Tenerife holidays

The biggest of all the Canary Islands, holidays to Tenerife are pretty diverse. From its black and golden coastline to its moon-like landscapes and beautiful little hamlets, it’s an island of two sides. The south is where you’ll find its most popular beach resorts; Playa de Las Américas, Los Cristianos, Puerto de la Cruz and Costa Adeje. Not to mention, some of its biggest family attractions. While the north has a much gentler pace, ideal for soaking up Tenerife’s Canarian heritage, from the cobbled streets of La Orotava to the colonial architecture of Puerto de la Cruz.

Things to do

Finding ways to fill your time will never be a problem in Tenerife. For starters, it’s got a great set of beaches. For golden sands which stretch for two kilometres and snorkel-friendly waters, Playa de las Teresitas is one of its best. Prefer a coastline that’s a little rough around the edges? Trips to Playa de los Gigantes invite you to sunbathe on volcanic sand, surrounded by a backdrop of soaring sea cliffs.

If your Canary Island holidays are about late nights spent dancing, then you’ve come to the right place. Known for its thriving resorts, Tenerife has a party reputation that doesn't go unnoticed, and the nightlife in Playa de Las Americas is one of its liveliest, particularly along Veronica's Strip.

After a big night on the town, there’s no better way to blow the cobwebs away than exploring the great outdoors. Dominating the centre of the island is Spain’s tallest peak, the beautiful Mount Teide. And don’t worry if you’re not much of a climber, there’s a cable car taking you right to the  volcano’s summit. There are plenty more adventures to be had besides Mount Teide, like a day exploring the island’s answer to Machu Picchu at the hidden village of Masca.

Families won’t be disappointed either! After a splash-filled trip to Siam Park, one of Europe’s best waterparks, the kids will love the island’s animal attractions. A visit to the Monkey Park is a must on all Los Cristianos holidays. Walk through its open enclosures and be greeted by squirrel monkeys and lemurs. Those looking for a wildlife experience on a bigger scale will appreciate Loro Parque, which is home to all kinds of land and marine species.

Places to stay

A trio of lively resorts covers the southwest corner of Tenerife with fine sandy beaches and plenty of family-friendly facilities. Choose from Costa Adeje, Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos. The pretty capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, lies in the shelter of the Anaga Mountains that sit right in the middle of the island. Charming fishing villages like San Andrés dot the coastline, where you can tuck into some fresh seafood from its waterside restaurants. Head north past the white peak of Mount Teide and you come to dreamy La Orotava, a beautifully preserved 17th-century town of pretty pastel colours. Just beyond is the attractive Puerto de la Cruz, which is another popular tourist spot.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Costa Adeje | Los Cristianos | Playa de las Americas | Puerto de la Cruz

 

Map of Tenerife

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15 -28℃

Tenerife holidays are all about sunshine with average temperatures of 22°C all year and summer highs reaching a toasty 28°C.

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Approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes
Tenerife has two airports; one serving the north and serving the south. The south is the main airport as you can easily reach most of the island’s major resorts from here, while the north is 11 kilometres from the capital Santa Cruz.

Tenerife is best for...

Tenerife is best for…

Foodies: Tenerife is the only Canary Island to have a Michelin Starred restaurant - six in fact! Try NUB’s amazing tasting menu in Costa Adeje, or stop by Kazan in Santa Cruz de Tenerife for incredible Japanese flavours.

Outdoor types: From mountains and subtropical rainforests, to azure waters filled with wildlife, you’ll be in heaven if you love the great outdoors. Teide National Park is a must-see thanks to its spectacular scenery and towering volcano as is the island’s most beautiful village Masca. At the foot of the Teno Mountains, surrounded by dramatic rock formations and lush flora, the views are hard to beat.

Beach lovers: Tenerife has a great mix of beaches. From man-made stretches of golden sand filled with amenities to untamed, volcanic shores set away from the tourist trail. For family-friendly spots with a good selection of watersports, head to the south coast.

Fast facts for Tenerife

Language: The language spoken in Tenerife is Spanish, although English and other European languages are widely spoken.

Currency: The currency used is the Euro.

Local time: There is no time difference between Tenerife and GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Tenerife North Airport (TFN) or Tenerife South Airport (TFS). The north operates mainly domestic flights, while the south remains one of Spain's busiest airports.

Flight time from UK:  Approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Tourist Information: Further tourist information can be found at the official website for tourism in Tenerife.

Visa / Health: Before you travel, check the latest advice from The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Holiday destinations related to Tenerife:

 

Getting around Tenerife

By taxi: You can’t miss the white taxis in Tenerife. Your fare will be on the meter, or you can always negotiate a fixed price before you set off if you’re travelling a little further.

By car hire: Pick up a hire car from the airport and discover some of the island’s hidden gems. Travel inland or hit the coast to find its secret coves.

By bus: Cheap, cheerful, and impossible to miss, the bright green buses nicknamed “guaguas” make getting around in Tenerife easy.

By tram: Sleek modern trams travel between Santa Cruz in the south and La Laguna in the north.

Events in Tenerife

Carnival time: For two weeks in February, the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is carnival central. Leave the cold and the rain back in England; head to the sun and join in with the celebrations. Expect vibrant parades, fireworks, parties, and celebrations as the island throws off winter and welcomes spring with music, dancing, and plenty of drinking!

Easter celebrations: Easter sees the island celebrate again, with the festivities of “Semana Santa”, or Holy Week, marking the end of Lent in spirited style.

Patron saint: Join the party in August when Tenerife celebrates its patron saint, the Virgin of Candelaria, with two days of spectacles.

For wine lovers: Raise a glass and try out the latest vintage in November. The feast of St Andrew in Icod de Los Vinos is a chance for the island’s winemakers to showcase the year’s vintage.

Tenerife safety and security

For up-to-date advice on travelling to Tenerife, please visit the FCDO website.

 

 

Tenerife weather

Temperature: You can bask in 22°C most of the year here.

Best time to visit?

Nicknamed the ‘Island of Eternal Spring’, Tenerife holidays promise year-round heat, even during off-season. The most popular time of year is from May to July, when temperatures range from around 24°C to 28°C and a cooling sea breeze stops things from getting uncomfortably hot.

If your Spain holidays revolve around the beach, August is a great time of year to visit, when the sea temperature averages around 23°C, perfect for swimming, fishing and snorkelling. The summer also promises nine hours of sunshine and highs of 28°C. While couples looking for a quiet break should head here during autumn when the Atlantic is still warm enough for a swim. 

Tenerife is a popular destination for winter sun too. Although cooler, temperatures rarely drop below 15°C. The island is generally quieter during these months, which means you can visit tourist attractions and enjoy beach days without the busy atmosphere of the summer months.

What should I pack?

There are some essentials you’ll definitely need on your trip to Tenerife, no matter what time of year you’re visiting. With its long, hot, sunny days, plenty of sun cream is a must, as is a hat and a cover-up for the beach or the pool. We also advise taking some sunglasses and plenty of cool, light clothes to help combat the summer heat.

It’s a good idea to pack comfortable shoes if you’re planning on sightseeing, while a light jacket is ideal for cooler evenings in low season. An EU travel adaptor is also essential for charging your mobile phone and other devices.  

 

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