Tenerife is an ideal destination for both adventure and relaxation, and we’ll tell you everything you need to know before traveling on your own.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the island’s hidden gems, from the mysterious forests in Anaga to the breathtaking views from the top of the Teide volcano and much, much more.
Why visit Tenerife?
Tenerife is the largest and most populous of the seven Canary Islands, enjoying great popularity mainly due to its diversity and location. The 269 km coastline offers countless opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying water sports like surfing or kitesurfing.
You can enjoy the ocean here practically year-round– water temperatures range from 18 degrees in winter to 26 degrees in summer. Active lifestyle enthusiasts will definitely find what they’re looking for. The island is crisscrossed with many trails and side roads, creating countless opportunities for hiking, running, or cycling.
The biggest attraction is the diversity of nature. In a relatively small area, it offers an incredible number of microclimates and ecosystems. Steep volcanic cliffs, deep gorges where sunlight barely penetrates, dense coniferous forests, overgrown jungles, parched deserts, or a majestic volcano. All this in just 2,000 km2.
How to get to Tenerife
You can use direct low-cost flights from all around Europe, prices vary a lot depending on your departure airport and seasons. You can get tickets for as low as 50€ return but the average price is around 200€. Be ready to pay extra for not only check-in luggage, but often also a larger carry on.
Because of that, flying a legacy carrier can be sometimes better. Especially when you take departure times into account – the low-cost flights often leave early morning or late at night.
Moving by ferry between the Canary Islands is quite expensive, and flying is often a cheaper option.
When to go to Tenerife (ideal time of year and weather)
The weather on Tenerife is very stable. It’s not for nothing that the island is also called the island of eternal spring. Temperatures change most in the evening and at night. A coat is really only needed exceptionally (but definitely take one if you plan to go to the top of the volcano).
During sunny days, of which there are about 350 a year in the south, it’s warm in both winterand summer, when temperatures climb up to the forties. The best month for swimming is September, when the ocean averages 24 °C. Conversely, it’s coldest in March with a water temperature around 19 °C.
Personally, I recommend the destination mainly in winter (as a great refuge from the cold, gray, and depression of continental Europe) and in spring, when the whole island is in bloom and at its greenest.
At the end of spring, flowers called Tajinaste Rojo, which reach heights of up to 3 meters, bloom in the Cañadas valley. Photographers from all over the world flock to the valley to capture this spectacle.
What to see and experience on Tenerife
There are countless places to recharge your energy on Tenerife. If you prefer relaxing by the water, the famous kitesurfing beach El Médano and the adjacent La Tejita are definitely worth a visit, with an optional walk to watch the sunset on the lonely hill Montaña Roja (171 m).
After sunset, you’ll hardly find better places for nightlife than the clubs and bars in Playa de las Americas in Los Cristianos.
During weekends, you can also have a great time in the evenings and nights in La Laguna or Puerto de la Cruz. Nice beaches include Las Teresitas, Fañabé, or Playa Jardin.
If you’re looking for a bit of adrenaline, don’t miss the Siam Park water park.
And if you prefer active relaxation, the Anaga natural park is a very attractive location Anaga, which offers both a number of very interesting treks (Faro Anaga, Cruz del Carmen, etc.) and swimming or diving in isolated bays that can only be reached on foot.
It’s similar at the other end of the island in the Teno natural park, where I recommend visiting the village of Masca with a boat trip or a trek to the Teno lighthouse.
A visit to the highest mountain in Spain, Teide (3,718 m), is a must, where you can comfortably take a cable car from the Cañadas valley.
To climb to the summit itself, which is about 200 meters above the top cable car station, you will need a permit, which you can book for free here (at least 2 months in advance).
If you don’t believe in cable cars, hike up the volcano on your own with an overnight stay at the Altavista Refuge. Do the last 450 meters of elevation before dawn and enjoy an unforgettable sunrise from the roof of the island. The mentioned permit to climb Teide is not required before 9:00 AM.
To summarize, the TOP activities you shouldn’t miss on Tenerife include:
- Teide National Park – Home to Spain’s highest mountain, Mount Teide.
- Loro Parque – A famous zoological and botanical park.
- Siam Park – One of the best water parks in the world.
- Masca Valley – A picturesque village with amazing hikes.
- Garachico – A historic town with natural pools formed in the cliffs after a volcanic eruption.
- Los Gigantes – Impressive cliffs and a great place for whale and dolphin watching.
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife – The capital city with rich culture and architecture.
- La Laguna – A UNESCO site with a beautiful historic center.
- Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje – Popular beach destinations with a lively nightlife.
- Cueva del Viento – One of the largest volcanic cave complexes in the world.
What to do on Tenerife with kids
In addition to the aforementioned Siam Park and Loro Parque, which will mainly entertain older children, you can also head to the following attractions.
- Jungle Park – An adventure park with rope courses and animals.
- Black sand beaches – Playa Jardín and Playa La Arena.
- Historical performance at Castillo de San Miguel.
- Teide Observatory and stargazing.
Discover Tenerife with locals
Another way to explore the island (or the entire Canary archipelago) is to go on one of the experiences organized by locals. You can find a great selection of the best on the GetYourGuide portal, where you can either get inspired for your own trips or book them directly.
Local transport around the island
Buses on Tenerife
The transport infrastructure on the island is of relatively high quality and it’s possible to get almost anywhere by bus. However, understanding the local schedules is quite problematic and they cannot be 100% relied upon. You can look them up on the carrier’s website Titsa. Outside of scheduled stops, buses stop on a (firm) signal.
Tickets
If you travel by bus frequently, I recommend getting a Ten+ Wallet card, which costs 2 euros and you can top it up with credit from which individual fares will be deducted. The price of such tickets is about a third cheaper than if you bought them individually. Additionally, the card is transferable, so you can use it for multiple passengers.
You can also pay bus fares in cash directly to the bus driver (make sure you have the exact amount), or contactless by tapping your card when boarding.
Car rental on Tenerife
Despite this, bus transport is relatively expensive compared to car rental and diesel prices. A trip from the southern airport to Puerto de la Cruz costs about 16 euros (11 with a Bono ticket).
The best option for getting around the island is renting a car. Generally, people drive very considerately here, so even less experienced drivers don’t need to worry. I recommend renting a car from the local rental company Autoreisen. By booking at least a week in advance, you can have a car for as little as about 15 euros a day including insurance. However, the price depends on the season, so during summer holidays, the fees are significantly higher.
Another alternative is the rental company Cicar. Better avoid Goldcar, Plus Car, and InterRent, whose reputations are quite poor. They are mainly known for hidden fees and reluctance when returning deposits.
There are really many rental companies operating here, so it’s important to compare prices and find the best deal. You can do this online on price comparison websites such as Rentalcars.com.
We wrote down interesting tips for renting a car in the article How to rent a car abroad and what to watch out for.
Accommodation
Accommodation prices depend a lot on the location. The northern coast and the area around La Laguna and Santa Cruz are relatively cheap. Conversely, the southern part of the island with significantly more intense tourism is much more expensive.
Where to look for accommodation
Looking for shared or cheaper accommodation? Check out hostelworld.com; among other things, they have the most relevant reviews. However, thanks to the loyalty program, the final booking usually comes out better on Booking.com. You know the drill – search and compare.
If you’re staying on Tenerife long-term, the easiest way to find accommodation is the Airbnb portal, where you can get a room starting from about 20 euros/night.
For long-term rentals, I recommend Idealista.com, where you can find small apartments starting from 400 euros/month. It’s definitely worth trying to negotiate the prices slightly.
Specific areas to stay
On Tenerife, everyone will find their own; you just need to think carefully about what you expect from your vacation. Especially in the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the resort Puerto de la Cruz, you’ll find accommodation of all kinds from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. The advantage of these cities is easy transport accessibility and beautiful beaches.
The north of the island, especially Icod and Garachico, are suitable for those looking for peace and an authentic atmosphere. That’s also why accommodation in smaller hotels or apartments prevails here.
For families with children, the southern part of the island is suitable. The most famous resort here is Costa de Adeje. And if you’re traveling low-cost, the cheapest accommodation can be found in the center of the island, for example in the city of La Laguna.
Accommodation for digital nomads
For digital nomads, the ideal location is the north of the island. The center here is Puerto de la Cruz, where there’s a very pleasant community of nomads grouped around Coworking in the Sun. The student city of La Laguna near Santa Cruz is also interesting, being home to the ULL university and regularly hosting various meet-ups and couchsurfing meetings. This offers many opportunities to meet new people.
On the southern part of the island, the windsurfing mecca El Médano is also worth a visit. The busiest part of the island is the area around Los Cristianos and Adeje, which is much more expensive for long-term living and very touristy.
Specific tips on where to stay in Santa Cruz
For families with children:
- Hotel Taburiente – Offers family rooms, a pool, and proximity to García Sanabria Park.
- Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey – A luxury hotel with family rooms and plenty of activities for children.
For luxury experiences:
- AC Hotel by Marriott Tenerife – Modern accommodation with a rooftop pool, fitness center, and restaurant.
- Silken Atlántida Santa Cruz – A modern hotel with panoramic views, a spa, and luxury rooms.
For low-cost travelers:
Finding a good and cheap hostel in Santa Cruz is a bit of a challenge. Booking.com will show several, but you’ll soon be put off by poor ratings or disproportionate distance. Some of them are actually in the neighboring La Laguna. Of those offered, Wanderlust Hostel or Tenerife Experience Hostel come out best; be sure to book them well in advance.
It’s also worth looking for cheaper guesthouses or hotels. Hotel Adonis Capital is great for solo travelers who prefer privacy. Larger groups of travelers will surely love The Happy Place Santa Cruz.
Food
Common local food consists mainly of baked bocadillo baguettes, toasts, and hamburgers. A typical local calorie bomb is loaded fries with ham and cheese papas fritas. Everything is, of course, complemented by plenty of seafood, fish, and salad. You can eat in local cafes for as little as 2–3 euros, and in restaurants from 6–12 euros and up (depending on the type and location).
Be sure to try a typical Canarian breakfast churro with café con leche, i.e., fried pastry with a latte, and also corn cakes arepaserved with all possible side dishes in the world. Even though arepa cakes originate from South America, they have a very long tradition on Tenerife. You can find the best ones in an inconspicuous local spot Arepera Punto Criollo in La Laguna.
A very interesting culinary attraction are the guachinches. These are often unofficial taverns in cellars and garages, open after the wine harvest, where you can order young wine or a bottle of wine along with wonderful meat or fish tapas.
The African Market in Santa Cruz is also worth a visit, where you can taste street food, tapas, fresh sushi, or many other local specialties. I definitely recommend trying it.
Food prices are comparable to prices in western Europe and cooking your own food is, of course, the cheapest option. For shopping, we recommend the Mercadona or Lidl chains. You can buy the best fruit and vegetables in local fruterias.
Tenerife for digital nomads
In recent years, the island has begun to attract more and more digital nomads and companies looking for refuge away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
The island offers quality infrastructure, fast and cheap flight connections with European metropolises, and the same time zone as, for example, London or Barcelona.
With European quality of service, low tax rates, and more than 350 sunny days a year, it’s an ideal destination for both work and relaxation.
Internet
As digital nomads, we obviously can’t function without the internet. Almost nothing gives me a headache like an upload speed of 0.5 Mbps.
Unfortunately, many cafes on Tenerife have exactly such a connection (5 Mbps / 1 Mbps) because a “wifi” sticker on the door is enough for them.
But quite a few also have high-speed internet, so it’s necessary to do a little research in the area.
But you’ll find the fastest internet in coworking centers, of course.
There is 3G and 4G connection everywhere on the island except for remote valleys, and you can get a data SIM card without a contract relatively cheaply. Main operators include Vodafone, Orange, or MoviStar. Everyone on the island communicates exclusively via WhatsApp. SMS messages have fallen into oblivion here.
Where to work
You can work from home, from a cafe, a coworking space, or even a library, and each option has its pros and cons. Most apartments on Airbnb offer an internet connection, but you probably won’t gain many contacts working from home.
Cafes are countless on the island, and for example Agorá and FU Cafe in Puerto de la Cruzorganize regular meet-ups and other similar events where you can meet new people or perhaps practice the Spanish you learned in 3 months at home.
I have personal experience with Coworking in the Sun in Puerto de la Cruz, which is connected to a language school. There’s a very pleasant family atmosphere here. For 65 euros/week, you have a 300 Mbit/s connection, professional equipment, training, and so on.
Community
If you decide to work from home or a cafe, I definitely recommend visiting at least some of the free events organized regularly in coworking or coliving centers. Information can be found on individual social media profiles. It’s always a great opportunity to meet new people and have a bit of fun.
Mainly no stress
On Tenerife, nobody is in that much of a hurry – you should try it too. Occasionally you’ll find that something can’t be done. However, it only can’t be done until someone is found who will do it. A slight African influence is undeniable here.
Keep in mind that on Sundays and around lunchtime (approx. 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM), many shops and services are closed.
Tenerife is an island full of contrasts and whether you’re looking for a quiet place to work, nightlife, or outdoor adventure, this subtropical paradise definitely won’t disappoint you.
