Tenerife – the island of eternal spring, volcanic beaches, breathtaking mountains, and tropical nature. The largest of the Canary Islands has something for everyone – from lounging on beaches to adventurous volcano climbs and mysterious mountain towns. What should you definitely not miss in Tenerife? Let’s take a look!
But if these tips aren’t enough, you can download my map with an additional 150 tips.
Why is Tenerife so special?
Imagine a place where the sun shines almost every day of the year and perhaps the only place in Europe where you can experience 20°C even in the middle of winter. (Though in the mountains at night, it can actually freeze.)
The weather can be unpredictable, but it’s an island where you can conquer Spain’s highest mountain in the morning and swim in the sea in the afternoon, experiencing volcanic landscapes, rainforests, snow, cold, and heat. All in one day. That’s exactly what Tenerife is like. This island is a great choice for everyone – nature lovers, adventurers, families with children, and those just looking to relax on the beach.
What’s the best way to get to Tenerife?
You can fly to Tenerife on direct flights from Prague, but also for a good price from Vienna. The main airlines are:
✈ Ryanair – cheap flights from Prague and surrounding airports
✈ Smartwings – direct flights from Prague
✈ Vueling – flights with a layover in Barcelona
Return ticket prices start at around 2,000 CZK if you buy in advance. I prefer searching on Skyscanner and Pelikán because they often have better prices than the carriers themselves. You can find out how to get cheap flights in this article.
Be aware that there are 2 airports in Tenerife.
✈ Tenerife South Airport (Reina Sofia) – the main tourist airport, close to the resorts
✈ Tenerife North Airport – closer to Santa Cruz and Anaga
If you’re planning to stay in the south, you probably want to land at Reina Sofia airport. If you’re heading more for hiking and greener nature, a flight to the northern airport is worth it.
Don’t make the same mistake I did, flying to the south but having your car at the north. 🙂 I was very close to booking my accommodation in the north too.
Cheapest dates for 2026
If you enter flexible dates on Skyscanner, you’ll get the best prices. These change constantly, of course, so don’t wait to buy.
- 28.2. – 6.3.
- 9.3. – 17.3.
- 19.5 – 26.5.
- 17.6. – 24.6.
- 13.9. – 24.9.
- 13.10. – 22.10.
- 3.11. – 10.11
- 1.12. – 9.12.
Transport in Tenerife
The best way to explore Tenerife is by renting a car, which gives you the freedom to visit even remote places. Rental prices start at €20 per day, fuel is cheap, and the roads are in good condition, although mountain routes can be challenging.
If you don’t want to drive, the TITSA buses work well, connecting airports, towns, and tourist locations. Tickets start from €1.50, but a prepaid BONO card is better value.
Taxis are reliable but more expensive (e.g., Airport – Playa de las Américas approx. €30).
For traveling between islands, you can use ferries from Fred Olsen Express and Naviera Armas, which connect Tenerife with La Gomera, Gran Canaria, and other islands. I recommend searching on Direct Ferries, as it gives you all the available options.
Where to stay in Tenerife?
I recommend booking well in advance; prices really go up, and last-minute deals usually don’t pay off much in touristy Tenerife. Especially if you’re going over Christmas, New Year, or Carnival.
In the north in Puerto de la Cruz – adults only – Silken Saaj Maar – beautiful sea views, great ratings
In the south in El Médano – Sweet home apartments – a bit more luxurious at a still reasonable price. A cheaper option here is Nest Hostel, where we even found a screw-on gas canister.
In beautiful La Laguna – a more expensive but gorgeous option is Grand Hotel, and again, the cheaper one is Nest Hostel.
Výhodný balíček map: ostrovy Atlantiku
Výhodný balíček třech digitálních cestovatelských map pro objevování ostrovů Atlantiku bez zbytečného hledání. Přehledné mapy: Kanárské ostrovy, Madeira a Azory s vyznačenými trasami, vyhlídkami, plážemi, městy a dalšími tipy na zajímavá místa.
The best beaches in Tenerife
Tenerife is an island of contrasts, and that applies to its beaches too. You’ll find golden sand imported from the Sahara, dramatic black volcanic beaches, and wild coves accessible only on foot.
Playa de Las Teresitas
This beach with fine golden sand from the Sahara and turquoise sea is one of the most beautiful on the island. Thanks to a protective breakwater, the sea is calm, making it ideal for families.
Playa del Duque
If you’re looking for comfort and peace, this beach in the Costa Adeje area is the right choice. Clean sand, sunbeds, and nearby restaurants make Playa del Duque a great place to relax.
In my map you’ll find another 18 beaches and 15 natural pools.
Hiking in Tenerife – the best routes
Tenerife is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. The island offers a wide range of routes – from easy coastal walks to challenging mountain climbs. Thanks to the diverse landscape, misty forests, and volcanic areas, every hiker will find something for themselves.
In my map you’ll find another nearly 40 routes you can head out on in Tenerife and La Gomera.
1. Barranco de Masca
A famous canyon leading to the ocean. One of the best-known routes in Tenerife starts in the village of Masca and leads through a steep canyon all the way to the ocean.
The route is approximately 5 km one way and the descent takes around 2.5–3 hours. At the bottom of the canyon, it’s possible to take a water taxi back to Los Gigantes.
If you head to the village of Masca, the locals will certainly appreciate it if you come by bus. There’s a big problem with parking and there’s talk that in the future, entry will only be allowed by shuttle bus.
You need a permit for the route, which isn’t exactly cheap. But it addresses overtourism, so I approve. However, we didn’t do it because of the price; we preferred to walk elsewhere and invest the money in stargazing.
2. Anaga – misty forests and wild mountains
The Anaga Rural Park area in the northeast of the island is famous for its laurel forests, dramatic cliffs, and breathtaking views. Here are several great routes:
- Sendero de los Sentidos – an easy trail suitable even for families with children.
- Taganana – Afur – Playa de Tamadite – a beautiful circular route leading to a wild beach with wonderful views.
- Cruz del Carmen – Chinamada – a moderately difficult route past old cave houses.
3. Climbing Mount Teide (3,718 m)
The highest mountain in Spain and also the third-largest volcano in the world offers several climbing options:
- By cable car (Teleférico del Teide) – the easiest option, but an advance reservation is necessary and expensive.
- From Refugio Altavista – a demanding night climb to watch the sunrise. The only way to avoid paying is to reach the upper cable car station before 9 AM.
- Montaña Blanca Trail – a full-day trek with stunning views.
To enter the actual summit of Teide, a permit is required, which must be booked in advance. But watch out in winter! If there’s snow at the top, the summit will most likely be closed. You won’t find this out anywhere else but at the bottom of the cable car, or when a ranger catches you on the trail like they did us.
But if you head out early, you probably won’t run into a ranger; just make sure to bring crampons and the necessary equipment!
Long GR hiking trails
Tenerife has several long GR (Gran Recorrido) routes, which are marked with red and white signs and connect different parts of the island.
GR 131 – Route across the whole island
One of the longest and most demanding routes in Tenerife. GR 131 starts in the port of Santa Cruz and leads all the way to the south of the island through the mountains. The total length is approximately 83 km and is divided into several stages. The entire route is marked on my map.
GR 131 actually leads across all the islands, so if you happen to feel the need to do the whole thing and you’re a hiker nazi, remember that your journey doesn’t end here.
However, part of the route is burned out from a recent fire, so check for current info.
I’m a spoiled hiker, so we didn’t walk the whole route, only parts of it, and we combined our own treks. From the map, it seemed to me that the trail is only varied in the national park and then leads a lot through the forest, which is beautiful in Tenerife but always the same. I can’t handle that; I need variety on a trail, and I managed to achieve that by connecting my own trails.
Water is also a problem here – there isn’t much of it. So it’s necessary to plan well!
Theme parks in Tenerife:
Siam Park – the best water park in the world
Siam Park is reportedly one of the best water parks in the world and offers both extreme attractions and relaxing lagoons.
- Tower of Power – a slide with an almost vertical drop where you pass through a shark aquarium
- Artificial waves – waves up to 3 meters high provide a ton of fun
The park is ideal for both families with children and adrenaline junkies. I visited the park myself about 10 years ago and it really was a great experience that was worth the money. But I can’t compare it with other parks, as I haven’t visited many similar ones.
Loro Parque – one of the best zoos in Europe
Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz is reportedly one of the best zoos in the world and a popular attraction in Tenerife.
- Eagle and dolphin shows – a spectacle for children and adults
- Planet Penguin – one of the largest penguin exhibits in the world
- Aquarium with an underwater tunnel – a close-up look at sharks
- Tigers, gorillas, parrots, and other exotic animals
Loro Parque prides itself on top-notch animal care and conservation projects. If you’re traveling to Tenerife with children, you probably shouldn’t miss this place. I didn’t visit myself due to my strict principles, so I can’t judge, but I can’t leave it out of these tips as it’s said to be truly top-tier in Europe.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife – the island’s capital
Santa Cruz is the cultural center of the island and offers many interesting places:
- Plaza de España – the main square with a beautiful fountain
- Auditorio de Tenerife – an iconic modern building resembling the Sydney Opera House. If there’s a concert here, I definitely recommend it. It’s subsidized, so tickets are absolutely ridiculously cheap.
Every year, a carnival is held here, which is reportedly one of the largest in Europe.
Botanical Garden in Puerto de la Cruz – Jardín Botánico
If you want to get to know the exotic flora of the Canary Islands, a visit to Jardín Botánico in Puerto de la Cruz is a great choice. This historic botanical garden, founded in 1788, is among the most beautiful in the Canary Islands.
The garden is a great place to relax and learn about local and world flora. If you like peaceful and photogenic places, definitely include it in your itinerary.
Whale and dolphin watching
It might sound a bit exaggerated, but Tenerife really is one of the best places in the world, or at least in Europe, for watching marine mammals.
- The Los Gigantes area is ideal for boat trips
- The most common species here are bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales – we even spotted dolphins during a simple ferry trip to the neighboring island.
For eco-friendly watching, I recommend choosing certified operators who respect marine life.
Stargazing in Tenerife – one of the best destinations in the world
Tenerife is considered one of the three best destinations in the world for stargazing, along with the Atacama Desert in Chile and Mauna Kea in Hawaii. The reason is the clear sky, minimal light pollution, and high altitude, which provides ideal conditions for astronomical observations.
If you want to try astrotourism, Tenerife is the place! You can book a professional night excursion with telescopes, or simply take a blanket and binoculars and head into the mountains. This unique experience will allow you to see the stars like never before!
But don’t be misled! You won’t be getting a tour of a huge astronomical observatory, but rather a group of astronomers with their own telescopes, scattered around parking lots throughout the park. We were a bit surprised, but in the end, it was a great experience that I can definitely recommend. Just equip yourself with warm clothing!
Camping in Tenerife and the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are a paradise for outdoor adventure lovers. There are several official campsites in Tenerife and on the neighboring islands, but wild camping is regulated and requires a permit.
Official campsites in Tenerife
🏕 Zona de Acampada de Chío – located near Teide National Park, ideal for mountain hiking.
🏕 Camping Las Raíces – located in the La Esperanza area, a great spot for those wanting to explore the north of the island.
🏕 Camping Punta del Hidalgo – right by the ocean, suitable for surfing lovers.
Camping is popular in the Canary Islands, but it’s necessary to apply for a permit in advance through the Cabildo de Tenerife authorities. So officially, it’s not allowed without a permit, but it’s often tolerated if you follow basic camping principles and leave no trace.
If you want to camp in a car, that is allowed, but you mustn’t use any camping gear. So taking out a chair or table is no longer allowed, but you can sleep in the car.
Where to get a camping gas canister for cooking?
If you’re planning on camping or hiking, you can buy cooking canisters in stores like Decathlon or specialized outdoor shops in larger towns.
During our visit at the end of 2024 and beginning of 2025, it was actually quite a miracle to find a screw-on canister – they were sold out everywhere, including Decathlon. Almost everywhere, even in small village shops, they have pierceable canisters. We found one screw-on at the hostel, and another at Leroy Merlin in La Laguna, but it was the tall and heavy version.
Surfing in Tenerife – the best waves
Tenerife offers great surfing conditions all year round.
- Playa de las Américas – the best spot for beginners and advanced surfers
- El Médano – a well-known spot for kitesurfing
Surfing conditions vary by season, but generally, the best waves are in winter.
What is the water temperature in Tenerife?
The water temperature ranges between 20–24°C all year round, allowing for year-round swimming.
Paragliding in Tenerife
Tenerife is literally a paradise for paragliding lovers. It probably won’t surprise you when I say the island offers some of the best conditions in Europe, whether you’re an experienced pilot or want to try a tandem flight for the first time. Thanks to the warm climate, stable winds, and diverse landscape, you can enjoy incredible flights over volcanoes, cliffs, and the ocean.
The best spots for paragliding in Tenerife
- Izaña – flight from Teide National Park (2,200 m above sea level)
- Taucho (Adeje) – the most popular flight over the south of the island
- Ifonche – flights over deep canyons
- Los Realejos – the best spot for flying in the north
If you want to try paragliding for the first time, don’t worry! Tenerife offers many professional instructors who will take you on a tandem flight.
Trip to neighboring islands – La Gomera, El Hierro, La Palma
Tenerife is a great starting point for exploring other Canary Islands. You can fly there or take a ferry; financially, it often comes out similar.
- La Gomera – known for its mountain trails and beautiful rainforest. For us, it was one of the top experiences of the holiday, so I wrote a separate article about it here.
- El Hierro – ideal for diving
- La Palma – fascinating volcanic scenery and observatories
Inter-island boat transport is provided by ferries from Fred Olsen Express and Naviera Armas. I recommend searching on Direct Ferries, as it gives you all the available options.
A final word
Tenerife is an island full of contrasts and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re planning an active holiday or just want to relax on beautiful beaches, this island will definitely thrill you.
You’ve surely noticed that various superlatives were mentioned several times in the article, and it wasn’t an exaggeration! Of course, this brings with it various downsides associated with overtourism. Please keep this in mind; if you can, use public transport and take your tissues and toilet paper with you.
If these 30 tips aren’t enough, check out my map with 150+ tips
Kanárské ostrovy: Mapa 200+ míst na Tenerife a La Gomeře
Objevte krásy Kanárských ostrovů – Tenerife a La Gomery s mojí podrobnou digitální mapou, která obsahuje 180+ míst na těchto rozmanitých ostrovech. Prozkoumejte devět kategorií mapy. Perfektní pomocník pro plánování dovolené!
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Tenerife
Heading off on an adventure?
What to pack? Check out my gear not just for trekking.
You can find what food I take on my travels here.
Looking for cheap travel insurance? You can find 50% off AXA insurance here.
Find out what food supplements I pack for the mountains here.
Also read the article How to get cheap flights.
Missed your plane? Flight cancelled? You could get up to 16,000! Find out how here.
