Which Tenerife itinerary should you choose?

I’m continuing the organization-oriented articles with Tenerife itineraries. After exploring the island twice, both times for a week, I’m starting to know it pretty well. I fully intend to share with you all the itinerary ideas depending on the length of your vacation there: 3, 5, 7 or 10 days. I’d rather warn you that Tenerife is much bigger than it looks. That’s actually what surprised me on my first trip there. The second time, I was more seasoned and I knew what to expect haha.

What’s more, the island is full of surprises that are very different from one another. To give you an example, the north and the south are very distinct in quite a few ways. It almost makes you wonder if these two parts are on the same island. To explain it better, they have opposite climates and landscapes. The south is dry, arid and sunny with tourist seaside resorts. The north is cooler and more humid with lush landscapes and more local villages. I’m giving you the big picture even if it’s sometimes a bit more subtle.

In any case, there are plenty of things to do and see in Tenerife so, if you can, I recommend staying at least a week. Once you’re there, I can tell you that it goes by quickly. Between Teide National Park, the beaches, forests, mountains, colorful villages and more, there’s everything you need for a lively stay! For my part, that’s what I loved about Tenerife: you never really know what to expect, even though it’s still an island with a maximum of two hours by car between the northern tip and the southern tip. And if you’re hesitating about the dates of your stay, feel free to check out our guide to the best times to go to Tenerife.

To get back to the topic of the article, all along I’ll be suggesting itinerary ideas that fit perfectly with the length of your vacation so you can enjoy the island at your own pace and in different ways. So, what do you think?

Many travelers come to Tenerife for just a few days, often for a long weekend, even though it takes more flight time than going to a Mediterranean island, for example. We often forget that the Canary Islands archipelago is at the same latitude as the Sahara! Once there, the island is easy to get around. But even if I’m repeating myself a bit, it’s more varied and larger than you might think. If you can, give it a little more time than planned, you won’t regret it!

I’ll admit it, if you want a change of scenery while staying in Europe for 3 days, Tenerife is a great destination. In just a few days, you can already see several must-sees and get a first feel for the island which, in my opinion, will make you want to come back. So here is the itinerary I recommend to discover some unmissable spots on the island at a good pace:

Day 1: Santa Cruz + Las Teresitas + La Laguna

You can start by visiting the island’s capital. Honestly, it was a great surprise with its lively vibe and buzzing local life while still being close to the sea. If you’ve rented a car, I recommend taking a little dip at Las Teresitas, which is 10 minutes away by car. Even though it’s touristy, it’s so big that you won’t feel crowded. The water is really beautiful, not to mention the golden sand, brought straight from the Sahara. Then you can head to La Laguna, a superb town that has preserved its colonial-style buildings. I really enjoyed strolling around there, the atmosphere is nice and local.

Day 2: Teide + volcanic landscapes

You can’t come to Tenerife without going to Teide National Park. It’s this huge park that splits the island into two very different regions. And inside, you’ll see an incredible diversity of landscapes. It goes from lava fields (you can still see the path of the lava flows) to rock formations, all the way to lunar panoramas (I promise I’m not exaggerating). Even the second time, I felt like a kid in an amusement park. I was amazed the whole time and you really need a full day to enjoy it!

Day 3: South coast + Los Gigantes or beaches

To finish, I suggest discovering the south coast for swim stops on beaches that are more or less wild, you’ll have plenty of choice. But I really recommend going all the way to the cliffs of Los Gigantes. Personally, I found them impressive, and if you have a bit of time, you can also go on a whale and dolphin watching trip from the port of Los Gigantes. I did it and it was just incredible: I was lucky enough to see spotted dolphins a few inches away and pilot whales a few meters from the sailboat.

I’ll admit it, it’s a busy schedule but it’s totally doable. It gives you a mix of cities, nature, volcano and ocean. Of course, if you want a bit more rest, you can adapt the program!

If you have 5 days of vacation in Tenerife, it gives you time to explore more of the island’s diversity and everything it has to offer. For the first few days, I would keep:

Day 1: La Laguna + Santa Cruz + Las Teresitas
Day 2: Teide National Park

For the rest, here’s what I recommend:

Day 3: Anaga + wild beaches in the northeast

To explain it better, Anaga Rural Park is a great playground for hiking right in the middle of the tropical forest and its landscapes. It almost feels like another world compared to the rest of the island of Tenerife. You can then continue towards the beaches in the northwest; they’re very wild, just like the region. I’m especially thinking of Benijo beach. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to see it because access is sometimes closed if there is a risk of rockfalls.

Day 4: Los Gigantes + boat trip

I recommend spending the day in Los Gigantes. To start, you can go on a boat trip to observe the cetaceans. I promise it’s one of the best activities I did in Tenerife. If you can, choose a morning slot: the sea is calmer. When you get back, you can eat in a local restaurant and enjoy the black sand beach (Playa de los Guios) which faces the huge cliffs.

Day 5: South coast + beaches and relaxation

Before you leave, take the time to slow down and tour the southern beaches like Playa del Duque, El Médano or Playa de las Américas. As I was saying, the sun is always out in the south, so you might as well enjoy swimming and splashing around. I just recommend always checking the color of the flag before jumping into the water. You can also stroll along the seaside promenades or enjoy water activities such as paddleboarding and surfing.

With this itinerary, you’ll get a great overview of the island while still taking time to recharge. It feels good!

If you have a full week in Tenerife, it’s really perfect for discovering the island. In 7 days, you’ll have time to explore both the north and the south. In short: a week lets you see the best of what the island has to offer without rushing too much. For this itinerary, I’d keep this program for the first few days:

Day 1: Santa Cruz + La Laguna
Day 2: Anaga Rural Park
Day 3: Teide and its volcanic landscapes
Day 4: Los Gigantes + boat trip
Day 5: South coast + beaches

And to end on a high note, here are some gems I really loved:

Day 6: Puerto de la Cruz + natural pools in the north

I already mentioned it a bit, the north is greener and less developed than the rest of the island. Puerto de la Cruz is the most touristy town in this region, but it still offers a laid-back, local atmosphere. Very close by, there’s the small town of Garachico with its famous natural pools. They’re well laid out and pleasant. And with a bit of luck, if you go all the way to the last one, there’s almost no one there. It’s much better for enjoying the setting.

Day 7: Masca or a hike

For your last day, I suggest choosing according to your desires and how you feel that day.

• First option: go to the village of Masca, which is one of the most beautiful villages on the island. It’s nestled right in the middle of the mountains. I prefer to warn you: the roads to get there are winding and narrow, with quite a lot of traffic; you really need to be comfortable with that. Otherwise, you can stop at the Masca viewpoint, which is just incredible. You clearly see the ocean and the mountain ridges that surround the village of Masca.
• Second option: a hike around Masca or Teide National Park.
• Third option: a day at Siam Park, a very well-known water park on the island, considered the best in the Canary Islands archipelago.
• Fourth option: just go with the flow and enjoy a more relaxed and improvised day; vacations are made for that too!

In a few words, it’s an itinerary that’s still pretty full, because not everything is right next door, but it’s doable and there are still some more relaxing moments! I’m almost sure you’ll love it!

So, if you’re staying 10 days in Tenerife, that’s amazing! I recommend following the same previous itinerary for the first 7 days. For the remaining 3 days, I suggest dedicating a full day to Loro Parque. It’s an animal park that has been voted several years in a row as the best in the world by visitors. Usually, I’m not particularly fond of zoos, but this one was a nice surprise for me.

Next, I recommend doing a fun activity on the island based on your preferences. I’m thinking of snorkeling and scuba diving: there’s really rich biodiversity in the waters around Tenerife. You’re going to be amazed. And if you’re not comfortable in the water, you can go on a quad ride to fill up on thrills! Finally, I’ll let you choose what would make you happy for the extra day. I imagine that with such a program, you’ll prefer to keep a free day just for relaxing.

We often get this question: How many days do you need for a trip to Tenerife? Honestly, it depends on your pace and what you’re looking for. In my eyes, the best is to stay 7 days or more in Tenerife to really discover the Spanish island. It’s a good length of time to vary your discoveries within just a few kilometers. You quickly go from a small colorful village to wild beaches. And that’s just one example. I could give you many more!

I’ll admit I’m not very objective when I tell you 7 days or more in Tenerife, because I really fell in love with this island. But I promise you it’s worth it. If you only have 3 to 5 days, you’ve seen that it’s doable, so don’t hesitate to come to Tenerife anyway. It will just be a first taste so you can come back and see more if you want! In short, the longer you stay on the island, the more you’ll discover while taking your time. It’s up to you to decide…

As always, here comes the practical side of Tenerife itineraries. To put it simply, this is where we answer the questions we get most often.

If you don’t feel like dealing with the hassle, you don’t have to rent a car to visit Tenerife. But I prefer to warn you: there are some areas that are not accessible without a car, like Masca and certain spots in Teide Park. Even though the island is quite well developed, it really depends on the areas.

For example, if you stay in the north around Santa Cruz, La Laguna, Puerto de la Cruz or on the south coast in tourist areas like Costa Adeje, you can rely on buses, the tram (between Santa Cruz and La Laguna) or taxis/rideshares. Basically, if you stay in town and add a few organized excursions, it can work.

As for me, I rented a car through Discover Cars. It was much easier to see everything I wanted while being free to make a few detours and stops. Honestly, it made my life easier! But, as I was saying, it’s not mandatory.

If you don’t want to rent a car in Tenerife, it will require a bit more planning in advance. So, my answer is that it depends on the type of trip you want and where you’re staying. But everything is possible! For more info on the topic, I invite you to read our guide on: how to get around Tenerife.

Tenerife is the most accessible island in the whole Canary Islands archipelago. It’s simple, there are direct flights from quite a few French, Swiss and Belgian cities. Connections are mainly operated by low-cost airlines such as Vueling, Ryanair and EasyJet. So, even if it’s a 3.5 to 4.5-hour flight depending on your departure city, it remains affordable depending on the season. And the earlier you book, the cheaper it will be.
For your information, there are two airports on the island. If you’re coming from Europe or elsewhere, you’ll arrive at Tenerife South. And if you’re coming from another island in the archipelago, you’ll arrive either at Tenerife North or by ferry.

Since it’s the main island, it is well connected to all the others in the archipelago (La Gomera, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, El Hierro and La Palma), which is really handy. In short, you always have a way to get to Tenerife easily and at a reasonable price.

To cut to the chase, you can come to Tenerife all year round. Its mild, subtropical climate brings sunshine almost all year. It’s like it’s always spring, with higher temperatures in summer. It’s a big advantage to feel like it’s spring at any time of year. Of course, depending on your style of travel, you’ll prefer certain times over others.

Here’s a quick summary:

• Winter (December to February): it’s perfect for a sunny break when it’s cold back home. But in December, as Christmas approaches, prices rise quickly.
• Spring (March to May): it’s a good compromise, temperatures are super mild, even the water.
• Summer (June to August): it’s hot, but the winds make it feel more bearable. On the other hand, it’s busy almost everywhere. It’s not ideal if you’re looking for peace and quiet.
• Fall (September to November): my favorite time, the water is still warm, temperatures are pleasant and prices go back to reasonable. Personally, I don’t think it gets any better!

Well, there’s no bad time to go to Tenerife, which is already pretty great. Now it’s up to you to see which period matches your wishes and your budget the best.

If you like good food, Tenerife has plenty to offer. I recommend aiming for local spots in fishing villages such as Los Abrigos and El Médano. There are fresh fish restaurants that are really good. Plus, you can try local specialties such as papas arrugadas with red and green mojos. Believe me, you eat very well there. Of course, there are also all the Spanish-style restaurants with tapas and paellas. Safe bets too, if I can say so!

Also know that in the south, you’ll find more upscale restaurants and therefore more expensive than in the north. But whether it’s in La Laguna, La Orotava, Garachico or Santa Cruz, there are also good, much cheaper places and sometimes lovely settings.

In summary: whether you’re into local cuisine, fresh fish, tapas, modern restaurants or little seaside cafés, Tenerife is a great gourmet destination. You just need to step a bit outside the ultra-touristy areas to find real gems! I’d say what you should remember is that there’s something for every taste and at much lower prices than in France. It lets you enjoy your vacation without counting every penny!

To stay in Tenerife, there are plenty of spots, but here are a few places sorted by budget that we particularly recommend:

High budget

Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife: a large seaside resort in Costa Adeje inviting you to enjoy an ultra-luxurious stay. Pool, quality dining and premium services are all included!

Mid-range budget

Ona Palm Beach: a simple and friendly aparthotel just steps from the beach, offering beautiful views, two pools and all the comfort you need for a successful vacation in Playa de las Américas.

Small budget

Hotel Adonis Capital: this is a small, simple but comfortable hotel right in the heart of Santa Cruz, ideal for a city stopover. You’ll find clean rooms and, above all, a perfect location to do everything on foot.

If you want more accommodation options, we recommend reading our article: where to stay in Tenerife.

That’s it from us on Tenerife itineraries! I hope it gave you ideas and made your planning easier. In any case, that’s what it’s here for! I also hope I made you want to stay a bit longer on the island.

Still with the idea of helping you plan your trip, we’ve dedicated a guide to the budget to plan for a trip to Tenerife.

See you very soon for more info on Tenerife,

Written by Laura CALLES

Thanks to Mélanie and Sylvain, I had the chance to discover the Canary Islands, specifically Tenerife and Lanzarote, so that I could share these island paradises with you. Two real favorites of mine!

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