Tenerife Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Tenerife

Tenerife packs a remarkable variety of landscapes into one island, from sunny southern beaches to green northern valleys and the high volcanic plateau at its centre.

• Teide National Park — A UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounding Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak at around 3,715 metres, with a cable car and otherworldly lava fields.
• Los Gigantes — Towering sea cliffs on the west coast that plunge vertically into the Atlantic, best admired from a boat trip.
• Whale and dolphin watching — The waters off the south-west coast are home to resident pilot whales and dolphins, seen year-round on organised boat trips.
• San Cristóbal de La Laguna — A UNESCO-listed former capital with colourful colonial houses, churches and a lively university atmosphere.
• Anaga Rural Park — Rugged mountains in the north-east covered in ancient laurel forest, criss-crossed by hiking trails and dotted with tiny villages.
• Masca and the Teno mountains — A dramatic mountain village clinging to a steep ravine in the far north-west of the island.
• Playa de las Teresitas — A long golden-sand beach lined with palm trees near Santa Cruz, the island’s capital.

Best time to visit Tenerife

Tenerife is often called the island of eternal spring, and it can be visited at any time of year. Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, offer warm, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds and ideal conditions for hiking, beach days and exploring the island by car.

Winter, from December to February, is the peak season for visitors escaping colder climates, with mild days on the southern coast. Snow can fall on the summit of Teide in winter, and the high mountain areas can be very cold. The Carnival of Santa Cruz, held in February or March, is one of the largest carnivals in the world, with parades, costumes and street parties.

Summer is warm and dry, especially in the south, and is popular with families during school holidays. The north of the island is generally greener and cloudier than the sunny south, so the weather can vary considerably depending on where you stay.

Getting from the airport

Tenerife has two airports. Tenerife South Airport (TFS) lies near the southern coast, close to the main resort areas, while Tenerife North Airport, near La Laguna, is closer to Santa Cruz and the north of the island.

• Bus — Public buses link Tenerife South with the resorts of Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje in around 20 to 40 minutes, and with Santa Cruz in around an hour.
• Taxi — Taxi ranks are located outside arrivals. The drive to the main southern resorts usually takes around 15 to 25 minutes, and to Santa Cruz around 45 minutes to an hour.
• Car hire — Many visitors rent a car at the airport, which is the most flexible way to explore Teide National Park, the north coast and the mountain villages.
• Transfers — Many hotels and holiday packages include coach transfers to the resorts, so check your booking before you arrive.

Remember that the Canary Islands are one hour behind mainland Spain, so adjust your watch on arrival.

Where to stay

Where you stay in Tenerife shapes your trip, as the sunny south and the greener north offer quite different experiences.

• Costa Adeje — An upmarket resort area with sandy beaches, seafront promenades and many family-friendly hotels, ideal for relaxing holidays.
• Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas — Lively southern resorts with beaches, restaurants and nightlife, close to the airport and whale-watching harbours.
• Puerto de la Cruz — A historic town on the green north coast with botanical gardens and seawater pools, suited to travellers who prefer a traditional atmosphere.
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife — The island’s capital, with shopping, museums and urban life, convenient for Tenerife North Airport and Anaga.
• San Cristóbal de La Laguna — A charming university town, perfect for culture lovers and as a base for hiking in the north.

Travel tips

• Getting around — An island-wide bus network connects the main towns, but hiring a car is the easiest way to explore mountain roads, viewpoints and remote villages.
• Visiting Teide — Temperatures at altitude are much colder than on the coast, so bring warm layers. Hiking the final path to the very summit requires a permit that must be booked in advance.
• Time difference — The Canary Islands are one hour behind mainland Spain, which is worth remembering for connecting journeys and appointments.
• Sun protection — The subtropical sun is strong all year, even when it feels cool or cloudy, so use high-factor sunscreen.
• Tipping — Tipping is not obligatory, but leaving small change or around 5 to 10 percent in restaurants for good service is appreciated.
• Entry requirements — Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality. Check the latest requirements with official sources before you travel.