About Tenerife
Tenerife is the largest of Spain's Canary Islands, a volcanic island in the Atlantic about 300 kilometres off the coast of Africa. It is dominated by Mount Teide, which at 3,715 metres is the highest peak in Spain and, measured from the ocean floor, one of the tallest volcanoes on Earth. Teide National Park, with its lunar landscapes of lava flows and cinder cones, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and among the most visited national parks in Europe.
The island is often described as having a continent's worth of microclimates. The dry, sunny south around Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje attracts beach holidaymakers in winter, when temperatures stay around 20 to 24°C. The greener north is home to the historic town of La Laguna, a UNESCO site whose grid influenced colonial cities in the Americas, the banana plantations of the Orotava Valley and the old resort of Puerto de la Cruz. The capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, hosts one of the world's largest carnivals each February.
Our guides explain where to stay on the island, what to do from stargazing to whale watching, and how to handle car hire, airports, seasons and costs.
Tenerife city guides
- Where to stay in Tenerife
On an island where the climate and character change dramatically within an hour's drive, choosing where to stay matters. The south is sunnier and resort-focused; the north is greener, more Canarian and cultural. The upmarket resort area on the south-west coast has luxury hotels, beach clubs and the Siam Park water park, often rated among the best in the world. Beaches such as Playa del Duque and Fañabé are sheltered, with golden sand often imported. It is ideal for families and couples seeking sun and comfort. Restaurants and shops along the promenade are plentiful but international in style. Playa de las Américas is the island's nightlife centre, with bars and clubs on the Veronicas strip, plus surf spots. Los Cristianos, once a fishing village, is slightly more relaxed and has a port with ferries to La Gomera. Both offer a wide range of hotels and apartments at moderate prices. They are close to Tenerife South Airport.
- Things to do in Tenerife
From volcano summits to whale watching, Tenerife offers far more than beaches. Drive up through pine forests to the Las Cañadas crater, a vast caldera at about 2,100 metres. The Teleférico cable car takes visitors to La Rambleta at 3,555 metres in about eight minutes. To walk the final stretch to the summit crater, you need a free permit from the national park, booked weeks or months in advance, unless you stay overnight at the Altavista refuge and climb before 9:00. Walk around the Roques de García rock formations, and be aware of altitude sickness. Tenerife's skies are protected by a special law that limits light pollution, making the island one of the best places for stargazing. The Teide Observatory, founded in 1964, offers tours. Guided stargazing excursions in the national park are popular, often combined with sunset above the clouds.
- Practical tips for visiting Tenerife
Tenerife has two airports. Tenerife South (TFS), Reina Sofía, near Los Cristianos, handles most international flights. Tenerife North (TFN), near La Laguna, serves mainly inter-island and mainland Spain flights. Titsa buses connect both airports to resorts and Santa Cruz. Taxis from the south airport to Costa Adeje cost about €30 to €40. Renting a car is the best way to explore the island, especially Teide, Masca and Anaga. Roads are good, but mountain roads can be narrow and winding. Titsa buses are reliable and cover most of the island; the Ten+ travel card offers discounts. The tram links Santa Cruz and La Laguna. Canary Islands residents enjoy free bus travel, but visitors pay. Tenerife has been dubbed the island of eternal spring. Winter temperatures on the coast are about 20 to 23°C, summer about 26 to 30°C. The south is sunnier and drier; the north is greener with more cloud. Teide can be snowy in winter and cold at night year-round. Occasional calima (dust from the Sahara) brings haze and heat.
Destination overview · Tenerife
Stays via Hotellook
Flights via Aviasales
Partner 718768
This site contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through our partners — at no extra cost to you.
See our Affiliate Disclaimer.
What to see in Tenerife
Famous attractions and neighbourhoods — pair them with stays near the action.
What to do
Experiences that make a short break feel complete — with links to stay nearby.
Places to stay in Tenerife
Compare hotels and apartments via Hotellook (Travelpayouts). Deep links include partner marker
718768. Optional dashboard widgets can be pasted in config.
Get there · Flights to Tenerife
Aviasales search with affiliate marker. Enter origin IATA (e.g. RIX, LHR) and destination IATA.