Tenerife holidays

The largest of Spain’s Canary Islands is set against the imposing silhouette of Mount Teide, the nation’s highest peak. Don’t worry, the ancient volcano is dormant. You, on the other hand, won’t be. Holidays to Tenerife deliver on booming beach parties, rugged alpine hikes and medieval stone castles. Throw in a modern art scene and epic water parks for the kids and you’ve got an itinerary ready to erupt with adventure.

Tenerife holiday highlights

Jon Reid

Beach paradise

The beaches in Tenerife are yours for strolling, swimming and lazing around with a good book. And you can choose a different stretch each day. Rent a sun lounger on the golden sands of Playa de las Teresitas to rest after snorkelling. Explore the volcanic rock formations at the wild Playa La Tejita or head to Playa Jardin for a mix of black sands and botanical gardens.

Volcanic hiking trails

If you’re up for a challenge on your holiday to Tenerife, take on the six-hour hike up Mount Teide for incredible views over the caldera and lava cones. Otherwise, reach the top on the cable car. An easier hike is the Mirador De Samara. In about two hours you’ll conquer the crater to the top and back with spectacular views across to Mount Teide.

Fun theme parks

The island’s many free beaches make for a cheap holiday to Tenerife. But if you’re looking for thrills and spills, its theme parks are a must-visit. Shoot down the Mekong Rapids ride in an inflatable rubber boat or gently float down the Mai Thai River at the Thailand-inspired Siam Park. For more fun, zip line through the trees at Forestal Park and get up close to sea lions at Loro Park.

Tenerife: Know before you go

Language

Spanish

Currency

Euro (€)

Time zone

UTC+0 (WET) and UTC+1 (WEST)

High season

July – August and December

Low season

May and October

Find the best time to go to Tenerife

Weather in Tenerife

March – May: The weather in Tenerife is comfortable and pleasant all year round. Spring brings occasional showers that don’t usually last long.

June – August: Summers are sunny, dry and clear — and hotter in the south than the north. If the winds are blowing up from the Sahara, expect the days to get hotter and dustier.

September – November: Beach days continue into autumn. Starting in October, rain becomes more likely. November is one of Tenerife’s cloudiest months, when it’s overcast about half the time.

December – February: Winter is sunny and dry. Though the water gets a bit chilly, you’ll still see surfers taking advantage of the bigger swells.

Events in Tenerife

Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife (February): This popular event is considered the most Brazilian of all Spanish Carnival celebrations. Festivities last for two weeks, featuring parades, costumes and wild street parties.

Fiestas de San Juan (June): Spain marks the start of summer with bonfires on the beach. In Puerto de la Cruz, witness the traditional bathing of the goats ritual. Hundreds of goats are brought from the mountains to the beach for a dip in the Atlantic.

Canarias Jazz & Más (July): International artists descend on sites across the Canary Islands for this annual ‘jazz and more’ festival.

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The best neighbourhoods in Tenerife

Puerto de la Cruz

For a great blend of local history and relaxation, Puerto de la Cruz is the best area to stay in Tenerife. In the old port, discover the imposing stone walls of San Felipe Castle and Casa de la Aduana, dating back to 1620. Cool down at the Lago Martianez swimming complex, designed by artist Cesar Manrique, before strolling the promenade where you’ll find lively bars and restaurants.

Good for: History, dining, swimming

Puerto de Santiago

Puerto de Santiago is one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Tenerife for black sand beaches and coastal walks. Set out on the trail to the dramatic cliffs of Los Gigantes or enjoy a whale-watching boat tour from the marina. Shop and dine in the bustling avenue behind Playa de la Arena, and don’t miss a single spectacular sunset over the sea.

Good for: Coastal walks, beaches, boat trips

Costa Adeje

Family-friendly beaches and upmarket boutiques blend with the neon signs of bars on the Costa Adeje. And its neighbour, Playa de las Americas, hosts the island’s nightlife hot spots. This is where to stay in Tenerife for all-inclusive resorts, ice creams along the promenade and water sports at Puerto Colon Marina and Playa Fanabe.

Good for: Families, water sports, nightlife

Things to do in Tenerife

Jon Reid

Family friendly things to do

Dolphin and whale watching trips are among the many things to do with family in Tenerife. Spot resident pilot whales year-round, and breaching humpbacks from November to February. Off the water, visit Jungle Park to get up close to pythons and alligators or thrill the teens with quad bike rides through Teide National Park.

Shopping

For souvenir shopping in Tenerife, make your way to Los Cristianos Market. Open Tuesdays and Sundays, you can rummage for handmade crafts and antiques at this popular local market. Or pick up bohemian jewellery and natural beauty products at Medano Market on Saturdays. Got a bigger budget? The Golden Mile in Playa de las Americas features a range of luxury brands.

Take in the culture

Rent a car for day trips to historic villages such as Garachico, where traditional yellow and blue houses line cobbled streets. Also set aside plenty of time to visit the museums in Tenerife. Budding astronomers will love the Museum of Science and the Cosmos and its hands-on exhibits. Explore more than 500 years of history in Santa Cruz’s Old Town before stopping at the Municipal Museum of Fine Arts, which has 14 rooms of paintings.

Nightlife

The music never stops in Playa de las Americas, where Veronica’s Strip is the bar and club-hopping centre. If you prefer to sip sangria in elegant bars, do so in Santa Cruz and watch a show at the Auditorio de Tenerife. When the sun goes down in Puerto de la Cruz, street performers entertain in restaurant-filled plazas. Note that some nightlife in Tenerife doesn’t kick off until midnight.

Places to eat

Restaurants in Tenerife offer a diverse range of dining experiences. Try Canarian potatoes smothered in spicy sauce and wash it down with local wine in cheap and cheerful ‘guachinches’ (small, family-run establishments). Or splurge at Michelin-starred restaurants such as M.B. Reservations are recommended. If you’re a seafood lover, head to Masia del Mar for fresh fish with a side of ocean views.

Beaches

It’s easy to spend all your days on the beach on holidays in Tenerife. Stroll along the longest stretch, El Medano, for a body surf in gentle waves. Sink into a hotel cabana bed at stylish Playa del Duque after joining sunrise yoga classes. Looking for seclusion? It’s worth the effort to hike from Chamorga village to the glittering black sands of Playa de Roque Bermejo, one of the most beautiful beaches near Tenerife.

Plan your holiday to Tenerife

Budget

From beautiful beaches to sweeping landscapes, the best things in the Canaries are often free. For a cheap holiday to Tenerife, plan your days around exploring nature. On a typical night out, you might pay as little as six euros (€) for a short taxi ride. Budget around €15 for an inexpensive meal and less than €3 for a cappuccino or a domestic beer.

Day trips from Tenerife

Start your day with breakfast or lunch in the gorgeous UNESCO-listed city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Then hike through the lush laurel forests of Anaga Rural Park. For stunning mountain views, drive 90 minutes to Masca, a charming town known for great hiking and its interesting ethnographic museum.

Getting around Tenerife

Getting around Tenerife is easy. Stroll along resort towns on foot or use public buses and the La Laguna–Santa Cruz tram. For tickets, buy a rechargeable Ten+ card. Cycling is another option. Hire a road bike or e-bike to explore at your own pace. Larger towns have taxis and shuttles. And well-maintained roads make hiring a car ideal for day trips.

FAQs about Tenerife holidays

When booking flights and hotels in Tenerife, we recommend planning for six or seven days. This will give you enough time for day trips across the island and relaxing on the beach. If you’re more interested in sightseeing than sunbathing, you could see the main attractions in four days.
Spanish (Castilian) is what you'll hear the most while you're here. Learn a few local expressions or greetings during your city break in Tenerife and you'll easily fit in.
The euro (EUR) is the official currency. From tipping to shopping at local markets, having some cash readily available during your trip to Tenerife is a good idea.
August is the hottest month in Tenerife, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 28ºC (82ºF).
Plan your Tenerife holiday for February and you'll be there when conditions are at their coolest. 14ºC (57ºF) is as cold as it gets.
Whether it's your first time or you're a regular visitor, this city knows how to leave you wanting more. If checking out attractions is on your list of things to do in Tenerife, you'll want to include El Rastro de Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín.
With around 4 cm of rainfall, October is the rainiest month. If you're taking your Tenerife holiday then, you might want to plan for some indoor activities. Eat at one of the city's top restaurants, head to an art gallery, or indulge in some retail therapy.
Tenerife is generally considered a safe city for travellers, but like anywhere, it's wise to take sensible precautions. Don't carry too much cash, keep emergency numbers handy and only use licensed cabs or ride-share services. Also, keep to well-lit areas if you venture out after dark during your holiday to Tenerife.
Your city break in Tenerife can vary in price based on anything from your trip length to travel dates. To find a great deal on Tenerife flights and hotels, stay flexible with your departure plans and look out for sales and discounts.
Make your travel budget go further when you lock in your Tenerife flights and hotels in November. This is one of the cheapest months to explore Tenerife and when airfares are at their most affordable.
The tap water is safe to drink and you can certainly clean your teeth with it during your trip to Tenerife. However, it’s desalinated so some people don’t like the taste. Bottled water is available everywhere.

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