Tenerife Itinerary: An Exciting Travel Guide for Spain's Hidden Gem

To say the least, Thanksgiving travel in the US can be hectic and unnecessarily expensive. If spending the day with your drunk uncle is not something you’re not looking forward to, here’s a tip: go to Europe for an off-season adventure instead. Seriously. For 1/3 of the price, you can see the most crowded touristy places without the crowds. Yes, you might be sacrificing a little bit of sunshine, but I’ll take empty Las Ramblas or the Vatican over summer crowds any day. This is how the idea of my Tenerife itinerary was born.

Having been to Spain numerous times, I decided it was time to show my parents this gem. We snatched $300 tickets from New York and flew to Madrid. From there, we took our fancy $15 Ryanair flight to Tenerife Sur, the southern airport of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. We wanted a little more sunshine than New York and some good food instead of turkey.

Living in the United States, it can be difficult to learn about the vacation spot stereotypes of Europe. When I booked a trip to Tenerife and started planning, I became anxious about the supposed “relaxing” vacation. However, most blogs only focused on the party scene of the island’s main tourist spots. I had low expectations, but to my surprise, Tenerife exceeded them all. Despite common warnings, this island proved to be a perfect vacation spot with hidden gems to explore. Find out more about the unexpected wonders of Tenerife.

With this guide, I bring you the best Tenerife itinerary including logistics, top places to see, and most importantly, guides to download at the bottom of this page!

IMG 4945 Spain — *Family Thanksgiving in Europe*

IMG 4835 Spain — *Family Thanksgiving in Europe*

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Quick Tenerife logistics

How Many Days in Tenerife is Enough?

If you’re planning a trip to Tenerife, I recommend spending a minimum of three days on this magnificent island. During your stay, I suggest exploring the natural wonders of Tenerife, such as the awe-inspiring Mt. Teide. Then, make sure to set aside some time to soak up the sun on one of the island’s stunning beaches. Finally, no trip to Tenerife is complete without experiencing the lively atmosphere of a tourist hotspot like Los Cristianos or Santa Cruz.

Despite its lively hotspots, Tenerife offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As soon as I landed on the island, I felt a sense of calm and relaxation. For active travelers, three days in Tenerife will give you a taste of this laid-back lifestyle. However, if you have the luxury of staying for around five days, you’ll have plenty of time to truly appreciate the island’s volcanic beauty at a leisurely pace.

Size & Transport in Tenerife

To truly experience all that Tenerife has to offer, renting a car is practically essential, as this relatively small island offers so much beyond its main cities. While it is possible to drive around the island in a day, I highly recommend against it. The roads can vary from highways to narrow, winding mountain roads, which can be a challenge for even the most experienced drivers. Keep in mind that the roads can be stomach-churning, especially when sharing the road with large buses. While buses are available to get from point A to point B, the rental prices of cars on the island are so reasonable that it’s worth the expense.

Tenerife boasts two airports, one in the North and one in the South. Regardless of which airport you choose, it’s important to have a logistics plan in place for exploring the island. The North is cooler and greener, while the South is hotter and rockier.

Alternatively, taking a ferry is another way to see the island. The Santa Cruz port in the north connects to Gran Canaria and mainland Spain, while the southern port of Los Cristianos provides access to other islands such as La Gomera, La Palma, and El Hierro. Although ferry tickets can be more expensive than flying, it’s a fantastic way to see more of the Canary Islands.

driving in tenerife — *Roads in Tenerife*

Food in Tenerife

When dining in Los Cristianos or Playa de las Americas, you’ll likely come across an abundance of foreign-owned restaurants serving up pizza and burgers. If this is your preferred type of cuisine, do some research to find the best spots and you won’t be disappointed. However, for those seeking a more authentic taste of Canarian cuisine, my fellow travelers highly recommend checking out the following posts, this comprehensive restaurant guide, or this guide here :).

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to indulge in some of the cheapest drinks you’ll find anywhere on the island. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon or an exciting night out, getting a little tipsy in Tenerife is the perfect way to add some fun to your day.

People & Safety

During your travels in Tenerife, you’re likely to come across many ex-pats from Germany, Britain, or Italy who have made the island their home. From our experience, we found that the Airbnb hosts, restaurant staff, and other service providers were all extremely friendly and accommodating. While we did meet a few locals during our trip, we found them to be very hospitable and open to interacting with tourists.

It’s worth noting that the primary language spoken on the island is Spanish, so it’s a good idea to have some basic knowledge of the language as many locals may not speak English. While Tenerife is generally considered a safe destination, it’s important to exercise caution and take precautions to protect your belongings. Unfortunately, we had a bad experience where our car was robbed while parked at a viewpoint. Despite being parked in a public area, the thieves managed to steal our phone, camera, money, and credit cards.

While incidents like these can happen anywhere, it’s essential to be vigilant and take steps to protect your belongings. We highly recommend never leaving personal items in your car and getting travel insurance to protect yourself in case of theft or other mishaps. I was fortunate enough to have had our car covered under our Chase Saphire card and our stolen items reimbursed by Allianz Travel Insurance after filing a claim.

If this ever happens to you take the following steps:

Call the police. In my case, there was no signal in the mountains so we drove to the nearest town and located a police station. Make sure to get a police report!
Take pictures and make a detailed list of what was stolen.
Go to the rental place and submit a report. They will exchange the car for you and make you pay for the damage upfront if you used your card insurance.
File a claim with your insurance company for the stolen items and car rental insurance for whichever policy you used.
In a month or so, you should get your check in the mail assuming you have the proper paperwork.

IMG 4784 Spain — *This is how we were parked and this is what we returned to after 5 minutes of exploring.*

59673843692 1991B400 5D2C 40A3 91DD 4F31FAD2D673 Spain — *This is how we were parked and this is what we returned to after 5 minutes of exploring.*

Accommodations in Tenerife

Accommodation options in Tenerife are plentiful, catering to various budgets and preferences. From all-inclusive resorts to small family-owned properties, farms (fincas), Airbnbs, and even hostels, there’s something for everyone. As a budget-conscious traveler, I opted for Airbnb accommodations in Tenerife, which proved to be a smart choice. I found some amazing homes, one in the south and one in the north, providing two excellent bases for exploring the island. Compared to a hotel, Airbnb offered more personal space, breathtaking views, and greater flexibility. If you’re not planning on spending all day lounging by the pool, I highly recommend considering Airbnb for your stay in Tenerife.

Sightseeing options

While Tenerife may not offer an endless list of sightseeing spots, there are still plenty of fun and exciting activities to choose from. Whether you’re interested in exploring nature, lounging on the beach, visiting small towns, or experiencing the island’s amusement parks, there’s something for everyone. Some are pretty popular others are more of Tenerife’s hidden gems. Check out some of the highlights below and be sure to grab the downloadable itinerary to make the most of your trip!

Perfect Things To Do On Your Tenerife Itinerary

Tenerife is a versatile tourist destination that caters to a wide range of travelers. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing, all-inclusive hotel stay, or prefer to explore the island with a rental car or hiking shoes, there’s something for everyone. For those on a budget, basic hostels and cheap beers can be found too!

If you’re looking for spring-like weather, a variety of outdoor activities, and some great drinking spots, you won’t be disappointed. And no, not every street is filled with drunk Europeans! Tenerife is a destination that has it all, offering must-see places that cater to every interest. Below are some of the top spots to visit in Tenerife, categorized for your convenience.

Natural Attractions in Tenerife

Mount Teide

Mount Teide is a volcano located in the center of the island. It is the highest point in all of Spain and yes, it is still an active volcano. Having a history of erupting every 100 years and the last eruption in 1909, we’re still waiting for the next sign of activity from it.

The volcano is located in a national park and there are a couple of different ways to see it. The simplest is renting a car and driving through the park. It will take you about an hour to two hours, depending on how many stops you take. There are many viewing points and honestly, you will not get bored of them as they each offer a different viewpoint.

Reaching the summit of Mount Teide

If you’d like to see the Tenerife from above, a good option is to take a cable car to the top of Mount Teide. The availability varies and you generally need to book weeks to months in advance depending on the season. From there you can climb further (1hr) to the top but you will need a special permit. For experienced hikers who want more of a challenge, they can begin their ascend from a lower point (5+ hours) all the way to the top, again with a special permit. There is a hostel-like refuge up top that requires prior reservations which allows you to see the one-of-a-kind sunrise from the top. Look on the official Mt. Teide website which does an excellent job of explaining all of the hiking options you have.

IMG 4828 1 Spain — Notice the paraglider in the second photo!

DSC05812 Spain — Notice the paraglider in the second photo!

I took the option of a guided tour there which includes a drive up (not all the way up but still pretty high) to see the sunset, then a small break for dinner, and lastly a stargazing experience. It was a unique way to see it but it was indeed very touristy. Mt. Teide is known for being one of the best viewing spots in the world for stargazing. There are many companies that offer this excursion so pick one based on your budget and personal preferences.

The companies offer similar itineraries but pay close attention to what is included (pick-up location, number of people going, food and drinks, return). I like this option if you’re traveling with a family and don’t want to worry so much about the logistics of times and places to park, the company will take care of all of it.

star gazing tour in tenerife — *Long exposure star photo and Mt. Teide from far away*

DSC05808 Spain — *Long exposure star photo and Mt. Teide from far away*

Los Gigantes

Masca Valley

Masca Village is a beautiful village in the mountains that is worth making a trip to. Since these two landmarks are near each other, they’re worth seeing together. Just getting there is quite stunning. It requires driving on very curvy roads in the middle of the mountains. There are some walking trails available for those wanting to take a little bit of a detour, or just taking a small break at one of the local restaurants to admire the scenery is enough to get the gist of this amazing place.

Anaga Park

Driving through this park on TF-12 is one of the most scenic drives you will do in Tenerife aside from Mount Teide. The roads are scary but the views are stunning. You can follow this road from or to Las Teresitas Beach. Trust me, you will not regret this drive. If you’re more into hiking, there are hiking trails you can access.

Icod de los Vinos

Located on the northeastern side of the island, this spot is mostly known for the Drago Milenario tree which is hypothesized to be around 1000 years old. Although the tree is pretty impressive, if you’re located on the other side of the island, I would not personally go out of my way to see it. The town is small and cute with some restaurants, but overall there isn’t much to do there.

Beaches in Tenerife

Playa las Américas

This is the most known beach on the island of Tenerife. It is full of restaurants, bars, obnoxious happy hours, and a lot of people but in my opinion, it is just something you have to see and experience. Places are popular for a reason and there is nothing wrong with falling for that tourist trap sometimes. The beach is beautiful, the sand is nice and warm, the water is clean and there are plenty of lounge chairs available. Even the little beach promenade is a nice activity to do. I don’t care what the reputation is, I liked that spot very much. Go to Veronica’s strip for good nightlife.

Playa de los Cristianos

Beaches, amazing sand, lounge chairs, resorts and hotels, restaurants, bars, shops you name it Los Cristianos has it. People? Oh, yea. It has them too. But if you don’t want to miss out on the liveliness and Las Americas seems like a little too much, come here. Since it is one of the most popular spots, during peak times you might want to head out early to get a good spot. However, if this is your vibe, you won’t be disappointed.

Playa del Duque

A smidge north of Los Cristianos, you can also find this nice little beach. With beautiful sand, clean water, and a slightly less busy spot compared to its neighbors, this could be a great choice for your southern island beach visit.

Playa de las Teresitas

Arguably the most known beach after Cristianos and Las Americas in Tenerife. It’s on the northern side of the island but it’s beautifully situated near the mountains. There are plenty of little booths that rent our chairs and sell “beach snacks” and drinks. The water is clear and the views are great. Very relaxing and highly recommended!

IMG 6059 Spain — *Family time at Playa las Teresitas*

pina coladas in tenerife — *Family time at Playa las Teresitas*

Playa de la Teija

Located at the southern tip of the island near the Sur airport, it’s a nice little spot to visit if you’re in the area. The backdrop mountain gives it a little character in a rather dry, volcano-ey spot. There isn’t much happening in terms of activities nor are the options for restaurants. Still, it is very natural and a nice escape from overcrowded beaches that pop up during peak season.

Playa de la Arena

If you like black sand beaches, you’ll love this place. Located in a somewhat busy resort area, it is also close to Masca and Los Gigantes. The vibrant palm trees add to the beachy vibe and you can definitely score some good happy-hour deals in the area.

Playa Abama

A little more south of Los Gigantes, this small beach is protected by rock formations on both sides. You can find the famous Ritz-Carlton nearby if you’d like to escape the one-euro beer climate. Parking may be difficult unless you’re a hotel guest there.

Tourist Spots

Los Cristianos & Playa las Americas

Not going to lie, both are heavy tourist areas that are catered to an average traveler. With that said, however, it is still a very entertaining area you’re looking to get a little sun on this short trip, start at this beach and admire the nice beachfront hotels and restaurants. Both of these are next to each other and you can walk along the beach from one area to another. Los Cristianos is a more quiet area catering to an older more “calm” crowd while Playa las Americas is a loud, happy hour crowd. Both little towns are worth visiting on your holiday.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz was one of my favorite spots in Tenerife. With a more Canarian vibe, you can enjoy some restaurants, bars, and shops. The small parks in the city and all its nature make the city exciting to explore. Some notable things to see would be Plaza de España, Auditorio, Mercado de Nuestra Senora de Africa, Calle Castillo, Iglesia de San Francisco de Asís and just simply walking the town. It has a very different feel compared to the two tourist hot spots mentioned above and I found it quite relaxing.

La Laguna

This beautiful town is a little smaller than Santa Cruz, but also a lot more charming. It’s worth a spot for lunch with some nice strolls around its colonial structure.

Commercial Attractions

Loro Parque

Although I am personally not a fan of zoos, this park could be a great option to explore if you have kids or you want to see a lot of animals. This is the biggest attraction in the Canaries.

Siam Park

This is a very large water park with a high rate of visitors. People love it and so will you if you’re looking for all-day of fun. It rates very highly on all travel boards and people enjoy this for their family time. It is located in Costa Adeje near Playa Las Americas.

Siam Mall

If you’d like to shop, this will be the perfect place for you. Located in the southern part of the island in Costa Adeje near Siam Park, for those who enjoy shopping as part of their traveling, make sure to make a stop here.

Perfect Tenerife Itinerary: FREE Downloadable Guides for your stay

Now the best part. If you like my suggestion and are thinking of visiting this island, don’t forget to download the best itineraries for your stay!

Three Perfect Days in Tenerife

Three days on the island is just enough to see all the major spots. On the first day, you will focus on all outdoor, natural attraction sights as they simply cannot be missed when visiting this island. Day two is more relaxing with some beach time and exploration of the more touristy cities which in my opinion, should be experienced despite their basic reputation. For day three activities, I centered them in the northern part, which is a more green area compared to the volcanic south.

Download the FREE 3 days in Tenerife itinerary Download

A simple map for your reference

Is there something you think I missed and should be added to this itinerary? I would love to hear your thoughts! Comment below. If you’re looking for a similar destination, check out my Madeira guide, an island not too far away.

Kasia Kalemba

Kasia is a travel blogger that loves to share her detailed itineraries and travel tips with her community. She’s traveled to numerous countries and makes it a priority to explore her home state of New Jersey while still being passionate about her 9-5 career.

2 Comments

Maya Bennett says:

February 16, 2024 at 7:00 am

Hi! Great post!

Last summer I decided to exploring Puerto de la Cruz in a guided tour and it was a total delight.

From charming streets to black sand beaches – it’s the perfect blend of historic charm and coastal beauty.

A must-visit gem in Tenerife!

Maya

Erwindeack says:

February 17, 2024 at 10:54 am

Hello from Kiddishop.