Things To Do
in Tenerife
Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, located off the northwest coast of Africa and part of Spain. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, the island features the majestic Mount Teide, a dormant volcano and the highest peak in Spain, surrounded by a national park. Tenerife boasts a mild climate year-round, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking sun, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
The island's rich culture includes historical towns, traditional festivals, and a diverse culinary scene, showcasing the unique blend of Spanish and local influences.
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Adiós" - Goodbye
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day early at Teide National Park. Take a cable car ride up to Mount Teide for stunning views and explore the unique volcanic landscapes.
After lunch, hike one of the many trails in the park. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and spot local flora and fauna.
Wrap up your day with a stargazing session. The clear skies here provide an incredible opportunity to view constellations and planets.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a beachfront café. Spend your morning sunbathing or swimming in the ocean.
Try some water sports like jet skiing or parasailing. Explore local shops and markets for souvenirs.
Dine at a seaside restaurant to taste fresh seafood. Enjoy the lively atmosphere with street performances along the promenade.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty with diverse landscapes, including beaches, mountains, and national parks.
- Pleasant climate year-round, making it an ideal destination for sun-seekers.
- Rich cultural heritage and vibrant local festivals.
- Variety of outdoor activities, from hiking to water sports.
- Affordable cost of living compared to many other European destinations.
- Tourist-heavy areas can be crowded, especially during peak seasons.
- Some areas may lack traditional Spanish charm due to commercialization.
- Limited public transport options can make travel around the island challenging.
- High tourism dependence can lead to fluctuations in job availability.
- Occasional minor volcanic activity, which may concern some visitors.
Best Activities in Tenerife
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning landscapes of Teide National Park, home to Spain's highest peak, Mount Teide. Numerous trails cater to various fitness levels, offering breathtaking views of volcanic landscapes.
Take a boat tour to observe dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. The waters around Tenerife are known for their rich marine life, providing an unforgettable experience.
Enjoy surfing or taking surf lessons at Playa de las Américas, a popular beach known for its consistent waves and vibrant surf culture.
Experience the thrill of paragliding over the beautiful landscapes of Adeje. Enjoy a unique perspective of the coastline and the surrounding mountains.
Discover the lush greenery and unique flora of Anaga Rural Park. Numerous hiking trails allow you to experience the diverse ecosystems and breathtaking views.
Rent a bike and enjoy a ride along the scenic coastal path, taking in stunning ocean views and the beauty of Tenerife's coastline.
Explore the underwater world by snorkeling at El Puertito, a small bay known for its clear waters and abundant marine life, including turtles.
Tours
Uncover the best of Tenerife with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Tenerife
Visit one of these nice places.
Home to Spain's highest peak, Mount Teide, this park offers spectacular volcanic landscapes, stunning vistas, and amazing sunset views.
A scenic viewpoint providing breathtaking views of the coastline and the lush valley of Anaga, perfect for capturing beautiful photos.
One of the largest lava tubes in the world, it not only offers unique geological formations but also great opportunities for photography.
These majestic cliffs rise dramatically from the ocean, providing stunning views and making it a fantastic spot for photographers.
This protected area features lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and scenic hiking trails, offering many vantage points for stunning photographs.
With its picturesque landscapes and views of both the ocean and Mount Teide, this valley is a great location for capturing the essence of Tenerife.
The westernmost point of the island, known for its rugged coastline, beautiful lighthouses, and breathtaking sunset views.
A premier spot for astrophotography and stunning panoramic views of the night sky and surrounding landscapes.
The capital city offers urban views mixed with coastal landscapes, perfect for capturing both city life and natural beauty in one frame.
This beautiful beach with golden sand is backed by palm trees and offers picturesque views of the ocean and surrounding mountains.
Food in Tenerife
Tenerife Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Canarian dish of small, wrinkled potatoes usually boiled in salty water and served with a spicy green or red sauce known as mojo. Best enjoyed at local taverns like Casa de la Cultura in Los Cristianos.
Must-Try!
A type of flour made from roasted grains, gofio is often served as a side dish or used in various traditional sweets. You can find delicious gofio dishes at Restaurante El Camino in Santa Cruz.
A traditional fish stew made primarily with salted fish, potatoes, and served with mojo. A popular place to try this dish is Restaurante Casa del Mar in Playa de las Américas.
A traditional Canarian dessert made with corn flour, milk, sugar, and raisins. You can savor this dish at local bakeries such as Panadería y Pastelería Mariposa in Puerto de la Cruz.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Tenerife better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located in Santa Cruz, this market is a hub for local produce, meats, and cheeses. It's an excellent place to taste local specialties and street foods, including authentic tapas and fresh fruit juices.
A vibrant open-air market filled with food stalls serving everything from grilled seafood to vegetarian options. It's a great spot for sampling local snacks in a lively atmosphere.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Tenerife, it is customary to greet with a friendly 'Hola' and a handshake or a kiss on both cheeks among acquaintances. Maintain eye contact to show sincerity and respect.
When dining out, it is polite to wait for the host to begin eating before you do. Additionally, try to use 'por favor' (please) and 'gracias' (thank you) when ordering or receiving services.
Dress modestly and appropriately for different occasions. While casual wear is acceptable for the beach or during the day, it is best to dress smartly for evening social events and dining.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Tenerife with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Tenerife
Ensure a smooth experience
In Tenerife, tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory. It is common to leave a small tip of around 5-10% in restaurants, especially if the service was excellent. In bars and cafes, rounding up the bill or leaving spare change is typical. Hotel staff and taxi drivers also appreciate tips, though it is not expected.
In Tenerife, payment is commonly made in euros, and most establishments accept credit and debit cards. Cash is also widely accepted, and it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in rural areas. Contactless payment methods are increasingly popular, and ATMs are readily available for withdrawals.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Tenerife.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring in Tenerife is characterized by mild temperatures and minimal rainfall, making it one of the best times to visit. Expect average temperatures between 18°C and 25°C (64°F to 77°F), ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the island's natural beauty.
Summer brings warm temperatures, with averages ranging from 23°C to 30°C (73°F to 86°F). It's the peak tourist season, particularly along the southern coast. Expect lively beaches, vibrant nightlife, and numerous events and festivals.
Autumn offers warm weather and reduced tourist crowds. Temperatures typically range from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). This season is great for hiking and visiting attractions without the summer rush, and you can still enjoy beach days in early September.
Winter is cooler, with temperatures averaging between 15°C and 22°C (59°F to 72°F). It's a great escape from colder climates, and while there's a chance of rain, especially in the northern regions, the overall weather is mild. Expect fewer tourists and lower prices.
Tenerife at Night
Hiking in Tenerife
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, home to Spain's highest peak, Mount Teide, offering various trails with stunning views and unique volcanic landscapes.
A beautiful natural park featuring lush laurel forests, steep cliffs, and coastal views, with numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty.
A dramatic gorge that can be hiked down to the ocean, known for its picturesque village and breathtaking scenery.
A lesser-known hiking spot offering serene nature experiences and picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.
An iconic area with towering cliffs, providing several hiking trails that showcase stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding countryside.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Tenerife through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Tenerife by plane.
The main international airport serving the southern part of Tenerife, it offers numerous international and domestic flights.
Located in the northern part of the island, this airport mainly handles domestic flights and some international services.
Located about 100 kilometers from Tenerife, this is one of the largest airports in the Canary Islands, offering many international connections.
Approximately 150 kilometers from Tenerife, this airport serves international flights and is a hub for travel within the Canary Islands.
About 200 kilometers from Tenerife, this airport caters to both international and domestic flights, facilitating travel across the Canary Islands.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group, primarily consisting of citizens from the mainland of Spain.
This group includes expatriates from various countries, with a significant number from the UK, Germany, and other European nations.
Individuals who identify as native Canarians, descended from the indigenous Guanche people.
Visitors from around the world, particularly during peak seasons, heavily contributing to the local economy.
A smaller demographic of residents and expatriates from African nations, contributing to the cultural diversity.
Includes immigrants from Latin American countries, adding to the multicultural fabric of the island.
The Soul of Tenerife
Discover the essence of Tenerife through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Tenerife, with several local clubs and a passionate fan base, including the prominent team CD Tenerife.
Basketball enjoys a strong following in Tenerife, with local leagues and the professional team Iberostar Tenerife competing in the top Spanish leagues.
Tenerife's coastal waters provide excellent conditions for surfing, attracting both locals and tourists to its beaches and surf spots.
Tennis is widely played across the island, with numerous courts available, and it is popular among both locals and tourists.
Cycling is a favored activity in Tenerife, thanks to its diverse landscapes and scenic routes, making it a hotspot for both recreational and professional cyclists.
Paddle tennis is a rapidly growing sport in Tenerife, with many clubs and facilities available that cater to both enthusiasts and competitive players.
Hiking is extremely popular due to the island's stunning landscapes and national parks, particularly along the trails leading to Mount Teide.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tenerife.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Tenerife has a growing number of vegetarian-friendly restaurants. Many traditional dishes can be adapted to vegetarian preferences, with local markets providing fresh vegetables and legumes.
There are several vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes, especially in larger towns. Look for menus that highlight plant-based dishes, or request modifications to traditional recipes.
Many restaurants in Tenerife are accommodating to gluten-free dietary restrictions, offering options like grilled fish, salads, and traditional dishes without gofio. Always confirm with the staff regarding gluten-free options.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Tenerife with these cultural adventures.
