Tenerife
Volcanic peaks, ancient laurel forests, and black sand beaches — here's everything you need to plan your trip to Tenerife.
Our Tenerife Island Check
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Flair
The largest of the Canary Islands is seriously diverse — dramatic volcanic landscapes meet lush forests and sun-drenched beaches.
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Travel season
Tenerife is genuinely great year-round. Come in winter to escape the cold, or in summer for guaranteed sunshine.
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Travel duration
Plan at least ten to fourteen days if you want to explore both the north and the south properly.
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Price level
Moderate — your money goes a long way here, and the tourist infrastructure is really well developed.
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Food
Don't miss the Canarian stew (puchero) or freshly caught fish in the coastal villages. Seriously good.
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Transport
Rent a car — it's the only way to properly explore Teide National Park and the island's more remote corners.
FAQs
When is the best time to travel to Tenerife?
Tenerife has a pleasantly mild climate year-round and makes a fantastic winter destination. That said, the best time to visit really depends on what you want to do.
- Beach vacation: Summer — May through August — is prime beach season, with temperatures regularly hitting 86°F and loads of sunshine. It’s one of the reasons we love Tenerife as a destination in August.
- Sightseeing and hiking: You really don’t want to be hiking in peak summer heat. Spring and fall are much more comfortable — we’d go for a fall trip if we had to pick.
- Surf trip: Winter brings big swells and strong waves from November through March, which is why experienced surfers flock here then — and why Tenerife is such a great destination in February. Beginners, on the other hand, will prefer the smaller summer waves.
What's the best way to get to Tenerife?
Tenerife has two airports, and most flights land at the southern airport near El Médano. Many cities offer direct flights, and the flight time is just four to five hours from most of Europe.
If your accommodation is in the north, you can easily continue by bus or rental car. Santa Cruz de Tenerife, for example, is about 40 minutes away by car.
What's the best way to get around Tenerife?
Arrived — now what? Here’s how to get around the island.
By rental car
A rental car gives you the most flexibility, and it’s our clear top pick.
Expect to pay at least 30 euros per day in summer and around 20 euros in winter. We always compare options on Discovercars to avoid getting lost in the sea of providers.
Book a rental car on Discovercars
By public transit
Tenerife has a well-developed bus network — locally called “Guaguas” — that connects towns across the island. The operator is Titsa, and you can find schedules here. Larger towns like Santa Cruz also have local city buses.
You can buy tickets directly from the driver and pay in cash. Tourists can also pick up the Ten+ card — an unlimited ride pass valid on all Titsa buses, available for one day (10 euros) or one week (50 euros). It’s sold at all Titsa sales outlets.
By bike
In the cities, a bike is a solid option too — especially since parking there is honestly a nightmare.
What language do they speak in Tenerife?
The official language is Spanish. Despite being geographically close to Africa, Tenerife is part of Spain.
In larger cities and resort towns, though, you’ll have no trouble getting by with English.
Is Tenerife expensive?
Tenerife is one of the more affordable destinations in Europe — roughly on par with mainland Spain.
For accommodation, budget around 40 to 60 euros per night for an Airbnb, 70 to 90 euros for a hotel, and 90+ euros for larger resorts. Prices shift quite a bit by season, so booking ahead in peak months pays off.
How long should you stay in Tenerife?
Tenerife has a great mix of beach time, nature, and city exploring. We’d say at least a week to do it justice — but if you have more time, you won’t run out of things to do.
