Tenerife
Spain
Why Tenerife is a great destination
Beyond the resort strip, Tenerife is crowd-light yet packed with rich experiences—think wide-open volcanic vistas, leafy cloud forests and small-town warmth without the shoulder‑to‑shoulder crush.
- Atmosphere: Unhurried island pace rooted in tradition—trail greetings, early starts, and a post‑hike guachinche meal with vino del país and papas arrugadas con mojo.
- Landscapes: Swap queue-heavy viewpoints for space to roam in Teide National Park (Roques de García, Montaña Samara), the misty laurisilva of Anaga (Sendero de los Sentidos), and coastal rambles like Rambla de Castro and the Malpaís de Güímar.
- Culture & heritage: Walk centuries-old Caminos Reales linking La Laguna and La Orotava, pass terraced farms and fishing hamlets like Taganana and Punta del Hidalgo, and hear legends of Guayota and Anaga’s “witches.”
- Authenticity & value: Excellent buses (guaguas) with Ten+ cards, fair‑priced family eateries, and lesser‑known trails that feel local—delivering high return on time and budget compared with more overtouristed sun‑sea standbys.
Who should go to Tenerife?
Tenerife suits travellers who want big nature with easy access: volcanic moonscapes, ancient forests, and wild coasts within an hour’s drive. Year‑round sun and microclimates mean you can pick warmth or cool pine shade any day. It’s ideal for hikers, culture lovers, families and foodies seeking experiences that feel more diverse than most beach‑only islands.
- History lovers: Walk restored Caminos Reales and Guanche routes, explore UNESCO‑listed La Laguna, and trace pilgrim paths like the Camino de Candelaria.
- Scenery seekers: Chase the mar de nubes sea‑of‑clouds, black‑sand coves and the cliffs of Los Gigantes, with Teide’s lava fields that look closer to Mars than the Med.
- Active travellers: Tackle 1,200–1,500 km of waymarked trails, from gentle coastal loops to summit attempts on Spain’s highest peak (permit needed), plus the regulated Masca Gorge.
- Families: Enjoy short, well‑signed walks like the Sendero de los Sentidos, easy coastal rambles, beaches with facilities, and reliable buses for stress‑free days out.
- Foodies: Refuel at rustic guachinches with papas arrugadas, mojo and local wines—post‑hike meals that feel as essential as the trails.
- Eco‑conscious travellers: Support conservation by using permits, shuttles and marked paths—Tenerife leads the Canaries in controlled access that protects fragile landscapes.
Who should go to Tenerife?
Tenerife suits travellers who want big nature with easy access: volcanic moonscapes, ancient forests, and wild coasts within an hour’s drive. Year‑round sun and microclimates mean you can pick warmth or cool pine shade any day. It’s ideal for hikers, culture lovers, families and foodies seeking experiences that feel more diverse than most beach‑only islands.
- History lovers: Walk restored Caminos Reales and Guanche routes, explore UNESCO‑listed La Laguna, and trace pilgrim paths like the Camino de Candelaria.
- Scenery seekers: Chase the mar de nubes sea‑of‑clouds, black‑sand coves and the cliffs of Los Gigantes, with Teide’s lava fields that look closer to Mars than the Med.
- Active travellers: Tackle 1,200–1,500 km of waymarked trails, from gentle coastal loops to summit attempts on Spain’s highest peak (permit needed), plus the regulated Masca Gorge.
- Families: Enjoy short, well‑signed walks like the Sendero de los Sentidos, easy coastal rambles, beaches with facilities, and reliable buses for stress‑free days out.
- Foodies: Refuel at rustic guachinches with papas arrugadas, mojo and local wines—post‑hike meals that feel as essential as the trails.
- Eco‑conscious travellers: Support conservation by using permits, shuttles and marked paths—Tenerife leads the Canaries in controlled access that protects fragile landscapes.
Top things to do in Tenerife
These are the unmissable highlights of Tenerife, distilled from the island’s most authoritative hiking research. Use them to plan a trip that balances volcanic drama, cloud forests and wild coasts.
- Walk the Roques de García loop in Teide National Park for surreal lava formations and sweeping caldera views.
- Explore Anaga’s ancient laurel forests on the Sendero de los Sentidos or the Afur–Taganana coastal–mountain circuit.
- Visit Masca Gorge on its regulated trail from the village to the sea (advance booking and helmet required).
- Take the Teide cable car and, with a summit permit, ascend the Telesforo Bravo path for Spain’s highest panorama.
- Hike the Rambla de Castro coastal route past palm groves and the Gordejuela ruins to dramatic Atlantic cliffs.
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Top things to do in Tenerife
These are the unmissable highlights of Tenerife, distilled from the island’s most authoritative hiking research. Use them to plan a trip that balances volcanic drama, cloud forests and wild coasts.
- Walk the Roques de García loop in Teide National Park for surreal lava formations and sweeping caldera views.
- Explore Anaga’s ancient laurel forests on the Sendero de los Sentidos or the Afur–Taganana coastal–mountain circuit.
- Visit Masca Gorge on its regulated trail from the village to the sea (advance booking and helmet required).
- Take the Teide cable car and, with a summit permit, ascend the Telesforo Bravo path for Spain’s highest panorama.
- Hike the Rambla de Castro coastal route past palm groves and the Gordejuela ruins to dramatic Atlantic cliffs.
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3-day Tenerife itinerary
Day 1: Teide landscapes and heritage north
Wake early to chase the mar de nubes and surreal lava fields of Teide National Park. Conditions change fast with altitude, so pack layers, sun protection and 2 litres of water per person; check Tenerife ON for any trail or road closures.
- Morning: Drive the TF-24 ridge via La Esperanza for cloud-top viewpoints, then walk the Roques de García loop (3.5 km, easy) for classic caldera panoramas. If you prefer fewer crowds, opt for Montaña Samara (short, moderate) through pristine lava fields; aim to park before 09:00.
- Midday: Picnic by Minas de San José or eat at the Parador café. If you want cable-car views, ride up to La Rambleta (weather-dependent; summit access needs a separate free permit released Mondays 07:00 Canary time on Tenerife ON and must be booked weeks ahead).
- Afternoon: Descend to La Orotava for a gentle pine-forest stroll from La Caldera recreational area or a wander in the old town’s historic mansions and cobbled lanes.
- Evening: Stay for sunset at a west-facing mirador (e.g., Chipeque or Narices del Teide if open) and stargaze under dark skies; nights at altitude are cold year-round. Celebrate with a guachinche in the La Orotava Valley—order papas arrugadas, mojos and local wine.
Day 2: Anaga cloud forest, coast and La Laguna
Shift from volcanic desert to the misty laurisilva of Anaga. Parking is tight and trails can be wet and slippery—arrive early, wear grippy footwear and carry a light waterproof.
- Morning: Start at Cruz del Carmen with the short, sensory Sendero de los Sentidos (family-friendly; one section is accessible), then tackle Roque de Taborno (4 km, moderate, narrow edges) for wild coastal views. For a big day, the Afur–Taganana–Afur loop (≈14 km, strenuous) delivers gorge, beach and ridge scenery.
- Midday: Long, lazy lunch on fresh fish in Taganana or a simple village guachinche; carry some cash as card acceptance varies. In summer, avoid the midday heat on exposed sections and seek shade in the forest.
- Afternoon: If seas are calm, walk to Benijo beach for a photo stop (very strong currents—swim only when conditions are safe), or descend from Cruz del Carmen to Punta del Hidalgo and bus back. Alternatively, head to San Cristóbal de La Laguna to explore its UNESCO-listed old town.
- Evening: Tapas crawl in La Laguna—try grilled cheese with mojo and local wines. Even in summer, evenings can feel cool here; bring a light layer.
Day 3: Teno cliffs and gorges (Masca option) or easy coastal north
Today is about Tenerife’s rugged northwest—logistics matter. If you’re set on Masca, secure permits in advance and note the shuttle system; otherwise choose a quieter circular or a scenic coastal ramble.
- Morning: With Masca tickets, take the mandatory shuttle (Fri–Sun, morning slots; helmet provided) and descend the gorge to the sea with ample water and sturdy shoes; book a boat to Los Gigantes if you don’t have a return-hike slot. No permit? Walk the Pico Verde circular (≈9 km, moderate) above Masca for sweeping views, or do the easy Rambla de Castro coastal trail in Los Realejos through palms and cliffside paths.
- Midday: Boat to Los Gigantes for a harbour lunch (seas can be rough; have a plan B), or eat in Buenavista del Norte/Los Realejos. In high summer, rest through the hottest hour and resume later.
- Afternoon: Short cliff walk to Mirador de Archipenque over Los Gigantes or a swim at natural pools near Alcalá (check tides). If you stayed north, detour to Malpaís de Güímar for a flat loop among lava fields and endemic plants.
- Evening: Unwind at a west-facing viewpoint for sunset over La Gomera, then a hearty dinner in Adeje old town or a guachinche around Icod/La Guancha. Mountain roads are narrow and dark—use the bus or designate a sober driver.
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Food and drink in Tenerife
Tenerife’s food culture is rustic, seasonal and sociable, with family-run guachinches at its heart. After a hike, locals gather for simple island dishes, fresh fish and young volcanic wines. Flavours are bold but unfussy, made for sharing.
- Papas arrugadas con mojo – Canarian wrinkled potatoes boiled in sea salt, served with punchy red and green pepper–garlic sauces. Found in cafés and beach bars, but best shared in a cosy guachinche after a walk.
- Vino del país – Young volcanic wines (Listán Negro/Blanco) poured straight from the barrel; fresh, tangy and great value. Sipped in rustic guachinches and small wine bars across the north.
- Queso asado con mojo – Griddled local cheese, lightly charred and drizzled with mojo or palm honey. A favourite in tapas bars and at farmers’ markets.
- Guachinche feast – A no-frills spread of grilled meats, chickpea stew, gofio and salads, paired with house wine. Expect a friendly buzz in family-run garages and vineyards where locals linger for hours.
Eat like a local: Discover Tenerife top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Food and drink in Tenerife
Tenerife’s food culture is rustic, seasonal and sociable, with family-run guachinches at its heart. After a hike, locals gather for simple island dishes, fresh fish and young volcanic wines. Flavours are bold but unfussy, made for sharing.
- Papas arrugadas con mojo – Canarian wrinkled potatoes boiled in sea salt, served with punchy red and green pepper–garlic sauces. Found in cafés and beach bars, but best shared in a cosy guachinche after a walk.
- Vino del país – Young volcanic wines (Listán Negro/Blanco) poured straight from the barrel; fresh, tangy and great value. Sipped in rustic guachinches and small wine bars across the north.
- Queso asado con mojo – Griddled local cheese, lightly charred and drizzled with mojo or palm honey. A favourite in tapas bars and at farmers’ markets.
- Guachinche feast – A no-frills spread of grilled meats, chickpea stew, gofio and salads, paired with house wine. Expect a friendly buzz in family-run garages and vineyards where locals linger for hours.
Eat like a local: Discover Tenerife top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Where to stay in Tenerife
Choosing where to stay in Tenerife is about picking the right base, not the fanciest hotel. Microclimates and terrain change fast, so match the area’s vibe and location to how you want to spend your days—sun, surfing, city culture or hiking.
- Costa Adeje — sunny southwest with upmarket resorts, calm beaches and long promenades; great for families and first‑timers who want convenience and easy day trips.
- Puerto de la Cruz & La Orotava — lush north with historic charm, botanic gardens and local dining; cooler, more Canarian feel, ideal for culture lovers and access to northern trails (Orotava Valley, Teide).
- El Médano — wind‑swept, low‑key surf town with volcanic beaches and Montaña Roja; best for kitesurfers, runners and budget‑minded travellers who like a casual, local scene.
- Los Gigantes & Santiago del Teide — dramatic cliffs, quieter nights and boat trips to dolphins; perfect for sunset chasers and hikers targeting Teno and Masca (permit/shuttle required).
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Where to stay in Tenerife
Choosing where to stay in Tenerife is about picking the right base, not the fanciest hotel. Microclimates and terrain change fast, so match the area’s vibe and location to how you want to spend your days—sun, surfing, city culture or hiking.
- Costa Adeje — sunny southwest with upmarket resorts, calm beaches and long promenades; great for families and first‑timers who want convenience and easy day trips.
- Puerto de la Cruz & La Orotava — lush north with historic charm, botanic gardens and local dining; cooler, more Canarian feel, ideal for culture lovers and access to northern trails (Orotava Valley, Teide).
- El Médano — wind‑swept, low‑key surf town with volcanic beaches and Montaña Roja; best for kitesurfers, runners and budget‑minded travellers who like a casual, local scene.
- Los Gigantes & Santiago del Teide — dramatic cliffs, quieter nights and boat trips to dolphins; perfect for sunset chasers and hikers targeting Teno and Masca (permit/shuttle required).
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Good to know before you go to Tenerife
Tenerife is an easy, well-organised destination, with good infrastructure and plenty of English spoken in tourist areas. A few practical details on costs, transport and timing will help you make the most of the island, especially if you plan to hike or explore beyond the resorts.
- Affordability: Good value by Western European standards; coffees €1.50–2.50, casual lunches €10–18, mid‑range dinners €20–30 per person, and well‑rated hotels/apartments typically €70–140 per night (higher in peak seasons).
- Transport: Towns and resorts are walkable, but for villages, trailheads and Teide a hire car is most convenient; buses (TITSA, use a Ten+ card) are extensive and cheap, and ferries from Los Cristianos make easy day trips to La Gomera (and beyond).
- Language: Spanish is the main language and English is widely understood in tourist zones (German also common in the south), but a few Spanish phrases help in rural areas and local eateries.
- Safety & comfort: Generally very safe for families and solo travellers; use normal petty‑theft caution in busy areas, protect against strong sun and occasional calima, and check any trail or Teide permit/closure updates before hiking.
- Crowds: Busiest in winter (Dec–Mar) and summer holidays (Jul–Aug) plus weekends on popular hikes; spring and autumn are calmer, and Santa Cruz can feel busy for a few hours on cruise‑ship days.
Good to know before you go to Tenerife
Tenerife is an easy, well-organised destination, with good infrastructure and plenty of English spoken in tourist areas. A few practical details on costs, transport and timing will help you make the most of the island, especially if you plan to hike or explore beyond the resorts.
- Affordability: Good value by Western European standards; coffees €1.50–2.50, casual lunches €10–18, mid‑range dinners €20–30 per person, and well‑rated hotels/apartments typically €70–140 per night (higher in peak seasons).
- Transport: Towns and resorts are walkable, but for villages, trailheads and Teide a hire car is most convenient; buses (TITSA, use a Ten+ card) are extensive and cheap, and ferries from Los Cristianos make easy day trips to La Gomera (and beyond).
- Language: Spanish is the main language and English is widely understood in tourist zones (German also common in the south), but a few Spanish phrases help in rural areas and local eateries.
- Safety & comfort: Generally very safe for families and solo travellers; use normal petty‑theft caution in busy areas, protect against strong sun and occasional calima, and check any trail or Teide permit/closure updates before hiking.
- Crowds: Busiest in winter (Dec–Mar) and summer holidays (Jul–Aug) plus weekends on popular hikes; spring and autumn are calmer, and Santa Cruz can feel busy for a few hours on cruise‑ship days.
Best time to go to Tenerife
Tenerife is genuinely year‑round, with microclimates and altitude shaping conditions; spring and autumn are sweet spots for hiking, summer suits high altitudes, and winter draws sun‑seekers to the coast. Calima can pop up any time, briefly raising temperatures and reducing visibility.
- Spring (Apr–Jun): Mild–warm, blooming landscapes (Teide’s tajinaste), moderate crowds; relaxed, outdoorsy vibe.
- High Summer (Jul–Sep): Hot on the coasts/south (start early), best for high‑altitude walks; busy beaches and lively resorts; occasional calima.
- Winter Sun (Dec–Feb): Pleasant 18–22°C on the coast, cooler/wetter in the north and possible snow/closures at altitude; steady but calmer than summer except over Christmas/New Year.
Best time to go to Tenerife
Tenerife is genuinely year‑round, with microclimates and altitude shaping conditions; spring and autumn are sweet spots for hiking, summer suits high altitudes, and winter draws sun‑seekers to the coast. Calima can pop up any time, briefly raising temperatures and reducing visibility.
- Spring (Apr–Jun): Mild–warm, blooming landscapes (Teide’s tajinaste), moderate crowds; relaxed, outdoorsy vibe.
- High Summer (Jul–Sep): Hot on the coasts/south (start early), best for high‑altitude walks; busy beaches and lively resorts; occasional calima.
- Winter Sun (Dec–Feb): Pleasant 18–22°C on the coast, cooler/wetter in the north and possible snow/closures at altitude; steady but calmer than summer except over Christmas/New Year.
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How to get to Tenerife
By Air
- Tenerife has two airports:
- Tenerife South (TFS, “Reina Sofía”) – main international gateway near Costa Adeje/Los Cristianos.
- Typical flight times: London ~4h20m; Manchester ~4h30m; Dublin ~4h30m; Madrid ~2h55m; Barcelona ~3h20–3h40; Paris/Berlin ~4h30–5h.
- Transfer times: to Costa Adeje 15–25 min; to Los Cristianos 15–20 min; to Santa Cruz 45–60 min.
- Tenerife North (TFN, “Los Rodeos”) – primary inter‑island and domestic hub near La Laguna.
- Typical flight times: Madrid ~2h50–3h; Gran Canaria ~30–40 min; La Palma ~45–55 min; La Gomera ~30–40 min.
- Transfer times: to Santa Cruz 15–20 min; to Puerto de la Cruz 25–35 min.
- Tenerife South (TFS, “Reina Sofía”) – main international gateway near Costa Adeje/Los Cristianos.
- Airlines: Iberia/Iberia Express, Vueling, Binter Canarias, Canaryfly (inter‑island), plus numerous European carriers (Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, TUI, seasonal BA and others).
- Buses (TITSA): direct services link both airports with the main bus hubs (Intercambiador de Santa Cruz, Costa Adeje Bus Station, Puerto de la Cruz). Example journey times:
- TFS → Costa Adeje ~25–35 min; TFS → Santa Cruz ~50–60 min.
- TFN → Santa Cruz ~15–20 min; TFN → Puerto de la Cruz ~30–40 min.
- Taxis and car hire are available at both airports.
By Sea
- From mainland Spain (vehicle and foot passenger ferries to Santa Cruz de Tenerife):
- Huelva: services several times per week; typical crossing ~30–36 hours (overnight cabins available).
- Cádiz: usually weekly; ~36–40 hours.
- Operators: Naviera Armas (Trasmediterránea) and Fred. Olsen (on selected routes/schedules).
- Inter‑island ferries (frequent daily services):
- Gran Canaria (Agaete or Las Palmas) ↔ Santa Cruz de Tenerife: ~1h20–2h30.
- La Gomera (San Sebastián) ↔ Los Cristianos: ~50–60 min.
- La Palma (Santa Cruz de La Palma) ↔ Santa Cruz de Tenerife/Los Cristianos: ~2.5–3.5 hours.
- El Hierro (Valverde) ↔ Los Cristianos: ~2.5–3 hours (several times per week).
- Operators: Fred. Olsen Express and Naviera Armas.
- Port access and onward travel:
- Santa Cruz port is ~10–15 minutes’ walk or a short bus/taxi ride to the Intercambiador de Santa Cruz (island‑wide bus hub).
- Los Cristianos port is a 5–10 minutes’ walk to the town bus station.
By Train
- There are no trains to or on Tenerife.
- For ferry connections via mainland Spain, Renfe trains serve:
- Cádiz (from Madrid ~4h15; from Seville ~1h40).
- Huelva (from Madrid typically ~3h45–4h30 with/without a change in Seville).
- From Cádiz or Huelva stations, local buses/taxis connect to the ferry terminals.
By Car
- You cannot drive to Tenerife directly; vehicles can be shipped on ferries from Huelva or Cádiz to Santa Cruz de Tenerife/Los Cristianos (advance booking for a vehicle space is essential; crossings ~30–40 hours).
- On island:
- TF‑1 motorway links the south (airports/resorts) with Santa Cruz; TF‑5 links Santa Cruz with the north (La Laguna/Puerto de la Cruz).
- Typical drives: TFS → Costa Adeje 15–25 min; TFS → Santa Cruz 45–60 min; TFN → Puerto de la Cruz 25–35 min.
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