Tenerife travel: Tenerife travel – Lonely Planet

Travel to Tenerife – Episode 792

Hear about a one-week itinerary for Tenerife as the Amateur Traveler talks to Justin Barnes from justinandcrystal.com about the Spanish island he called home.

Justin says, “It [Tenerife] really is a great mixture of so many things. It has a lot of the natural beauty of the Big Island. It has a lot more the creature comforts like you might find in Southern California, or in Honolulu, and all mixed together with a lot of tourists from all over Europe. There’s the Spanish culture that permeates through everything on the island.”

“The island is relatively easy to traverse because of good infrastructure. Everything is reachable and two hours or less. So I think rather than staying in multiple places, it probably makes sense to just find the city that you feel most comfortable with. Stay there and take various day trips you can either rent a car which usually is fairly inexpensive, or you can take the bus. We didn’t own a car the entire time we lived there. ”

Justin and his wife fell in love with Tenerife within the first hour of their visit and moved there. They spent much of 2021 on Tenerife. They lived in Puerto de la Cruz in the north. Justin defines places to see starting there and circumnavigating the island counter-clockwise. He then uses those destinations to lay out a one week itinerary.

The southwest of the island is where you can find the nightlife with a lot of clubs, a lot of inexpensive bars, and discos. Puerto de la Cruz has a more relaxed vibe. You definitely feel like you are hanging out on a small town in Spain, as opposed to you know a large party area. 

The center of the island is the large Teide volcano and the Teide National Park. Teide is the largest mountain in Spain. As you ascend Teide you pass through native pine forests until you get to the rocky summit with its massive caldera. There are observatories at the top of the mountain as it is often above the clouds. There is also a gondola that you can ride to the top and hiking trails throughout the area.

As we start in Puerto de la Cruz, Justin points out some viewpoints, seaside swimming pools on the rocky beaches, and botanical gardens. Further to the west you can visit a dragon tree thought to be 1000 years old, El Drago Milenario, and the butterfly garden nearby.

The small colorful town of Garachico was the main port of the island until a volcanic eruption in 1706 caused much of it to be destroyed. Garachico has a series of natural pools that make a popular swimming spot.

Volcanic eruptions have left other significant features on the islands like lava tubes. You can visit one called La Cueva del Viento “the cave of the winds”.

In the northwest corner of the island, near Punta de Teno, the main road turns into a winding series of switch back roads as it traverses some beautifully rugged scenery. For some great hikes visit the area around Buenavista del Norte and Masca. Just a bit further south is Acantilados de Los Gigantes “the cliffs of the giants”.

The nightlife and the international airport are in the southwest corner of the island. Here you can also find windsurfing and whale watching boat tours. 

Along the south coast you can find the Pyramids of Güímar which look like small ancient pyramids, but are currently thought to date only to the 1800s.

In the largest city of Santa Cruz there are some museums that Justin recommends like the Museum of Nature and Archeology and the Canary Islands Military History Museum. There are also the beautiful gardens at the Palmetum and the Castle of San Cristóbal. The Castle of San Cristóbal is located in La Laguna. La Laguna’s historical center is a UNESCO site.

The east end of the island is a park, Anaga Rural Park, with a number of small villages and interesting beaches. Justin recommends some hikes to remote beaches or interesting lighthouses. 

The is no guarantee that you will fall in love with Tenerife in an hour as Justin did, but fall in love with it you might.

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Show Notes

justinandcrystal.com
Tenerife
Puerto de la Cruz
Teide National Park – UNESCO World Heritage Centre
Echium wildpretii
Teide National Park
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santiago del Teide
Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Mount Teide Cable Car in Tenerife
Lago Martianez
Playa San Telmo
Playa Jardin
Botanical Gardens
Loro Parque
La Ranilla Espacio Artesano
La Orotava
Casa Lercaro
Casa Lercaro (La Orotava)
El Drago Milenario
Parque del Drago
Drago Butterfy Park
La Cueva del Viento
Garachico
Piscinas Naturales El Caleton (Garachico)
Punta de Teno
Buenavista del Norte
Masca
Acantilados de Los Gigantes
Tenerife South Airport
Whale Watching in Tenerife
Pilot whale
El Médano
Güímar
Basilica of Candelaria
Palmetum of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Parque Marítimo César Manrique
Museo de la Naturaleza y Arqueología
Canary Islands Military History Museum
Calle del Castillo
Castle of San Cristóbal (Santa Cruz de Tenerife)
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Tenerife North–Ciudad de La Laguna Airport
Parque Rural de Anaga
Punta del Hidalgo
Bajamar
Chinamada
Chamorga
Punta de Anaga Lighthouse
Playa de Las Teresitas

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Tenerife travel guide: everything you need to know

Canary Islands

When to go, what to do, and why you’ll love it

• What to do
• Where to stay
• Food and drink
• Don’t miss

Monday September 19 2022, 09:00am

Why you’ll love it

This article contains links from which we may earn revenue.  These links are signposted with an asterisk. More information here.

In an area only a little larger than London, Tenerife packs in enough variety to keep the pickiest of travellers happy. There are the sandy beaches, thrilling waterparks and facility-packed hotels that make a family holiday headache-free. But go beyond the southern strip and you’ll find Spain’s highest mountain, streets of colourful colonial-era buildings, valleys of subtropical forest shrouded in mist and, in the capital Santa Cruz, enough cutting-edge modern architecture to make Bilbao blush.

Whale-watching boat trips run year-round and the conditions are good for kite-surfing

And despite the fact that Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, you can experience this almost bewildering diversity in just one day. Good roads and short distances mean driving around the whole island takes about four hours. The dramatic scenery looks just as impressive on two wheels, and both road cycling and mountain biking are popular. Extensive hiking routes wind across the island.

Tenerife’s stretch of Atlantic Ocean is adaptable too. Whale-watching boat trips run year-round, the conditions are good for kite-surfing, and scuba-divers discover dramatic underwater seascapes and a host of marine life.

And — surprise, surprise — this most versatile of holiday destinations can be enjoyed all year. Winter lows don’t drop far below 20C, and summer highs usually stay under 30C.

Get planning

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What to do

Tenerife’s crowning glory is Mount Teide*. Spain’s tallest mountain overlooks the staggeringly beautiful Teide National Park. Scattered with cones, caves and lava tongues, the volcanic terrain is softened in spring when the wildflowers bloom. After a scenic drive through the park, take the cable car to the base of the cone — on a clear day, you can see as far as Gran Canaria and La Palma. At night, the national park’s clear skies make it one of the top three places in the world to stargaze*.

Santa Cruz feels positively cosmopolitan, with the striking Herzog & de Meuron-designed Tenerife Espacio de las Artes and Santiago Calatrava’s swooping, almost extraterrestrial Auditorium. Pop into the Military Museum to see El Tigre, the cannon that reputedly took Admiral Nelson’s arm.

Just 15 minutes away, the former capital La Laguna has a photogenic historic centre, where the grand, candy-coloured mansions reflect the island’s importance on the 18th-century transcontinental trading route.

Half smothered by an eruption in 1706, what remained of the north-coast village of Garachico isn’t much changed today, and its pretty, well-preserved colonial homes attract day-trippers, who also enjoy a dip in the lava-formed rock pools.

Where to stay

Whatever you’re looking for in a hotel, Tenerife can oblige: deluxe, palatial piles in sprawling grounds, upscale colonial-era boutiques, excellent-value apartments on the beach and family-friendly stays with waterslides aplenty.

The majority of resorts are in the south. The famous Playa de las Americas*, known for its buzzy nightlife, big all-inclusive hotels and bucket-and-spade atmosphere, is the largest. Neighbouring Los Cristianos* is a touch calmer, attracting a more mature clientele. It’s the departure point for ferries to the other Canaries, so is a good base for day trips.

Purpose-built Costa Adeje* is a strong family choice, with excellent beaches, safe swimming and waterparks near by. The hotels and villas around the Playa del Duque are luxurious; south around the headland it’s more budget-friendly.

On the west coast, Los Gigantes* is named after the towering, 800m-high cliffs that give its black-sand beach a truly dramatic view. Nightlife is sedate, and this is a convenient location from which to explore both the south and north of the island.

Puerto de la Cruz* is the main resort in the north, and is popular with Spanish tourists as well as Brits. Black-sand beaches are set against the verdant background of the Orotava Valley — a little extra rainfall in the winter months makes it far greener than the south. Temperatures are often a couple of degrees lower too.

Food and drink

Should you wish, you can sit down to Italian, Thai or even Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine for dinner in Tenerife, but you’d be missing a trick not to try at least a few local dishes during your visit — they’re easy to find in restaurants across the island. Fresh fish, grilled or made into a fragrant broth, and rabbit stew are both classics, and the island’s “fresco” goat’s cheese is served with the tangy red and green mojo sauces so common in the Canaries.

If the Michelin guide leaves stars in your eyes, a stay at the ritzy Ritz-Carlton Abama is a must. Basque chef Martín Berasategui has earned two stars for the headline MB restaurant, and the hotel’s Japanese option, Abama Kabuki, has another one.

Tenerife’s volcanic soil and range of microclimates mean it produces a real diversity of wines

At the other end of the spectrum, bold travellers could seek out a guachinche. These lively, makeshift restaurants, usually located in garages or roadside sheds, aren’t swish, but serve excellent, authentic and cheap local food. Vegetarians will struggle, however.

Tenerife’s volcanic soil and range of microclimates mean it produces a real diversity of wines. A visit to the Casa del Vino — a former farm turned wine museum between Puerto de la Cruz and La Laguna — will allow you to taste options from across the island.

Don’t miss

At the island’s northeast tip, the Anaga Mountains are clothed in a dense canopy of ancient laurisilva forest, home to the largest number of endemic species of any biosphere reserve in Europe. The humid air, trailing lianas and flitting butterflies make you feel as if you have journeyed to a different continent, not just a few hours up the road. Hiking routes vary in difficulty, with a trio of easy options leaving from the Cruz del Carmen visitors’ centre.

Carnival in Santa Cruz is the largest in Europe, with street parties and parades that make it into a mini-Rio de Janeiro. But this is far from the only festivity in the island’s calendar. Hooded figures stride silently through La Laguna for Easter’s Semana Santa procession, and intricate flower carpets are laid on the streets of La Orotava for Corpus Christi. In November the San Andres celebrations in tiny Icod de los Vinos involve residents racing downhill on wooden boards, while spectators enjoy a taste of the new season’s wine.

Know before you go

The currency here is the euro. Tenerife drives on the right. A forward-pointing arrow on the road indicates you have right of way, and an inverted triangle shows you must give way. And note: indicating left when there is no left turn usually means the driver plans to pull in and stop on the right.

Take me there

Inspired to visit Tenerife but yet to book your trip? Here are the best packages from Tui Holidays* and British Airways*.

• Discover holiday packages to Santa Cruz*
• Discover holiday packages to Playa de las Americas*
• Discover holiday packages to Costa Adeje*
• Discover tours in Tenerife*

7-Day Tenerife Road Trip Itinerary + Map

Tenerife, the largest island of the Canary Islands, is one of the most striking islands in the world. People come here for a variety of reasons. Some want to escape the Northern European winter. Others want a quintessential beach holiday. And, a growing number are passionate about exploring Tenerife on foot.

If you belong to the latter group, you’re going to love this Tenerife itinerary. In one week, you’ll experience the most dramatic and remote corners of the island. You’ll also hike in Tenerife’s most spectacular regions, including Anaga Rural Park, Teide National Park, and Teno Rural Park.

This Tenerife road trip isn’t for everyone. We’ve purposefully cut out all major tourist hubs with the exception of Los Gigantes. If you’re like us and you cherish the outdoors and local places to eat, this route is for you.

If you want to experience the south coast resorts (e.g. Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, etc…), you can easily extend this itinerary to the south coast at the very end.

When to Visit Tenerife

Tenerife is an all-year-round destination. However, most visitors flock to Tenerife between November and February. For outdoor exploration, it’s best to visit Tenerife between November and May.

Driving in Tenerife

Driving in Tenerife isn’t difficult. The roads are in great condition and signage is pervasive. However, many locals drive quite haphazardly.

On a number of occasions, oncoming drivers would whirl quickly and negligently around corners (e.g. cutting into our lane), causing us to break unexpectedly. If you want to be safe, drive defensively.

Renting a Car in Tenerife

We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals in Tenerife. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.

Tip: If you can only drive automatic transmission cars, as opposed to manual transmission cars (stick shift), book your can rental as early as possible.

Check car rental rates here.

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Tenerife Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Tenerife (North or South Airport), San Cristóbal de La Laguna
• Day 2: Anaga Rural Park, La Laguna
• Day 3: Anaga Rural Park, La Laguna
• Day 4: Northern Tenerife, Punta de Teno
• Day 5: Santiago del Teide to Masca, Los Gigantes
• Day 6: Teide National Park, Vilaflor
• Day 7: Teide National Park, Arona & Costa Adeje

Plan your trip to Tenerife

Get the Guide

• Lonely Planet Canary Islands
• Pocket Rough Guide Tenerife & La Gomera

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Tenerife Road Trip Map

One Week in Tenerife

Tenerife Road Trip Destinations

• Day 1: La Laguna
• Day 2: Anaga Rural Park
• Day 3: Anaga Rural Park
• Day 4: Northern Tenerife
• Day 5: Teno Mountains
• Days 6 & 7: Teide National Park
• Day 7: Arona & Costa Adeje

Day 1: Arrive in Tenerife, Drive to La Laguna

Arrive in Tenerife

There are two international airports in Tenerife. You’ll either arrive in the Tenerife South Airport (Tenerife South–Reina Sofía Airport) or the Tenerife North Airport.

After picking up your rental car, drive to San Cristóbal de La Laguna (La Laguna). It’s a 40-minute drive to reach La Laguna from the South Airport and a 5-minute drive from the North Airport.

Explore La Laguna

San Cristóbal de La Laguna, endearingly referred to as “La Laguna,” is a city in Northern Tenerife, located 11 kilomters inland from Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife.

We recommend making La Laguna your home base for the first three nights of your Tenerife trip.

The historical center of La Laguna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its Spanish colonial style, beautifully preserved buildings, charming city center, animated marketplace (Mercado Municipal De La Laguna), and plethora of dining options, La Laguna is the loveliest place to stay in northeastern Tenerife.

Most importantly, La Laguna is located at the foot of the Anaga Mountain Range. From the city, you’re well-positioned to drive to trailheads and tackle all of the best hiking trails in Anaga Rural Park.

Learn More: How to Visit Anaga Rural Park

Dinner in La Laguna

Here are two excellent options for dinner in La Laguna.

• Tasca El Obispado
• La Tasca de Los Patos

Stay in La Laguna

Budget | Casa Del Casco Historico is a centrally located guesthouse in La Laguna, walking distance to many restaurants and cafés in the historic center. Guests have access to a shared kitchen, lounge, garden, and terrace. Coffee, tea, and cookies are provided.

Midrange | La Laguna Gran Hotel is a top-rated hotel in the heart of La Laguna’s old town, featuring a stylish lobby entrance, clean and spacious bedrooms, a rooftop pool (seasonal), and an on-site restaurant. Highlights of staying here are the central location, breakfast buffet, and the warm and friendly atmosphere. You can park in the hotel’s parking garage (extra charge), or in a free car park behind the hotel. 

Luxury | ​​Hotel Boutique San Diego – Adults Only stands out with its elegant, yet cheerful interior design, intimate atmosphere, and lovely gardens. Guests love the breakfast featuring local products, the spacious and modern bedrooms, and the helpfulness of the hosts (booking dinner reservations and taxis, personal recommendations). The hotel is a 10-15 minute walk to the old town. 

Look for accommodation in La Laguna.

Day 2: Hike in Anaga Rural Park

Benijo – Taborno – Anaga Mountain Road

Day 2 of your Tenerife itinerary takes you deep into the Anaga Mountains. Get an early start, because parking is limited at your first stop.

Drive to Benijo

You’ll start the day by driving to the tiny hamlet of Benijo. To get to Benijo, drive first to Santa Cruz. From Santa Cruz, take TF-11 along the coast to San Andrés.

At San Andrés, head inland on the TF-12. This narrow and windy road cuts through the Anaga mountain range. After about 30 minutes (18 km), you’ll turn right onto TF-134, which you’ll take all the way to Benijo.

This is one of the most beautiful roads in Tenerife.

Benijo to Faro de Anaga Circuit Hike

At Benijo, you’ll embark on your first hike in Anaga Rural Park.

To start the hike, head to Restaurante El Frontón and follow signs to El Draguillo and Trail PR – TF 6.

The trail hugs the coastline along a flat road. As you progress, you’ll see two striking rocks jutting out of the ocean, known as Roques de Anaga. It takes about 30 minutes to walk 2 km to El Draguillo.

From El Draguillo, you’ll turn right in the direction of Chamorga. You’ll hike uphill for almost 1 km (270 m elevation gain) to an intersection.

From here, turn right, and start the glorious return journey to Benijo. The views of the Anaga coastline and Taganana village are spectacular.

If you’re interested in a longer loop hike, you can continue to the Faro de Anaga lighthouse and return to Benijo via Chamorga. We’ve outlined this hike in our Benijo to Faro de Anaga trail guide.

Another nearby hiking option is to walk from Taganana to Playa de Tamadite. You can read more about that option in our guide to the Best Hikes in the Anaga Mountains.

Lunch in Benijo, or Taganana

Here are a few eating options close to Benijo. When we visited, every restaurant was closed.

Hopefully, you’ll have better luck than us. But, definitely bring hiking snacks with you just in case.

• El Mirador in Benijo
• Restaurante El Frontón in Benijo
• Restaurante Playa Casa Africa in Taganana
• Restaurante Los Roques Casa Pepe in Taganana
• Bar-Restaurante La Ola in Taganana

Hike around Roque de Taborno

After lunch, drive back up TF-134 and then turn right onto the Anaga Mountain Road (TF-12) in the direction of Cruz del Carmen. Your next destination is the tiny hamlet Taborno.

From here, a short (1:50 hours), but extremely pleasant hike circuits Roque de Taborno, a distinct thumb-shaped rock that rises 706 meters above sea level.

As you encircle Roque de Taborno, the views of the Anaga coastline unfold spectacularly.

Read more about this hike here: Best Hikes in the Anaga Mountains.

Anaga Mountain Road

After your hike, continue driving the Anaga Mountain Road back to La Laguna. There are a few viewpoints you shouldn’t miss:

• Mirador Cruz del Carmen – This viewpoint can be accessed from the parking lot at the Anaga Park Visitor Center. You’ll see the city of San Cristobal de La Laguna and Mount Teide in the distance.
• Mirador de Jardina – Beautiful view of the fertile valley of La Laguna and Mount Teide.

Stay in La Laguna

Budget | Casa Del Casco Historico

Midrange | La Laguna Gran Hotel 

Luxury | ​​Hotel Boutique San Diego – Adults Only 

Look for accommodation in La Laguna.

Day 3: Hike in Anaga Rural Park

Punta de Hidalgo – Chinamada

Today, you’ll head to Punta del Hidalgo and hike to Chinamada and Carboneras. We decided to drive to the Punta del Hidalgo trailhead and do a return (out-and-back) hike.

Alternatively, you could take a bus to Cruz del Carmen and hike down to Punta del Hidalgo, and then take the bus back to La Laguna. Of course, the latter option is easier but requires a bit more planning.

Hike from Punta del Hidalgo to Chinamada and Carboneras

It’s a 28-minute drive from La Laguna to Punta del Hidalgo. To find the trailhead, head to the lookout and traffic circle: Mirador Punta Del Hidalgo.

We’ve described this hike in detail in this Hiking in Anaga Mountains post. Here’s a quick summary:

• Distance: 15.6 km lollipop-circuit
• Elevation Gain / Loss: 1577 m
• Difficulty: Moderate – Difficult
• Time Needed: 7 hours

Highlights of this trail included rugged mountain scenery, the terraced fields around Chinamada and Carboneras, and lunch in the cafe-restaurant Restaurante La Cueva (Open Wednesday – Sunday) in Chinamada.

Take a Dip in the Natural Pool at Punta del Hidalgo

After your hike, head to the natural swimming pool at Punta del Hidalgo (marked on the map). You can savor the sea safely in a large sheltered natural pool.

Stay in La Laguna

Budget | Casa Del Casco Historico

Midrange | La Laguna Gran Hotel 

Luxury | ​​Hotel Boutique San Diego – Adults Only 

Look for accommodation in La Laguna.

Day 4: Northern Tenerife

La Orotova – Icod de los Vinos – Punta de Teno

Drive the North Coast of Tenerife

Day 4 of your Tenerife road trip takes you to some of Tenerife’s most charming villages. You’ll follow TF-5 along the north coast.

There are a few notable places to stop on your route, including Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, and Icod de Los Vinos.

Puerto de la Cruz is the tourist hub of the north and it can easily be skipped.

However, if you can look beyond the tacky tourist shops, Puerto de la Cruz harbors some of Tenerife’s most beautiful black sand beaches: Playa Jardin and Playa Maria Jiménez.

Eat Lunch in La Orotava

La Orotava is an exceedingly lovely town with beautiful architecture and a distinct local atmosphere.

We recommend eating lunch at Bar Los Castillos (Address: Calle Cólogan, 10, 38300 La Orotava). Featuring Canarian home-cooking, this authentic restaurant was one of the culinary highlights of our trip.

Stop at Mirador de San Pedro

As you continue west on TF-5, make sure to stop at the lookout point Mirador de San Pedro.

You can take a walk through banana plantations and along the coast if you follow the Rambla de Castro walking path.

Or, simply grab a coffee at Restaurante Cafetería Mirador San Pedro, the restaurant located at the viewpoint. We don’t recommend eating here.

Visit Icod de los Vinos

The city of Icod de los Vinos is another worthy stop on your drive today. People flock here to see the famous thousand-year-old Dragon Tree, reaching a lofty height of 22 m.

While the tree can be admired at a distance, there is a fee if you want to see it closely.

Beyond the impressive umbrella-shaped tree, Icod de Los Vinos is a tranquil destination filled with verdant plazas (e.g. Plaza San Marcos) and alluring places to eat.

We had a delectable meal at El Mortero (Address: Calle San Sebastián, 7, 38430 Icod de Los Vinos).

Walk around Garachico

Your drive continues to Garachico, a picturesque coastal town known for its beautiful lava rock pools.

The Piscinas Naturales el Caletón was formed as a result of a massive volcanic eruption that destroyed the town completely in 1706.

When we visited in January 2020, the pools were closed (temporarily).

Visit Punta de Teno

Punta de Teno is a rocky headland that forms the northwestern tip of Tenerife.

Marked by a lighthouse, this cinematic location in Teno Rural Park (Parque Rural de Teno) delivers godly views of the Los Gigantes cliffs (Acantilado de Los Gigantes).

There are a few ways to visit Punta de Teno. We’ve outlined all your options in this guide to visiting Punta de Teno.

Note: the road to Punta de Teno is restricted during most of the day. Depending on when you visit, you may need to take Bus 369.

Stay in Buenavista del Norte, or Los Silos

Budget | Casa emblemática Buenavista del Norte is a charming and economical B&B located in an 18th-century house in Buenavista del Norte. Guests have access to a shared kitchen and garden. Note: bathroom facilities are shared.

Midrange | Luz Del Mar is a lovely hotel in Los Silos. It’s nice to unwind in the hotel’s sauna or take a dip in the outdoor pool, before treating yourself to dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Luxury | Melia Hacienda del Conde is an adults-only, luxury hotel in Buenavista. When you want a peaceful place to stay with access to top wellness facilities (fitness center, sauna, Turkish bath, pools), this is the #1 place to stay in Northwestern Tenerife.

Look for accommodation in Buenavista del Norte.

Day 5: Teno Rural Park

Santiago del Teide to Masca

Hike from Santiago del Teide to Masca

From Buenavista del Norte, or Los Silos, drive the TF-82 to Santiago del Teide. The drive takes about 40 minutes.

This point-to-point hike from the town of Santiago del Teide to the village of Masca was our absolute favorite hike in the Teno Mountains.

For trail directions, read Hiking in the Teno Mountains

Eat Lunch in Masca

Masca is one of the crown jewels of Tenerife. After your hike, walk around the village and pick out a place to eat.

Take the Shuttle Bus back to Santiago del Teide

To get back to your car in Santiago del Teide, take the shuttle bus line 355 (timetable). This bus schedule was accurate when we visited in Jan 2020. Please double-check bus times before setting off.

• Weekdays: 9:25 am, 10:25 am, 12:30 pm, 3:15 pm, 4:10 pm, 4:15 pm, 6:25 pm
• Saturdays: 10:00 am, 12:30 pm, 4:15 pm, 6:25 pm
• Sundays & Holidays: 10:00 am, 12:30 pm, 4:15 pm, 6:25 pm

Stay in Santiago del Teide

Stay in Santiago del Teide if you crave local, authentic places to stay, and you want to avoid huge tourist hubs.

Budget | Casa Fina is an exceedingly charming and peaceful place to stay in Santiago del Teide. With its private courtyard, cozy beds, and a communal fully equipped kitchen, you have everything you need to feel right at home.

Midrange | Hotel La Casona del Patio

Look for accommodation in Santiago del Teide.

Or, Stay in Los Gigantes

Stay in Los Gigantes if you want to end your day on the coast.

Though highly touristic, Los Gigantes boasts staggering views of Los Gigantes Cliffs and divine places to swim, like the natural pool Piscina Natural Acantilado De Los Gigantes.

There are tons of tourist traps in Los Gigantes, but we can wholeheartedly recommend the no-frills Bar-Restaurante Paraiso for Canary cuisine and Restaurante Pizzeria Mamma Lucia for Italian classics. If you can’t get a reservation at Mamma Lucia, you can always order pizza to go.

Midrange | Klayman Diamond Aparthotel combines practicality with convenience. Apartments are well-equipped, modern, spacious, and immaculately clean. A highlight of staying here is the swimming pool and poolside bar overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Los Gigantes Cliffs – a spectacular view.

Luxury | Royal Sun Resort is an aparthotel featuring modern, exceptionally-equipped apartments. The spacious, ocean view terraces are perfect for enjoying sunrise and sunset. Guests have access to an outdoor adults swimming pool, a kids pool, a solarium, two restaurants, a fitness room, children’s play area, 24-hour reception, and parking (extra charge).

Look for accommodation in Los Gigantes.

Day 6: Teide National Park

Explore Teide National Park

From Santiago del Teide or Los Gigantes, take TF-38 into Teide National Park.

There’s a lot you can do in Teide, including summiting Pico del Teide (permit needed), hiking across the Las Cañadas caldera, and driving across the park. Read our How to Visit Teide National Park to figure out what to prioritize during your time in the park.

With one full day, we recommend combing two of these hikes:

• Montaña de la Botija and Montaña Samara Circuit Trail – Easy, 1:45 hours Circuit Trail
• Roques de García Loop Trail – Easy, 1:30 hours Circuit Trail
• Parador Nacional to Montaña Guajara Circuit Trail – Moderate, 4:30 hours Circuit Trail

If you want to summit Pico del Teide, read how to get permits and how to pick your ascent route in our Teide National Park guide.

Learn More: Best Hikes in Teide National Park

Stay in Teide National Park

Tonight, you can stay directly in the park at Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide. This is the best option.

Stay in Vilaflor

Alternatively, you can stay in the town of Vilaflor, which is situated at an elevation of 1417 meters. It’s a 30 minute drive from the heart of the park (Parador) to Vilaflor.

During our time in Vilaflor, we loved eating dinner at Fuente Hermano Pedro, a casual restaurant serving regional Canary dishes. They also have a tantalizing selection of cakes, which are worth sampling more than once, especially when paired with espresso.

Midrange | El Tejar Hotel & Spa

Luxury | Hotel Spa Villalba is the best place to stay in Vilaflor. Surrounded by forest and located in the mountains below Teide National Park, this peaceful hotel encourages you to unwind and relax.

Guests have access to a wellness area featuring saunas and an indoor/outdoor pool. Bedrooms are comfortable and spacious. But, our favorite thing about staying here was the breakfast buffet, featuring local specialties and everything else you’d ever want. It’s possible to eat dinner at the hotel, but we’d recommend eating in the town of Vilaflor instead.

Look for accommodation in Vilaflor.

Day 7: Teide National Park

Morning Hike in Teide National Park

Your Tenerife itinerary concludes with one final hike in Teide National Park. Use our Teide National Park hiking guide for inspiration.

Another option is to explore the nearby Paisaje Lunar (Lunar Landscape). This 12.9 km loop hike takes about 4 hours.

Or, simply have a luxuriously slow breakfast at Hotel Spa Villalba.

Lunch in Arona Town

If you’re flying out of Tenerife in the late afternoon, or evening, head to the small inland town of Arona for lunch. Here are two places we particularly enjoyed:

• Restaurante El Cobijo for local Canary food
• La Cocina de Jose miniño for Spanish food

Depart Tenerife

From Arona (town), it’s a 20-minute drive to the Tenerife South Airport and a 1-hour drive to the Tenerife Norte Airport.

Or, Extend Itinerary to Costa Adeje

Before heading home, you may want to end your Tenerife trip somewhere luxurious along the south coast. The south coast resorts, especially around Adeje, are home to the finest hotels on the island.

Luxury | Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur is a luxury resort hotel on Costa Adeje, close to Playa del Duque. Built in a colonial style overlooking the Atlantic ocean, this stellar hotel boasts multiple pools and terraces, a hotel bar and poolside bar, several restaurants, and a gym. Rooms are bright and spacious. The staff is brilliant. You can book breakfast-only or half board.

Luxury | Iberostar Selection Sábila – Adults Only is a modern, adults-only seafront hotel on Fañabe Beach. Bright, minimalist-designed spaces combined with superb service and high-quality breakfasts makes this an ideal place to unwind in Costa Adeje. Guests can choose between breakfast-only, half board, or all-inclusive.

Splurge | Hotel Royal River & Spa, Luxury Hotel is the ultimate hideaway for couples, especially honeymooners, who are seeking privacy and exclusivity. All suites and villas feature private pools, or plunge pools. This hotel features five swimming pools, a spa, fitness center, three bars and four restaurants.

Look for accommodation in Costa Adeje.

More Ways to Expand this Tenerife Road Trip

If you have more time in Tenerife, definitely stay another night in Buenavista del Norte/Los Silos. That way you can hike the Camino Risco Path to Punta de Teno Circuit (learn more: Teno Mountains).

I’d also add another night in Vilaflor or Teide National Park, so you can have 2 full days exploring the park.

When we visited Tenerife (Jan 2020), the Masca Gorge was closed. If it’s open during your visit, then consider adding another night in Los Gigantes, or Santiago del Teide.

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Tenerife Travel Guide: Best Things to do in Tenerife

Tenerife boasts a unique blend of both Spain and Africa due to its location – this is particularly apparent in the island’s way of life and the cuisine. It’s also known for its dramatic scenery with Mount Teide, a dormant volcano and Spain’s tallest peak, dominating the centre.  

The resorts all have something different to offer visitors. There are the busy and most popular resorts such as Costa Adeje, Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos as well as the vibrant and lively capital, Santa Cruz and the former capital and historic city of San Cristóbal de la Laguna.

Intrigued? Find out what you can expect during a holiday to Tenerife.

Tenerife tends to be a safe destination but, as with any country, make sure you have travel insurance just to be on the safe side. It’s also important to keep your wits about you and leave any valuables you can either in the safe or keep them on you at all times.

Safety tips

One of the perks of this country is that it’s very hot throughout the year and enjoys long hours of sunshine. However, this means that whenever you visit, you must make sure you wear a high factor sun cream. Remember, a breeze can be deceiving – even if it feels a little cooler, don’t forget to keep the cream topped up and wear a hat and sunglasses.  

Transport

It may be the largest island but you can easily travel around it in a day. You might find it beneficial to hire a car so you can explore the island, from the coastline to the rugged landscape of Teide National Park and Mount Teide, at your own pace.

Alternatively, you can travel by bus, taxi or tram. These green buses are called guaguas by the locals and will take you across the island. It’s worth buying a bono-bus which is a pass that will save you around half the cost. The taxis are white and run on a meter although it is possible to negotiate a fixed price, especially if you are going on a day trip. The tram’s main line runs between Santa Cruz and La Laguna – which takes around 40 minutes with 21 stops.

Average accommodation costs

Tenerife is known as one of the more affordable holiday destinations. The average cost of accommodation is €42 per person per day.

The last thing you want to do is visit a new country and miss the best activities it has to offer. It is easy to reach any part of the island from wherever you are staying, so you don’t need to miss anything you really want to do. Here are just a few things you should definitely plan into your itinerary. 

1.
Siam Park

You’ll find Europe’s largest waterpark right here in Costa Adeje. It is Thai-themed and boasts more than 18 slides and attractions for the whole family. Relax on the lazy river, experience the wave pool or adrenaline junkies can head for the Tower of Power. This vertical drop will take you from a height of 28-metres at speeds up to 50mph, before passing through a shark aquarium.

2.
Whale and dolphin watching

The waters between Tenerife and neighbouring island La Gomera are home to around 21 species of whales and dolphins. Book a boat trip for a day out on the ocean and the chance to see these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. Several trips depart from Los Gigantes and Los Cristianos. As you bob over the waves and look out on the glistening water you might spot orcas, baleen whales, blue whales and bottlenose dolphins, as they dive up to the surface and then disappear beneath it again.   

3.
Teide National Park and Mount Teide

Mount Teide, in Teide National Park, is one of two World Heritage Sites on the island. The dormant volcano is situated in the heart of Tenerife, reaching heights of 3,718 metres with a 30-mile circumference and has a lunar-like landscape. The snow-capped summit can be reached via a cable car, and boasts panoramic views of the island. On a clear day you can see as far as Gran Canaria and La Gomera.

You’ll find some of the best beaches in Spain on this Canary Island. The pleasant temperatures all year round, ensure you can make the most of the island’s beautiful stretches of coastline, whenever you visit. As well as golden soft sand you’ll find unique black sand beaches.  

Playa de Las Teresitas

Playa de Las Teresitas is one of the best beaches on the island. This slice of paradise is situated just outside of the capital Santa Cruz. The Anaga Mountains provide an impressive backdrop to this mile-long golden sandy beach. You wouldn’t know it from looking at it but this palm-tree lined, unspoilt stretch of coastline is man-made with sand imported from the Sahara. As well as swimming in the calm waters, you can have a go on a stand up paddle board.

Playa de la Tejita

Situated alongside the Montaña Roja Nature Reserve you’ll find one of the largest natural beaches in Tenerife. The red volcanic crater provides an interesting backdrop to just over half a mile of black sand. This is a protected natural area as well as an idyllic spot for sunseekers and perfect for watersports. The wind here provides the ideal conditions for surfing. The beach at the base of Montaña Roja is nudist friendly.

Playa Jardín

This black sand beach is situated in Puerto de la Cruz. It is split into three sections and dates back to the 1990s when César Manrique designed it. This northern beach is backed by colourful flowers and plants in lush green gardens, intercepted by pathways, waterfalls and stone walls. From it you can see Mount Teide.

A trip to Tenerife wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the former capital, San Cristóbal de la Laguna which you’ll find near Santa Cruz. This ancient city is a World Heritage site, home to stunning architecture and religious buildings including the neoclassical cathedral, the convents Santa Catalina and Santa Clara and the Palaces of Nava and Salazar.

If you would like to see more of the Canary Islands during your holiday you can visit neighbouring island of La Gomera from the south of Tenerife. Take a 40-minute boat from Los Cristianos. Here you’ll find Laurel Forest which is ideal for hiking.

You can also easily get a ferry over to Gran Canaria from Santa Cruz in around 80 minutes. This is the third largest island and one of the most popular. Here you’ll find beautiful beaches and a lively atmosphere.

Tenerife is known as the culinary capital of the Canary Islands. The islands most authentic cuisine can be found in the north of the island or inland.

Expect many meals to come with Papas Arrugadas – or wrinkled potatoes.  The islands potatoes are known for their flavour due to the volcanic landscape and are among the most popular food here. These are boiled in salt before being roasted. They tend to be finished with mojo – a popular sauce in the Canaries. If you see this called mojo picon, it is a slightly spicier version.    

You’ll also find stew on the menu which tends to be made from meat and local vegetables such as Puchero Canario – one of the most popular.

Seafood is readily available, especially around the coastal towns where fresh fish is caught locally. Lobster, crab and oysters are all on the menu in Costa Adeje where you’ll find the very best of this cuisine.

One of the most traditional and oldest ingredients on the island is Gofio. This is a toasted flour made from wheat, corn and barley which is created in working mills on the island. You’ll find this in both sweet and savoury food.

To wash it all down, you’ll be drinking wine that comes from the number of wineries on the island that produce both white and red.

If you are looking for nightlife then head to the island’s party capital, Playa de las Américas. Here you’ll find hundreds of bars and nightclubs where bright lights and pulsating music fill the air and enable you to dance from dusk until dawn, every night of the week. Nightlife is centred around The Patch, Veronica’s strip and Starco.

The night tends to start at Starco before the crowds head to Veronica’s, where the drinks flow and the dancefloor is open until the early hours of the morning.

The Patch is ideal for those looking for a slightly quieter night out. You won’t want to miss Tramps, known as the King of Clubs, it hosts world-famous DJs from 10pm until 6am.

If you visit in February, the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the second largest carnival in the world after Rio de Janeiro, takes place in the lively and vibrant capital, Santa Cruz.

From large shopping malls and high street stores to boutiques and markets, there are plenty of places in Tenerife for a spot of retail therapy. The capital, Santa Cruz is one of the best places for shopping on the island but Playa de Las Americas is a close second.

Here you can wander along Avenida de Las Americas, which is known as the ‘golden mile.’ Among the shops that line this road you’ll find boutiques selling brands such as Armani and Versace.  

Siam Mall is situated in the south of the island in Costa Adeje and is where you’ll find many Spanish brands we know and love such as Zara, Mango and Pull & Bear.

Tegueste Market is one of the best in the Canary Islands. Browse more than 30 stalls and you’ll find a wide range of food produce as well as arts and crafts.  

This island is home to some of the most fascinating museums. You won’t want to miss the Museum of Nature and Man in Santa Cruz which dates back to 1958. This is where you can find out about the island’s original inhabitants, the Guanches. Explore the exhibitions and artefacts, including the mummies, which you’ll noticed have been particularly well preserved.

Also in Santa Cruz, you’ll find the Municipal Museum of Fine Arts. The building itself is impressive. But, step inside and you can see work by Canarian artists that date from the 16th to the 19h century.

Tenerife has the perfect climate for outdoor activities and plenty of hours of sunshine each day to make the most of it. The varied and volcanic landscape is ideal for hiking and cycling. You’ll find a number of trails to choose from, all of which are against a beautiful backdrop that enable you to keep going for hours at a time.

Of course, you’ll want to explore the famous Mount Teide National Park. Roques de Garcia is one of the most popular spots, particularly for night hikes. The hike itself last around three hours, is just over two miles and perfect for stargazing. You may also like to wander through the volcanic Las Canada Caldera while you are in this park.

If you enjoy hiking then you might also like to head for Teno Rural Park, a protected natural landscape and the greenest part of the island.

There is plenty to do out on the water too, take a boat or kayak out along Los Gigantes rugged coastline or head to Los Cristianos to board a glass-bottom boat. This is the perfect place for snorkelling and diving – under the surface you’ll discover the colourful and inquisitive sea life as it darts in and out of the vibrant coral.

At the entrance to Teide National Park in Las Lagunetas, you’ll find the largest treetop adventure in the Canary Islands – Forestal Park. Here you can swing through the trees, crossing bridges and taking zip wires to move from one to the other.

The island also offers perfect conditions for paragliding, surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.

You can easily fill your itinerary with some of Tenerife’s most popular and famous attractions. However, it is worth heading to some of the lesser-known parts of the island too, so you can see the side that isn’t as touristy.

Astronomical Teide Observatory

Did you know that Tenerife is one of the best places in the world to see the universe and stars? The world’s largest solar observatory is figuratively and literally overshadowed by Mount Teide but it is well worth a visit. Peer through the telescopes and if you’re lucky you can even see the Milky Way.

The Pyramids of Guimar

In the east of the island you’ll find the town of Guimar, which is home to a ethnographic park and six rectangular pyramids. You’ll hear various theories about the origins of these pyramids, some believe they were just stones piled up by farmers. They reach heights of 12 metres and are formed of lava stone. Once you have explored the pyramids there is also a museum and gardens.  

Garachio

Garachio used to be one of the island’s most popular towns and a main port until a volcanic eruption in 1706 that covered the town in lava. This did, however, form natural rock pools that can be swum in today. The picturesque town also retains an authentic charm and serves up some of the most delicious fresh fish on the island.

Tenerife is a year-round destination. Due to its location, just off the west coast of Africa, it is sunny and hot right through the winter months. The lowest average temperature is in January and February when it is 22°C. The highest average temperature is in July, August and September when it is 28°C. The best time to go is May and June when it is hot without being unbearably so and it busy without being overcrowded.

Now you know what there is to do in Tenerife, you can start planning a trip to see this beautiful Canary Island with your own eyes.    

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Tenerife Travel Guide – Holiday Guide To Tenerife

Tenerife guide provides detailed listings of hotels, apartments, water parks, animal parks, theme parks, attractions, excursions, holiday resorts, beaches and other activities for a perfect holiday in Tenerife.

Where is Tenerife

Tenerife is a Spanish island and is part of the Canary Islands archipelago, situated in the Atlantic Ocean off the North West coast of Africa. It’s about 28° north of the equator at the same latitude as the Sahara desert and Florida. The usual flight time from most of Western Europe is about 4 hours.

About Tenerife

Tenerife is the most popular and largest of the seven Canary Islands. It receives on average 5 million tourists each year. The language is Spanish, but, especially in the south you will hear English almost everywhere. The currency is the Euro, with all the usual credit cards accepted. You will find money exchange offices in all the holiday resorts as well as the Airports. The waters around Tenerife are home to a vast array of marine life, including Pilot Whales and Dolphins which can be see from one of the many Boat Trips.

Climate and Weather in Tenerife

The warm and mild year round weather on Tenerife makes it one of the best climates in the world. It has an average temperature of 18° during the winter season and 25° peaking to 30°+ during the summer , making it the perfect holiday destination for tourists. The sea temperature rarely drops below 18° in the winter and reaches 24°during the hot summer months.

Where to stay in Tenerife

Tenerife offers accommodation ranging from self catering apartments (Apart hotels) to 5 star luxury hotels. Many people choose the freedom of self catering apartments while others like the convenience of fully inclusive.

Theme Parks in Tenerife

There is a large selection of theme parks in Tenerife including:- Loro Park with its orca show, dolphin show and sea lions show. Siam Park the Water Kingdom with its adrenalin pumping Tower of Power ride and The Wave Palace with the worlds biggest man made waves at 4 metres. Aqualand with its Dolphinarium and Lava River. Jungle Park, the only jungle in Europe with its daily Bird of Prey Show. Camel Park is perfect for a family day out. Take a ride like Lawrence of Arabia. Most parks offer day passes which include transport from a convenient pick-up point, entrance fees and return trip.

Beaches in Tenerife

Tenerife beaches are clean, and well cared for. There are 8 blue flag beaches in Tenerife including Playa del Duque, Las Teresitas, Troya and Playa de la Arena. Golden sandy beaches and natural black volcanic sand beaches are best in the south and west of the island. These are mainly found around the major tourist resorts. Most have good access and meet stringent European standards of cleanliness, and have shower facilities, sun beds, and sunshades. The majority offer water sports, including scuba diving, jet-skiing and wind-surfing as well as exciting boat trips to see dolphins and Pilot whales.

Places to see in Tenerife

Car hire is cheap and available in all the main resorts; the island bus service is even cheaper. For the more energetic, try hiking and visit the rough terrain of a volcanic island, but be warned there is a lot of ascents and descents. Places to visit :-Teide National Park which has recently been named a National Heritage Site. You can use the cable car (Teleférico del Teide) to reach the summit of mount Teide where you get a fantastic view of the other islands. Santa Cruz the capital of Tenerife has large department stores like El Corte Inglés and trendy shopping complexes. Or you may like to stroll through the numerous parks. The village of Los Gigantes with its impressive cliffs with lava flows running through them. On the northern coast, Icod de los Vinos and its 1000 year old Drago Tree.

Water Sports in Tenerife

As you would expect, Tenerife being an island has lots to offer in the way of water sports. The crystal clear waters make it ideal for diving and snorkeling, whilst beaches with large waves are a favorite with surfers, windsurfers and kite boarders from around the world. Water-skiers, Jet skiers, and wake boarders also flock to the islands shores to enjoy the fantastic weather and excellent climate. Sailing around the Islands offers an exhilarating way to see the islands from the sea. The marinas and ports have many yachts and motor cruisers for rent.

Tenerife Nightlife

Tenerife has an active nightlife in resorts like Costa Adeje, Playa de Las Americas, Puerto de la Cruz and Los Cristianos. There are literally hundreds of bars, restaurants, night clubs, pavement cafes and fast food establishments to choose from. By far the liveliest holiday resorts in Tenerife are Costa Adeje, Playa de Las Americas and Los Cristianos with its mainly British influence. For nightlife in these resorts you will find plenty of bars, sports bars and night clubs to choose from. If you want a quieter evening you don’t need to travel very far to find some small villages with excellent restaurants. The larger hotels usually have in house entertainment.

Carnival in Tenerife

The capital, Santa Cruz hosts the second largest carnival in the world, second only to Rio de Janeiro Brazil. Every February it attracts around a million people from the island and all around the world. In fact the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is twinned with the city of Rio de Janeiro for this very reason. The party starts in the streets on the Friday before Carnival with a spectacular opening parade, where thousands of people in fancy dress dance until the early hours of the morning. The party continues night after night until Ash Wednesday.

Travel to Tenerife

1. Mount Teide National Park
As Tenerife’s soaring centerpiece, the often snow-capped peak of Mount Teide is visible from practically everywhere on the island. Much more than trees and hiking trails, Spain’s highest mountain – along with the unspoiled wilderness and funky volcanic rock formations surrounding it – compose the largest national park in the Canary Islands. Find out more on Mount Teide National Park…

2. Weather
Everything you need to know about Tenerife’s weather is summed up in the island’s nickname: the island of eternal spring. With practically 365 day a year of sunshine,
refreshing trade winds and heavenly temperatures, any time of year is literally the perfect time of year for a trip to Tenerife. Click on the link for the Tenerife weather basics.

3. Traditional Sports
Sure, Tenerife rallies behind its football and basketball teams like any other Spanish destination, but in addition the island has a special something that mainland Spain doesn’t have: traditional Canary Island sports. With their roots planted in the islands’ ancient Guanche culture, sports like Canarian wrestling, staff-fighting and shepherd’s leap are hugely popular and comprise an important part of Tenerife’s culture. Get more info about autochtonous Canary Island sports…

4. History
One of the best part of Tenerife’s history is that it reads absolutely nothing like that of the rest of Spain. Instead of the typical story of Romans, Moors and finally Christians, Tenerife’s earliest history is a combination of mysterious legends, ancient myths and indigenous Guanche people. Its “Spanish” history didn’t begin until the 15th century Spanish conquest, which led to the island’s colonization and overnight success as the meeting point of Europe, Africa and the Americas. Learn all about Tenerife history…

5. Architecture
With airy balconies and intimate patios laden with flower pots, Canarian architecture is literally its own genre. What Canarian architects essentially did over the course of time is filter in elements of Europe’s major architectural trends, but not without throwing in their own island tastes. The results? Check out the immaculately conserved historical quarters of cities like Garachico, La Orotava and La Laguna, where elegant churches, quaint white-washed houses and noble mansions will leave you enchanted. Learn more about Tenerife architecture…

6. Carnival
The tropical music, the elaborate costumes, the parades, the mildly chaotic street parties… Tenerife’s rowdy Carnival easily goes head to head with Brazil’s for the title of best Carnival in the world. The festivities kick into high gear just before Lent (February or March) and show no signs of slowing down until over a week later- so grab your mask and be prepared for the biggest party of your life! Get all the essentials on Tenerife’s Carnival…

7. Parque Loro
Sure, it’s one of the most touristy things you could possibly do, but you really will have an absolutely blast at this zoological theme park. With incredibly recreated jungles and animal habitats, it boasts pretty much the biggest and best of everything: the biggest dolphinarium in the world, the largest collection of parrots, one of the most modern aquariums, the list goes on. Definitely check out the penguin exhibit “Planet Penguin,” a massive sub-zero indoor habitat with a colossal snow-covered rock and crystal-clear sea water. Get all the details on Parque Loro and other Tenerife theme and water parks…

8. Outdoor Activities
With incredible landscapes, enormous mountains, pine forests, endless beaches, plunging cliffs and, of course, the ocean, the entire island of Tenerife is practically one big outdoor playground. Head out to sea to check out the colony of hundreds of pilot whales off the coast, explore the submerged unknown with a scuba-diving adventure, hike your way around the Mount Teide National Park, horse-back ride through the wilderness of La Orotava, jump out of a plane for the ultimate adrenalin rush… all of this and more!

9. Travel to other islands
While Tenerife’s location off the coast of Africa isn’t exactly ideal for travel to mainland Spain destinations, Tenerife is not an island by itself- it’s part of a seven-island archipelago. Each island offers a unique and brand-new experience, so climb aboard a ferry and island-hop your way through Tenerife’s neighbors! Learn more about trips from Tenerife…

10. Beaches
With paradisaical weather and nearly 270 kilometers of coastline to its name, Tenerife is a beach-lovers paradise and has a beach for all tastes: soft white sand, volcanic black sand, massive stretches, secluded coves, with clothes, without clothes. .. trust us, the list is endless. Click on the link to check out our page on Tenerife beaches!

Ideas for a gastronomic journey through the cities and regions of Tenerife

Tenerife is an excellent place for relaxing on the ocean and active sports tourism. But the island is also known for its variety of cultural and sightseeing routes, including those for gastronomic and eno travel .

Route “Wine Road: Tegueste – Vaye Guerra – Tocoronte – El Sauzal – Acentejo – Ursula”

The route is designed for one day.

Augustinian and Franciscan friars began winemaking in the Tegueste area in the north of the island. Experts appreciate the light taste of red wines, and fragrant, fresh and complex – of whites. Large selection of wines at the Mercadillo del Agricultor y Artesano de la Villa de Tegueste local market. The market is open on weekends from 8:00 to 14:00.

The city of Vaye Guerra is home to the island’s anthropological museum, Casa de Carta, as well as many guachinches, small establishments with home cooking and traditional dishes. These are family restaurants, some of them are open seasonally, so before visiting, we recommend that you always check with your guide whether the selected guachinche is open on the day of the tour. Link to the list of guachinches is here.

Tacoronte is literally surrounded by vineyards. The wines of the Tacoronte Asentejo region are well known not only on the island, but also far beyond its borders. We recommend visiting Plaza del Cristo and other historical places: the Church of Santa Catalina, the Temple of San Jeronimo, the streets of La Herreria and Los Perales. It is necessary to decipher what other historical places are?

The Casa Museo Insular de la Vid y el Vino, located in the high mountain village of El Sauzal, is a real museum where prestigious wines are kept. Here you will learn how the famous Canarian honey is produced. Thanks to the rich flora of the island, honey has an original taste that cannot be found in any other part of the world. In the Acentejo area, there are the cities of La Mantanza and La Victoria, named in memory of the battles between the Guanches and the Spanish conquistadors in the 15th century.

The route will end in Santa Ursula. It is a place with established traditions, excellent cuisine and excellent wines that you can taste in restaurants and wineries scattered throughout the city. For example, we recommend one of the local guachinches family restaurants Casa Chiqui, Casa Jerónimo, José el Rinconero, or Casa Lito.

A visit to one of Tenerife’s wineries with a master class on making Mojo Rojo and Moho Verde sauces

A trip to a winery can be both educational and delicious. The highest vineyards in Tenerife are located at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level in the Buena Vista area. Going here, it is better to take warm clothes with you, since even in summer at such an altitude the air temperature can be about 10-13 degrees.

The first part of the tour takes place in the vineyards – an acquaintance with the history of the family to which they belong, as well as a tasting of several varieties of wine. Then the tour continues with a transfer to the winery in the city of San Miguel. There is a master class on cooking local sauces, as well as papas arrugadas potatoes.

Visitors to the winery will be told about all the stages of wine fermentation, they will show under what conditions it is necessary to store wine, and what exactly determines the unique taste of the best wine varieties of the island.

The tour will end with a lunch including traditional dishes: vegetable soup “potaje”, made from chickpeas, potatoes, carrots and cabbage, tomatoes and spices, sometimes adding corn; marinated tuna and a quesillo milk dessert.

Path to the Stars

Gourmets and wine connoisseurs can combine tastings of local wines and dishes with stargazing. In the night sky of Tenerife, you can see almost all the known constellations, look at the planets and neighboring galaxies through a telescope, and also combine an educational tour with gastronomic discoveries.

The tour takes place in the Teide National Park, next to the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide, at an altitude of about 2000 meters above sea level. This is a night tour, for which tourists are picked up by a transfer from the hotel at about 5 pm and rises along the serpentine of the national park, making stops at observation platforms along the way. Estimated time of arrival at the observation point is 8 pm.

Since sunset is at about 10 pm, the group has time to take photos near the Roques de Garcia next to the hotel and wait for complete darkness in the hotel restaurant. We recommend ordering local traditional dishes, such as Canarian rabbit and papas arrugadas potatoes, as well as Canarian wines.

Visit to the Cave of the Winds

Those who prefer thrills should not sacrifice other pleasures for adventure. Any route in Tenerife one way or another ends with a meal. And a trip to the Cave of the Winds is no exception. The cave is located in the city of Icod de los Vinos, in the northwestern part of Tenerife. This is the largest system of underground tunnels in Europe, formed by lava flows during the eruption of the Pico Viejo volcano. The tour lasts about 2 hours, is carried out only with a guide on routes allowed for tourists. Inside the cave, the group spends about 45 minutes, and after that the group will have a walk through the pine forests of Tenerife, but there will be a transfer waiting place.

The city of Icod de los Vinos is located in the northwest of Tenerife, and if you come here on an excursion, you should definitely stay for lunch in one of the local restaurants.

The Casa del Drago restaurant is housed in a historic building with a façade dating back to 1748. It is worth trying the premium cheese platter (depending on the production), some of the cheeses have been awarded the World Cheese Awards, and always accompanied by selected wines from the island, especially those produced in the city of Icod de los Vinos itself.

A list of all the restaurants, wineries and guachinches of the island can be found here.

The latest information on the current restrictions in Tenerife due to the coronavirus pandemic can be found here.

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What to see, when to go to Tenerife and where to stay?

Tenerife is one of the largest islands in the Canary Islands. Tenerife is known for its beaches, nightlife and of course the Teide volcano, which rises almost in the middle of the island.

Tenerife is quite small by mainland standards. By car, we managed to go around it in a circle in just one day … But let’s not rush …

Although Tenerife is a small island, it is replete with many attractions. Here you can find entertainment for every taste, but in addition to entertainment, you need to choose the season when to go to the island and decide where to live.

Contents:

• What to see in Tenerife – tourist attractions
• What to see in Tenerife – NOT tourist attractions
• Where to stay in Tenerife
• When to go to Tenerife

What to see in Tenerife – tourist attractions

The main place where many tourists want to go in Tenerife is the top of the Teide volcano. More specifically, the upper station of the Telerifico Teide cable car. From the top station to the top you have to walk for about 40 minutes, but the main problem is that you need to get permission to climb in advance. And it’s hard to predict the weather… Permission is free and is done online. For 2 months there were no more permits, since a limit was set on their number. It seems that many people simply book a visit for themselves for a few days, and then choose based on the weather.

Another option is to be at the entrance to the summit before 9 am. Then there are still no workers and you can go through without permission. This is allowed, although most, in order to be near the summit so early, spend the night in a mountain shelter … which also needs to be booked in advance.

And the third is not the most correct option – if you are fast and strong, then quickly run uphill just along the slope, without using the official path.

You can read about our trip to Teide here:

Climbing the Teide volcano in Tenerife, Canaries

Healthy goldfinches, today we will go to the volcano. A small article describing the route of climbing/walking on…

In addition to the volcano, there are many national parks on the island where trekking routes are laid. There are a couple of canyons or just routes through lava fields – the landscape is lunar and very unusual.

We decided that we didn’t have much time, so we just drove around the island in a car and drove to the most interesting places. It is worth noting that some double-sided mountain roads are a little more than one lane wide and very winding, so be careful.

The sea offers many more options for active pastime – diving, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. In general, almost everything your heart desires

If you are not a fan of outdoor activities, then you can soak up the beautiful beaches of Tenerife or go on one of the many excursions. For example, whale watching. Almost all such excursions are of the all inclusive type – the price includes an unlimited number of drinks, including alcoholic drinks and food, often paella with seafood. The only thing worth understanding is that it is quite difficult to see a whale, one of the largest species. But here you will see non-migratory pilot whales with a probability of 98-99%

Tired of the sea-ocean, but want to freshen up? You can go to one or more water parks. We visited Siam Park – the largest, which is located in the south of the island, not far from the village of Los Cristinos, from where free shuttle buses run.

What to see in Tenerife – NOT tourist attractions

If you decide that mass entertainment is not for you and you want something special, but we can offer you a tried and tested option – banana plantations! You can look at a real banana plantation, take a walk on it, see how bananas are harvested, hear a story from the owner himself and a banana planter in the 3rd generation. If you really want to, then you can work a little.

And of course, at the end of the tour, try bananas from the plantation, as well as banana liqueur, purchase dried bananas, wine and stronger alcohol, all based on bananas. And they will give you a bundle of bananas!

The site of this plantation is uninformative, but it makes it possible to find out the days and times of excursions, and then just come – Finca Las Margaritas

Where to stay in Tenerife

OK, what to see and when to go figured out, but now, where to live? ! As usual, there are many options. First you need to figure out which part of the island to stop. If you are not going to sit in a small, albeit quite beautiful, town, then the capital of Tenerife – Santa Cruz de Tenerife is not suitable for you.

If you are not looking for entertainment, but for a quiet holiday on the seashore in a small Spanish village, then welcome to the north of the island.

But if you, like us, want to explore the island far and wide, travel not only by car, but also by public transport and have most of the entertainment at hand, then the southern part of the island is the best solution. By the way, the famous low-cost Ryanair arrives at the southern airport.

In the south, the most touristic area is from Los Cristianos to Costa Adeje, via Playa de la Americas. It is here that many apartments and hotels are concentrated. But here you can also find tent camps that grow up around beach bars like in films: music plays all the time, tanned bartenders pour ice-cold beer, and in the evenings there are discos or just socializing in a friendly atmosphere.

Accommodation can be found on large aggregators like booking.com. It is possible on large aggregators of private housing and apartments – airbnb.com, by the way, if you register using our link, you will get up to $40 for housing and impressions! Well, if you are already an active user, then by clicking on our link and booking accommodation you will provide a small but very significant help to our site – the link is here!

For Tenerife you may be very disappointed to see that the set of apartments has hardly changed from one site to another. Indeed, in Tenerife, everyone knows about tourists and uses all possible options for renting housing.

Do not forget about hotels, because not always accommodation from a private owner will provide you with the comfort that an experienced hotel staff can offer. It is also worth thinking about visiting chain hotels, because many have discounts for regular customers and staying at chain hotels more than once can count on significant discounts. And in some chain hotels, for example, as “Iberostar hotels 4 * and 5 * in Tenerife” they offer a discount already for registering an account. Of course, booking through an aggregator you will not receive this discount.

This is what the Iberostar Anthelia hotel in Tenerife looks like!

By the way, there are 7 of the same IberoStar hotels in Tenerife, so you can find what suits you best.

It’s up to you to decide how best to spend your holidays in Tenerife, but definitely – this island is worth your attention!

When to go to Tenerife

Tenerife’s weather makes it an ideal holiday destination 365 days a year. The Canary Islands boast a subtropical climate, making them an attractive holiday destination at any time.

In December and January, you can enjoy great weather, lying on the beach all day, swimming in the ocean, and all this with clear blue skies. Compared to many other European destinations, Tenerife’s winters are extremely mild, which is one of the factors that make it a very attractive destination for vacationers looking to escape the colder climate at home. As a rule, from November to March can be called the “high season”.

Of course, school holidays are also a very busy time of the year when families want to spend a few days in the sun, but it’s still not very warm at home. This usually happens during holidays and vacations in spring and autumn.

May, June and July are good months to travel to Tenerife, but the weather does get hotter. The beautiful cool sea breeze makes even very hot summer days refreshing. But do not forget that if you are going to the Teide, it is better to choose cooler months.

Airfare is always different, but if you think in advance, you may well be lucky. How to search for cheap flights:

How to fly cheap? Where to buy cheap plane tickets?

Those who love to travel have probably already thought about the question many times, how to do it not expensive, but better cheap!

Of course it will be cheap, but not …

7 reasons to travel to Tenerife

Tenerife is my dream – blue and distant. This is an island where everything that a vacationer, traveler and tourist of any age and any interests can wish for is an island where everything that a vacationer, traveler and tourist of any age and any interests can wish for is the sea, the sun, great opportunities for hiking and trekking, water parks, zoos, historical and cultural monuments, natural parks, the peaceful silence of the countryside. area and vibrant nightlife of coastal towns. You can travel to Tenerife more than once and each time find something new and unknown there. 9Ol000 sun

Most of the year the islands of eternal spring have excellent weather. Thanks to warm ocean currents, there is no sweltering African heat in summer and piercing cold in winter. The warm gentle sea laps at the foot of the volcanic rocks. Tenerife is the place where completely different beaches are concentrated on a relatively small stretch of coast. Making quite small journeys, one day you can sunbathe and swim on the beach of golden sand, the next on the beach of volcanic black sand, and on the third jump from the coastal cliffs into the sea or admire the divine sunsets.

Alcala beach, near the center of Playa San Juan

Real volcano

Have you ever seen a real volcano? Tenerife provides travelers with the opportunity to explore the magnificent lunar landscapes in the Teide National Park. The volcano and the natural landscape surrounding it are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Many species of plants and animals are found in the Teide National Park. are endemic, i.e. they exist only in Tenerife and are not found anywhere else in the world. A special cable car will take you to the top of the volcano, from where you can see other islands of the archipelago in good weather.

Landscapes of another planet

Local flora

The splendor and richness of the local flora will amaze even the most sophisticated traveler. The island of Tenerife will allow you to get acquainted with the flora from the tropics to the tundra, and all this wealth is concentrated in a small area. Tropical plants and flowers are widely represented on the coast. When climbing the mountains, you can trace the flora of temperate latitudes; when approaching the eternal snows of mountain peaks, you can admire the edelweiss growing in alpine meadows.

Red buglos is an endemic plant species. Teide National Park

Gastronomy

Tenerife is ready to offer its guests a truly gastronomic abundance. The freshest seafood, caught by local fishermen in the early morning, will be on your table by lunchtime. You don’t like fish? Then you can opt for meat products. In Tenerife, special meat breeds of goats and rabbits are grown; goat meat is considered a local delicacy. For meat or fish, you should take a dish of local potatoes with mojo sauce, made from different varieties of pepper and seasoned with cilantro. Potatoes in Tenerife began to be grown much earlier than in Europe, so the islanders are proud of this product.

Natural cheeses, a traditional product of Tenerife

Culture of the Guanches

Until the fifteenth century, blue-eyed, blond-haired tribes of Guanches inhabited the islands. This mysterious ethnic group still causes numerous disputes in the scientific community. No one knows how and from where they appeared on the islands, how they retained their European appearance in African latitudes. The mysterious Guanches built no less mysterious pyramids that have survived to this day. Thanks to the initiative of Thor Heyerdahl, an ethnographic park was organized, which I suggest you visit. Who knows, maybe that wonderful thought will come to your head that will shed light on all the secrets of the disappeared people.

Insidious Spanish conquistadors ingratiate themselves with naive natives

Villages and villages

You have always dreamed of visiting Machu Picchu, but it is very far and expensive. Tenerife can provide you with an experience no worse than visiting the spurs of the Andes. The ancient village of Mask stands on a mountain range, and the houses hang over the very cliff. The achievements of modern civilization have reached there quite recently. These places still remember the local Guanches. Near the village, you can look at the picturesque gorge and the ancient church. And the village of Maska is not the only one, in Tenerife there are many more authentic villages that have not been spoiled by civilization. Each of them is wonderful in its own way.

Masca village – the pearl of the Rural de Teno

Developed tourist infrastructure

Tenerife is safe, it is a piece of Europe off the coast of Africa, the island belongs to Spain. The local currency is the euro, so everything will be familiar and familiar. You will be welcomed by a developed European tourist infrastructure – superbly designed information centers that will provide complete information about possible excursions, places to stay and authentic restaurants.

Tourist Information Center

How to best organize your stay in Tenerife

To plan your stay on the island, it is best to pay attention to the local official tourist website Visittenerife.ru. Who better than the inhabitants of the island to know all the best places and methods of visiting them. Visittenerife.ru will help you plan your unforgettable trip to the island of eternal spring, answer all your pressing questions: “What to see? How to get there? How much are the tickets? Where is the best place to swim? Which hotel to choose?

Only on the official website you will find descriptions of as many as 70 Tenerife beaches with photos, characteristics, driving methods and a convenient search system.

On this site you can find the most detailed descriptions of sights, links to local tourist sites, make an itinerary for a car or bicycle trip around the island. The site also has a wide range of accommodation facilities from traditional hotels and apartments to agritourism. The site is fully translated into Russian.

Have a good trip with Visittenerife.ru.

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