A Tenerife holiday is all about experiencing absolute contrasts – and that’s what makes it so fantastic. From black sand beaches and stunning volcanic landscapes to dramatic coastlines that could rival Hawaii, charming towns, and lush laurel forests. Tenerife has it all and more. In today’s blog post, we’ll guide you on how to explore some of the highlights of the largest Canary Island in just one week. This itinerary is perfect if you’re into a varied and active holiday. We’ve included some hikes and walks, along with the most breathtaking viewpoints, beaches, cities, dolphin-watching tours, and delicious culinary experiences. Since Tenerife is the biggest of the Canary Islands, you won’t cover the entire island in seven days, but our route gives you a solid first taste of Tenerife’s diversity.
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table of contents
Day 1: Let’s kick off your Tenerife holidays
4 nights in the northeast, e.g. Tacoronte
2-hour drive from Tacoronte, 85 km
For the first four nights, you’ll be settling in around the Anaga Mountains, over in the northeast part of the island. Imagine a rugged landscape with fantastic hiking trails and views that’ll leave you breathless. Our time exploring Parque Rural de Anaga was, hands down, one of the best parts of our Tenerife adventure. The natural beauty of the mountain range, untouched and wild, surprised us with some seriously awe-inspiring scenery. While the area has its protected zones, most parts are open for exploration. You’ll need a free online permit for specific areas like El Pijaral and Monte de Aguirre, but the good news is, you won’t need one for the hikes we’re recommending in Anaga Park.
On your first morning, make your way to one of the most renowned viewpoints in Anaga Park, Mirador de Jardina. From here, you’ll be treated to a beautiful view of the city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. We recommend an early start as parking spots are limited, and there’s something truly magical about the mist lifting in the morning.
This spot sets you up perfectly to dive deeper into the Anaga National Park and tackle one of these awesome hikes:
Option 1: Hike to Playa de Tamadite Beach
This hike kicks off in Taganana right by a small bus stop with a few parking spots. We’d rate it as moderate, taking around 3-4 hours. It’s definitely not a walk in the park, so sturdy hiking boots, enough snacks, water, and sunscreen are a must. But trust us, the effort is totally worth it. Playa de Tamadite Beach is more of a small rocky cove, not the best for swimming, but it sets the perfect scene for a relaxing lunch break.
- There are different ways to spice up or extend this hike. You can keep going to Afur from the beach and loop back to Taganana from there. Just be ready for an extra two hours on the trail if you choose that route.
- Unfortunately, the bus connection from Mirador de Jardina isn't the most convenient. While Bus Line 946 stops near the starting point of the hike, you'll need to transfer at least once from the Mirador. From there, be prepared to walk approximately 30-40 minutes to the next bus at the transfer stop.
Option 2: The Path of the Senses
The Path of the Senses, or Sendero de los Sentidos in Spanish, meanders through the laurel forest of Tenerife. This happens to be one of the oldest laurel forests in Europe, likely existing for several million years. Laurel forests are a rare find nowadays, requiring a very stable, moist climate with mild temperatures. If you’ve never seen a laurel forest or you’re not in the mood for a challenging hike, a stroll along the Path of the Senses can be delightful. We intentionally say “stroll” because this is definitely not a hike. The parking lot is at the visitor center. From here, the forest path begins, guiding you through the Laurisilva. Parts of it are equipped with a boardwalk, making it accessible even for families with strollers. The path splits shortly after starting into two more routes. Combining all three routes takes about 30 – 60 minutes. Don’t worry about getting lost – all paths are circular and lead you back to the starting point.
We believe the laurel forest is truly worth a visit, offering a unique experience for all the senses with its distinctive aroma and the beautiful play of sunlight through the foliage. However, if time is limited, we would always lean towards Option 1, as the views here are simply spectacular.
- Getting to the laurel forest by bus from Mirador de Jardina is easy and quick. Bus lines 76 or 77 will whisk you to the visitor center and starting point in just 5 minutes.
Where to Stay
Accommodations right at the base of the Anaga Mountains are scarce, so we recommend settling within about a 1-hour radius. Places like Puerto de la Cruz or smaller towns like Tacoronte or Tegueste work well for this. We stayed in Tacoronte, but keep in mind we were exploring the island by car. Below are our accommodation recommendations:*
Where to Eat
A top recommendation is La Tasquita de Mami in Tacoronte. Don’t be put off by the unassuming facade. The creative tapas were not only delicious but also beautifully presented. Keep in mind though, that the dining area might be a bit cool, so bring a jacket to throw over your shoulders.
Another solid option is Tasca Pimienta Negra, also in Tacoronte.
If you want to take a step back and first figure out how to get to Tenerife, whether a car or the bus is the right mode of transportation for you, and what things to consider in trip planning, have a look at this blog post:
Day 2: urban hustle meets palm oasis
1-hour drive from Tacoronte, 61 km
Today kicks off in Puerto de la Cruz, the bustling tourist hub of the north in Tenerife. Packed with hotels and vacation rentals, the city is lively. We recommend exploring the old town of Puerto de la Cruz. Wander through colorful colonial-era houses and explore the former fishermen’s quarter, La Ranilla. Some highlights within the old town include the Chapel Ermita de San Telmo, the fortress complex Batería de Santa Bárbara, and the Church Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia.
Many tourists head to Puerto de la Cruz for a relaxing day at Lago Martiánez. This is a coastal open-air pool complex with several saltwater swimming pools. The facility looks really nice, but it was a bit too crowded and loud for us. Alternatively, you can refresh yourself at one of the small city beaches, like Playa Jardín or Playa del Muelle, right in the heart of the city. By the way, we parked in Puerto de la Cruz at this free parking lot near the city center.
- You can reach Puerto de la Cruz easily from Tacoronte with Bus Lines 102 or 30.
If you want more tips for Puerto de la Cruz, feel free to check them out here.
After a few hours of city exploration, we were in the mood for more nature. Consider making your way to the charming black sand beach, Playa de Castro. This gem is distinguished by a cascading waterfall and a picturesque descent surrounded by lush palm trees. Parking is available directly at the Mirador San Pedro restaurant, an excellent choice for lunch or dinner. The trail leading down to the beach begins right from this point.
- Bus Lines 363 or 325 bring you close to the restaurant.
If your legs aren’t too tired from the previous day, you can extend your beach visit and combine it with the beautiful coastal walk Rambla de Castro. Conveniently starting in Los Realejos, right at the Precise Resort Tenerife, just a short drive from the recommended parking lot in Puerto de la Cruz. For the round trip, expect about 9 km and 2.5 – 3 hours, depending on how many breaks you take.
- You can also easily reach this part of Puerto de la Cruz by bus. Bus lines 353 and 381 will take you to the starting point of the walk in 20-30 minutes.
Where to Eat
If you’re not up for dining at the Mirador San Pedro restaurant, we can suggest trying out Tasca El Olivo. And if you’re on the hunt for a cozy café for coffee and cake, definitely swing by Cafe Mimi.
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Day 3: Highlight of Your Tenerife Holidays
2-hour drive from Tacoronte, 95 km
On today’s agenda, you’re heading back to the Anaga Mountains. In our opinion, the hike you’re about to do offers the most breathtaking views in Tenerife. Elevating the experience further, we suggest enjoying a seaside lunch and a visit to a black sand beach.
The hike we’re talking about begins at the El Froton restaurant, overlooking Benijo Beach, and takes you to El Draguillo before circling back to the starting point. Parking at the Mirador de Playa Benijo is extremely limited, so kick off this hike early. Be mindful not to leave any valuables in your car, unfortunately, the area is known for occasional break-ins—though we’ve had no issues and parked here multiple times, even with our suitcases in the trunk.
The trail is well-maintained but quite challenging as it consistently ascends steeply. For the descent, bring solid hiking boots, as much of it is on a gravel path. Plan on spending around 2.5 – 3 hours for this hike.
- If the full hike seems a bit too demanding, you can opt for just the first part along the paved road. Even on this stretch, you'll be treated to stunning views along the coast.
- Getting to this hike and the beach from Tacoronte by bus is quite a hassle. You'd be on the road for at least two hours one way, with multiple transfers. Even from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it's a 1.5-hour journey. For this particular hike, we highly recommend renting a car, or you can explore alternative hikes. Stay tuned for an upcoming blog post where we'll share an overview of our favorite hikes in Tenerife!
Where to Eat
After the hike, we recommend stopping by El Mirador de Benijo or El Froton for a meal. Both restaurants are simple seafood spots that offer a wonderfully scenic view of the beach. We opted for El Froton and found the food’s value quite satisfactory. Just to note, we didn’t make a reservation, but we were there on a weekday.
Before or after your meal, make sure not to miss the black sand beach Playa de Benijo. You’ll need to scramble over a few rocks before reaching the sandy part, but, to us, this beach stands out as the most beautiful on Tenerife due to its wildness and seclusion.
Day 4: The Most Beautiful Sunrise of Your Tenerife Holidays
3 nights in the West, e.g., Los Gigantes
3-hour drive from Tacoronte, 177 km
Today marks the last day in the northeast of the island. In the morning, check out of your accommodation and, in the afternoon, settle into your new lodging in the west of the island. If you can peel yourself out of the warm bed before breakfast, we highly recommend witnessing the sunrise at Mirador de Chipeque. You’ll hardly find a better view of Mount Teide on the island. Moreover, there are limited parking options, making the early rise doubly worthwhile. However, if nothing can pull you out of bed at such an early hour during your well-deserved vacation, this viewpoint is also a recommendation for sunset and, honestly, any other time of the day.
- Unfortunately, a devastating fire hit Tenerife in the summer of 2023, affecting the fauna around Mirador de Chipeque. While you still have a fantastic view of Mount Teide during sunrise and sunset, we don't have firsthand information on the current state of the viewpoint.
- Regrettably, there is no bus service from Tacoronte to Mirador.
After checking out and heading towards the west of Tenerife, you can make a pit stop in San Cristóbal de La Laguna. La Laguna boasts a beautiful old town with numerous historical buildings from the colonial era and charming cafes. We particularly enjoyed the ascent to the tower of Iglesia de La Concepción. Tickets for the tower ascent and the church can be obtained for a few euros at the base of the tower. If you’re interested in exploring more landmarks in La Laguna, feel free to check out this blog post.
- La Laguna can be easily reached in about 30 minutes from Tacoronte with various bus lines. You can also reach Los Gigantes by bus, although it requires some patience – approximately 3 hours from Tacoronte and about 2.5 hours from La Laguna.
In the afternoon or evening, check into your new accommodation in the west of the island. We recommend the town of Los Gigantes. Below are our accommodation recommendations:*
Where to Eat
In San Cristóbal de La Laguna, we can recommend the quaint and cozy La Hormiga or, for an affordable lunch, Taberna Ossuna. For dining recommendations in Los Gigantes, scroll to the next day.
Day 5: Sailing Trip with Dolphin Watching
Minimal travel time when staying in Los Gigantes.
After a few action-packed days, it’s time to give your tired legs a break. And what´s a better way than a sailing adventure – sun on your face, wind in your hair, and a pod of dolphins leading the way? The sailing trip we took in Los Gigantes was hands down one of the most beautiful experiences in the Canary Islands. The guides are incredibly friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, making us feel right at home from the start.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot a turtle while snorkeling – didn’t happen for us, but we were just relieved to make it to the tour on time. Thanks to some accidents on the highway to Los Gigantes, it was a close call for us. But you won’t face that if you follow this route and stay directly in Los Gigantes. Saves you from a long journey. If you’re driving, there are parking spaces right at the harbor.
After the sailing adventure, make a quick stop at Berry’s ice cream parlor, just across from the harbor. Their ice cream isn’t overly sweet, and they’ve got a variety of vegan flavors. With a view of the bustling harbor and the sweet memories of the sailing trip, it tastes even better.
Wrap up the day at Playa de los Guíos beach, a short walk from the harbor.
Where to Eat
Near the beach, you’ve got Pizzeria Bistró 22 and the tapas bar Tas-K. For a fantastic seafood spot with a sea view, check out Muelle Viejo – it’s a bit outside the harbor and beach. Same goes for Aqua Restaurant. It’s a 30-minute stroll away.
Day 6: Teide Volcano – Second Highlight Of Your Tenerife Holidays
2-hour drive from Los Gigantes, 100 km
Today’s agenda features the Teide National Park – an absolute must-visit on the island. Leaving Tenerife without catching sight of Pico del Teide (3,715 m), the highest mountain in Spain, is simply not an option. The national park spans over 19,000 hectares, offering enough to keep you occupied for a good three days. However, to maintain diversity in our travel itinerary, here’s a suggestion on how to explore some highlights in the park in a single day.
We highly recommend taking the cable car up to Pico del Teide. Tickets are exclusively available online, and it’s best to reserve them several weeks in advance, given that ascending the volcano is one of the most popular activities on Tenerife. Your ticket will have an assigned time slot for the ascent. We visited in January and, unfortunately, had the bad luck of the cable car being closed for the entire 10 days of our vacation due to weather conditions. On the bright side, we experienced the rare sight of snow in the national park during those two weeks. Quite an incredible feeling – swimming at Playa de Benijo beach in the morning and walking through snow in the afternoon.
- The cable car takes you to an altitude of 3,555 m, not to the summit of Teide. From here, you can embark on three altitude trails, for which you need a permit. Depending on the ticket you choose, at least the hike to the Pico Viejo viewpoint is included.
Other noteworthy points in the national park include Roque de Garcia and Zapato de la Reina. Roque de Garcia consists of hardened lava remains exposed through erosion.
Zapato de la Reina earned its name due to its shape, resembling a high-heeled woman’s shoe.
The famous Mirador de Azulejos II is also worth a stop – but be cautious as it’s located directly along the park’s main road. Exercise a bit of caution, especially if you plan to snap a souvenir photo right on the road.
Teide Park offers numerous hikes you can undertake, or alternatively, you can drive to the mentioned points by car. Sunrise and sunset are also spectacular, as the different hues of the lava rock look stunning when illuminated in glowing red by the sun.
Day 7: Your Tenerife Holiday is Coming to an End
1.5 hours drive to and from Los Gigantes, 40 km
Your final full day in Tenerife begins with a visit to the Masca Gorge. Most visitors head to the Masca Gorge to go on one of the most beautiful but also challenging hiking trails on Tenerife. After an extensive trail renovation, it reopened in March 2021 and is currently only accessible on weekends and holidays. Hikers are explicitly required to enter the path with proper hiking gear and a helmet, and it’s strongly emphasized that only experienced hikers should undertake this journey. If you’re unsure whether you want to tackle the hike alone, consider joining a guided tour* – the equipment is already included in the price. Additionally, this ensures you a spot, as access to the Masca Gorge is limited for safety and environmental protection reasons. Further information on the Masca Gorge can be found on the official website, but bookings are limited.
Even if you’re not in the mood for hiking, we highly recommend a visit to the Masca Gorge. Formed over millions of years through natural erosion of volcanic rock layers, it looks incredibly impressive. The drive alone, navigating numerous switchbacks, is a fantastic experience. Interestingly, the best view of the valley is not necessarily from the trail but rather from the parking lot or the paved path leading down into the valley.
After your walk, you can enjoy a coffee and a small fig tart at Kiosco de Masca at very reasonable prices. Alternatively, take a seat at the La Fuente restaurant – if you’re lucky, you might secure one of the tables directly on the terrace with a spectacular view of the gorge.
Depending on when your flight departs the next day, it might make sense to spend your last night near the airport. Below are our recommendations for accommodations near the airports. If you prefer not to change accommodation again, it’s about a 1 – 1.5 hours drive from Los Gigantes to the airports. By bus, it takes approximately 2-3 hours.
With this travel itinerary, your Tenerife vacation is diverse and easily adaptable to your wishes and needs. In case you have more than seven days to explore the island or if you’re wondering about the preparations for a trip to Tenerife, check out the blog posts below.
