Europe’s first Whale Heritage Site , recognizing local efforts to develop responsible whale-watching tourism and the area’s unique populations of short-finned pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins and 27 other cetaceans. Make sure you book with an ethical, low-impact operator that prioritizes the animals’ welfare, limiting numbers and always keeping a good distance.

Marvel at Canarian architecture 

Lush green interior patios await discovery behind the candy-colored facades, wood-carved balconies and shuttered windows of La Laguna ’s Canarian mansions, just north of Santa Cruz. This town was the island’s original capital until 1723, with most of the palatial homes dotted around its Unesco-listed old town built between the 16th and 18th centuries, particularly along Calle San Agustín . Many remain private residences open only to visitors on free guided tours . It’s a similar scene over in La Orotava, the historically prosperous town clinging to northern Tenerife’s slopes; here you'll find the 1632 Casa de los Balcones ,  a jewel of Castilian-style Canarian architecture. 

Tackle the Barranco de Masca hike

One of Tenerife’s most thrilling hikes threads through the sheer-walled Barranco de Masca gorge , protected by the 80-sq-km (31-sq-mile) Parque Rural de Teno in the rugged northwest of the island. Following restorations, this spine-tingling trail reopened in 2021, linking Masca (among Tenerife’s most scenic hill villages) with a wild volcanic beach at the mouth of the ravine. It’s a 10km (6.5-mile) round trip, walkable in about seven hours. To help with preservation efforts, the barranco is open to the public only on weekends and there’s a daily cap on visitor numbers (currently set at 125) – you’ll need to book a permit far in advance. 

Dine among the stars

Over the last few years, Tenerife has stormed onto Spain’s gastronomic stage, shining a spotlight on the Canary Islands’ fabulous produce, on-the-up wines and distinct culinary heritage. The island now hosts four Michelin-star restaurants, including the Canaries’ only two-Michelin-star venture: M.B. by top Basque chef Martín Barasategui at the luxe, Morocco-inspired Ritz-Carlton Abama hotel. Also at the resort is Japanese-inspired Abama Kabuki , with one Michelin star. La Caleta’s Canarian-fusion spot El Rincón de Juan Carlos (by the tinerfeño brothers Juan Carlos and Jonathan Padrón) and nearby Italian-Chilean Nub (at the five-star Bahía del Duque hotel) joined the club in 2022. 

Stars (and price tags) aside, you’ll dine well all over the island, whether you fancy a lunch of fresh fish at a no-fuss chiringuito (beach bar) or a gomero -cheese tapa with a glass of Tenerife-made red.

Roam around blissful Canarian gardens

With their unparalleled lava-molded geography and hugely varied microclimates, the Canary Islands are an astonishingly biodiverse natural wonderland, with 500 endemic types of flora. 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.

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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:

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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Tenerife Guide: Planning Your Trip

Astrid was the Senior Special Projects Editor at TripSavvy.

The largest island in Spain's Canary Islands archipelago, picture perfect Tenerife welcomes over 6 million visitors per year. With its stunning white sand beaches, unique ecological diversity, and abundance of dramatic cliffside vistas, its popularity is no surprise. A playful paradise packed with culture and outdoor adventure, Tenerife is a dream destination for travelers all over the world. If you're planning a trip to this tropical gem, here's what to know.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit: If you're looking for tropical weather without the high peak season prices, the best time to visit Tenerife would be in May or June.
• Language: Spanish. You may notice a slight difference in the dialect spoken here than on mainland Spain, but Spanish speakers will still be able to get by with ease.
• Currency: Euro
• Getting Around: There is no train system in Tenerife, but visitors seeking public transportation will be able to get around on the island-wide bus system, named "TITSA." The 111 bus provides ample service from the island's airport in Santa Cruz. Visitors can purchase a refillable Ten+ bus card at the airport that costs 2 euro and can be topped off in multiples of 5 euro.
• Travel Tip: One of the most photogenic places in Tenerife, the small mountain village of Masca, hidden in a volcanic formation called Macizo de Teno, is worth exploring.

Things to Do

Tenerife is the perfect mix of rugged outdoor landscapes, history and culture, and thrilling nightlife. Here are just a few of the activities you should include on your list:

• Visit Teide National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park is one of the crown jewels of the island. Home to the Teide-Pico Viejo stratovolcano, the world's third-tallest volcanic structure and the highest peak on Spanish soil, this destination is also known for its incredible stargazing.
• Ride the Mount Teide Cable Car: This five minute ride offers some of the most jaw-dropping views of Mount Teide, an active volcano and the highest point in Spain.
• Hike the Barranco del Infierno: Translating to the "Hell Ravine," this 3 hour hike may sound intimidating, but with an incline of around 650 feet, it is perfectly suitable for hikers of all levels.

Make the most of your time in Tenerife with our full guide of things to do.

What to Eat and Drink

In Tenerife, you'll find traditional Spanish dishes such as  paella  (a rice dish loaded with seafood) and gazpacho (a chilled vegetable soup), but there are a few dishes unique to the island that are worth trying, too. The best known traditional dish on the island is gofio , a type of corn or flour that is made from roasted grains. You'll find it as the base of many Canarian dishes such as grilled meats, fish, and stews. It can also be served as a dessert, often whipped into a sweet mousse.

Locally grown agriculture on the Canary Islands includes papayas and bananas. Tenerife is also one of six Canary Islands that produces its own wine; with high altitude vineyards, wines have been produced here for over 500 years. Food and drink in Tenerife is typically inexpensive, with a sit-down meal rarely costing more than $10. A liter of local wine can cost as little as $12.

Where to Stay

As the largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife has the advantage of offering a wide variety of places to stay for travelers of all budgets. From luxury resorts in the buzzy South to hostels and cozy bed and breakfasts, you'll be spoiled for choice. For those looking for glitz and glam, The Ritz-Carlton, Abama , a pink palace surrounded by lush gardens and tropical foliage, is not to be missed. For the more wallet-conscious, the family friendly Gran Oasis Resort is a popular choice, as well as the unpretentious and all-inclusive Barceló Tenerife .

Getting There

The easiest way to reach the island is usually via a two-hour flight from  Madrid . However, for adventurous travelers with a bit more time on their hands, the Canary Islands are accessible from Spain via a ferry from either Huelva or Cádiz. The trip will take anywhere from 32 to 42 hours.

Culture and Customs

Claimed by the Spanish in the 15th century, Tenerife boasts a unique blend of both Spanish and distinctly Canarian culture. Similar to mainland Spain, dinner is eaten late, usually between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. The inhabitants of Tenerife take hospitality seriously and are a generally warm and friendly people. Take note that smoking is banned in all bars, cafes and restaurants, so you will need to step outside if you're seeking a smoke break during your meal.

Money Saving Tips

• No need to stock up on bottled water like you may do on other European islands. The tap water in Tenerife is held to the same standards as the water in the UK and France, and is perfectly drinkable.
• Restaurants further away from the seafront are often less expensive.
• Entry to all museums is free on Sundays.
• Tenerife is a tax-free island, which means there are no tourist taxes on items you buy here. The prices you'll find at souvenir shops are often more competitive than the bargains you'll find at the airport.

Ireland, Ben. "Record UK Visitor Numbers to Tenerife as Two Million Travel to Island." Travel Weekly. https://travelweekly.co.uk/articles/273236/record-uk-visitor-numbers-to-tenerife-as-two-million-travel-to-island

"How to Get to Tenerife: The Complete Guide." Ferryhopper. https://www.ferryhopper.com/en/blog/featured/how-get-to-tenerife

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• 2 Days in Tenerife

Explore Tenerife, the largest of the eight Canary Islands, with our 48-hour itinerary covering the best of its culture and gastronomy.

Spain 2 Days In Travel Editor's Pick

Tenerife is home to a wonderful landscape that is sure to satisfy the expectations of any nature lover. Beaches, cliffs, forests, and volcanoes make up an island that also has its own clear culinary identity. Its gastronomic heritage is one of great diversity that reflects its geographical location. The island's cuisine includes typical dishes and ingredients such as gofio (roasted grain flour), almogrote (spiced cheese spread), sancocho (traditional meat and vegetable stew), and ropa vieja (stewed beef and tomatoes with a sofrito base). Another common local specialty is mojo sauce, made with garlic, vinegar, cumin, and oil, with a number of variants containing extra ingredients. It is usually used as an accompaniment with dishes like 'papas arrugadas' (literally 'wrinkled potatoes'), but also as a base for other recipes. As for desserts, there's frangollo (a milk-based dish with a variety of flavourings including lemon and almonds), rapadura (a sugar cane based sweet), or the local Canarian bananas.

Day 1: The Action Begins!

The viticulture of the Canary Islands did not suffer the phylloxera that devastated vineyards all over Europe in the 20th century, meaning it's one of the oldest varietal heritages on the continent and considered one of the centers of vine biodiversity. The varieties grown here are local and indigenous, and a very limited number of Canary Island wines reach the shores of Spain or the rest of Europe, making your trip here a magnificent and rare opportunity to get to know the wines of Tenerife.

After this leisurely break, drive to the hotel Bahia del Duque , located in the sandy beaches of Costa Adeje, where you can spend your first night. It will take approximately one hour on the TF-1 to reach here.

Another accommodation option is  The Ritz-Carlton, Abama , located in Guía de Isora on the west of the island. It's a hotel complex with luxury villas, eight swimming pools, a golf course, a private beach, and a spa. It also benefits from magnificent views and the hotel staff will welcome you with a glass of champagne. For those who want a little more privacy and to get away from your fellow tourists, choose the Royal Garden Villas & Spa . Its attractions include a golf course and 28 villas, each with its own swimming pool.

Day 2: Mount Teide, Cliffs, and a 1,000-Year-Old Tree

Address Book

Hero Image: View of Teide Volcano from La Crucita viewpoint (© tane-mahuta/iStock)

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Your vacation guide to Tenerife in the 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 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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Road is Calling

Tenerife Road Trip Ideas: 4 Scenic Drives to Take on Tenerife Island

Picture this – the wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and you are cruising along the winding roads that bring you through different climatic zones to impressive landscapes that seem to change around every bend. That’s the magic of the Tenerife road trip where every turn is a revelation and each kilometer is an invitation to explore the island’s hidden gems. 

It is difficult to visit this Canary Island without renting a car and going for a drive. Well, technically not difficult as you can just come and stay in one of the beautiful Tenerife hotels and go on tours to see the island’s main highlights.

But! If you really want to see how diverse the landscape is and how much beauty the coastline hides, you gotta plan a road trip in Tenerife at least in one direction!

I drove around the island too many times, exploring it thoroughly and extensively popping into its charming towns along the coast and making stops wherever I wished. All my road trips brought me to the point where I wanted to sit down and share the best locations for Tenerife scenic drives and highlight only the best stops.

So if you are planning your Tenerife road trip itinerary, this post will give you many ideas. This is why buckle up and let’s hit the road to discover Tenerife’s road trip secrets! And then if you will road trip in Tenerife in winter, do not forget to pack a long-sleeve pullover and even a cardigan-sweater for Teide , in the mountains it will be cold!  

Planning Your Tenerife Road Trip Soon?

You will need a car for sure! Depending on the season when you travel, rental cars in Tenerife can be expensive.

So in order to save money, I recommend you look for cars from Okay Mobility or Top Car company . They have reasonable prices for both cars and insurance packages throughout the entire year. I rent from them regularly until this day while living in Tenerife and it’s always easy and affordable.

Also, see some of my tips for driving in Tenerife to know what to expect from Tenerife roads, parking, and rental car insurance. 

Tenerife Road Trip Ideas – 4 Scenic Routes Not to Miss

Northern tenerife road trip from la laguna to chamorga through anaga rural park.

Suggested Route : La Laguna – Anaga Visitor Center – Playa de Benijo – Chamorga – Playa de las Teresitas – Santa Cruz de Tenerife

• Distance : ~ 90km (56 miles)
• Driving Time : ~ 3 hours (without stops)
• Best Time to Go : year-round but cloudy weather advised
• Navigation Link : Google Maps

This road trip in Tenerife seems to be short when in reality every place on this drive has a ton of things to do. Most of the activities are tied to nature and in one day you can go hiking, swimming on one of the most beautiful beaches in northern Tenerife, exploring one of the ancient villages, or just enjoy beautiful views everywhere. 

Since the drive goes through Anaga Rural Park which is in northern Tenerife , you either have to stay overnight not far from La Laguna or Santa Cruz (where you start), or be ready to come early to the starting point (early, if you want to see everything). 

It is better to start this road trip from La Laguna where you can have a hearty breakfast at first (and the route is more scenic there when you drive into the forest, not backward, with a few vista points), and exit the park on the TF-12 road towards Playa de las Teresitas which also opens up views when you drive down.

When taking this road trip , you’ll have a chance to visit one of the most unusual parks in the entire Canary Islands archipelago Anaga Rural Park with its own ecosystem and climate.

Within the park, besides hiking trails, go to at least one village (like Chinamada with cave homes like in Cappadocia , Tachero, or/and Chamorga) and drive to a unique and beautiful Benije Beach (with rocks that descend straight into the sea and have already become a symbol of this beach) next to a remote and unspoiled natural beauty village Almaciga with sharp mountains on different sides.

The road that leads to the beach through the village and park is a separate attraction. It amazes with its landscapes of laurel forest, unsurpassed views of the Atlantic Ocean, and mountain ranges with rocks and cliffs. Everything around is worth stopping by on each turn and taking lots of beautiful photos!

And then in the second part of the day, if time allows (if not, return on another road trip), when you get to Chamorga, you can go on a hike to the most northern point of Tenerife with more views and remote gems of Tenerife.

I have a guide to the Chamorga to Roque Bermejo hike through an atypical and uncrowded part of Anaga National Park which you need to read if you want a unique hike on a road trip through Anaga.

Scenic Drive From Santiago Del Teide to Garachico Through Teno Mountains

Suggested Route : Santiago del Teide – Masca – El Palmar – Buenavista del Norte – Puertito de los Silos – Garachico – Icod de los Vinos – San Juan del Reparo – Ruigomez – Erjos – Santiago del Tedie 

• Distance : ~ 60km (38 miles without side trips)
• Driving Time : ~ 2 hours (without stops)
• Best Time to Go : year-round

This road trip goes through northwest of Tenerife and is a loop (besides a few detours) which means you won’t need extra time just to drive back to the starting point.

It is among the best scenic drives on the island that can be done in a day and you can start it from both, south and north of Tenerife . But ideally, it is best to go on this road trip if you stay in the area of Purto de La Cruz or Los Gigantes (Puerto de Santiago), Playa Paraiso, Adeje, or Los Cristianos.

While the driving time here is only two hours, don’t let it fool you. You can spend a whole day In Garachico and Icod de los Vinos alone. These two are beautiful and famous towns that are well worth visiting.

But before you get to them, there are also small villages on this route like Masca and Las Lagunetas as well as Buenavista del Norte with its Punta de Teno Nature Preserve which are also worth a detour. On the way to Buenavista, make a quick stop by Montaña la Saorra which looks like a cut pie and is a unique attraction to see in Tenerife.

In Punta de Teno in particular, there is a unique chance to go to a beautiful lighthouse Mirador Punta del Frailete situated in a scenic area surrounded by volcanic cliffs on one side and Los Gigantos mountains on another.

Puertito de los Silos has a few beautiful trails great for coastal walks and a volcanic rock pool which is mainly frequented by locals.

Visiting all the stops along the route can be quite time-consuming. And you may need to decide for yourself in advance how much time to spend in each place. This drive is however about magnificent views and curvy mountain roads.

In fact, if you prefer to stay in different parts of the island on your trip, there is a good 4-star hotel in Garachico – Hotel LIVVO La Quinta Roja . This hotel is in a real restored 16th-century house.

One location on the list – Puertito de los Silos is a bit out of the way and visiting during the day by car is not possible (you need to leave it at the parking lot and take a bus or hike to it but hike is quite long). So you have to decide whether you have time for it or skip it.  

Tenerife By Car From Arona to Puerto de la Cruz Through Teide National Park

Suggested Route : Arona – Vilaflor – Cañada Blanca Visitor Center – Teide Cable Car – El Portillo Visitor Center – La Orotava – Puerto de la Cruz

• Distance : ~ 83km (50 miles)
• Best Time to Go : year around but in winter road closures are possible due to ice and snow

This is definitely a must-do type of drive for anyone who comes to Tenerife for at least a week. Teide Nationa Park is the main highlight of the island featuring the famous Teide Vulcano and surreal scenic views of magma formation fields and rocks and looks out of this world.

But before you get to Teide, there are many things to see in this part of Tenerife with car and the first place where to make a stop is Arona village followed by Vilaflor. 

Arona in particular has one interesting place which is the aloe farm Finca Canarias where you can stop by to see the cultivation and processing of aloe vera, purchase their beautiful products, and even taste a freshly made aloe vera drink. It is one of the unique things to do in Tenerife that the majority don’t know about. So don’t miss it when using this Tenerife road trip itinerary.

Vilaflor is a rural town with vineyards where the scenery already changed compared to Arona. The streets and squares there retain numerous architectural features from the 17th and 18th centuries.

There are two visitor centers at the Southern and Northern park entrances (which I highly recommend you check out), where you can learn a lot about Tenerife’s geological history, Teide and other volcanoes, and scientific work on the island. 

You don’t need to necessarily make a stop at each Visitor Center, but pick at least one because it is really worth the time.

Cañada Blanca Visitor Center is a newer museum, it is very nice, modern and has exhibitions about the life around Teide throughout centuries. Not to mention there is a lovely cafe where to have coffee or sandwich with the view of Teide and famous Roques de Garcia, bathrooms, and little shops for souvenirs and small stuff.

El Portillo Visitor Center is an older museum with interacting exhibits that tell the story of Teide’s influence on the surrounding flora and fauna.

Teide Cable Car offers a fantastic viewpoint but expect to spend a few hours up on the mountain. You decide whether to include the cable car in this drive or return to it at a different time.

As you head toward La Laguna, you will pass Teide Observatory. The general public is not allowed to enter its grounds on its own but I recommend you book a guided tour to learn about Astronomy and the Observatory life and purpose. When I took it with Anya and her mom, our guide Adrian was so amazing that he answered a dozen of our questions about the cosmos which made our tour last longer than it originally had to be. Sharing some photos below.

But if you want to go even further, then better take a stargazing tour to really embrace yourself to the astronomy experience.

For the rest of the drive start heading towards La Orotava. This road will take you through a spectacular forest with lots of Canarian Pine Trees giving it a more northern type of look, very different from what you see by the coast. If you get lucky, you might get some mist to enhance your road trip with a mysterious atmosphere.

With more time left in a day, I would strongly recommend spending some time in La Orotava as it is one of the prettiest and liveliest towns in Tenerife . And then for the sunset , drive down to Puerto de la Cruz to Playa del Castillo (beach) or Playa Maria Jimenez.

If you are staying in the south, it would only take about an hour to drive on the TF-1 motorway back there.

But, if you have an opportunity, spend a night in Puerto de la Cruz city. There are a lot of things to do in and around its historical center, including Loro Park , a few pretty coastal trails, and fine black sand beaches. Also, this city is home to some great restaurants, and pretty streets to walk around. No wonder Agatha Christie loved having a holiday there where she wrote some of her novels!

For a night stay, check out Atlantic Mirage Suites & Spa , an excellent hotel where budget meets quality and the location is just stunning.

Quick Scenic Road Trip Through Northern Tenerife

Suggested Route:  Puerto de la Cruz – Playa Los Patos – La Quinta – El Sauzal – Bajamar – Punta del Hidalgo – La Laguna (through Tegueste)

• Distance:  ~60 km (37 miles)
• Driving Time:  ~2 hours (without stops)
• Best Time to go:  year-round
• Navigation Link:  Google Maps

Here is one of my favorite roads in Tenerife with a bunch of scenic locations (I am living in the area and know every single street and corner and can tell with confidence this drive is really awesome!)

It is more of a short but still full-day road trip for those who stay up north. The drive will take you through a small portion of the northern part of the island and will work especially well for those who are already staying in Puerto de la Cruz or within a reasonable distance from the city. 

For instance, start your day with an amazing breakfast (if it is not included in your stay) in one of the (amazing) cafes in the center The Brunch Factory Take a quick stroll through an old town, have a cup of coffee, and then head out to Playa Los Patos.

There are two things you can do at Playa Los Patos. One is to actually enjoy the beach for some time (if you brought your swimsuits), as this is one of the nicest beaches in the area. 

However, if you are not up to beach time, you don’t even have to descend to the beach, as there is a nice trail you can walk along right on top of the cliffs, offering great views and serenity. The trail is not very long, so you won’t lose much time out of your trip.

The next stop – La Quinta, will take you to another nicer trail farther up the hills. The path is part of a pristine neighborhood and is not long at all. But totally worth stopping by. There is also a unique park in the neighborhood with an interesting sculpture (La Giganta) which is a representation of a woman sitting and taking a break.

Another stop, just a short drive away – El Sauzal, not popular among tourists town but with its own charm and cool things to do.

I suggest you drive to the Parish of St. Peter the Apostle Church as it is the very center where you can have a lunch break, especially if traveling on a budget (prices in El Sauzal are on the lower side). Our favorite places to eat there are Gustossa Lounge Bar or Bar Pizzeria L’Appetitosa . Both offer a pleasant atmosphere, very good food for lunch, and appealing prices.

For the rest of the day, I recommend you drive towards Bajamar and Punta del Hidalgo, two lesser-visited but so cute towns where international tourists almost never go, only locals and people from mainland Spain.

They are famous for huge waves, migrating routes for whales and dolphins, hidden natural pools, and just stunning landscapes (very different from what you saw earlier!)

End your day in La Laguna, a former capital of Tenerife, full of life and historic gems. It would be ideal to stay here overnight as the town really has a lot to offer. Plus, if you want, you can continue from there towards Anaga Rural Park and follow my road trip itinerary for that area.

Other Places That You Can Add to Your Tenerife Road Trip

• Guimar Town & Municipality – great stop on the way from southern Tenerife to Santa Cruz

More Inspiration for Travel in Tenerife & Beyond

Exploring Tenerife by car is amazing! But also don’t miss other experiences and interesting places that Anya and I talk about on our Tenerife travel blog page .

And here are other posts on the Canary Islands and more road trips in Spain:

• Visiting Gran Canaria for the First Time – how many days are enough?
• Beautiful Luxury Hotels in Gran Canaria – for different tastes and budgets 
• Best Road Trips in Gran Canaria – most scenic routes
• Las Palmas to Guia Road Trip – best of northern Gran Canaria
• Best Road Trips From Madrid – to explore central Spain
• Mala Road Trip – places to visit when you have a car
• Barcelona to Valencia by Car – best stops to make on this drive
• Valencia to Malaga by Car – a big road trip through southern Spain
• Drive From Barcelona to Andorra – unique stops to make to see more of Catalonia
• Spain for the First Time – tips and guide for travel around the entire country

Hey there! I am Mark. I mostly stay behind the scenes of Road is Calling but occasionally I like to contribute and share my perspective on our digital nomad life and travels.

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Tenerife Road Trip Guide! Itinerary, Places To Visit, Car Hire!

Categories Canary Islands , Europe , Itinerary , Spain

Tenerife is a small and compact island filled with so many different landscapes and terrains so a Tenerife road trip really is the perfect way to see the island and get an alternative look at the island away from the hotel resorts!

We spent a super quick 3 days in Tenerife recently and we saw so much of the island in that time and worked out the perfect Tenerife road trip itinerary. We saw towns that reminded me of being in South America, we saw incredible coast line and natural swimming pools. We saw remote mountain villages and climbed Spain’s highest mountain – Mount Teide, which is also a volcano… impressive hey!

Tenerife Road Trip

For your Tenerife itinerary, you could do a 1 week road trip in Tenerife and easily spend your whole holiday travelling around the island because there are so many places to see in Tenerife, or you could spend a few days relaxing in one place and then a few days on a Tenerife road trip exploring the island.

Either way, this post of places to visit in Tenerife , things to see in Tenerife and my Tenerife road trip itinerary will help give you some ideas for your trip!

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here:

Car Hire in Tenerife

Tenerife has 2 airports. From the UK with TUI , we flew into Tenerife South Airport . We hired a car through Rentalcars which checks all the top car rental companies and although it makes sense, we were still so surprised to see most of the airport car parking as car hire !

Because Tenerife is an island, it’s not like you can bring your own car so you will need to hire a car in Tenerife for this road trip and although there are many residents and locals living in Tenerife, a lot of the cars you’ll see on the roads in these tourist places in Tenerife, will be hire cars.

We hired a car through Top Cars which was a company we hadn’t used before but we had no problems with them, Cicar (Canary Islands Car) was another company we saw a lot of cars from on the roads.

Check out prices and availability for car hire on Rentalcars here!

Tenerife Road Trip Itinerary

The perfect road trip itinerary for Tenerife will break the island up into areas and focus on one area per day ideally.

We focused on the West Coast, North and Middle of the island mainly and we found so many gems here that really surprised me and gave us a totally alternative look at Tenerife than the ‘Brits Aboard’ and ‘All-Inclusive Hotel’ image Tenerife has been given to many.

Our Tenerife itinerary looked like this:

• Arrive into Tenerife South Airport Friday Evening
• Hire a car and drive 40 minutes to a small town called Santiago del Teide
• Stay overnight in a local and traditional hotel called Hotel La Casona del Patio

• Drive 10 minutes straight to Masca Valley
• Drive the windy roads and explore Masca Valley and Masca Village
• Drive 40 minutes to Garachio , have lunch and soak up this beautiful colourful town
• Head up the West Coast to Icod de los Vinos and Charco del Viento
• Drive into Northern Tenerife through Anaga Rural Park and Chinamada
• Stay overnight in the city of San Cristobal de La Laguna in La Laguna Gran Hotel

• Drive down the middle of the island to Teide National Park
• Spend 8.5 hours hiking up Mount Teide , Spain’s highest mountain
• Drive back through the middle of the island to Santa Cruz de Tenerife
• Stay overnight in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital city of Tenerife at AC Hotel by Marriott

• Explore Santa Cruz de Tenerife
• Drive down the East Coast back to Tenerife South Airport to fly home

What I liked and didn’t about our Tenerife Road Trip Itinerary

Looking back at our trip to help you with your Tenerife travel, I wish we hadn’t gone to Santa Cruz de Tenerife . This is really just a big city and although there are some noteworthy places to visit in Santa Cruz de Tenerife , we didn’t enjoy it.

I reallllyyyy wish we had stayed in the city of San Cristobal de La Laguna for another night because this city is smaller with a lot more charm and really reminded me of many South and Central American cities.

I loved La Laguna Gran Hotel too and wish we had booked another night here.

I am really glad we left the airport in the evening on Friday and drove 40 minutes close to Masca Valley as this enabled us to wake up in the mountains and be close to the first stop on our Tenerife road trip itinerary. I also really liked Hotel La Casona del Patio because it was so traditional.

We packed a lot in on Saturday because on Monday my husband had to work from the hotel. In a way, we were lucky because the weather wasn’t great on Saturday, it was warm and clear but very windy so we couldn’t go swimming. If it had been nice weather and we had swam and enjoyed the beaches, we wouldn’t have been able to fit as much in on one day in Tenerife as we did.

Check out prices and availability for car hire in Tenerife on Rentalcars here!

Driving in Tenerife

In Tenerife, like in the rest of Europe (except the UK), they drive on the right side of the road . Which is great for Europeans and North Americans! Not as much for Brits and Aussies!

Generally, we found the driving in Tenerife to be ok . There is definitely an island feel to driving here with locals doing as they please in certain situations, plus, with a lot of tourists on the road you do have to be cautious, but it is in no way a dangerous driving situation like in Morocco for example. Roads are all marked and there are rules of the road in place.

As for driving licenses for Tenerife. At the time of writing this, UK driving licenses are still valid in Tenerife as they are in the rest of Spain. Tenerife Guru’s page is a great place to look for updated license information though, more detailed information on driving in Tenerife and travel rules to Tenerife.

We used a mixture of Google Maps and Waze for getting around Tenerife and both worked really well despite the internet dropping here and there in the more remote places.

Roads in Tenerife

A Tenerife road trip is perfect because of the amazing roads in Tenerife with their spectacular scenery and later in this post I’ll tell you more about these roads and where to go in Tenerife to see such incredible roads.

For now, let’s focus on the practical side. We did find the roads in Tenerife really good to drive on . The main dual carriage way roads are all well kept and well sign posted . The smaller side roads are the same, and even the windy mountain roads, although narrow, are well kept from pot holes etc.

However, one major thing to note about the roads in Tenerife for tourists driving around the island is the amount of narrow and windy roads there are.

From our experience, many of the narrow windy roads were suitable for 2 cars to pass at once but both cars had to really slow down and go as far as they could to their sides.

We didn’t travel down many 1 way roads. Luckily, many of us from the UK we are used to small 1 way roads but I know most American drivers aren’t so these small 2 way roads might still be worrying to you and you do need to drive slowly around the bends and be cautious of what traffic is approaching.

From a passengers point of view, I actually got pretty car sick from all of the windy roads so if you do suffer from car sickness or motion sickness you might want to pack something for this for driving around Tenerife!

Tenerife Road Trip Map

A Tenerife road trip is a brilliant idea because of how small the distances are from place to place in Tenerife and that the majority of the island has a ring road around it .

On this note, just because the island is small and just because there are many main roads in Tenerife, many of the roads are windy country roads meaning they will take longer to drive than you might expect from just looking at a map.

Here is a Tenerife road trip map with the below places to visit in Tenerife I have mentioned and our 3 day Tenerife road trip Itinerary

Best Places to Visit in Tenerife

Here are many of the top places to visit in Tenerife that you’ll want to go on a road trip in Tenerife because many of these can only be accessed with your own car!

Masca Valley

Masca Valley is an absolute highlight in Tenerife and if you’re like me, you definitely didn’t know such places existed in Tenerife and it’s top of my list in best places to visit in Tenerife!

Masca is a small hidden village within the Masca Valley with a very small population. Now, it is one of the major tourist destinations in Tenerife with lots of tours visiting as well as tourists like us hiring a car and going as part of a Tenerife road trip or day trip, but there’s a reason why it’s so popular!

The road leading to Masca has a lot of sharp hairpin turns so it definitely requires some concentration and cautiousness.

After passing through the town of Santiago de Teide (we stayed overnight here so we could go to Masca first thing the next day which was not only a great way to start the day, but a great time to miss a lot of the crowds! We stayed at Hotel La Casona del Patio which we really liked!) you’ll come across lots of viewpoints and lay-bys to stop in to take in the view before you decend into the village.

I was wondering how far you need to travel down into the village to get the iconic shot with the village and the rock above it and to get these photos, we parked up just before the roundabout turning into the village which was a popular spot for many with car parking spaces.

If you have time, you can go for a wander into the town of Masca and get a coffee in one of the cafes in Masca . There are many walking and hiking opportunities in the area, hiking the Masca Canyon is one of the popular things to do in Tenerife. Or you can carry on down the windy roads to Masca Beach / Playa de Masca!

When I asked on my Instagram, where to visit in Tenerife, a few people told me to go to Garachico and I’m so glad we did.

It’s one of the prettiest towns in Tenerife with lots of colourful buildings and a fantastic coastline to walk along. I loved it as it reminded me so much of towns I’ve seen in South and Central America.

Garachico is one of the popular places to visit in Tenerife on a day trip , especially from the South Coast so do expect it to get busy, but when I went on a Saturday lunchtime at the start of October it was lovely.

Most of the top things to do in Garachico are visiting lovely buildings and churches , plus relaxing in the main square which we did whilst eating some authentic Churros! This is great if like us, you’re going your road trip around Tenerife out of the summer season where the beaches and ocean are more off limits.

If you are doing this road trip in Tenerife in Summer, you can also enjoy the natural swimming pools of El Caleton and Garachico Beach .

Icod de los Vinos

Like probably most people, we got pulled to the town of Icod de los Vinos because of Drago de Icod de los Vinos which is the lone Dracaena Tree estimated to be 1000 years old that sits in the middle of the town.

Although the tree is impressive, we didn’t pay to see it up close and we weren’t a huge fan of Icod de los Vinos, however it’s on this list of places to go in Tenerife because if you are doing this driving around Tenerife with children, it does have some good tourist attractions like a Butterfly farm and plenty of places to eat to break up a drive with kids.

Charco del Viento

There are many natural pools in Tenerife to swim in, and and Charco del Viento is one of the best natural pools in Tenerife to visit because it’s not hugely close to a town and therefore is going to attract fewer people than the likes or Garachico I mentioned above where the El Caleton pools are right in the town.

It was a bit of a random drive down a side road along a huge banana plantation to get here but well worth it for what was waiting for us.

Although the weather was not good enough for us to swim, we could see how amazing these natural pools were along with the small pebble beach areas, and even if you are aren’t coming to swim as we weren’t, it’s a great place to add to your Tenerife road trip itinerary, and I read it’s lovely at sunset !

Rambla de Castro

If you’re looking for an alternative trip to Tenerife visiting more off the beaten path destinations , Rambla de Castro and it’s hike, is for you and should be on your Tenerife itinerary!

This is a nature preserve in Tenerife with spectacular views across the ocean. The Rambla de Castro hike starts in the city of Puerto de la Cruz, here’s a great post on how to do the Rambla de Castro hike .

Puerto de la Cruz

Known for being one of the first tourism destinations in the world, as you creep up West Coast from Southern Tenerife to Northern Tenerife, you’ll come across the popular resort town of Puerto de la Cruz.

With just a few days in Tenerife, we didn’t visit, but if you have 1 week in Tenerife, it should be on your list to see how this popular resort has kept some of its old charm.

There are many things to do in Puerto de la Cruz like visiting its famous black sandy beach , chill and swim at the huge Lago Martianez swimming pool and visit the Old Quarter .

Piscina natural de Jover

Another one of the popular natural swimming pools in Tenerife, this one is much further up North so perfect if you are focusing on Northern Tenerife more on your Tenerife road trip, in fact, there are so many gems and amazing places to visit in Northern Tenerife !

One of the great things about being up in this part of the island is that there are not lots of resorts around here and therefore, this swimming pool is going to be much quieter, or at least quieter from tourists and more popular with locals.

We really pushed ourselves to visit Chinamada at the end of a long one day in Tenerife and I’m so glad we did!

We had to drive through the beautiful, and windy, roads of Anaga Rural Park to reach here (more on that soon) and when we arrived in the small remote village of Chinamada we couldn’t believe it.

It’s a remote place but definitely not cut off, there was one restaurant, a church and a few houses. We walked up a track and got an incredible view of the mountains and I saw many footpaths carrying along the mountains in different directions.

Playa de Benijo

Benijo Beach is one of the popular and best beaches in Tenerife to visit because of the rock formations along the coastline , known as the Roques de Anaga rock formations.

Because of it’s location it’s a great place for sunset in Tenerife too so try to plan this into your Tenerife road trip itinerary!

Anaga Rural Park

We drove through Anaga Rural Park to get to Chinamada in the North from San Cristobal de la Laguna and we were so surprised by this mountainous forest! This is not what we expected Tenerife to look like at all!

After some research , I found that the forest is called a laurel forest made up of laurel trees which is a type of subtropical forest that grows in areas of mild temperatures and high humidity, this is probably why it looked so unique.

If you have more time in Tenerife than we did with our long weekend in Tenerife, perhaps you have 1 week in Tenerife, I really recommend planning in time here to do some hikes and walks . Just from driving along the (windy) road up to Chinamada we saw so many lay-by’s to park in and footpaths leading from the road into the forest, or you can go to the visitor centre at Cruz del Carmen and start a walk from there.

For unique things to do in Tenerife, going walking here, or even just driving through Anaga Rural Park is something you should do!

San Cristobal de La Laguna

We stayed overnight in this city and I really liked the vibe. It’s a much smaller city than the nearby capital city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife but has plenty of amentities, and therefore felt like it had more charm , especially in the old town area . We stayed at La Laguna Gran Hotel which we loved and we loved the old surrounding streets.

These really reminded me of being in South America and I later read that the city was the model for several colonial cities in Latin America, so that now makes sense!

Before you leave San Cristobal de La Laguna, or as you arrive, be sure to drive out of the city and up to Mirador de Jardina which is a viewpoint that looks over the whole city and the surrounding mountains!

It’s also easy to add into your road trip Tenerife itinerary because its on the way to Anaga Rural Park and Chinamada so you can visit them all in one go as we did!

Mount Teide National Park

This is one of the main places to visit in Tenerife that would bring me back to this Canary island because driving through here and seeing all of the places to go in Teide National Park was so spectacular!

We had just stayed overnight in San Cristobal de La Laguna at La Laguna Gran Hotel which was the perfect place to drive from the North of the island into the middle of the island to Teide National Park. Firstly we drove through Las Lagunetas which is a natural reserve and we were blown away by the forestry here and all of the beautiful pine tree’s lining the roads, especially as we were driving in the morning with the morning sun rising.

Then, we entered Teide National Park and drove along the mountain roads where with amazing views, especially as we started to see Mount Teide – the highest mountain in Spain, emerge!

For your Tenerife road trip, I’d really recommend driving into Teide National Park from the North of the island as it was the best drive in Tenerife for us !

Because we spent our one day in Tenerife in this area hiking Mount Teide we didn’t get to explore much of the area but there are many things to do in Teide National Park and ways to see Mount Teide National Park like taking the Mount Teide Cable Car close to the Summit, hiking , go Stargazing , visiting the Teide Observatory and if you don’t have a plan or know what to do in Teide National Park, there are plenty of lay-bys you can just pull into with signs leading away from the road that you can just follow and explore for yourself!

Mount Teide

Finally, easily one of the top places to visit in Tenerife is Mount Teide! This is Spain’s highest Mountain at 3715m and it’s the third largest volcanic structure in the world with the first 2 being in Hawaii!

There are many ways you can visit Mount Teide, if people don’t have a car they can get a tour bus to Mount Teide and then get the cable car up to see the amazing views from very near the top of Mount Teide. For those that are doing a self drive road trip in Tenerife like we did, you can either get the cable car to the top too, or hike as we did!

Here is my full post on how to hike Mount Teide from the bottom, all the way to the top! To go to the very peak and summit of Mount Teide you do have to apply for a permit in advance , the permit is free but they do sell out a few months in advance so you do have to be organised and book this a few months out.

Otherwise, from hiking or from the cable car , you can go very close to the summit, see the views and have a little walk before returning to the bottom by cable car or by foot.

East Coast of Tenerife

For even more ideas of where to go in Tenerife, the East Coast looks like it has some nice places too, especially the North East. Unfortunately, I did not have time to see this side but I love this post on places to visit on the East Coast of Tenerife so have a read of this too!

South Coast of Tenerife

For more places to visit in Tenerife, there is the South coast of Tenerife . This is generally where holiday tourists go and many of the Tenerife tourist attractions like Siam Park are. If you’re looking for places off the beaten path in Tenerife, the South might not be for you, like it wasn’t for us, but just incase, here are the top places to visit in South Tenerife .

I hope you have found this Tenerife road trip post helpful and it has helped you with your Tenerife road trip itinerary and places to visit in Tenerife!

• For more of my posts you might like see:
• 14 Best Places to Visit in Tenerife!
• Hiking Mount Teide! How To Hike Spain’s Highest Mountain at 3715m, Easily!
• 16 BEST Winter Sun Destinations in Europe & Nearby!
• Southern Spain Itinerary – Where To Visit & Things To Do. Complete Guide!
• Visiting Marrakech in August, The Weather & Things To Do in Marrakech in August!

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Looking to beat those winter blues? Can't wait to finally try scuba-diving? Whether you're simply interested in Spain's most tropical region, planning a trip to Tenerife, or already there and looking to get more info about your surroundings, we're here to lend a helping hand!

Welcome to What Tenerife , your in depth and up-to-date Tenerife island guide . Take a look through these six easy-to-navigate sections, where you'll find original and accurate information about sunny Tenerife that you won't find anywhere else.

How to get there

Hit up our practical information section for all those final details that you've been putting off. Read more

What to See

You'll find the bulk of Tenerife's most culture-packed towns and cities dispersed across the island's northern zone. Read more

Tenerife's incredible year-round weather and fascinating natural assets set the stage for all sorts of activities out and about in the great outdoors. Read more

Learn here The history of the Canary Island of Tenerife from its discovery and conquering.

Culture & the Arts

Tenerife is much more than sun, scuba-diving and sprawling out on the beach. The sun-soaked island has a surprisingly diverse cultural scene ranging from... Read more

If you have some extra time on your hands, hop on a ferry! Tenerife is only one of the seven main Canary Islands, making it the perfect starting point for an island-hopping adventure to La Gomera... Read more

All the facts on Tenerife are waiting for you in our different sections, full of precise and up-to-date information about this fortunate, lush and paradisiacal island.

How to Use this Guide

We want to provide you with the most helpful information at the time of organizing your visit to Tenerife, starting at the basics that you will have to take care off before you part, to other practical facts, such as transportation and sightseeing .

What Tenerife

What Tenerife is part of our collection of our "What" travel guides to countries and / or cities of Spain and Latin America. We provide practical, tourist and cultural information, which allows you to organize your trip. Enjoy and come back up with lots of beautiful memories for life!

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Tenerife Maps: Tenerife Tourist Map, Tenerife Attractions Map…

Home | Travel | Europe | Spain | Canary Islands | Tenerife | Tenerife Maps: Tenerife Tourist Map, Tenerife Attractions Map…

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Do you need a map of Tenerife? It can be handy to have a map of the main attractions so you don’t miss any important places to see during your trip to this beautiful island. To help you plan your Canary Island holidays , we’ve compiled the best tourist maps of Tenerife with all the island’s main places of interest: natural pools, beaches, tourist attractions, hiking trails, and much more.

These maps will help you find the must-visit places and plan your itinerary. You can print out or use some of these maps of Tenerife online, so you can decide what works better for you. If you want even more help, you can read our list of the 25 best things to do in Tenerife.

In this article, you’ll find the best 12 maps of Tenerife .

What map of Tenerife do you need?

Tenerife tourist map, interactive map of tenerife.

• Teide volcano map
• Tenerife viewpoints map

Map of “Charcos” in Tenerife (natural pools)

Map of the best beaches in Tenerife

Map of hiking trails in Tenerife

High-resolution Tenerife map

Map of Tenerife and the Canary Islands

Physical map of Tenerife

• Tenerife Road Map

Tenerife map for downloading

On the following tourist map of Tenerife, you’ll find a visual, artistic representation of the main tourist attractions on the island.

Tourist map of Tenerife

In this interactive map of Tenerife, we’ve included what we think are the must-see places. If you want us to include any other attraction, please leave us a comment, and we will add it. I also hope you find this map useful to choose the best area to stay in Tenerife.

At the end of this article, you can download the KML file of this map, so you can check the map anytime on your phone, even if you’re offline .

Teide volcano Map

The map of the Teide volcano below is, without a doubt, an excellent tool for planning your visit to the Teide, the most important volcano in Tenerife. Here you can see all the hiking trails in the Teide National Park. We hiked up trail #7: Montaña Blanca. If you want to know how to climb Mount Teide, check our guide.

Tenerife OverlookS map

The map of the best overlooks of Tenerife is perfect for finding places that offer beautiful views of Mount Teide and other sights on the island. This is one of my favorite maps of Tenerife, and I recommend you figure out the best route to get from one side of the island to the other. Maybe you can build in some extra time so you can stop at one of these impressive overlooks.

Tenerife overlooks map

The map of “charcos” in Tenerife will help you locate these special and famous bathing areas. If you’ve heard about the natural pools of Tenerife but don’t know where they are, this map will be very helpful.

As you can see in our article, taking a dip in one of the “charcos” is one of the best things to do in North Tenerife .

You can find beautiful beaches in Tenerife, some with white sand and others with black volcanic sand. To find out where the best ones are, check out the following map of Tenerife’s beaches .

Although all of them are beautiful, some say that the idyllic beaches are the main attraction of Tenerife South. You can check my selection of the best 10 beaches in Tenerife.

Do you like hiking? Then I recommend you check out the different trails on the island. The best way to plan your excursions is by using a map of hiking trails in Tenerife.

Here you can find all the official trails in Tenerife, along with the map for each route, information on the difficulty, distances, approximate time, and even a detailed description of the trail. Also, check our guide with the best 15 hikes in Tenerife .

Here is a high-resolution Tenerife Map, so you don’t miss a single detail of the island. If you click on the following image, a PDF Tenerife map will pop up so you can zoom in to see all the details.

This map of Tenerife and the Canary Islands is perfect if you plan to visit other islands apart from Tenerife. The best way to move from one island to another is by ferry or plane.

This physical map of Tenerife will help you find the mountainous areas of the island and the Teide volcano. This island is of volcanic origin, hence the mountainous terrain.

Tenerife road map

This road map of Tenerife is essential if you are planning to get around the island by car. Renting a car in Tenerife is the best way to explore the island, so use the next map to help you travel the island.

And finally, here is a map of Tenerife for downloading so that you can see the essential places to visit in Tenerife any time you want to on your trip.

We recommend that you install the app Maps.me app on your smartphone and search for Tenerife so that the app downloads all the information from this place. Then, save the map in Dropbox . If you don’t have this application on your mobile, install it. It’s available for Android, iOS, and Windows. To have all the tourist attractions on your phone, open the kml file from this article using the Maps.me app on your phone. Once you do that, you’ll be able to check the map even if you’re offline.

With that, you’re ready to go! With these maps of Tenerife, you have everything you need to plan your trip to Tenerife . If you want us to add any other point of interest to our interactive map, leave us a comment.

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Where to stay, iberostar selection sábila, joia el mirador by iberostar -adults only, the ritz-carlton tenerife, abama, silken atlántida santa cruz, santa barbara golf and ocean club, la laguna gran hotel, hotel af valle orotava, gara suites golf & spa, hotel spa villalba, apartamentos playazul, h10 las palmeras, hotel ventus, what to eat.

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Tenerife Island Moments: Through Travelers' Eyes

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Tenerife Island (Canary Islands) Vacation Packages

The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is home to nearly a million people and just as many fun and unique travel experiences. The most popular attraction to see in Tenerife is Mount Teide, Spain`s tallest mountain, located inside Teide National Park, where many of the island`s native flora and fauna reside. Long popular with tourists, Tenerife is well-known for its Carnival de Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which is one of the largest in the world. Tenerife is great for a beach getaway and for sightseeing, as it is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Best Vacation Packages:

Tenerife Island Getaway (Self Drive)

Madrid and Santa Cruz de Tenerife by Air

Gran Canaria and Tenerife Islands by Ferry

Explore Tenerife Island (Self Drive)

• Rental Car for 7 days
• Pick Up: Santa Cruz de Tenerife/Drop Off: Tenerife South Airport
• Hotel for 3 nights in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
• Hotel for 3 nights in Tenerife South

Driving Time Santa Cruz de Tenerife - Tenerife South Airport:: 40 mins. approx.

• Hotel for 3 nights in Madrid
• Flight from Hotel in Madrid to Santa Cruz de Tenerife
• Hotel for 3 nights in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
• Ferry from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Santa Cruz de Tenerife
• Rental Car for 11 days
• Hotel for 2 nights in Puerto de la Cruz
• Hotel for 1 night in Santiago del Teide
• Hotel for 2 nights in Costa Adeje

Driving Time Santa Cruz de Tenerife - Puerto de la Cruz: 30 mins. approx. Puerto de la Cruz - Santiago del Teide: 50 mins. approx. Santiago del Teide - Costa Adeje: 25 mins. approx. Costa Adeje - Playa de Las Americas: 5 mins. approx. Playa Las Americas - Tenerife South Aiport: 15 mins. approx.

Cities, Towns, and Areas of Tenerife Island

Regions of Spain

Central Spain contains some of the last great unexplored areas, as well as some of its most glorious architectural and historic treasures. Mile upon mile of empty roads lead you from one to another of the great cities and forgotten villages. This Spanish heartland is a mountainous region where wildlife flourishes and the mid-summer sun bakes the land.

Andalucia, comprising much of southern Spain, is a land of culture, history, fiestas, and excellent food, featuring outstanding monuments and gorgeous natural landscapes. It is home to Granada and the Alhambra Palace; Cordoba and the Mezquita; Seville with its Cathedral and Alcázar; and popular festivals such as the Carnival in Cadiz and the April Fair in Seville.

Stretching over 200 miles from Almeria to Tarifa, with wide sweeps of golden sand, white-washed villages, excellent golf, alfresco dining, fantastic warm weather year-round, a wide variety of outdoor activities and some spectacular scenery make the Costa del Sol one of Spain`s most popular tourist destinations. Come experience this gem for yourself!

A well-kept secret that is unspoiled by mass tourism, the Costa de la Luz offers wide, sandy beaches backed by dunes and pine forests, watched over by ancient white hilltowns dating back to Moorish times. The Costa de la Luz gets its name from the brilliant, vivid light that highlights the whitewash of its villages, the golden dunes and silver sea`s reflection.

The Costa de Almería is perhaps the most diverse and unspoiled of the costas, with over 125 miles of diverse and predominantly natural coastline with everything from popular resorts to rocky coves and naturalist beaches. Plus inland desert landscapes and the most pure and intense light! A light which gives Almería the highest number of daylights hours in the world.

Rich in history, dating back to the Romans and Moors, Spain`s white villages offer historical castles and ruins with incredible views. Take a step back in time, unwind and enjoy a stroll along their labyrinths of narrow, decorative clean streets, savor local food, breathe in the pure unspoiled mountain air, and take countless photos!

Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlucar de Barrameda and El Puerto de Santa María form a triangle of generous land where the vine has reigned from time immemorial. The Sherry Triangle represents the only geographical location in the world where sherry can be produced legally. It is also a place of exceptional beauty, beautiful beaches and dancing horses!

The Green Coast, or Green Spain, is the beautifully lush area in the extreme north of Spain, consisting of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and the northern part of the Basque Country, all of which receive more rain than the rest of the country. Verdant and forested mountains contrast with the nearby coastline and its blue-green waters.

Situated just off the southwestern coast of Morocco, the Canary Islands have been popular vacation destinations for decades. The Canary Islands offer breathtaking landscapes, beautiful beaches, lots of shopping and entertainment opportunities, and of course over 600 years of Spanish architectural influence and history.

Experiences & Adventures

The Kingdoms of Spain

The Spanish Empire dates from 1492, and by 1516, the Kingdoms of Castile, Aragon, Navarre, and others were united under the Spanish crown. This is in addition to other storied kingdoms which existed pre-1516 in Spain`s current borders, such as Galicia, Leon, and the Almohad Caliphate. The cities in these regions are filled with thousands of years of history.

Spanish Cuisine

Spanish cuisine is very flavorful, and is a quintessential Mediterranean diet, befitting the world`s largest olive oil producer. Spain`s former colonies all over the world influenced the cuisine at home, in everything from tomato sauce to saffron. Today, the various regional staple delicacies represent history and tradition.

City and Beach Holidays in Spain

Tens of millions of people visit Spain each year, and many combine its picturesque cities, such as Madrid, with some of the most popular and beautiful beaches in the world. Whether you`re sunning yourself on the Mediterranean Costas, the Bay of Biscay shoreline, or on one of Spain`s gorgeous islands, you will find a vacation best suited to your needs.

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

• Flight from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Sta. Cruz de Tenerife
• Hotel for 3 nights in Sta. Cruz de Tenerife

• Rental Car for 8 days
• Hotel for 2 nights in Santiago del Teide

Driving Time Santa Cruz de Tenerife - Puerto de la Cruz: 30 mins. approx. Puerto de la Cruz - Santiago del Teide: 50 mins. approx. Santiago del Teide -Tenerife South Airport: 35 mins. approx.

• Hotel for 2 nights Playa de La Americas
• Hotel for 2 night in

Driving Time Tenerife South – Playa de las Americas: 12 mins. approx. Playa de las Americas – Costa Adeje: 4 mins. approx. Costa Adeje- Tenerife South Aiport: 11 mins. approx.

• Train from Madrid to Barcelona
• Hotel for 3 nights in Barcelona
• Flight from Barcelona to Santa Cruz de Tenerife
• Hotel for 2 nights in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
• Flight from Madrid to Palmas de Gran Canaria
• Hotel for 2 nights in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
• Flight from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Santa Cruz de Tenerife
• Flight from Madrid to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
• Ferry transfer from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Santa Cruz de Tenerife
• Ferry transfer from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Sta. Cruz de Tenerife
• Flight from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Madrid
• Hotel for 2 nights in Playa de las Americas
• Ferry from Playa de las Americas to La Gomera Island
• Hotel for 2 nights in La Gomera Island
• Ferry from La Gomera Island to Playa de las Americas

More to Explore

1,000 miles west of mainland Portugal, the warmth and beauty of the Azores envelop all five of visitors` senses. The Renaissance-era avenues of Ponta Delgada; the lush fields of Sao Miguel; Terceira Island, where UNESCO World Heritage-listed Angra do Heroismo is located; and rugged Faial Island, dotted by volcanoes, enthrall travelers.

Madeira is a beautiful and fascinating island located 300 miles off the coast of Morocco that makes for a wonderful year-round holiday destination. Madeira offers stunning natural scenery, with massive mountains, jagged cliffs, lush forests and delightful flower gardens. The people of Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, are welcoming and hospitable.

The Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera) offer warm weather year-round. Collectively they are the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, if not the world. Mallorca, with its fine white-sand beaches, and Ibiza, with 130 miles of coastline, are the most popular islands, known for arguably the world`s best nightlife.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

Map of tenerife, orientation.

• Tipping in Spain
• Driving in Spain

Cities in Spain

• Madrid   
• close X Madrid In the last few years, <b>Madrid</b> has gained the reputation of being one of Europe's most active and attractive cities for its nightlife and cultural activities. Capital of Spain since 1562, Madrid's museums host, among others, Dalis, Miros and Picasso's Guernica. Madrid is a city of great contrasts: the Old City, the Madrid of the Hapsburgs, the Royal Palace, the Puerta de Alcala, the Retiro Park. At night, the city changes gears with its famous Madrid nightlife. The city's endless energy is hard to resist, and its sociable style invites you to jump right in.<br> <br> Visit Palacio Real, Plaza Mayor, Prado Museum, Puerta del Sol, Puerta de Alcala, Plaza de Cibeles, Gran Via, Madrid Cathedral, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofia Museums and so much more!<br>
• Barcelona   
• close X Barcelona <b>Barcelona</b>, the old Roman Barcino, is Spain's second city, always on the biting edge of fashion, architecture, food, style, music and good times. Walk its narrow streets and wonderful plazas, or along the Ramblas, stretching from Plaza de Cataluna to the Harbor, encompassing the magic of the city: stalls full of books, birds and flowers. The city's most powerful monuments open a window onto its history: the intricately carved edifices that comprise the medieval Gothic Quarter; the curvilinear modernism (Catalan Art Nouveau) that inspired Gaudi's Sagrada Familia; and the seminal surrealist works of Picasso and Miró, found in museums that peg Barcelona as a crucial incubator for 20th-century art. The recent restoration of the port area began with the development of a harbor for the Olympic Games of 1992. New modern squares, designed by leading artists such as Miro and Barcelo have created a new style alongside Gaudi's modernist buildings. Now the city is ready to show every visitor how it has been transformed into one of the most moderns and active cities in Europe.<br><br> Explore The Sagrada Familia, Picasso Museum, La Rambla, Barri Gotic, Park Guell, modernist buildings, Montjuic Hill, Barceloneta and so much more!
• Seville   
• close X Seville <b>Seville</b> is the largest town in the famous Southern province of Andalusia, best known for the impressive Cathedral with its Giralda tower, as well as the Alcazar, which also serves as a visiting residence for the Spanish Royal family. Seville seems to move at half the pace of a normal major city, creating a relaxing and even small-town atmosphere that complements the sevillano way of savoring every moment of life, bite of food and sip of drink. Don't forget your dancing shoes, because from the moment the sun goes down right up until it comes up again, the bars and clubs of Seville's nightlife are brimming with festive people, great music, lively conversation and unrivaled excitement.<br> <br> Visit the Cathedral and Giralda, Royal Alcazar, Gold Tower, Barrio Santa Cruz, Archivo de las Indias, Maria Luisa Park, Triana, Fine Arts Museum, experience Flamenco dancing and so much more!
• more cities ►

Spain and Beyond

TENERIFE EXCURSIONS

WATER SPORTS

LAND ADVENTURES

OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES

NIGHT SHOWS

THEME PARKS

Tenerife excursions, this is certainly our business!

To begin with, we want to introduce our agency as your local guide when visiting Tenerife. Our knowledge of the island, of the best things to do and places to visit will help you to make you holiday memorable!

Generally speaking, the offer of Tenerife excursions is really huge. O n the island you can find for example incredible places for outdoor activities. Alternatively you can have fun doing any kind of water or air sports like for instance scuba diving, jet skiing or parasailing.

Moreover you can explore the island on guided tours by jeep or bus. After that it is possible to visit the best theme parks like Loro Parque and Siam Park. Furthermore you can drive a quad or a buggy on a safari through the fantastic Teide National Park and its lunar scenery. Last but not least, you can entertain yourself with superlative shows. Here there is indeed everything for your amusement!

We specialize exclusively in excursions on the island of Tenerife. this is basically the biggest, most populated and most visited of the Canary Islands. its variety of landscapes, microclimates, recreational activities and tourist services makes it surely one of the most popular destinations in the whole world. more than five million visitors come to the island every year and do plenty of Tenerife excursions.

There are a few things to point out that you have to know before coming to Tenerife. Firstly, trade winds are almost constantly blowing from northeast to southwest at this latitude. In light of this, do not book your accommodation in the east of the island unless you like wind. On the contrary the west coast is protected from these winds by high mountains. For this reason we recommend you to stay in the area between Los Cristianos and Santiago del Teide.

Secondly, in the north of Tenerife weather is in general cloudier and wetter. It is important to realize that if you stay there you might not find exactly the sunny conditions you are looking for, especially in winter. Another thing to consider is that if you stay in the north pick up service for the majority of Tenerife excursions is not available. In other words you need to rent a car in order to come to the south, public transport is not a good option because there are often delays.

Thirdly, if you are thinking about doing Tenerife excursions you better book them in advance. as a matter of fact availability is limited and last minute excursions are difficult to organize. With this in mind, try to contac us prior to arriving so that we can plan your trips. we want you to relax on your holiday instead of stressing because there is no space available. Nevertheless, a week is in general enough time to organize. equally important is that you provide us with all details requiered for the excursions.

The climate here is often called “everlasting spring” because it presents mild temperatures during the whole year. This is especially true in the southwest area of the island. As a result, such good weather stimulates a lot of different Tenerife excursions. In the first place, you can fly over the Costa Adeje area in a paragliding tandem or in helicopter. Secondly, it is possible to kayak with dolphins by El Palm-Mar. In the third place, you can spot whales on a boat trip contemplating the majestic cliffs of Los Gigantes. These are unquestionably experiences that you will remember forever.    

So have a look at the Tenerife excursions and see the detailed description. in addition watch the video. this way you can already experience what the trip would be before booking it. meanwhile you get an idea of all important details like price, schedule, etc.

Another key point is the modern and clear design of our online shop. When you browse the website you can undeniably notice the attention for details. By all means we want to state that we are different from many other famous online shops of the industry. In short this is because we have an extensive knowledge of Tenerife! As a matter of fact, we personally go and film the trips. As can be seen, we produce almost all of the images and videos. In essence on our website you can find original and exclusive content. Without a doubt, we are passionate about what we do! 

Even though it might sound strange, some of the best ONLINE AGENCIES DO NOT KNOW TENERIFE VERY WELL BECAUSE they organize trips all over the world. equally important they don’t publish original pictures and videos as we do. one of our strengths is that we specialize exclusively in excursions on the island of Tenerife. this is crystal clear as soon as you open our website and compare it with others. Given these points it is important to realize the difference of our services. undoubtedly we can advise you better about which Tenerife excursions to do.

Firstly the purpose of this website is to organize Tenerife excursions at the best prices. Secondly it is to give a better idea of what Tenerife can offer to people who are planning their holiday. In other words we want to provide general tourist information and share our knowledge and experience about this wonderful place.

In order to make people happy we work with the best partners. Part of our job is in fact to check that all of them are working the right way. In particular we control important documents such as insurances and registrations by the Canarian government. Certainly this activity assures to our customers the quality of the trips. There is plenty of companies in Tenerife working badly, not to mention the illegal ones.

Another thing to take into consideration is our CANCELLATION POLICY . we offer free cancellation up to 5 days before the scheduled date. We want you to contact us prior to booking in any case. In spite of the good quality of our website, it is impossible to have updated availability on it. 

Above all we prefer to get contacted through our live chat or WhatsApp support service because it is the easiest and quickest way. We do not get phone calls because we want our communication to be written and clear for both you and us. If you try to get in touch late at night we will answer you on the following day. In general we reply at the latest in a few hours so don’t get stressed. We will certainly do our best to be as quick as possible. We are happy to answer during the whole year, so get in touch with us straightaway!

Finally we want you to know that what makes us different from other companies is our customer service. As a matter of fact we have the best reviews from our customers . This is due to the fact that whenever there is a problem we do our best to fix it. We think that in the long run having happy customers will make our success. Besides the trip organization we offer an excellent after sale service. In general once you have done the excursion we check your opinion about it.

in conclusion, Book your Tenerife excursions with us and take advantage of the best online discounts!

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Jay Slater’s mother in tears as hundreds turn up to teenager’s funeral

Debbie duncan, 55, was seen alongside her son jay slater’s coffin at the funeral in lancashire on saturday, article bookmarked.

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Jay Slater’s heartbroken mother was in tears as hundreds of mourners turned up to her 19-year-old son’s funeral in the pouring rain.

Debbie Duncan, 55, was seen alongside a horse-drawn carriage pulling the coffin of Mr Slater at Accrington Cemetery Chapel, Lancashire , on Saturday morning.

Mr Slater died while on holiday in Tenerife after  falling from a height in the remote Rural de Teno National Park. He had travelled to the  Spanish  island in June with friends to attend a music festival.

His body was brought to the chapel in a blue coffin with “JAY” embossed on the side, and was carried to the sounds of Lana del Ray’s “Forever Young”.

His loved ones have also asked that instead of flowers, people could donate to LBT Global, an overseas crisis support charity which helped his family through their heartache.

The charity had warned earlier in the week that scammers were attempting to target the funeral by offering a fake live stream of the ceremony .

It confirmed at the time the only legitimate donation channels to support Mr Slater’s family are on its fundraising page or via the LBT Global website .

In a eulogy, his friend James Curry said he was “more than a mate” and “more like a brother”. Mr Curry, who was due to start a business with Mr Slater, added: “Jay was one of a kind. He lit up any room with that goofy smile of his.”

The body of the teenager, from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, who died shortly after he last spoke to his friends at around 8.50am on 17 June, was returned to the UK last week.

A post-mortem examination found he died of traumatic head injuries, consistent with a fall from a height, and that his death would have been instantaneous.

Mr Slater, an apprentice bricklayer, was also remembered in a tribute from his family which outlined the major events and passions of his life.

They stated: “A loving son of Debbie and Warren, a cherished brother of Zak and brother-in-law of Jessica, a treasured grandson of Dawn, June and the late Dougie, a much-loved nephew of Glen and Katie, a dear cousin of Maddie and Tillie and a loyal friend to many. Jay will be very sadly missed by all those who knew him.”

The family said: “After Jay left Rhyddings High School he went on to become an apprentice bricklayer with the PH Build group, a job he greatly enjoyed.

“At the young age of five Jay started playing football for Huncoat United FC until the age of 17 and also did a few seasons with the Sunday team at St Joesph’s too.

“He also loved spending time chilling out with his friends. Jay’s love of music and dance started at a very young age.

“He loved attending music festivals and events across the country and also loved to socialise and meet new people.”

Mr Slater attended the NRG music festival with two friends before his disappearance, before travelling to Masca with two older British men who had rented a property.

Police later said the two men were “not relevant” to the case. In his last phone call to his friend Lucy Law, he said that he was lost, dehydrated, had injured his leg and only had one per cent phone battery .

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Canary Islands' anti-tourism drive heats up with Tenerife and Gran Canaria holding mass protest calling for holidaymaker limits

• 6.5million people visited Tenerife last year - the highest number in its history 
• The mass protests are set to take place on April 20 on both islands
• The Ministry of Tourism for the Canary Islands approved its new marketing plan for 2024, with a budget of €62.6 million

The Canary Islands have ramped up their anti-tourism drive with the biggest ever protest against holidaymakers planned for April in Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

Tenerife revealed last week it broke records for tourist arrivals in 2023 with a staggering 6.5million people visiting the island - the highest number in its history.

More than five million of these were international tourists, an increase of eleven per cent compared to the year before.

Twenty associations in Gran Canaria have also called for a protest against the overcrowding of the island. 

The mass protests, set to take place on April 20 on both islands, aims to shed light on the environmental impact tourist levels are having on the holiday destinations.

Using the slogan 'Canarias tiene un límite. ¡Por un cambio de modelo!' (The Canary Islands have a limit. For a change of model!), the groups will demand better conservation of the islands' natural spaces. 

In just three weeks time, starting from Plaza Weyler in Santa Cruz de Tenerife at midday, 15 civic and environmental groups, along with furious citizens, will take to the streets to protest against the current development model, which they argue has 'overwhelmed' the island.

It is set to become the 'largest demonstration in Tenerife's history'.

The frustrated groups are also fighting for the implementation of an eco-tax or tourist tax and regulation of property purchases by foreigners.

It's not the first time Tenerife locals have taken to the streets to protest for new laws that protect those that permanently live on the island, and restrict targeting tourists.

In August last year, protesters voiced their concerns over tourists, brandishing signs with slogans reading: 'The Canaries are no longer a paradise' and 'The Canaries are not for sale'.

The islanders' main concerns were with sewage spills, increased traffic, and destruction of the environment - all of which they blamed on tourists.

But officials begged residents to lose their 'tourismphobia' amid fears that residents' growth in resentment towards holidaymakers would see a significant slump in the islands' economy.

Ahead of the latest planned protest, the Minister of Tourism for the Tenerife Cabildo, Lope Afonso, said on Thursday: 'Tenerife is an island in good shape economically, leading this growth in the Archipelago', but also highlighted that it is 'subject to weaknesses and threats.'

'We must focus on improving weaknesses and avoid triumphalism. This leadership generated through the increase in tourism activity must be responsible,' he said.

READ HERE:  British and Irish holiday home owners in the Canary Islands are being hit with £2,000 fines for refusing to rent them out to tourists

But even as plans concerning sustainability and a change of model are discussed, authorities are also contemplating setting up more hotels and developing new 'tourist towns' in the south of the island, dedicated to holidaymakers.

This hub is known as the El Mojón project, located near the already overcrowded tourist hotspot of Los Cristianos.

The island has already faced rejections from political parties after requesting to put measures in place that will limit tourist access, however.

On March 14, Drago Verdes Canarias proposed a plan to control the access of tourist vehicles to the Angura Rural Park as they were impacting the protected natural space.

Councillor Alberto Rodriguez proposed restricting the circulation of private tourist vehicles during weekends, as well as prohibiting their parking within the limits of the Park - but the plans were rejected.

Just two days later, there was a mass influx of vehicles in the park, which led the Environmental Minister for the Cabildo, Pedro Millán, to describe the situation as a 'perfect storm,' as several factors contributed to the collapse of the area.

It comes after angry locals left graffiti scrawled across parts of Tenerife  at the beginning of the moth, calling for tourists to 'go home'. 

'Tourists go home', 'My misery your paradise ', and 'Average salary in Canary Islands is 1,200€' were spotted written on walls and benches in and around the town of Palm Mar.

The apparent reference to low pay comes as locals face rising rents pushed up by holiday rentals, and a rise in the cost of living brought on by inflation.

Just over 140 miles away, in Gran Canaria, the April 20 protest will also begin at midday at the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium in Las Palmas.

Protestors will also be campaigning against mass tourism, while calling for the conservation of natural spaces, ecotax, tourism moratorium, and the regulation of property purchases by non-residents.

'The situation is alarming,' said ATAN, an urban development group in Gran Canaria.

'Despite the record increase in tourists, poverty continues to rise. The biodiversity and natural spaces of the islands are suffering unprecedented deterioration, while the search for housing has become an increasingly difficult task', it added.

According to ATAN, the response from authorities after previously raising concerns has been 'disheartening' as they claim the destruction of the island has been enhanced through the construction of more hotels.

For the group, the planned protest aims to demand a 'change of course' towards a sustainable development model that protects the natural heritage of Tenerife and the Canary Islands as a whole. 

On Friday, the Ministry of Tourism for the Canary Islands approved its new marketing plan for 2024, with a budget of €62.6 million (£53.6million).

The plan includes three key aims: enhancing tourism's ability to generate value and welfare for citizens, promoting increased commitment to climate neutrality, and contributing to improved resilience and competitiveness.

The Ministry stated they plan to achieve these goals through targeting their efforts on citizenship, sustainability, digitalisation, tourism intelligence, and a comprehensive approach to the tourist experience. 

It comes after fake signs scaring tourists away  from beaches - written in English - appeared in the Canary Islands in September last year, after first being spotted in Mallorca.

Lanzarote also said it was fed up with having so many British tourists flooding the island at the beginning of 2023, and begged for fewer UK holidaymakers.