Are you wondering what to do in Tenerife? This Canary Island is one of the most popular, and the major hub to get around the rest of the Canary Islands in Spain.
Whether you're looking for the best beaches in Tenerife, to the hidden photo spots, we've got you covered! We've been here multiple times, and have experienced all different landscapes and travel styles.
So let's jump right in! Here is everything you need to know, from what to do in Tenerife, to where to stay, and how to get around.
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Where is Tenerife in the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands belong to Spain, but are actually situated off the north west coast of Africa. There are 7 principal islands, and Tenerife is one of the main hubs. It is located right in the middle of the archipelago, and is also the biggest one.
Tenerife is the biggest and most well connected of the Canary Islands.
How to Get to Tenerife in the Canary Islands
Tenerife is the island that is most well connected within the Canary Islands, as well as to other European cities. Here are the different ways that you can visit Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
Visiting Tenerife by Flight
Tenerife is the one island in the Canary Islands that actually has two airports! tenerife north is right outside of the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and the Tenerife South is located right next to los Cristianos, which is the beachy tourist hotspot of the island.
That being said, the two airports are less than an hour apart, so we suggest just flying into whichever airport you find a better ticket for.
Tenerife has flights to and from every other Canary Island, as well as tons of flights from the mainland, including Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, and many other cities. There are also a ton of international flights including many major cities like Amsterdam, Brussels, Zurich, Rome, Hamburg, and more.
Flight Tip: Using Skyscanner you can check the calendar to see which are the cheapest dates for flying to Tenerife.
Search for a flight to Tenerife:
Flying in and out of Tenerife has the most stunning views.
Visiting Tenerife by Ferry
Tenerife can reached by all of the other Canary Islands by ferry (some have connections), and are serviced by the major companies of Fred Olsen and Armas Navierras. In addition, you can take a ferry from the mainland, which is about 33 hours, going from Huelva, and leaving a few times a week.
Here are some of the ferry routes to Tenerife you can book:
Visiting Tenerife by Cruise
The Canary Islands are very popular to visit by cruise lines, especially those who are doing Transatlantic crossings. These happen in the spring when ships are leaving from the Caribbean and saying around Europe for the summer. When ships leave to head back to the Caribbean in the fall, they also often stop in the Canary Islands.
Tenerife is the most popular island for cruise ships to visit, as it is the biggest one, best equipped for big ships to dock.
There are also plenty of local European cruise lines that regularly sail around the Canary Islands year round, due to the beautiful whether that the area experiences.
Tenerife is a popular port for cruise ships to stop, especially on Transatlantic Crossings.
Entry Requirements for the Canary Islands
It is important to know if there are any restrictions or requirements for visiting somewhere new. Here is what you need to know for entering Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
Visa Requirements for The Canary Islands
There are many citizenships that can enter Spain visa-free. Travelers from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland can enter with no restrictions, while those that don't need a Schengen visa can visit for up to 90 days in a 180 day period.
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The 90/180 Rule
Something very important to note is that the 90 days is valid for all countries in the Schengen area. For example, if you spend 20 days in Portugal (also part of the EU), you will then only be able to spend 70 days total in Spain within the 180 day period, which includes the Canary Islands.
We use the Schengen visa calculator, which is super helpful for those of you that are planning on traveling in and out of the EU for a long period of time.
Schengen Visas
For those that are planning on staying in Tenerife longer, or those that are from a country that don't get visa-free access, they will need to in fact apply for a Schengen Visa. Make sure to take a look at the list of countries that need to get a Schengen Visa before traveling.
Covid Entry Requirements for the Canary Islands
We are happy to say that there are no longer any restrictions for entering Spain or the Canary Islands due to Covid. When we went, we needed to be vaccinated or to have a negative Covid test. However, this is no longer necessary. Yay!
Masks were also pretty strictly enforced in the indoors in the Canary Islands when we went (February-April 2022). As of April 20th 2022 though, masks are no longer needed, unless on public transportation or in a medical facility.
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Local Adjustments for Tenerife
Whenever you are traveling there are things that you may forget about, that may be different from where you come from. Here are a few of the local adjustments to keep in mind while traveling to Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
What Language Do They Speak in Tenerife?
The official language in the island of Tenerife is Spanish. However, the Spanish in the Canary Islands is a bit different than the Spanish spoken on the mainland. They speak much faster, and can be a bit more difficult to understand, as they share more in common language-wise with the Caribbean than they do with Spain.
Is English Spoken in Tenerife?
Tenerife has a huge population of English and Germans visiting, so it is very common to find signs and menus in Spanish, English, and German.
What Money Do I Need in Tenerife?
The currency used in Tenerife is the same as the rest of Spain, which is the euro. Most places takes credit card, so you won't need to have too much cash on you, unless you are taking public transportation.
Plugs Used in Tenerife
The Canary Islands use the same plug types as the rest of Europe, which are types C, E, & F. The standard voltage in Tenerife is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Is It Ok to Drink the Tap Water in Tenerife?
When you go to restaurants you will never receive tap water, even if requested. Many locals say that you can't drink it, or that they simply don't offer it. However, we drank plenty of tap water in Tenerife and the other Canary Islands, and found it to perfectly fine.
Tipping in Tenerife
The tipping culture in Spain is pretty much inexistent. If you are traveling around Tenerife it is not common to tip, unless it is a very nice restaurant, or excellent service, in which people will leave one or two euros.
However, when you visit the south, it is very touristy, so it is much more common for people to leave 10% or for there to be a service charge on top of your bill.
What to Do in Tenerife: Places to Visit
The island of Tenerife may be small, but there are so many great places to visit! Here are the top towns and areas to check out on the island of Tenerife.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of the island of Tenerife, and also the principal port area of the island. Home to the famous Tenerife Carnaval, the main reason to visit this area is for the island celebrations, and is a great place to check out some nearby beaches.
Here are some popular tours that include Santa Cruz de Tenerife:
San Cristobal de la Laguna
This small town is just minutes away from Santa Cruz, and a cute place to simply walk around and browse the colorful streets and shops.
Los Cristianos
This is the main tourist hot spot of the island. Located all the ay in the south, this is where Tenerife South airport is located, as well as the second biggest port. Los Cristianos is known for its fun nightlife, family friendly resorts, and beaches.
Los Cristianos is the biggest tourist area on the island of Tenerife.
El Teide National Park
This is the number one area to visit in Tenerife. Upon arriving, whether it's by air or sea, you'll see the giant breathtaking volcano that towers the island.
El Teide is more than just a volcano, but a full national park that you could spend days exploring. Climb to the top of the volcano, stand above the clouds, or do one of the many beautiful trails in the area. Whatever you decide, If you're wondering what to do in Tenerife, El Teide National Park is something you won't want to miss.
El Teide is a huge national park worth checking out.
Here are some popular tours to El Teide:
Anaga Park
Covering a large area of the north of the island, Anaga park is one of the greenest areas in the Canary Islands. Driving up the winding mountain roads you can admire some of the most stunning views if the island, as well as visit some of the best beaches in Tenerife.
Anaga Park is the greenest area of the island of Tenerife.
Here are some tours that go to Anaga Park:
Hidalgo
Welcome to one of the hidden gems of Tenerife. Hidalgo is a beach area that is surrounded by beautiful mountains, and has beautiful coastal views. Check out one of the viewpoints, or visit the super tall white lighthouse.
Punta de Hidalgo has great views and a lighthouse worth checking out.
Candelaria
This is one of the most significant areas to visit on the island of Tenerife. La Candelaria is a small town with the island's biggest church. It's located right on the water, where you can experience the waves crashing down right next to the road.
Here are a few tours that include Candelaria:
El Sauzal
This was one of our favorite areas of Tenerife, and is one of the lesser known areas of the island. Located on the west coast, El Sauzal has trails down to water. It's a great place to enjoy the giant waves crashing down over the rocky landscape surrounding.
El Sauzal is one of the lesser known areas of Tenerife.
Icod de Los Vinos
This cute town is home to the famous Drago tree on the island of Tenerife. Browse the charming town, visit the local shops, and of course don't forget to visit the Drago tree.
El Drago is a unique tree to see in Tenerife.
Here are a few options for visiting Icod de los Vinos:
Garachico
Garachico is such a hidden gem of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. This small coastal town has big natural pools, great views, and an adorable historic center. This is definitely a great place to stop by while driving down the western coast of Tenerife.
Garachico is a quaint coastal town in Tenerife.
Here are a few tours that make stops in Garachico:
Masca
Tucked away in the the mountains of Tenerife, Masca feels like a mini version of Machu Picchu. Drive around windy roads and it will lead you to this tiny village. It takes just a few minutes to walk down from the parking lot, and also has a great restaurant worth stopping at.
Masca Valley feels like a mini Machu Picchu.
Here are some fun excursions that visit Masca:
Los Gigantes
Located in the south west of the island, Los Gigantes is an area with stunning red cliffs against the deep blue waters of Tenerife. You can appreciate the cliffs from the surrounding towns, or sail by them on a boat tour.
Los Gigantes can be appreciated by both land and sea.
Here are a few ways to witness Los Gigantes:
El Medano
Looking for an area of the south that is less touristy? El Medano is an adorable beach town tucked away in the south eastern corner of the island, and attracts surfers and kite surfers from all over. This is also a great area to have some local seafood, relax, and try some water sports.
What to Do in Tenerife in the Canary Islands
Wondering what to do in Tenerife while visiting? Well there is seriously something for everyone on this island. Here is a list of all of the things to do in Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
Visit El Teide National Park
Like we said, visiting El Teide National Park is an absolute must visit in Tenerife. There is so much to do that we could write a whole article, but we'll give you just our favorite spots. Here are a few things that you can check out inside the park.
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Teleferico del Teide
This is one of the highlights of visiting El Teide. The cable car takes you up so that you can walk around the upper area of the volcano. It is such a cool experience, and also gives you amazing views below. Keep in mind that it gets very cold up there, so layer up!
Minas de San Jose
This area of the park will make you feel as if you just teleported to Mars or some other planet. Simply walk around this wild landscape and admire the ever changing area of Parque el Teide.
Mina de San Jose has formations that will make you feel like you're on Mars.
Sendero de Roques Garcia
This area has giant rock formations that will make you feel like you're in a crazy action movie. There are a few trails that circle the area, ranging from 45 minutes to and hour and a half. Our personal favorite was climbing through the small caves that were tucked away from the crowds.
Mirador de la Fortaleza
Looking for a stunning sunset? Mirador de la Fortaleza was seriously breathtaking. Just a few minutes walk uphill, you can enjoy being above the clouds, and the sun melting right into them.
This viewpointallows you watch a beautiful sunset over the clouds.
Above the Clouds
We highly suggest renting a car while visiting the park of El Teide, so that you can admire all of the different landscapes in the area. We can't point to these exact spots per say, but if you drive around El Teide you'll find several areas where you are high above a sea of clouds- a truly magical experience!
In El Teide Park you can find yourself above the clouds.
Want to book a tour through El Teide Park? Here are some great ones:
Drive Through Anaga Park
Anaga Park is seriously stunning. As mentioned before, the area is full of lush greenery, and is one of our favorite areas on the island of Tenerife. Make sure to leave some time to not just drive through, but to gstop at viewpoints, and just enjoy the gorgeous scenery around.
Anaga Park is the greenest area of Tenerife.
Want to explore Anaga but don't have a car? You can also take guided tours:
Relax at the Best Beaches in Tenerife
We love Tenerife because there is a good mix of both black and golden sand beaches. Here is a list of the best beaches in Tenerife to check out.
Playa de Benijo
This is one of the best beaches in Tenerife, because it is a black sand beach! Drive through Anaga Park and you'll find yourself all the way in the north west of the island. Tucked away between beautiful rock formations is a black sand beach that is magical at all times of the day- especially sunset!
Playa Las Teresitas
This is the closest beach outside of the capital, and is one of the only golden sand beaches in Tenerife. There is plenty of room to sunbathe, swim, grab a bite, or even take out a small pedal boat. Playa de las Teresitas is also a great place to see the sunrise. For a bonus, head up the road to get a great view of Las Teresitas below!
Playa de Las Teresitas is one of the best beaches in Tenerife for sunrise.
Playa de las Americas
This is one of the best beaches in Tenerife for tourists. Lined with hotels, shops, and restaurants, Playa de Las Americas fills with vacationers from England, Germany, and other Northern Europeans looking for a fun and sunny getaway.
Playa de Las Americas is a great spot for sunset.
Playa de Bollullo
This is definitely one of the best beaches in tenerife when it comes to hidden gems. Playa de Bollullo is a small rounded black sand beach off the west coast of the island. Unfortunately when we went it was closed, but we did get a nice shot of it from above.
Playa Bollullo is a beautiful black sand beach.
Beach of the Views
This is another black sand beach that is located right near Los Cristianos, and just as the name goes, it truly is a beach of views. Head here for sunset for an extra magical stop here.
Playa de Las Vistas has black sand and great sunsets.
Go Paragliding
Are you ready to add something epic to your bucket list? Well, if you're wondering what to do in Tenerife that is wild and different, then paragliding is definitely something to put on that list.
Why you ask? Well, while there is paragliding in many places, Tenerife is unique because you can paraglide off the bottom of a volcano! The flight is around 30 minutes, and you literally soar straight through the clouds with the most stunning views around, finishing by landing on a black sand beach.
We honestly can't think of something better to add to your list of what to do in Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
In Tenerife you can paraglide right through the clouds.
Go paragliding in Tenerife:
Learn How to Kite Surf
While you're adding fun things to your bucket list, you also should add kitesurfing to that. Head to the southern town of El Medano and you'll find dozens of kite surfers. Join in on the fun by learning this exhilarating sport in one of the best spots to do so.
One of the most fun water activities to do in Tenerife is kite surfing.
Go Whale and Dolphin Watching
One of the main excursions that you can do while visiting Tenerife in the Canary Islands is whale watching. Located between La Gomera and the west coast of Tenerife, is a large area that is known for having whales and dolphins living. There are plenty of excursions that you can find in Los Cristianos to be able to experience this.
In Tenerife you can regularly find both dolphins and whales.
Go whale watching in Tenerife:
Charter a Boat
Not only can you sign up for a boat excursion, but you can also charter your own boat! Some have captains, and some you can take on your own (as long as you have a license). Boats can be rented for a few hours, or a full day, and are one of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
chartering a boat is one of favorite things to do in Tenerife.
Check out boat charter options in Tenerife:
Check Our Arco de Tajao
Want to see some cool landscapes around the island of Tenerife? Well, Arco de Tajao is definitely one of them. This natural rock arch is just off the highway on the way to Los Cristianos from Santa Cruz. It is free of charge to visit, and definitely worth a quick stop for a photo.
Arco de Tajao is a great photo spot in Tenerife.
Stop by Charco el Diablo
Thinking of what to do in Tenerife that is off the beaten path? Want to see a beautiful volcano rock formation over a natural pool? Well, then head to Charco del Diablo for one of the true hidden gems of Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
Charco el Diablo is a hidden gem of Tenerife.
Swim in a Natural Pool
One of our favorite things to do in the Canary Islands is to swim in the many natural pools that are formed along the coasts of the islands. Tenerife has one that is right by los Gigantes called Charco de Isla Cangrejo. When we went, the waves were too rough so it was closed off. But hopefully when you visit it will be open!
Chase the Sun
Tenerife in the Canary Islands has some seriously stunning sunrises and sunsets! We definitely think you should save some time to catch one or two at the very least. Here are our favorite spots for both sunrise and sunset.
Best Sunrise Spots Tenerife
- Playa las Teresitas
- El Medano
- Candelaria
- Parque El Teide
Las Teresitas is one of the best sunrise spots in Tenerife.
Best Sunset Spots in Tenerife
- Playa de Benijo
- Playa Bollullo
- El Sauzal
- Playa de las Americas
- Restaurante El Burgado
- Punta de Teno
- Masca
- Playa del Alcala
- Beach of the Views
There are many great sunset spots on the west of the island, and from EL Teide.
Party in the South
Want to know what to do in Tenerife when the sun goes down? Well, there are tons of tourists that flee to Tenerife for a fun beach getaway. The south of the island fills with foreigners who are ready to party all night long. So head to Los Cristianos and get ready to drink and dance until the sun comes up.
Experience Carnaval
The first time I ever went to Tenerife in the Canary Islands was for Carnaval. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is home to the biggest Carnaval in Spain, and is the biggest one after Rio de Janeiro!
Carnaval is essentially two weeks of a magical hybrid of Halloween and Mardi Gras. The streets fill as people of all ages come dressed in costumes to drink the night away. Parades, concerts, and the biggest parties of the year happen during Carnaval, and it starts every day from morning til morning (yes, they party til about 7 or 8 am!).
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Carnval happens usually in the end of February, and is definitely one to add to the bucket list. Unfortunately, the last few years were cancelled due to Covid, but next year definitely looks more promising!
Carnaval is the biggest event in Tenerife, and in all of the Canary Islands.
Moving Around Tenerife
The Canary Islands have a ton to explore, and most of the spots are not actually serviced by public transportation.
If you are planning on doing a beach getaway in the south, or experiencing carnival in the capital, then you can rely on buses or Uber to get around. However, if you'd like to explore around the island, then a car is the way to go.
Renting a car in Tenerife is very easy, and can be done straight from the airport. It's important to note that the prices have drastically gone up on the island, due to the high demand from tourists. If you plan on renting a car in Tenerife you should do it well in advance to avoid paying astronomical prices.
Rent a car in Tenerife:
Driving around Tenerife is the best way to explore the island.
Where to Stay on the Island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands
Now that you know what to do in Tenerife and where to visit, let's decide the best place to stay. Depending on what kind of a trip you're looking to have depends on where exactly you should stay on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
If you're looking for a beach or party weekend, we suggest staying in the south. Los Cristianos is definitely the most popular, and is also where the ferry port is, while Playa las Americas is right next door and has more family friendly resorts.
If you are looking for a more cultural and adventurous trip, we suggest staying in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This is also where you should stay if you plan on visiting for Carnival.
If you are looking for a relaxing scenic stay, we loved the areas of los Gigantes and El Sauzal, which are beautiful, but far less crowded than the other places.
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What to Do in Tenerife: Local Food & Drinks
The Canary Islands have fantastic food! It is a great mix of traditional Spanish cuisine, with an island twist. Here are a few things that you should try.
Local Dishes of Tenerife
- Seafood: The number one thing we recommend is the seafood here, as it is super fresh.
- Lapas: These shellfish are something typical to the Canary Islands. The are round, and a bit firmer and more rubbery than clams or mussels.
- Mojo: This sauce is served normally with bread on the table before your meal. There are two types of this garlic based sauce- one is green (made with cilantro or avocado) or red (made with red Chile peppers).
- Papas Arrugadas: These small round potatoes are served as an appetizer or side dish, and come with mojo sauce.
- Queso Asado: We can't get enough of this tasty white cheese that is grilled, and usually topped with some sort of honey, jam, or mojo.
- Queso Frito: This is the same type of cheese, but instead of grilled, it is breaded, fried, and usually served with some of jam or marmalade.
Having fresh seafood in the Canary Islands is a must.
Where to Eat in Tenerife
When it comes to restaurants in Tenerife, you'll find that the best ones are further away from the touristy areas. Avoid spots along the beach in Los Cristianos or Playa de Americas, and head to the smaller beach towns like El Medano or Garachico. This is where you'll find the most authentic food.
One restaurant that did stick out to us that we highly recommend is Casa del Vino in El Sauzal. This spot had an epic view, great food, and the best service ever.
Casa de Vino is our favorite restaurant in Tenerife.
Is Tenerife Safe?
Tenerife, as well as the rest of the Canary Islands, are very safe. You can casually walk at night or solo, and shouldn't run into any problems. Being that Tenerife is the busiest of the islands, there are also plenty of police and security around to keep you safe.
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Other Things to Know About Visiting Tenerife in the Canary Islands
Now you know almost everything there is to know about visiting Tenerife in the Canary Islands! But here are a few other things to keep in mind.
The Best Time to Visit Tenerife
In our opinion, the best time to visit Tenerife is in February, during Carnaval. However, the island has year round sunshine and beautiful weather, making it really great to visit at any time! For the best weather head to the south, which has more sunshine than the north.
Weather & Packing for Tenerife
If you head down south to the beaches, make sure to bring your swimsuit and a strong sunscreen. Temperatures vary greatly around the island, so if you plan on visiting Anaga Park it might be a bit chillier. Even though it is a small island, the elevation varies greatly. El Teide can get so cold that it could be snowing at the top!
We suggest bringing sneakers so that you can hike and explore some of the great trails and hidden gems that Tenerife in the Canary Islands has to offer. If you plan on visiting El Teide, make sure to bring layers!
Tenerife experiences beach days year round.
Packing List for Tenerife in the Canary Islands
- Sunscreen
- Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
- Towel
- Bathing Suits
- Flip Flops (we personally always get Havaiana flip flops, as they are comfy and long lasting)
- Sneakers (for the hikes)
- Layers (for El Teide)
- Zippered Bag or Backpack - take a look at these backpacks for travelers!
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
- Costumes (if you visit during Carnival)
- Drone (We use the Mavic Mini Pro 3 because it's super light and doesn't sacrifice quality)
- Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 X3 because it's small & waterproof)
- Waterproof Phone Pouch (we use the Cafago Waterproof Phone Pouch)
- Dry Bag (for the boat excursions)
- Travel Adapter (we use Tessan travel adapters as they are affordable and reliable)
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Now you are ready for an amazing trip to Tenerife in the Canary Islands! We spent a full two weeks there, and still felt like we could spend at least a few more!
Plan on visiting any of the other Canary Islands? We have full guides for all 7, and even two of the smaller ones! Want to know more about traveling around the Canary Islands in general? We also have a complete Canary Islands travel guide so you can choose which island is right for you.
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