Our Tips for 1 Week in Tenerife
There are so many incredible things to do in Tenerife; you could easily spend weeks here! However, 1 week in Tenerife is still a great amount of time to see a mix of natural parks, beaches, and colorful villages.
Note: We stayed in the authentic town of Puerto de la Cruz to do this Tenerife 7-day itinerary (see all hotels). However, you could spend half your itinerary here and the other half relaxing in a hotel in the south.
This island was such a surprise for us; we had only ever thought of Tenerife as somewhere you’d come for a relaxing pool vacation. But it’s so much more adventurous than that! Especially in the north, there’s so much natural beauty, from lava pools to volcano hikes and cloud forests.
Tip: It’s always best to check the weather forecast for each place beforehand and/or the live webcams. If the weather isn’t good for that day of your itinerary, swap around the days for somewhere sunnier!
Did you know? There are two airports in Tenerife: one in the north and one in the south. It will take 1 – 1.5 hours to drive from the southern airport to Puerto de la Cruz. The north airport is much closer (only a 20-30 minute drive).
Once you’ve settled in, take the bus to the stunning Jardín Botánico, a peaceful oasis in the city. Discover thousands of species of exotic plants and a beautiful orchid garden. We particularly loved the sounds of stunning tropical birds — the best sound to hear after an early flight!
Entry fee and opening times: Open from 9 AM – 6 PM most days of the year. 3 EUR/3.30 USD entry.
Head for the bustling Plaza del Charco to soak up the lively vibe before enjoying your first delicious lunch of your Tenerife itinerary at Mokita Foodiexperience or Restaurante Régulo.
Afternoon: Beaches and Relaxation
In the afternoon, enjoy island life at the beach! There are some fantastic volcanic beaches; the rocky Playa San Telmo is particularly pretty.
For something really unique, visit Lago Martiánez, one of the many saltwater pools on the island. We visited quite a few on our trip, but this one was by far my favorite! The aquamarine colored pools sit next to the deep blue Atlantic Ocean — the perfect place to relax, with palm trees, sunbeds, and beautiful coastal views. It’s a fantastic alternative to the beach if the ocean is too rough for swimming.
Entry fee: 5.50 EUR/6 USD. Find out more information here.
Tip: My absolute favorite thing to do every evening in Puerto de la Cruz was to watch the sunset from El Castillo San Felipe. It had such a great vibe! Bring some drinks and snacks and sit on the stone stairs to face the ocean. We got really lucky, as every time we went, a man played beautiful live music as the sun went down.
Where to Stay in Tenerife: Puerto de la Cruz!
Puerto de la Cruz is one of our favorite towns on the island and is where we chose to stay for our one-week itinerary in Tenerife. There’s something special about this coastal gem with its black volcanic beaches in the foreground of the majestic Mount Teide (an active volcano and the highest peak in Spain!).
We stayed at Alua Tenerife. We found this a reasonable price for what you get (good rooms, a nice breakfast, and a big pool). It’s also located next to the old center of Puerto de la Cruz, a quiet area near lovely black sand beaches and good restaurants. It is a typical resort-style hotel, though, so if that’s not your vibe, we recommend one of the other options below.
Day 2: La Orotava + Teide National Park
On your second morning of this Tenerife 7-day itinerary, drive from Puerto de la Cruz to the colorful town of La Orotava (15 minutes). Spend a few hours wandering among the picturesque cobbled streets with canary yellow and red houses. Everywhere you look, there are fantastic views across the valley and ocean!
The must-see spots in La Orotava are Casa de los Balcones and Club Social Liceo Taoro. If you must pick only one, choose Casa de Los Balcones, one of the island’s most famous buildings! You can do a fascinating audio tour as you explore the stunning wooden carvings of the 17th-century house. We loved the palm trees and banana leaf plants surrounding this little oasis of calm.
Entry fee: 6 EUR/6.50 USD. Book your tickets in advance here
Optional: If you have time, check out Liceo de Taoro, a historic mansion offering one of the best viewpoints.
Lunch Recommendation
Grab lunch in town at Café Breslau, Bar Los Castillos, or Casa Verde. There is also the option to grab a drink or snack at the café inside Liceo de Taora, which has a terrace and a great view! Reserve your table online
Afternoon: Teide National Park
Teide National Park is the absolute highlight of this Tenerife 7-day itinerary! The incredible moon-like landscapes of this area are the location of the active Teide Volcano. However, it hasn’t erupted in over a century, so it’s very safe!
The journey to get here is an adventure in itself: drive 1 hour from La Orotava along the scenic TF-21 road, stopping off where you’d like to take photos of iconic rock formations like the ‘Queen’s Shoe’.
Once you arrive, you have two choices: take the famous cable car to the summit or enjoy one of the many beautiful hiking routes in the park. Both have their advantages! For example, the cable car (although expensive at 24 EUR one way) has incredible views!
Book a tour of Mount Teide (including round-trip transfer and cable car)
Hike: Sendero Roques de Garcia
While we thought the cable car looked great, we chose to hike Sendero Roques de García, one of the park’s shorter but most beautiful hikes. Walk through otherworldly landscapes with incredible views of Mount Teide.
- Start point: Parador de Cañadas del Teide Hotel
- Difficulty: Easy (follows a well-established gravel path)
- Length: 3.6km in length and takes 1.5-2 hours, depending on stops. See the hiking trail here.
- Best Time: Afternoon for golden hour light! Time your hike to return around sunset.
Tip: We slightly mistimed our hike and ended up hiking in the dark, which wasn’t the safest experience. 😅 We recommend ensuring you’re back at the parking before dark. Always check the live webcams in Tenerife for the weather as an additional safety precaution. It’s no fun hiking in thick clouds!
Stargazing in Teide National Park
Teide National Park is home to some of the best stargazing in Europe! Because of the low light pollution, the stars here are unbelievable. Bring some snacks and drinks as you watch the sun go down and the twinkling stars emerge. There is a canteen at Parador de Cañadas del Teide, but it closes at 6 PM, and that’s the only place to buy food and drink nearby.
Make sure to drive carefully on your return journey to Puerto de la Cruz as it’ll be dark by this time, and the roads are windy and unlit.
Tip: Don’t have a car on your one-week itinerary in Tenerife? There are plenty of tours to Teide National Park, including stargazing and a visit to Teide Observatory.
Summary: Tenerife Day 2
- La Orotava
- Teide National Park
- Hike: Sendero Roques de Garcia
- Stargazing
Day 3: Icod de los Vinos + Wine Tasting
Rise and shine for day 3 of your 1 week in Tenerife! Today, you’re headed to one of the prettiest places on the island: Icod de los Vinos. While the area is known for its winemaking, it’s most famous as the home of the thousand-year-old Dragon Tree, which is believed to be one of the oldest trees in the world!
Getting to Icod de los Vinos: 30 minutes by car from Puerto de la Cruz
Parque del Drago
The tree sits within the beautiful Parque del Drago, a luscious botanical garden filled with palm trees, cacti, herbs, and other plants. My favorite thing (besides the Dragon Tree) was the incredible fragrance of flowers and the sweet sounds of native island birds.
Entry Fee: 5 EUR/5.50 USD. Book your ticket for Parque del Drago here
After, treat yourself to a delicious coffee and cake at Casa del Drago (opens 11 AM), a historic house inside the park with traditional canary stone and wooden beams. We had some of the best homemade food here!
Casa del Plátano (Banana Museum)
Not far away from Parque del Drago is a cute banana museum called Casa del Plátano, where you can learn all about the history of banana farming in Tenerife. The museum has a vintage feel and features old Land Rovers for decoration.
Check out all the beautiful black and white photos showing the old banana plantations in the area — one of which was the site of the botanical gardens!
Entry fee: 5 EUR/5.50 USD. Get your ticket in advance here.
Outside the museum, you can also explore a small banana plantation with the fluffiest chickens hopping around. Soak up the vibes and enjoy your free banana (part of your entry ticket!).
Book your multi-stop tour of north Tenerife (including Icod de Vinos)
Lunch: Garachico
Continue driving east along the coast to Garachico (15-minute drive), one of Tenerife’s most colorful and happy villages. There are a few parking spots in and around the village — all pinned on our Tenerife Google Maps — but the biggest is this location.
Enjoy a delicious local lunch before exploring the painted streets filled with traditional Canarian houses, lush plants, and trees. We loved the Old Town and the beautiful Plaza de la Libertad, where you can find the most historic buildings.
As you walk, consider stopping at Mirador Emigrante or take your car to this fantastic viewpoint. I also recommend grabbing a delicious gelato at Gelateria Artesanal Italiana Fragola to accompany your stroll (my favorite on the island!).
Swim at the Lava Pools
Up for a dip? Head to the lava pools in Garachicho (Piscinas Naturales El Caletón). These are the most popular on the island, with its cute stone paths, sunbathing spots, and clear waters. Unfortunately, the ocean was too rough for us to swim in the pools when we visited, so we recommend checking the weather beforehand.
You can also visit Garachico on this multi-stop tour in North Tenerife. Book your spot in advance here.
Afternoon: Playa de Castro or Bodegas Monje
Depending on how you’re feeling, there are two ways you can spend your afternoon on day 3 of your Tenerife itinerary.
Playa de Castro
This was my favorite beach in Tenerife, as it’s one of the most scenic on the island! However, it’s worth noting that Playa de Castro is unsuitable for swimming due to strong currents and a rocky shore. It’s more about the scenic hike to reach it, which, although steep, is well worth it.
Wine Tasting: Bodegas Monje
If you’re not up for hiking or beach time this afternoon, maybe wine tasting appeals to you instead. You’re in luck, as this northern coastline is known for its vineyards.
The most famous is Bodegas Monje, which has some of the most incredible winery views! The grapevines that spread across this luscious volcanic valley slope toward the ocean with the majestic Mount Teide in the distance.
You can choose from all sorts of wine-tasting experiences, including one where you can participate in the traditional winemaking process: stomping on the grapes with your bare feet! Note: English tours are only on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 AM and 4 PM.
Getting there: 40 minutes from Garachico
Summary: Tenerife Day 3
- Icod de los Vinos
- Garachico
- Playa de Castro
- Wine tasting at Bodegas Monje (weekends only for English tours)
We recommend to rent a car in Spain through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Morning: Sendero de los Sentidos
Jump in the car and put Sendero de los Sentidos into your Google Maps, adding a stop at Miradora de Jardina. This viewpoint is one of the best in Anaga, offering panoramic views of La Laguna, Mount Teide, and the Anaga Mountains. It’s the perfect photo stop before you head deeper into the park’s greenery.
Next up is your short hike: Sendero de los Sentidos. This is a 30-minute loop hike and is very easy, making it the perfect morning activity. You’ll walk through a magical moss-covered laurel forest (one of the oldest in the world!) with ancient trees hanging over the path.
Getting there:
- Park at Cruz del Carmen Visitor Center (please note that parking can be a bit of an issue here, so it’s best to arrive as early as possible).
- From here, walk up Mirador Cruz del Carmen. On a clear day, you can even spot Mount Teide! Unfortunately for us, there was no view at all because of thick mist.
- On the opposite side of the road, you can stop and have a coffee/snack and use the restrooms at Restaurante Cruz del Carmen.
- Start your short hike: Sendero de los Sentidos (Path of the Senses). It’s a 30-minute easy loop that will bring you back to this spot.
Lunch: Restaurant Casa Santiago
When we finished Sendero de los Sentidos, it unfortunately started to rain, and the fog was getting thicker and thicker. This gave us the perfect excuse to break for lunch in a restaurant nearby (while we waited for the clouds to pass).
Note: During our one-week itinerary in Tenerife, we often checked the cloud radar on here for the most accurate weather forecast
We recommend Restaurant Casa Santiago (an 8-minute drive from Cruz del Carmen Visitor Center), where we had delicious local food. We both ordered the tuna steak cooked in a rich tomato salsa, which was absolutely fantastic!
Tip: Near the restaurant, discover panoramic views of Anaga from the Mirador Pico del Inglés. A few hundred meters further on, you’ll also find another unique photo spot: Camino Viejo al Pico del Inglés, which is an old, abandoned road surrounded by two moss-covered walls. The overhanging laurel trees here really create a mystical and magical atmosphere!
You’ll follow a narrow trail around the base of the rock itself, taking in jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the coast and the mountains. As you go, enjoy the incredible plant life, with cacti and yellow and purple flowers, accompanied by birdsong and wild-roaming goats. It felt like we were hiking in Madeira again!
Key Information
- Arrival point: Park in the village of Taborno (it’s only tiny, so you might have to park on the side of the road)
- Distance: This circular route is around 3.5 KM with moderate difficulty and takes around 2 hours for the round trip.
- What to wear: Proper hiking shoes, as the path can be slippery and muddy. Bring enough water, suncream, and a waterproof jacket, as the weather can change from sunny to stormy and cold in a few minutes.
- Entry fee: Free! No permit is required for this hike.
- Best time to visit: We recommend visiting in the late afternoon (we visited at 3 PM at the end of March). Surprisingly, it was not busy at all — we walked alone for most of the hike.
How to visit: By car from Restaurant Casa Santiago, it’s about 15 – 20 minutes. The drive down into the village is super scenic! If you don’t have a car, book a tour to Anaga Rural Park instead.
Trail Instructions
- From the village, walk up to the small terracotta colored church and take the path up on the right side of the church.
- Then, start your decline (which is only short) before following an easy path.
- Features include narrow trails with steep drops—stay focused on the trail.
Sunset at Playa de Benijo
Before you head back to Puerto de la Cruz, make a stop to watch the sunset at one of the most beautiful beaches on Tenerife:
Playa de Benijo
One of the best sunset spots in Tenerife is the scenic beach of Playa de Benijo. Here, you’ll find dramatic rock formations, black sand, and turquoise waters. It’s the perfect spot for photography, even more impressive set against sunset colors.
Note: The ocean is very wild here, making it a favorite for surfers. However, this also means it’s not the best for swimming.
Getting there: 50-minute drive from Taborno
Summary: Tenerife Day 4 in Anaga Rural Park
- Morning short hike: Sendero de los Sentidos
- Lunch at Restaurant Casa Santiago
- Afternoon Hike: Roca de Taborno
- Sunset coastal viewpoint: Playa de Benijo
Day 5: San Cristóbal de La Laguna + Sunset Hike
On day 5 of your 7 days in Tenerife, you’re headed for the UNESCO town of La Laguna! This is one of the most lively and local towns we visited on our trip, so spend 1-2 hours here shopping, sightseeing, and having a relaxed lunch.
Getting there: It’s a 30-minute drive from Puerto de la Cruz
The town is home to colorful, palm tree-lined streets, with some restored 16th century mansions and other historical sites. Nick said it felt like many South American towns we’ve visited (especially Cartagena!). Make sure to check out these top sites:
- La Laguna Cathedral
- Casa Museo Cayetano Gómez Felipe
- Palacio de Nava
- Plaza del Adelantado
Afternoon: Playa de Las Teresitas
Spend a well-deserved afternoon relaxing at the best golden sand beach in Tenerife: the beautiful Playa de Las Teresitas! Because Tenerife is only home to volcanic black sand beaches, it was created using imported sand from the Sahara and designed to ensure shallow and calm water — making it very popular. The setting is also breathtaking; scenic side cliffs, reminiscent of Rio de Janeiro, shadow the bay.
Getting there: From La Laguna, it’s around 30-40 minutes by car, depending on traffic. We recommend getting here around lunch/siesta time (between 2 PM and 4 PM), when there might be fewer people.
We recommend to rent a car in Spain through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Sunset: Mirador de Las Breñas + Sendero El Sauzal Hike
After a relaxing swim at the beach, drive to Mirador de Las Breñas in the late afternoon (a 50-minute drive from Playa de las Teresitas). This was truly one of our favorite hidden gems in Tenerife; we accidentally came across it while searching for our route home on Google Maps, and what a great surprise it was!
Arrive at this stunning viewpoint on the cliff’s edge, and take a moment to admire the view and the pretty statue. This statue tells the story of a plane crash that once happened in the ocean, honoring the local fisherman who saved the passengers on board. If you’re lucky with the weather, you can also see Mount Teide from here.
Sendero El Sauzal Hike
From the viewpoint, begin your peaceful sunset hike along the Sendero El Sauzal trail, a coastal path that takes you along the cliffs, caves, and deep blue ocean. At first, you’ll have a steep descent to reach the path (wear good shoes!), but afterward, it’s an easy 3.7 KM route there and back. Find out more about the hiking route here.
If you want tranquility on your hike, this is the place to come! As we watched the sunset, we basically had the coast to ourselves, only sharing the view with just a few local trail runners.
Tip: We noticed a road further down the coastal path, which made us think that you might have once been able to come by car (avoiding the first decline). We tried to drive down it ourselves, but it was closed. However, it might be worth putting this location in Google Maps (Sendero El Sauzal) to see if it’s open again.
Return to Puerto de la Cruz in just 20 minutes from the Mirador.
Summary: Tenerife Day 5
- San Cristobal de la Laguna
- Playa de las Teresitas
- Hike: Sendero el Sauzal
Day 6: Los Gigantes Boat Tour + Masca
On the penultimate day of your Tenerife 7-day itinerary, jump in the car and set your Google Maps to one of the most jaw-dropping places on the island: Los Gigantes. The town itself is cute, but it’s famous for the 600-meter high cliffs along the coast, which are the tallest sea cliffs in Europe!
Morning: Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour
Los Gigantes is one of the most popular places to join a boat tour — and the best place for seeing dolphins and whales on the island! It’s also a beautiful view of the cliffs from the water.
Remember: Make sure you start your drive early so you’re on time for your booked tour, as the drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Puerto de la Cruz along windy roads. You might also want to leave extra time to stop at some nice viewpoints along the way.
Unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance to experience a boat tour on our trip as the ocean was too rough. However, we would book this tour if we had the opportunity again! Remember, December – April is the time you’ll have the best chance of spotting larger whale species.
Picking a boat tour: Please carefully research and choose an ethical operator with a ‘Barco Azul’ certification. This means they follow eco-friendly guidelines. Some tours also include snorkeling as an option, giving you the chance to spot sea turtles and sting rays!
Lunch in Los Gigantes: Explore the Village and Rock Pools
Hopefully, you’ve been lucky enough to see some incredible aquatic life on your boat tour! Now it’s time to take it easy by wandering around the cute Old Town center and having a cake or lunch break at Los Gigantes Beach Club or Tea House & Bar (delicious!).
After lunch, walk to the base of the famous cliffs and discover the natural pools in Los Gigantes, which are one of the most popular things to do in Tenerife! These rock pools are some of the most exposed on the island, so you can really only swim safely at low tide.
Afternoon: Scenic Drive to Masca
Enjoy one of the most beautiful drives on your Tenerife itinerary: the TF-436 road, which takes you to Masca. You’ll cruise along hairpin bends with absolutely jaw-dropping views; this was one of the most memorable moments during our trip! As you drive, look for all the incredible viewpoints you can visit to take photos. Time your visit after 4 PM so you have fewer crowds.
Getting there: From Los Gigantes, it’s about 35-45 minutes, depending on traffic. If you’re not a confident driver, we don’t recommend driving this route, especially if you’re in a rental car (make sure you have good insurance!).
If you don’t want to drive, there are plenty of tour options. (See all tours to Masca)
Once you arrive in Masca, you’ll see what the hype is all about. Nestled in a valley among the Teno Mountains, it’s known for its dramatic landscapes and views. In fact, it’s often compared to Machu Picchu in Peru!
Although there’s not much to do in the village, you could spend hours just wandering around taking in the picturesque scenery. We recommend getting dinner or a drink here, as there are a few restaurants with incredible valley views. However, they have slightly odd opening times, with a lot closing in the late afternoon, so plan before you visit.
- Restaurante El Guanche Altaschule
- Bar Fidel
- Casa Riquelme (this is the cutest place in town, but the reviews aren’t the best, so we recommend just having a drink here)
Tip: Remember, it’s a 1-1.5 hour drive back to Puerto de la Cruz, so don’t stay too late in Masca.
Summary: Tenerife Day 6
- Dolphin and whale watching tour
- Los Gigantes Pools
- Masca
Final Day of Your Tenerife Itinerary: Day 7
Close off your 1 week in Tenerife with a bang! Depending on what you feel like, you have two choices for your final day.
Option 1: La Gomera Island
Often compared to Hawaii, the luscious landscapes, deep ravines, and ancient forests of La Gomera are a must-see. The island is much smaller than Tenerife, so many people visit it for a more peaceful, immersive, natural adventure. We sadly didn’t have time to go to La Gomera, but it looks stunning: valleys filled with palm trees and banana plantations, sloping down to small volcanic sand beaches.
Once you’ve arrived on the island, explore some of nature by taking a tour of La Gomera. This is the best way to learn about local traditions (like the famous whistling language!) and incredible natural landscapes like Garojonay National Park.
For the most value (and fun!), book this popular jeep safari. It also includes your return transfer from Tenerife.
How to Visit La Gomera
Start your day early, as you’ll need to get a ferry from the port of Los Cristianos, which is in the south of Tenerife. It’s a 1 hour 15-minute drive from Puerto de la Cruz, and leave a bit of time to spare in case of traffic or delays at the port. You can also take cars, although check your rental contract to see if this is permitted.
The ferry takes approximately 50 minutes (reserve your ticket here)
Tip: If you’re staying in the south of Tenerife during the last part of your itinerary, book this day tour to La Gomera. It includes hotel pick up, taking the hassle out of organizing your transfers.
Option 2: Barranco del Infierno Hike + Siam Park
If you’d rather stay on Tenerife for your final day, we’ve got you covered with these adventurous and exhilarating activities!
Morning: Barranco del Infierno Hike
Start your morning by taking on Hell’s Gorge (Barranco del Infierno), an incredible ravine hike that takes you through massive cliffs, rocks, caves, and tunnels. The indigenous people of the island (the Guanches) used to live inside these ravine caves! At the end of the hike, you’ll see a beautiful 200-meter-high waterfall, which is actually the island’s tallest.
- Difficulty: Moderate (you must wear a helmet for safety, which is provided at the beginning because of the small risk of falling rocks).
- Distance: 6.5 KM there and back, which takes 3-4 hours.
- Price: 13 EUR/14 USD. You must book online in advance, as the area is protected, so numbers are limited.
- Best time: It’s open from 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM, but we recommend choosing the earliest slot possible to avoid crowds and make the most of your final day!
- Getting there: It’s a 1 hour and 20 minutes drive from Puerto de la Cruz.
Afternoon: Siam Park
It’s the final afternoon of your one-week itinerary in Tenerife. For something fun, head to one of the most famous waterparks in the world: the heart-pounding Siam Park! You’ll find plenty of exhilarating water rides, wave pools, water coasters, and even a lazy river for those looking to kick back and relax.
Entrance fee: 42 EUR/45 USD per person (book your tickets here). If you’re traveling in the high season, we recommend spending a bit more on a fast pass, as we hear the queues can get really long for the rides.
Note: We didn’t visit Siam Park because they have captivated sea animals, which we are against. However, we know most people only want to visit to enjoy the water rides, so we’ve added it as an option on your Tenerife itinerary.
Summary: Tenerife Day 7
- La Gomera Island
- Hike: Barranco del Infierno
- Siam Park
Where to Stay in Tenerife
Tenerife is a reasonably big island with plenty of great areas to stay! Where you choose depends on the things you’d most like to see. For example, we decided to stay in Puerto de la Cruz in the north, near all the beautiful nature spots. However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed beach trip, you might prefer to stay in the south, where there are many great beaches and boat trips.
Tip: If unsure, we recommend going for a mix of north and south! For example, if you spend 1 week in Tenerife, spend 4 days in Puerto de la Cruz and 3 days in Costa Adeje in the south. This means you could see all the best spots in this itinerary in the first part of the trip and then spend the final days relaxing in a beautiful hotel on the south coast.
Puerto de la Cruz: Authentic & Green (where we stayed)
This beautiful town in the north of Tenerife is less touristy than other parts of the island, and it has cute architecture and noticeable Canarian culture. We loved it as it was close to all the best natural things to do on the island, like Anaga Rural Park, black sand beaches, Icod de los Vinos, and Garachico. Plus, it’s close to the northern airport and only an hour’s drive from the southern.
Note: The weather is less predictable in the north and can be noticeably cooler. There are also fewer resorts here and more apartments for rent.
Costa Adeje: Upscale & Relaxed
This southern area is home to most of the resorts in Tenerife, so you’ll find plenty of choices for all price points! There are also beautiful beaches, family-friendly activities like water parks (Siam Park is nearby), shopping centers, and many dining options. While we didn’t find it as authentic as the north, it still has its positives — the main one being the sunniest and warmest place on the island!
How Many Days in Tenerife?
One week in Tenerife is the perfect amount of time to see all the main highlights on this Tenerife itinerary — and still have some time to relax!
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How to Visit Tenerife for 1 Week?
Tenerife is a very popular destination year-round, so it has excellent connections from all over Europe! There are two airports on the island, one in the north and one in the south. Both are great, but check this when booking so you know which office to collect your rental car from.
From the airports, jump on one of the great public buses, hire a rental car, or arrange a transfer with your hotel.
Getting Around on Your Tenerife Itinerary
This Tenerife itinerary has been designed for travel by car; it’s necessary to visit the more remote places on the island. However, if you’re using the bus, you can still see many places. You may need to alter the itinerary slightly.
By Car
Our favorite way to explore Tenerife is definitely by car! There’s no better way to find hidden gems and get to some natural spots. When you rent a car, make sure you choose an accommodation with parking, as this can be an issue in high season.
We recommend to rent a car in Spain through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
The quality of the roads is also excellent; there’s a big highway around the island on which you can drive 100-120 km per hour. The more minor roads are generally good, too! Note: When visiting remote places on your Tenerife itinerary (such as Masca and Anaga Rural Park), you’ll have to drive on mountainous roads with hairpin bends and sheer drops. This is definitely for the more confident drivers!
Tip: Parking can be an issue in Tenerife in small villages. Because of this, we recommend arriving early, before the crowds, or after 4 PM.
By Bus
Public buses are amazing in Tenerife! The green buses you see on the roads go to most places on the island, even dropping you at specific points within natural parks. Moreover, the tickets are cheap, and you can easily travel more with the chargeable card.
Note: As public buses make numerous stops, the journey time will be longer than if you travel by car.
How Much Does Tenerife Cost?
While Tenerife is a popular tourist destination, the prices are still very reasonable! We had amazing fresh seafood and other local dishes for an excellent price; we never paid more than 30 EUR for a starter, two mains, and two drinks (15 EUR pp!). Remember that accommodation prices will rise during peak season, so consider that when booking your trip.
Our Favorite Restaurants in Tenerife
Tenerife cuisine blends Spanish and island influences with hearty dishes like Papas Arrugadas (wrinkly potatoes smothered in a delicious mojo sauce), stews, and freshly caught seafood. The food was fantastic everywhere we went, and in reality, there’s such a big variety; we had excellent fresh fish and local dishes, but there was terrific Indian and Italian food, too. Best of all, it’s cheap!
Here are some of our favorites from our trip:
- Casa del Drago (my favorite)
- Mokita Foodiexperience
- Casa Santiago (Nick’s favorite)
- Restaurante Alanda
- Slow coffee Tenerife
- La casa del panadero
- ZOKA Brunch & Coffee
- Indian curry, Santa Úrsula
Tip: The tap water is very safe to drink in Tenerife, so bring your reusable water bottle and travel plastic-free! It tastes a bit like chlorine, but it’s not too noticeable.
Best Time to Visit Tenerife
The beauty of Tenerife is that it’s a year-round destination because of its sub-tropical climate. Even in the winter, days are sunny, and temperatures are mild, making it the perfect escape from the cold winter days in Europe! If you visit during winter, we recommend staying in the south, as it’s the warmest and sunniest part of the island.
We visited in March, and it was wonderful! We stayed in Puerto de la Cruz (the north), where it was 18°C on average, with sun most days and just the occasional shower. However, temperatures can vary depending on where you are. For example, in Costa Adeje (south), it was 22°C, and in Teide National Park (high altitude), it was 11°C.
Tip: If you plan on visiting changeable weather destinations like Teide and Anaga Rural Park, definitely bring layers; it can get cold up high.
Note: Summer is a popular time to visit Tenerife and enjoy the beaches and resorts. However, temperatures soar to 30°C in August. Because of the crowds and the higher prices, this time is better suited to a more relaxed holiday than one for exploring.
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