Visiting Tenerife: tips and practical information for your vacation
Tenerife is one of the most visited islands of the Canary Islands. The island is known for its mild climate and with an average temperature of around 22°C, it is a popular vacation destination both in summer and winter. You will find not only golden yellow beaches, such as Playa de las Teresitas, but also unique black lava beaches, for example at Playa El Bollullo. In addition, the island has several green valleys, rugged coastlines and volcanic areas. One of the most famous places is the El Teide National Park, with the El Teide volcano, the highest mountain in Spain. Scattered throughout the island are also small villages and larger towns, such as the capital Santa Cruz, known for its carnival, and the historic city of La Laguna.
In addition to the many city trips I have taken within and outside Europe in recent years, I have been visiting Tenerife for over 15 years. Personally, I think the island is one of the most special Canary Islands that I love to return to every year. It is a versatile island where there is something to do for many different types of travelers. As a result, Tenerife attracts millions of visitors every year and is especially popular with families with children because of its pleasant climate, beaches and theme parks. At the same time, the island is also popular with active vacationers who enjoy hiking, biking, diving or surfing.
On this page you’ll find an overview of everything important when planning a vacation to Tenerife. You can read more about where to stay, how to get around the island and which beaches, sights and activities are worthwhile. This will give you a more realistic picture of the island and help you decide if Tenerife suits what you are looking for in a vacation.
Is Tenerife a nice vacation destination?
Tenerife is also called the island of eternal spring. The island has an average temperature of around 22°C and counts more than 300 sunny days a year, especially on the southern coast. This makes Tenerife an attractive vacation destination for many people, both in summer and winter.
The island has several natural areas with volcanic landscapes. Among them you will find the volcano El Teide, the highest mountain in Spain, as well as green forests in the north and the impressive cliffs of Los Gigantes. In addition, there are many different beaches. Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos are among the busiest beaches on the island. When it comes to activities, there are also many possibilities. You can spot dolphins and whales, hike in the mountains, dive or surf along the coast.
Tenerife is also a good year-round destination for families with children. There are several child-friendly beaches, such as Playa del Duque, Playa de las Vistas and Playa de las Teresitas. There are also well-known attractions such as Siam Park, Aqualand Costa Adeje and Loro Parque, which are popular with families.
Whether Tenerife is a nice vacation destination for you depends on what you want to do on the island and in what period you travel. If you come mainly for sun, sea and beach, the summer months of June through August are suitable. During this period, the sun often shines 10 to 11 hours a day. At the same time, this is also the high season and the beaches and popular attractions can be crowded.
If you prefer hiking or biking on the island, spring and autumn are more pleasant times to visit Tenerife. Temperatures are more pleasant then and it is generally quieter. Moreover, nature is often in bloom during this period, which is especially noticeable in the north of the island.
Hotels in Tenerife: where is the best place to stay?
Where best to book a hotel in Tenerife depends on what you want to do and see on the island. Personally, I usually book a hotel in the south of the island, such as in Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas or Los Cristianos, if I want to spend a lot of time at the beach and like to have many amenities nearby, such as restaurants and stores. Hotels in this area do tend to be more expensive and it is wise to book them well in advance. If you don’t, you run the risk of low availability, especially in high season.
I also regularly stay in hotels in the north of Tenerife. This part of the island is greener, less touristy and closer to nature reserves and local villages. I choose this especially if I want to do a lot of hiking or biking and like to stay more among the locals. One disadvantage of the north is that the weather here can be more variable more often. Temperatures are usually a few degrees lower there than in the south and there is a greater chance of cloudy or rainy weather, especially in winter. Also, the beaches tend to be smaller and less touristy, and amenities such as stores and restaurants are not always within walking distance.
Car rental in Tenerife: is it necessary?
Tenerife is a big island. In the tourist areas, public transportation is generally easy to use, but if you want to see a lot of the island, public transportation is not always the best option. Many sights and special natural areas are not close together. Some places are not even accessible by public transportation. In that case, renting a car can be a good solution to see as much of the island as possible.
Personally, I almost always rent a car in Tenerife because it gives me more freedom. It allows me to visit almost every place on the island, such as viewpoints, mountain villages and natural areas that are difficult or impossible to reach by public transport. Especially if you stay in the north or like to go inland, a rental car is practical.
At the same time, renting a car is not necessary for everyone. If you stay mostly in and around the well-known resorts and make few trips, you can do a lot with public transportation. Tenerife has an extensive network of green buses (TITSA), also called “guaguas,” and a streetcar service between Santa Cruz and La Laguna. The buses are modern and affordable. You can usually pay with the Ten+ card, but many buses also allow contactless payment with a debit card or mobile, in addition to cash. Buses run all over the island, including to the airports and El Teide National Park. Keep in mind, however, that not all connections are direct. You sometimes have to change buses, which can increase travel time.
Whether you need a rental car depends mainly on where you are staying and what you want to see and do on the island. Those who like to travel flexibly and explore multiple parts of Tenerife have more options with a rental car.
Beaches in Tenerife: where to go?
Tenerife is a large island with more than 50 beaches, ranging from golden sand in the south to black lava beaches in the north. There are also beaches that are popular because of the landed Sahara sand and palm trees, such as Playa de las Teresitas near Santa Cruz. Not all beaches are near busy resorts with many amenities. Some beaches are more remote in natural areas and are sometimes less suitable for swimming because of stronger currents and higher waves. Instead, these beaches are popular with surfers and other water sports enthusiasts.
In addition to beaches, Tenerife also has natural swimming pools, especially along the northern coast. These are seawater pools formed by lava flows where you can swim in the sea in a relatively safe way. They are especially popular with locals and are a quiet alternative to the busier beaches in the tourist areas.
Most beautiful beaches in Tenerife
For those who like to visit different beaches in Tenerife, there are plenty of options on the island. In the south of Tenerife are the most famous and crowded beaches. Here you will often find wide beaches with sunbeds, beach bars and facilities in the immediate vicinity. This part of the island is popular with sun lovers and families. In the north and along the rougher coasts the beaches are often smaller, less touristy and sometimes less suitable for swimming, but rather more suitable for water sports enthusiasts.
Popular resorts with beaches
Natural swimming pools in Tenerife
Popular attractions and activities in Tenerife
Tenerife is much more than just sun, sea and sand. In addition to its impressive nature and historic cities, the volcanic island also offers many opportunities for active and varied excursions. For example, you can spend a day at Siam Park, known as one of the best water parks in the world, with Thai-themed attractions and several spectacular slides. A boat trip to spot whales and dolphins is also among the popular activities on the island.
Those who prefer to be active can opt for a quad tour through various natural areas, such as the El Teide National Park, or a route towards the mountain village of Masca. These types of excursions are a great way to explore the interior of Tenerife and alternate beach days with a day out or a more active interpretation of your vacation.
Sights on Tenerife
Tenerife has a large and varied array of attractions, ranging from spectacular volcanic nature to historic towns and modern attractions. As the largest island of the Canary Islands, it offers a combination of black sand beaches, mountains and culture. Famous sites include the Teide volcano in El Teide National Park, the historic town of La Laguna (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the mountain village of Masca and the town of Santa Cruz.
Below are some well-known sights in Tenerife that are not only popular with tourists visiting the island, but that I myself have visited several times.
Mountain village of Masca in Tenerife: is it worth a visit?
Best period for a vacation to Tenerife
Tenerife can be visited all year round, but what is the best time for you to vacation to Tenerife depends on what you want to see and do on the island. In general, the months of April through October are considered the best travel time. June through September are the hottest and driest months. During this period it is mostly sunny and temperatures in the south are often around or above 25°C. Keep in mind that this is also the high season. It is busier on the beaches, at popular attractions and in the resorts, and prices for hotels and rental cars tend to be higher.
If you like to be active during your vacation, such as hiking in natural areas, exploring villages or cycling inland, the months of May, June, September and October are often a better choice. During these periods, temperatures are more pleasant for outdoor activities, especially in the mountains and around El Teide National Park. In addition, it tends to be quieter than in summer, making hiking trails and popular attractions less crowded.
The cheapest months to fly to Tenerife are generally March, May and June. During these periods, hotel prices also tend to be a bit lower and the island is less crowded. If you want to watch your budget, it is wise to avoid the school vacations in July and August and the period around Christmas, as prices tend to be significantly higher then.
Practical tips for a Tenerife vacation
If you are planning to book a vacation to Tenerife, it is smart to first consider what you want to see and do. Based on that, you can decide in which part of the island it is best to book a hotel. For example, this way you avoid having to travel daily by public transport to get to your favorite beach. It is also wise to book your accommodation well in advance, especially during busy periods. Many hotels fill up quickly then.
Think carefully before renting a car in Tenerife. Driving is easy on most main roads, but it can be trickier inland due to the mountainous areas. Roads there are very narrow and steep in several places, and in many places there is little or no street lighting after dark. During one of my first vacations on the island, I took a rental car to the mountain village of Masca. Although I have driven a car in many different countries during my city trips, I found this drive to be one of the most exciting. The road to Masca is narrow and one-way in several parts. In addition, the road has many sharp curves. In these curves, you often don’t see oncoming traffic until the last moment, and the possibilities for evasive action are not wide.
Finally, during busy periods, it is wise to book popular activities, such as a boat trip or quad tour, in advance. Especially during the summer months and school vacations, many excursions fill up quickly. By booking on time, you avoid having less choice locally, paying higher prices or an activity that is already fully booked.
Frequently asked questions about a vacation to Tenerife
Is Tenerife suitable for a vacation with children?
Yes, Tenerife is suitable for families with children. The island has child-friendly beaches, especially in the south, where the water tends to be calmer. In addition, there are theme parks such as Siam Park and Loro Parque that are popular with families. The relatively short flight time and mild climate also make Tenerife a practical destination for families.
Do you need a car in Tenerife?
Renting a car in Tenerife is not compulsory, but it is useful if you want to see several parts of the island. With public transport you can reach the most important places, but many natural areas, viewpoints and smaller villages are more difficult to reach without a car. If you mainly stay in a seaside resort and stay in the immediate area, you can also get around without a car.
What is the best place to stay in Tenerife?
The best place to stay depends on what you want to see and do during your vacation. In the south you will find many beaches, hotels and amenities, making this part of the island suitable for sun lovers and families. The north is greener and quieter and better suits travelers who like to hike, bike or avoid the crowds of famous beach resorts such as Playa de las Américas.
Is Tenerife an expensive vacation destination?
Tenerife does not have to be an expensive destination. The cost depends greatly on when you travel, where you stay and how early you book. Outside of school vacations and high season, affordable flights and accommodations can often be found. Food and drink are generally affordable on the island compared to many other European vacation destinations.
Can you hike well in Tenerife?
Yes, Tenerife is great for hiking. Especially in and around El Teide National Park and in the north of the island there are many hiking trails. Keep in mind that some hikes can be tough due to differences in altitude and that the weather in the mountains can differ from the coast.
Is Tenerife sunny all year round?
Tenerife is known for its mild and sunny climate, especially in the south of the island. Nevertheless, the weather can vary by region and season. In the winter months, the north tends to be more cloudy and wetter than the south. On average, the south has more sunshine hours and more stable weather.
Is a vacation to Tenerife worth it?
I have been to Tenerife one or more times almost every year for the past 15 years. During that time I have gotten to know the island in different ways. In the first years I went there mostly during the summer vacations with my family and usually booked a hotel in Costa Adeje, because I personally find this one of the best places to stay with small children. Later it became more often a hotel in Playa de las Américas, because there are more entertainment venues for young people there. In recent years, I usually visit the island alone and stay more often in the northern part of Tenerife, where it is quieter and where I can hike and bike well in the natural areas. At the same time, I still regularly drive to the south by car to enjoy the sun and visit the El Teide National Park.
The fact that Tenerife is so versatile makes a vacation to the island worthwhile for me. You can enjoy sun, sea and beach, as well as volcanic landscapes and natural areas that you can hike, bike or drive through by car. The only drawback I find is that the island has become more crowded in recent years. Especially in the summer period it can be very crowded, which can feel less pleasant for families with small children.
Edward
Hi, I’m Edward, an experienced city trip enthusiast. Over the past few years, I’ve visited dozens of cities across Europe and America. On Cities To Travel, I share personal experiences and practical tips to help you plan your next city trip. Have any questions? Feel free to send me an email.
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Last update: Feb. 12, 2026
