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The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife has more to it than you might think. Besides the reliable warm climate throughout the year, which made it a popular destination for sun-seekers since the 1960s, Tenerife has a wilder side (not the one you might be familiar with).
Tenerife is gaining recognition among nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. The island surprised us with its untouched, tropical northern coastline. While Tenerife might not boast the finest beaches in the Canary Islands, like those found in Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and La Graciosa, our experience discovered an unexpected, untamed beauty on this unique island in the Atlantic.
Many will choose to stay in an all-inclusive hotel for the week in Tenerife (why would you leave when you have everything you need?!). We understand that you may be looking to enjoy a relaxing holiday, but we highly recommend exploring for a day or two around the island to experience the wilder side of Tenerife, you won’t regret it.
This guide will share the best places to visit in Tenerife for a 4 day trip. Tenerife is an island of contrasts, between the north and south of the island and we spent a week on the island and have put together our top recommendations to make a memorable trip. This guide can be adapted to your itinerary whether it's 2 or 3 days in Tenerife or even if you only plan to spend one day exploring. This guide will share with you the best things to do in Tenerife including the best beaches and towns to visit.
Where is Tenerife?
The island of Tenerife is a Spanish island, located in the archipelago of the Canary Islands, which are an autonomous community of Spain. Tenerife is in the Atlantic Ocean, off the northwestern coast of Africa and is the largest, most well-known Canary Island out of the group. Tenerife is located between the islands of Gran Canaria, La Gomera and La Palma in the western group of the Canary Islands.
What is Tenerife known for?
Tenerife is proudly home to the tallest peak in the Canary Islands and Spain, El Teide which stands at 3,715 metres above sea level. Teide was formed along with the rest of Tenerife as a result of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago.
The fertile volcanic soil is spread across the island and when combined with the subtropical climate, this provides the ideal habitat for a diverse range of plants and animals. Tenerife grows bananas, sugar cane, citrus fruits, tomatoes and potatoes.
In the southern part of Tenerife, warm temperatures are found throughout the year, making it a year-round destination and ideal for relaxing on the beach or enjoying downtime by the pool, as this section of the coast is particularly sheltered from offshore winds. Tenerife is great for sailing resulting from warm trade winds and is also good for watersports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing and surfing.
Tenerife is an island of contrasts, you’ll discover arid, volcanic landscapes in the south and lush, tropical Hawaiian-esque surroundings abundant in tropical flowers and banana plantations in the north. The weather in the north is much less predictable due to the mountainous terrain, which results in more clouds and wind.
How to get to Tenerife?
Getting to Tenerife is relatively easy, there are two main airports in Tenerife, Tenerife North Airport (TFN) and Tenerife South Airport (TFS). The locations of the airports are fairly self-explanatory and if you’re flying from the UK there are a variety of flight options from budget airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, and WizzAir. Flying from London directly to Tenerife takes approximately 4.5 hrs.
The majority of flights will arrive at Tenerife South Airport, as this is closest to the sunnier south coast and has great transport connections. If you are arriving from outside Europe, there are options to get connecting flights from mainland Spain and other European cities.
The Canary Islands are connected by an extensive ferry network and many cruise ships will stop in the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife which is the capital of Tenerife or Los Cristianos.
How to get around Tenerife?
When you arrive at either airport there are many transport options to take you to your accommodation in Tenerife. In Tenerife South Airport, there is an information desk outside to help you with transport and where to go as there are several stations and stops.
By Car
We would highly recommend hiring a car to explore the island and have the ultimate freedom to choose your itinerary with no restrictions on timescales or waiting for the bus. The roads are well maintained and the main motorway TF-1 connects most of the south of the island to the capital Santa Cruz. In the north, the TF-5 motorway connects Santa Cruz to the northern coast of Tenerife.
Most of the motorways follow along the coastline and offer some incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. Once you leave the motorways, most of the roads are well-signposted and are in good condition. It’s worth noting that many of the roads in Tenerife are narrow in places and only allow the passing of one vehicle at a time, especially around Masca Valley and the north of Tenerife.
When we arrived at the airport we caught a shuttle bus to our rental car company Goby Car and were impressed with their service and the rental car we were given. It was a hybrid electric car which meant we saved a lot of money on fuel for the trip.
By Bus
Public transport in Tenerife covers the majority of the island and is affordable and reliable. Bus tickets can be purchased in the airport at the ticket machines, Titsa bus stations, Ten+ mobile app and if you get a physical card ticket it will cost €2. The bus network is operated by TITSA and the buses are green which makes them easy to spot.
There is the option to buy a day travel card which costs €10 and lasts for 24 hours with unlimited journeys on buses and trams in Tenerife. All tickets can be paid by card or cash. If you plan to use the bus for single journeys then it’s worth purchasing the pay-as-you-go rechargeable pass ten+ card where you load credit onto the contactless card and get a discount fare for using the card.
Another option is purchasing a 7-day travel card for €50 which gives you unlimited travel for the week. Other discounts are offered including purchasing a round-trip ticket where you’ll be offered 10% off the single ticket price and only valid for distances further than 20km.
Check out this interactive map from TITSA to plan your journeys along the main tourist routes across Tenerife.
By Taxi or airport transfer
If you’re looking for the most convenient option especially if you’re arriving at unsociable hours in Tenerife then getting a taxi or airport transfer might be the best option. Airport transfer can also be an affordable option and is usually cheaper than a taxi, book in advance or buy tickets when you arrive. Taxis are available from the airport and are on the right hand side of the airport when you go outside.
What to know before visiting Tenerife?
The main language spoken in Tenerife is Spanish, the locals speak Canaria Spanish which is a local dialect and it has some Portuguese influences. Many local operators and tour guides speak English, however as much of a privilege it is to be from the UK, it is always useful to learn a few phrases.
Most of the beaches in Tenerife are of volcanic origin, black sandy beaches are the most dominant on the island with a unique look and feel. The contrast of the black sand and ocean water creates a striking contrast. There are some golden sand beaches such as Playa de Las Teresitas, however, these are not natural and were created by importing sand from the Sahara desert.
Check your passport before leaving the UK, and make sure you follow the current rules for travelling in the EU since Brexit. Your passport must be issued less than 10 years before the date you enter Tenerife and your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave Tenerife. Each of these requirements is independent of each other, meaning you must comply with both requirements.
It is important to note that as a UK traveller, you must comply with the Schengen rules where you can travel up to 90 days in the Schengen area within 180 days. When you arrive in Tenerife, make sure at border control that your passport is stamped on arrival and when you leave.
What to take with you whilst visiting Tenerife?
It may seem a bit controversial saying this if you’re planning on coming to Tenerife for some winter sun but make sure to bring a jacket or coat for the evenings as it can get cold. Especially if you plan to explore the northern coast, bring a waterproof jacket as it is known to experience more wind and rain.
When is the best time to visit Tenerife?
Tenerife enjoys warm temperatures across the year as it benefits from a subtropical climate, the warmest months are June, July, August, September and October averaging over 20°C. Tenerife is commonly known as ‘the island of eternal spring’ and is one of the most popular destinations for UK travellers who are looking for warmer weather it provides the perfect escape to help those who are affected by SAD (seasonal affective disorder) in the winter months.
The most popular times to visit are in December for Christmas festivities until April, especially with the Easter holidays when flights and accommodation are usually the most expensive. The best time to visit Tenerife without the crowds and warm weather would be March, May, June, October and November. We visited the island in late January, early February and weren’t overwhelmed by crowds, especially if you escape to the north of Tenerife.
4-day Itinerary in Tenerife Map
This map lists all the places mentioned in the article from points of interest to the best parking options to visit them.
How to use the map
Click on the top left for the map legend which shows the 4-day itinerary and best places to visit. Click on the blue pins below for more information and save them to your device to use later. We’d recommend downloading offline maps which will make navigating the island much easier without the need to rely on the internet.
Day 1 - Los Gigantes and Costa Adeje
Los Gigantes
Famous for its spectacular cliffs, Los Gigantes is located on the west coast of Tenerife. A popular day trip for those staying in the southwest of the island, it provides spectacular views and the chance to explore the ocean by boat. We would recommend avoiding the harbour area as it can get very busy with tourists and only visit if you plan on going on a whale watching boat trip.
Along the western edge of Tenerife, this coastline is renowned for providing the ideal habitat for whales and other marine life as it is sheltered from nearby strong currents, especially in Los Gigantes.
Whilst exploring Los Gigantes, stop by the captivating natural swimming pool ‘Piscina Natural Acantilado de Los Gigantes’. If you plan to go for a swim, check the tide times before visiting as this spot is lovely, especially at sunset. You may also find a few crabs near the pools. Many beaches in Tenerife are not ideal for swimming, these natural man-made sea pools are filled with ocean water and protect you from the wild Atlantic Ocean.
When parking in Los Gigantes, you can park for free close to Acantilados de Los Gigantes. When we visited Los Gigantes we parked on the road Tf-454 opposite some shops and walked along, Cl. Tabaiba to get away from the crowds and there are unobstructed views of the cliffs.
Wear comfortable footwear when visiting Los Gigantes, the town is set on the cliffs and will require a lot of walking up and down hills. We noticed many cars trying to park in the harbour car park which was already full by late morning, it’s best to find street parking as suggested above.
Costa Adeje
The calm coast of the southwestern part of Tenerife is where you'll find most all-inclusive hotels, resorts and attractions. This section of Tenerife has a high density of accommodation and hotels thanks to its reliable sunshine and sheltered from offshore winds, which makes it perfect for sunbathing on the beach or by the pool.
During the day, especially in the winter months from January to March, this part of Tenerife is popular with sun-seekers and the beaches can get busy. You’ll be able to find everything you need here including shops, restaurants, banks, bars, entertainment, watersports and attractions.
The most beautiful beaches in this area include Playa del Duque, Playa Abama, and San Juan Beach. If you’re looking for somewhere to get away from the crowds head to Playa de la Tejita (20 minute drive from Costa Adeje), a great sunset spot and a nudist beach.
Europe’s largest water park, Siam Park is found in Costa Adeje and is very popular for adrenaline-fuelled adventurers. Unfortunately, we discovered that Siam Park is owned by Loro Parque which keeps captured Orca Whales for display and there is an unfortunate history with animal keepers at the park - watch the documentary Blackfish for more information on the subject.
After consistent public pressure on Jet2holidays, in 2024 the operator cut ties with Loro Parque and other marine park entertainment in their holiday packages. This was after being one of the only remaining operators to support and promote these activities in recent years.
We stayed in the Iberostar Sábila for a few nights in the Costa Adeje as it is a great location as a base to explore Tenerife.
Day 2 - Teide National Park and Arco de Tajao
Teide National Park
Located in the centre of the island of Tenerife, Teide National Park is a natural wonder. Whether you climb to the top of El Teide (permit required) or take the shortcut via the cable car the landscapes are awe-inspiring. The roads leading to Teide are in great condition making it easy to access by car or bus.
We arrived late morning in Teide and there were limited parking spots near the visitor centre. Be patient and you will find a parking space but be prepared to wait for one to become available. Alternatively, we'd recommend getting there before 11 am, or visiting late afternoon once the main tours and visitors leave to chill by the pool.
We walked along the Roques de Garcia trail, a beautiful and short hike which takes just over an hour to complete. The route starts opposite the visitor centre (see Google map above for the starting point), with free toilets, detailed information about Teide National Park and a restaurant that is part of a hotel.
Start the route anti-clockwise, this allows you to enjoy views of the impressive volcano, Mount Teide. The beginning of the walk displays some of the most unique rock formations, and if you would prefer to do a short ramble you could walk this route for 10-15 minutes and return in the same direction as the terrain is relatively flat at the start. Another benefit of starting the route in this direction is that you will see the rock formations in all their glory lit by the sun, creating wonderful photo opportunities.
The route is well-marked and you'll reach a halfway viewpoint where you can see the hiking route back to where you started. The spectacular views of the valley floor below display the historic eruptions which formed the vast volcanic landscape.
The path will descend until you reach the valley floor and en route, you will pass rocks standing isolated in the middle of the valley which feels like a Wild West movie. For the final segment of the hike, there is a climb back up to where you started. Wear supportive shoes as there are loose rocks along this route and take care of sharp volcanic rocks because they are particularly nasty to fall on.
Arco de Tajao
A natural sandstone arch, Arco de Tajao is a unique formation that seems atypical to Tenerife making it a special place on the island to visit. Located on the south coast of Tenerife, Arco de Tajao was part of a pyroclastic flow from a large eruption which started over 700,000 years ago and is made of volcanic deposits.
Over many years, the rock formation was subject to consistent erosion which carved the shape of the arch to what you can see today. There are two parallel ravines which due to their proximity have allowed the gradual erosion to carve the rock and leave Arco de Tajao in all its glory. The arch is fragile and has provided shelter to local farming communities in Tenerife over the years.
This part of the island was the windiest part of Tenerife during our visit, be careful when opening your car door and when walking around the arch. Arco de Tajao is easy to access, a car park is located next to the arch which isn’t visible from the road as it is found in the canyon below.
Take the steep path down to the left of the car park (when facing the ocean) and you’ll discover the Arco de Tajao. Walk under the arch for a different viewpoint of the arch and closely observe the sandstone composition which shows deposits of pumice and large jagged rocks.
Day 3 - Masca Valley and Garachico
Masca Valley
North Tenerife has a much more green, wild and dramatic coastline is a sharp contrast to the drier landscape in the south. The weather is unpredictable as a result of the mountainous terrain, bring a warm jumper or fleece and rain jacket if you plan to hike. Landslides are common after and during rain, especially in the hilly and mountain areas.
Masca Valley is a beautiful, lush green valley surrounded by mountains, located in the northeast of Tenerife. The cobbled streets of Masca, offer a dramatic viewpoint and is an adventure to get there! The village features beautiful white stone cottages and tropical palm trees.
Masca village is located at the top of Masca Gorge, where a popular hike starts from the village and traverses down to Playa de Masca, a remote black sand beach. The hike takes you through the gorge, past waterfalls, and under arches and is an 8km route which may be challenging to inexperienced hikers. Take a guided tour through the Masca Gorge to experience the adventurous side of Tenerife.
The road to Masca ‘TF 436’ from Santiago de Teide is a single track for most of the route with regular passing places. If you are not a confident driver or have no experience driving narrow mountain roads, this may not be suitable. Whilst driving along this road we came across many nervous drivers and cars parked in awkward places which made it harder to pass, especially with oncoming traffic.
There are other ways of reaching Masca Valley without driving, you can either join a tour or catch the bus to avoid the challenge of driving down to the village. If you decide to do a tour you may miss out on the multiple viewpoints along the road to Masca, which have very few free parking spots but benefit from a stress-free journey!
If you decide to drive to Masca, you may have to reverse a few times, especially when you come across a bus. The parking in Masca is very limited around 60 spaces in total, we would suggest you either visit before 10 am or before sunset. It’s worth the effort when you arrive at the village for the views and you’ll also discover several shops and restaurants.
Please be considerate when driving and parking along the mountain roads of Tenerife. Do not park in front of cars, block entrances or pull up on the side of the road for a photograph as this can create traffic jams as large buses also use this road. Take care whilst driving as we noticed several loose rocks on the road.
We would not be surprised if at some point if at some point this road is restricted to only buses and resident cars, similar to Es Colomer in Majorca which is now a cycling paradise with traffic restrictions at certain times of the year. However, this road does connect the southern part of the island to the north without the need to drive to Santa Cruz.
Garachico
Garachico is located in the north of Tenerife, with a rich and ancient heritage it was founded in the 15th century and was an important trading port. The town was almost destroyed after a volcanic eruption in 1706, the Church of Santa Ana was one of the places where the locals took refuge. After the eruption, the town’s busy trading port came to a sudden halt.
The picturesque coastal town of Garachico is around 45 minutes from Masca Valley and will take you past the viewpoint of Mirador Altos de Baracán. It has a charming, relaxing feel with boutique hotels, restaurants, cafés, shops and a beautiful tree-covered town square opposite the church which is overlooked by the convent of San Francisco.
There is a large free car park, close to the coast and Garachico swimming pool. When we visited in January, both the swimming pool and tidal pool were closed to the public due to rough waves in the ocean.
Day 4 - Orotava and Playa Bollullo
La Orotava
La Orotava is a must-see when in Tenerife and is a beautiful town in north Tenerife, perched on the hillside steeped in history, with beautiful streets and gardens and several phenomenal viewpoints. We found this free parking close to the old town of Orotava which is a short walk to the main historical centre of town.
It’s one of those towns where you can easily just explore for a few hours without direction and stumble across charming hidden streets and gardens. Hijuela del Botánico is home to a diverse variety of plants from Tenerife, a tranquil space which is free to explore with a wonderful example of a dragon tree.
After all that exploring you’ll have earned ice cream from Relieve bakery, located on C. Carrera del Escultor Estévez opposite the town hall Ayuntamiento de la Orotava and they also serve delicious traditional and modern pastries and other sweet treats.
Plaza de la Constitucion is a wonderful place to relax and relish the incredible views across the town and the Atlantic Ocean. The plaza has an ornate bandstand with a perfectly placed café to watch the world go by. Built in 1928, Liceo de Taoro (Taoro Lyceum) is a grand building, now home to the cultural society but still open to the public to visit and eat at the café overlooking the grounds.
Next door you’ll find the immaculate Marquesado de la Quinta Roja Gardens, these were designed and built by Marchioness Doña Sebastiana del Castillo who was denied by the Catholic church to have her son buried in the family pantheon due to his involvement in Freemasonry. Eventually, she was granted to bury him there instead of the gardens she created for him. The staggered landscape of the gardens provides unobstructed views of La Orotava.
Playa Bollullo
While exploring the northern coastline of Tenerife, there are many secluded beaches worth visiting. One of the most beautiful beaches in Tenerife is Playa Bollullo. The road which leads to the beach car park is narrow and be prepared to face oncoming traffic as there are a few blind corners. If you don’t fancy driving down narrow roads you can walk from Puerto de la Cruz.
The car park for Playa Bollullo is opposite a restaurant and costs €5 for tourists and €3 for residents of Tenerife. From the restaurant, it is a short 5-minute walk down to the beach, cross over the road and follow the path right and eventually, you’ll reach a point and turn left towards Playa Bollullo. There are strong waves at this beach and it is not suitable for swimming. Some resident ducks call this beach home - they chose a pretty good spot!
Lifeguards are stationed on the beach and the black sand is a beautiful contrast to the ocean foam which hits the shores. There are facilities on the beach including a café and toilets.
Where to stay in Tenerife
Budget £
Hostel Tenerife, La Orotava
There are budget choices for accommodation in Tenerife and if you’re happy to stay in a hostel then Hostel Tenerife is a good choice. Set in the centre of the old town of La Orotava, the hostel is in a great location for exploring Tenerife and is found in the north of the island. The hostel has free WiFi across the hostel and offers free bike hire, a shared lounge area and a community kitchen. This is the ideal base for those who want to enjoy hiking in the north of Tenerife including Teide and Anaga.
Muy Buenavista Apartment, Los Gigantes
The Muy Buenvista apartment in Los Gigantes benefits from wonderful ocean views and the surrounding dramatic cliffs where you can watch the sunset from the balcony. The apartment has access to a private pool, living room, bedroom and kitchenette.
This beautiful hostel is found in Los Realejos in north Tenerife, Canary Bio Hostel is a well-kept hostel with all the facilities you’ll need for a memorable trip to Tenerife. There is an outdoor fireplace you can enjoy on those cooler evenings and yoga classes are available to join.
This spacious apartment has room for 4 people, tastefully decorated with a kitchen and living room. The terrace has an ocean view and is a bargain for the price!
MID RANGE ££
This duplex apartment in Punta del Hidalgo has the most incredible views from the outdoor terrace of the surrounding Adraga mountains. Imagine sipping your favourite drink whilst watching the light change over the magical mountain landscape - pure bliss!
Hacienda El Cardon Villa
We stayed in this exquisite villa in Suan Juan de la Rambla, Hacienda El Cardon villa is split into two separate villas with a shared outdoor space. The property has beautiful gardens and access to a lovely hiking route along the old sugar cane trail with breathtaking coastal views. The villa is nestled amongst a banana plantation and is a peaceful place to stay in Tenerife.
LUXURY £££
Villa Casa Carmen – Hacienda Cuatro Ventanas
This magnificent property was our favourite place to stay in Tenerife. Hacienda Cuatro Ventanas is an exquisite villa in the north of Tenerife. There is an infinity pool that shows some of the best views we experienced of the island and the sunsets from here are spectacular. Hacienda Cuatro Ventanas is surrounded by lush green banana plantations and only a short walk from the popular surf spot El Socorro beach. The property has a total of six villas to choose from and we stayed in Casa Carmen which is perfect for couples and has a private garden, an ideal morning breakfast spot.
We stayed in the Iberostar Sábila for a few nights in the Costa Adeje after arriving in Tenerife South Airport. It’s a convenient location as only 30 minutes from the airport and a good base to explore Tenerife. The hotel is located on the seafront, with all-inclusive meals and plenty of entertainment, a spa, gym, cooking classes, swimming pools and relaxing areas. Iberostar Sábila is an adults-only hotel and is the perfect place to return after a day out exploring Tenerife. If you plan to rent a car, there is limited parking at the hotel but most guests arrive by taxi or airport transfers. Star Prestige is a luxury service which offers better rooms, and exclusive areas to enjoy including a rooftop pool.
This luxury villa is located in the exclusive area of Palm Mar in southern Tenerife. The villa has a heated pool, modern architecture and a beautiful outdoor terrace perfect for a memorable holiday in the sun.
A beautifully decorated property that combines traditional and modern in Los Realejos in north Tenerife. Finca el Patio has an incredible outdoor pool, and mountain vistas and is surrounded by a banana plantation and spacious rooms to relax.
Located on the popular south coast of Tenerife in Costa Adeje, the Royal River Luxury Hotel is a unique adults-only hotel with endless entertainment and plenty of space to chill. The best feature of the hotel is the lazy river which runs through the property and you can swim right up to your villa.
