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Sun worshippers, outdoorsy types and party people – holidays to Tenerife are staple for all kinds of travel lovers.
Canary Island classic
Think of the Canaries and you’ll probably think of Tenerife. It’s been serving serious sun, sea and sand to Brits since the seventies, and it’s still a go-to for a classic fly-and-flop today. Year-round rays keep everyone coming back, even in the winter, and it’s got some other strong stats to back its rep, too. We’re talking 15 Blue Flag beaches, Spain’s tallest mountain and the second-biggest carnival in the world – the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival in the island’s capital city. It’s no surprise that it draws in all kinds of travel lovers, from families and outdoorsy types to party people.
Multi-coloured coastline
The sweeps here don’t come in just one style. If you like that cliché white-sand aesthetic, Costa Adeje’s where you want to be – they went above and beyond to create the perfect beach here by pulling white sand from the seabed, and the clear water and swaying palms look like they’re straight from the Caribbean. Playa de las Teresitas’ golden sands have come all the way from the Sahara Desert, or you’ve still got the cool volcanic beaches with their OG black sand, like the ones in Playa de la Arena and El Medano.
Naturally beaut
There’s more to Tenerife than topping up your tan, like lacing up your walking boots and going for an epic hike. Teide National Park is packed full of trails and routes that weave around craters, rocks and cacti. The winding roads here are also pretty legendary for road cyclists, and there are plenty of places to hire a bike from down in the resorts. Or, skip the sweat sesh and catch the cable car up Mount Teide for unreal views across the island. Want to check out a different Canary Island? Take the ferry from Los Cristianos over to lush La Gomera.
Family fave
This island’s always a win for a family trip. Buzzing resorts like Playa de Las Americas bring the holiday vibes all day long with daytime activities, massive shopping malls and evening entertainment, as well as bars and restaurants with every kind of cuisine you can think of. The main event for families, though, is Siam Park – AKA the biggest waterpark in Europe. Everything’s Thai-themed, so expect to see lots of dragons and colourful temples on the rides and slides. The wave pool gets a special mention and so does the lazy river, which is the longest one in the world.
Best resorts in Tenerife
This resort’s giving big holiday energy. The Golden Mile is where the action happens – it’s lined with bars, restaurants and shops, and there’s a fountain and light show every evening. The south-facing sweep is one of the best on the island, plus it’s a great pick for watersports.
Known for its boujie feel, this pick’s home to a load of high-end hotels and luxury resorts. The modern centre’s all designer boutiques and sleek bars, and Playa del Duque is covered in VIP cabanas you can hire for the day.
Pick between two beaches – Playa de Los Cristianos and Playa de Las Vistas. The town itself has more of a rustic, fishing-village vibe, but there’s also a modern prom covered in sleek shops, bars and restaurants. You can catch ferries to the other islands from here.
Famous for its stunning cliffs and beaut scenery, Los Gigantes is super peaceful. It feels a world away from the bright lights of Playa de Las Americas, and it’s the place to be for chilled days on the sand, catamaran cruises and low-key evenings in traditional restaurants.
Spoiler – this one’s for golf lovers. All eyes are on the two lush courses that break up the dry desert landscape – spend the morning perfecting your swing, then it’s a lazy afternoon in your hotel’s spa before some fresh seafood for dinner down at the marina.
A popular pick for secluded five-star resorts, like the iconic Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife. Lots of stays come with their own private sweep, but you’ve also got three pretty coves right there, plus a swish lido that’s ideal if you want the sea views minus the saltwater.
Puerto de la Cruz is Tenerife’s chicest resort. It’s got a big foodie scene, the town’s full of colourful buildings and the pretty boardwalk was made for evening strolls. Even the beach is gorg – the black sand is covered in plants, flowers and cacti, which is why it’s called Playa Jardin.
Stay in the island’s capital for an urban break or take a daytrip here to spice up your holiday. The city’s got a sweet combo of historic sites and grand architecture, as well as a modern part with shops, restaurants and bars. And its stunning white-sand sweep means beach days are on, too.
Top Tenerife holiday deals
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Why pick Tenerife holidays
Winter sun
Sporty scenes
Family fun
Big nights out
Your guide to Tenerife holidays
The beaches are the big draw here, but this island’s got a lot more going for it beyond them…
- Siam Park – You’ve already seen this mega Thai-themed waterpark on socials, and it’s worth the hype. In Adeje, it’s the biggest waterpark in Europe, and it’s got something for all ages – chill on the lazy river, brave the nearly vertical Tower of Power, or check out the Wave Palace, home to largest artificial waves in the world. There’s an entire manmade sweep – Siam Beach – with real white sand, plus loads more slides, flumes and splash parks just for little ones.
- Katandra Treetops at Loro Parque – Climb up through the treetops in this walk-through aviary and see which birds you can spot – it’s just like being in a rainforest.
- Teide National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak. Get the best views of the volcano on a cable car ride and soak up the volcanic landscapes, including lava fields and craters, or set off on a hike to see it all up close.
- Los Gigantes Cliffs – Known as ‘The Giants’, these towering cliffs jut out of the ocean along Tenerife’s west coast. Hire a kayak and make your way along the base of the cliffs, or take a boat tour to combine them with dolphins and whale-watching.
The Balearics are a bigger name for nightlife, but Tenerife carries the Canaries in the party department.
- Tenerife Strip, Las Veronicas – Playa de las Americas is the place to go if you’re going out out, and the Strip’s at the heart of it. There’s everything here from Irish pubs and karaoke bars to all-nighter clubs.
- Piramide de Arona, Las Americas – For a more low-key evening, head to this OTT venue in Playa de las Americas. The huge pyramid with a temple-style entrance looks like something from Las Vegas and has regular events like the famous Carmen Mota Flamenco Show.
- Beach bars, Costa Adeje – The beachfront along Playa del Duque is lined with boujie bars and clubs. Places like Kaluna Beach Club and Monkey Beach Club are prime picks for sipping on sangria, listening to chilled beats and catching the sunset.
- Salsa bars, Santa Cruz – Have your Dirty Dancing moment in one of the capital’s salsa clubs and show the locals your moves – Casablanca Disco Bar is a Canarian institution.
From local markets to glitzy malls, Tenerife holidays aren’t complete without a little retail therapy.
- Siam Mall – This mall in Adeje is where you’ll find your fave brands from back home, with over 70 shops like Zara, Mango and Guess, as well as fast food chains and other restaurants. It’s nothing like the shopping centres you’re used to, though – it’s all open-air and set in tropical gardens.
- Los Cristianos Market – Held on Tuesdays and Sundays, this large, open-air market is one of the biggest in Tenerife. You can pick up everything from clothes and jewellery to souvenirs and foodie products – you’ll deffo want to leave a bit of space in your suitcase to bring something home.
- The Golden Mile, Avenida de Las Americas – This shopping avenue is one of the liveliest spots in Tenerife. The sleek marble-style complex is lined with modern shops, designer boutiques and flashy restaurants – whether you’re looking to splash the cash or just stick to window shopping, this is a must-visit spot.
- La Laguna Old Town – This historic city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the pretty streets and check out the cute boutiques and artisanal shops selling traditional crafts and local produce – it’s a great spot for ticking off a bit of history while you shop.
Press pause on the fly-and-flop and spice up your itinerary with these outdoor activities…
- Play golf – Tenerife’s a big name for golf trips, thanks to its year-round sunshine and scenic courses, and there’s an entire resort – Golf del Sur – dedicated to it. Golf Costa Adeje is a firm fave for its Atlantic Ocean views, and Amarilla Golf & Country Club has a challenging layout backed by Mount Teide.
- Hiking – The whole island’s basically one big volcano, so the terrain is top-tier for hiking. In Costa Adeje, Barranco del Infierno is a popular trail through a canyon to a waterfall. The Anaga Rural Park hike takes you through forests in the lush northern part of the island, and the Mount Teide Summit is a big one that’s perfect for more of a challenge.
- Wildlife watching – Tenerife is one of the best places in Europe for whale and dolphin watching, with over 20 species in its waters, including pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins and even orcas. Book a boat tour from Los Cristianos, or combine it with a catamaran cruise with stops for snorkelling.
- Sightseeing – Step back in time to see what island life was like before Tenerife started trending. Visit La Orotava and Garachico, two historic towns on the quieter north coast. They’ve still got that classic white-washed look, cobbled streets and Baroque architecture, plus some charming family-run restaurants where you can try authentic Canarian cuisine.
You already know Tenerife has a good beach or two, and here are the best…
- Playa de las Teresitas – Sitting pretty just north of the capital, this sandy stunner stretches for one and a half kilometres, making it Tenerife’s longest beach. And it’s not black like most of the island’s, as the golden sand was imported specially from the Sahara. It’s a fave for locals as well as tourists because of how close it is to Santa Cruz, and it’s got loads of handy facilities, like restaurants, beach bars and showers.
- Playa del Duque – There are some seriously upscale stays right on this chic beach in the luxe Costa Adeje area. It’s known for having pristine sand, cliché-clear water and fancy facilities, like cabanas and beach clubs.
- Playa de las Vistas – Easily the most popular beach in the sunny south, this Blue Flag stretch runs between Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas. It’s got calmer waters than other parts of the coastline, and the fact there are lifeguards and it’s near all the big hotels makes it a hit with families.
Everyone loves white sand, but classic Canarian beaches have volcanic black sand you don’t see in many other places.
- Playa Jardin, Puerto de la Cruz – Designed by the renowned Canarian artist César Manrique, it’s surrounded by landscaped gardens, volcanic rocks and palm trees. With views of Mount Teide, it’s one of the prettiest spots on the island.
- Playa de la Arena, Puerto Santiago – Famous for its fine volcanic sand and super clear water, this beach has deffo earned its Blue Flag status. It’s less crowded than some of the bigger touristy beaches, so it’s got a more relaxed vibe.
- Playa del Duque Norte, Costa Adeje – While the main Playa del Duque is known for its golden sand, Playa del Duque Norte is a bit of a hidden gem further north. It’s a lot more secluded than the other one, so it’s all yours if you don’t mind going a bit further, and the black sand is just as pretty.
Tenerife’s cuisine is a yum blend of Spanish, African and Latin American influences, with a big focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- Papas arrugadas – AKA wrinkled potatoes. They’re boiled in salted water, which gives them their wrinkly texture and are served with mojo sauce. It’s a simple yet delish small plate, usually eaten with other tapas or as a starter.
- Mojo sauce – A traditional Canarian sauce made from olive oil, garlic, vinegar, and spices. It comes in two types – mojo rojo, made with red peppers or chili, and mojo verde, made with coriander or parsley. Warning – you won’t be able to eat any dish without this sauce after you’ve tried it…
- Ropa vieja – A hearty stew made from shredded beef or chicken, chickpeas, potatoes and vegetables, all cooked in a flavourful broth. It’s a super simple and filling dish that’s been passed down through generations here.
Beer, wine, rum… Tenerife produces lots of its own alcohol and you’ll be drinking it all holiday long, whether you’re in an All Inclusive stay or you’re out in a local bar.
- Barraquito – A layered coffee that’s all over menus in Tenerife. It’s made with espresso, condensed milk, Licor 43 – a Spanish vanilla liqueur – steamed milk, and a sprinkle of cinnamon, topped with lemon peel. You won’t be able to finish a meal without one…
- Ron Miel – Or honey rum, this super sweet spirit is a Canarian speciality. Drink it as a shot or sip it slowly over ice – and yes, they do sell bottles of it at the airport…
- Canarian wine – Volcanic soil is always a win for winemaking, and Tenerife’s got a lot of it. There are five different domains on the island, with Listán Blanco and Listán Negro being the most common grape varieties. The white, red and rosés are all delish and you can taste them at a wine tasting at one of the vineyards.
- Cerveza Dorada – This is the local beer, so remember the name. It’s a light, crisp lager that’s brewed right on the island, and it’s best-enjoyed cold – and on the beach.
Why we love Tenerife
Popular holiday types
Spend your day sipping piña coladas poolside, your meals are all right there whenever you’re hungry and you get some activities and entertainment thrown in too. Get away from it all in Los Gigantes, or stay in Playa de Las Americas for the best of both worlds.
Tenerife’s ticks every box for getting away with the kids. Go for a self-catered apartment for plenty of space and a mix of meals in and eating out, or go all in with a big family-friendly hotel that’s got all the facilities. And did you even go to Tenerife if you didn’t visit Siam Park?
The flight time to Tenerife is only about four hours, so it’s a solid shout for squeezing in some last-minute sunshine. Plus, the rays are around all year, so there’s basically always availability for getting away ASAP.
Infinity pools. Swim-up suites. Rooftop bars. Whatever luxury set-up you’re after, you’ll find it in Costa Adeje. Live in a boujie bubble, shopping designer boutiques, hiring a whole cabana on Playa del Duque and eating a Michelin-star meal in the resort centre.
Tenerife FAQs
With its edge-of-the-tropics setting, Tenerife gets a generous supply of sun all year round. Visit between June and August and you’ll be treated to up to 11 hours of sunshine a day. Summer temperatures in the south can soar to the low 30s, and in winter, you’ll rarely see the mercury dip below 19°C. That said, go north and things are a little more humid, with occasional showers thrown into the mix.
If you’ve got a UK passport, you can stay up to 90 days without a visa.
Please make sure you check the FCDO website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, Tenerife is very family friendly. The island’s got lots of beaches that are good for younger children and there are loads of attractions, like Siam Park. Many hotels and resorts also have kids’ clubs and family activity programmes, too.
The south of Tenerife is known for its sunny weather, lively nightlife and family-friendly attractions. This is where you’ll find most of the big-name resorts, like Playa de Las Americas, Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje. The north is lusher and greener, plus the temps are usually a few degrees cooler. It has more of a laidback vibe and is a fave for adults-only trips.
Tenerife is really easy to get around. Hiring a car gives you the most flexibility for seeing more of the island. The public bus service (TITSA) is reliable and connects most parts of the island, including tourist hotspots like Mount Teide, Santa Cruz and the airport. Taxis are easy to find, but they’re the most expensive way to get about so are best for short journeys.
Tenerife uses the Euro. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most touristy spots like hotels, restaurants and shopping centres, but it’s always handy to carry some cash for local markets and smaller, family-run places.
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Tenerife travel advice
Passports and Visas
British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Spain but must have a valid passport. You can check your passport’s valid for Spain using our handy tool. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements.
Health and safety
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. If you’re travelling to the EU and you apply for a card now, you’ll get a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead of an EHIC. This entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Spanish nationals. It won’t, however, cover you for medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment. Visit www.nhs.uk/ehic for full details on what it covers. You do not need to apply for a GHIC if you already have an EHIC. Your EHIC remains valid in the EU until it expires. An EHIC or GHIC is free of charge. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/health
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