Explore Tenerife
Plan Your Tenerife Holiday: Best of Tenerife
Essential Tenerife
Tenerife’s top outdoor adventures
- Parque Rural de Anaga300Starting in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, drive a half hour to Anaga Rural Park. It’s home to one of the world’s last remaining laurel forests, known as Laurisilva. This subtropical wonderland has lush canopies, deep valleys, and viewpoints of the rugged shore. There’s hiking for all levels, too, as well as those with accessibility needs. Make sure to ask a guide where the moss-covered walls are and snap an Instagram photo (or ten).
- Los Gigantes757Ever seen Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher? Well, the Acantilados de Los Gigantes, which jut dramatically from the sea, are Tenerife’s version. Cruise by the bluffs in a kayak or paddleboard, which you can rent at the port nearby. Around the 2,500-foot cliffs, you’ll often see dolphins, colourful fish, and sea turtles pop their heads above the surface. Or, take a whale-watching tour to spot bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales out at sea.
- Volcan El Teide13,689You can’t miss Tenerife’s towering epicentre, El Teide volcano. The trek to this 12,000-foot peak (the tallest in Spain) spans 11.6 miles via the Montaña Blanca trail. If you’d rather rest your legs (I don’t blame you), ride the cable car eight minutes to the top of this lunar-like beast. Tip: Consider the elevation if you have breathing difficulties, and keep an eye on the weather as storms tend to move quickly in these parts.
- Refugio de Altavista874In Teide National Park, stay at Altavista Refuge, the park’s only shelter. (There are beds and a fireplace to keep warm in the cabin.) You can also camp here, but you’ll need to get a permit at the park’s visitor centre. On a clear night, the stargazing is spectacular. In fact, it’s a designated starlight reserve for its minimal light pollution and clear night skies—trust me, it’s worth it.
- Cueva del Viento2,790Fun fact: The Wind Cave was formed by an eruption nearly 30,000 years ago. Now, the underground system is one of the longest volcanic tubes in Europe, stretching 11 miles near the town of Icod de los Vinos. Highlights include stalactites and stalagmites, roughly 30 animal species unique to the cave (creepy crawlers, beware), and a steady breeze that gave the cave its name. Don’t forget to pack a jacket as it’s colder underground.
- Playa del Duque5,752Tenerife has more cobblestoned streets than bike paths, however, cyclists will be happy pedaling along the paved, generally flat Costa Adeje Promenade. Just north of Playa de las Americas, this six-mile waterfront stretch passes plenty of restaurants, shops, and beaches—Playa del Duque is a favourite—where you can take a break along the way. Tip: It’s best to go in the morning (around 8 a.m.) when the weather is cooler and there is less pedestrian traffic.
- Finca Las Margaritas Banana Experience232Bananas are an important product in Tenerife and a cornerstone of the island’s history. In fact, bananas are its largest export, dating back to the 15th century. You’ll see the palm-like plantations everywhere, and you can tour one at Finca Las Margaritas on the southern coast. With a guide, you’ll peruse the crops, learn about their history, do a banana taste test (yum!), and take home some locally-made goodies like banana jam.
Browse collections
Spend the day at sea
Raise a glass
For the architecture buff
Tenerife, after dark
See nature do its thing
Tenerife Travel Guide
Travelers' pro tips or experiencing Tenerife
Jack M
When eating out, “menú del día” offers can keep expenses low and are excellent value for money.
Matthew H
Guachinches (seasonal family-run restaurants) in the north of Tenerife are a lot cheaper than the eateries in the southern resorts.
Jack M
Museums in Tenerife can be fun. The best time to visit them is Sunday when many are free.
Th05
You simply must hire a car to get off the beaten track and experience the dramatic scenery.
David B
The market at Los Cristianos is always good to bag a bargain but watch out for pickpockets if busy.
Jack M
Tenerife is a diverse island with some absolutely stunning landscapes that are as contrasting as the island's cultural personalities.
Th05
Tenerife must be one of the most underrated and overlooked destinations in Europe. It has sea, sun, scenic grandeur, excellent and affordable cuisine, and a raunchy nightlife.
Daniela V
A favorite of Northern Europeans — particularly Germans — seeking respite from the long, cold, dark winters. It offers beaches, magnificent scenery, adventure, peace, and springtime temperatures the year-round.
albert g
Tenerife has got so much going for it: 365 days of warm weather, things to do for the young and the mature people, good beaches, great nightlife, coastal walkways that are great for walking and ideal for wheelchairs. If you don't want the high nightlife there are quieter areas you can go to.
What is the best way to get there?
flying
There are two airports on Tenerife, Tenerife South (Reina Sofia) near Los Cristianos and Tenerife North (Los Rodeos) by La Laguna. Buses connect the airports to the main cities.
Do I need a visa?
If you’re visiting Tenerife from overseas, check here to find out if you need a visa.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring. Tenerife’s warm climate makes it an attractive destination all year round. Easter and summer are the busiest times, due to families taking advantage of the school break, so if you want fewer crowds, aim for spring or fall. Spring temperatures are typically in the low and sit somewhere around 70 Fahrenheit (21.1 Celsius).
Get around
car
Having your own vehicle is ideal for getting to the more remote corners of the region. There are a number of rental companies on the island, or, for the best price, book before you leave home.
bus
TITSA, the island’s public transport system is cheap and reliable. If you plan to make multiple trips, it's worth buying a plastic Ten+ Travel Card, which gives you discounted fares on almost all bus routes. You have to swipe your card when you board and when you get off. The same card can be used by several users.
More information here.
taxis
Taxis are plentiful, safe, and reliable. You can hail them on the street or call ahead.
On the ground
What is the timezone?
Western European Standard Time
What are the voltage/plug types?
In Spain, the standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. The plug type is F and has two round parallel pins.
What is the currency?
The Euro
Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes.
How much do I tip?
Although it is not required, a tip of around 10% for servers and taxi drivers is appreciated.
Are there local customs I should know?
Drinking
The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18.
Cover up
Even in informal restaurants, beachwear isn’t appropriate so cover up before dining.
Greetings
Spaniards typically greet one another with a kiss on each cheek—but two men typically only do this if they are friends.
Churches
It is considered disrespectful to take pictures and wander around churches during services.
Take it easy
Punctuality is not a big concern of many Spaniards.
Siesta
Outside of resort areas, stores typically close from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m for a siesta. Also, expect them to be closed on Sundays.
Language
Although English is widely spoken in resort areas, learning a few Spanish words and phrases goes a long way.
Public transit
Let passengers off before boarding. Offer your seat to elderly and pregnant people and to those with disabilities.