We love exploring islands. They often make for wonderful trips of 1-2 weeks and frequently offer a wide diversity of vegetation and activities. Our trip to Tenerife remains one of our fondest island getaways to this day. Unfortunately, Tenerife still holds the reputation of being an all-inclusive tourist hub with little to discover outside the resorts – which is absolutely not true. To help you get to know the island better and understand what to expect, in today’s post, we’re sharing the 13 most important travel tips you need to know before your Tenerife Holidays!
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table of contents
1. What's the best time for your Tenerife holidays?
The Canary Islands, in general, boast mild weather all year round. Tenerife, owing to the Teide volcano, features various climate zones, with the north being slightly rainier than the south. Due to climate change, temperatures in summer are soaring, increasing the risk of wildfires. Personally, we find the European winter the most appealing for a visit. The months from December to March are ideal for an active holiday, perfect for hiking. If you’re seeking a classic beach vacation, the water temperature hovers around 20 degrees, somewhat fresh but not too cold. During the winter months, the national parks and mountains are lush green and offer breathtaking views. Moreover, the almond blossoms on the Canary Islands during this time are a stunning sight.
If you opt for the winter months, it’s a good idea to pack a rain jacket just in case of occasional showers. However, during our time there over Christmas and early January, we enjoyed radiant sunshine every day. Despite falling during the peak season around Christmas, we didn’t find the island overly crowded during this time.
2. How much time should you plan for your Tenerife holiday?
Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, covering around 2,000 km2. Distances between its must-see spots shouldn’t be underestimated. If you want to explore the entire island and catch all the main highlights, it’s best to set aside 10 to 14 days. But don’t let limited time hold you back from making Tenerife your next stop! You can still enjoy the trip by focusing on one or two regions. Considering a flight from Europe, we’d recommend a minimum of 5 days due to the roughly 3–6-hour flight duration for your Tenerife Holidays.
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3. Is Tenerife the right Canary Island for you?
There are a total of eight Canary Islands, and while they share certain similarities, each island is distinct. Unfortunately, Tenerife doesn’t always have the best reputation. The island is often associated with mass tourism due to its all-inclusive resorts. It’s true that at the golden sandy beach of Playa de las Americas, the hotel complexes line up densely. However, Tenerife is so much more than that. It’s the most diverse landscape among the Canary Islands, featuring Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, which is actually a volcano, the Anaga Mountains, lush laurel forests, picturesque coastal towns, and several sandy beaches, offering something for every taste. Tenerife is especially suitable if you’re seeking an active holiday and wish to combine it with occasional beach relaxation. However, we don’t see Tenerife as the ideal island for a traditional beach holiday. For that purpose, islands like Lanzarote or Fuerteventura might be more suitable.
4. How to get to the island for your Tenerife Holidays?
By Plane
Tenerife boasts two airports: one in the south (TFS) and another in the north (TFN). It’s worth checking out both when looking for flights for your Tenerife Holidays. Depending on your duration of stay, consider a flight with a layover on the Spanish mainland to save some cash. Have a look at Skyscanner* to find your flight to Tenerife:
By Sea
5. How to get around the island?
By Car
We highly recommend renting a car for maximum flexibility in exploring the island. It allows access to remote areas and hassle-free hiking, and with relatively low fuel prices, it’s a cost-effective choice for your Tenerife Holidays.
Check out rates on Rentalcars.com and book in advance to ensure a smooth trip. Rentalcars is a service of Booking.com. You’ll find competitive deals from major rental companies like Europcar or Sixt and local providers. Regarding insurance, we usually opt for full coverage with no deductible. Also, consider verifying if your credit card offers similar coverage for better budget planning.
Selecting the Right Vehicle:
Given Tenerife’s winding roads and hilly terrain, a compact car with sufficient power is recommended. Automatic transmission, such as the Ford Focus, VW Golf, or Opel Astra, provides comfort and ease. Smaller cars like the Fiat 500 may not be ideal due to limited luggage space and power. These mid-sized cars strike a good balance between power and maneuverability in urban areas.
Road Conditions and Speed Limits:
Overall, Tenerife’s roads are well-maintained, with major highways (TF-1, TF-2, TF-5) linking tourist spots. However, expect heavy traffic around airports and the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Factor in extra time for potential delays due to unexpected congestion. We almost missed a sailing tour in Los Cristianos due to traffic.
General Speed Limits:
- Highway: 120 km/h
- Rural areas: 90 km/h
- Urban areas: 50 km/h
Parking in Tenerife:
If you’re planning to stay in tourist hotspots like Los Cristianos, it’s a good idea to make sure your hotel has a parking spot, preferably free. And for quick jaunts to Tenerife’s bigger cities, keep an eye on these color codes for parking:
- White markings mean you can park for free.
- Yellow markings? No parking allowed.
- Blue spots indicate you’ll need to pay for parking, usually by grabbing a ticket from a parking meter.
- Plus, there are underground garages for parking too.
Fines:
Yep, Spanish traffic rules apply here, and some are stricter than in Germany or other European countries. Despite the stories about hefty fines for things like sipping water while driving, here’s a quick rundown of actual rules:
- Always drive in proper footwear. Avoid flip-flops! Though there's no specific law against it, it might count if something goes wrong.
- Traffic rules say both hands need to be on the wheel. So, munching on a sandwich or ice cream while driving isn't ideal. But taking a quick sip of water, isn't a problem.
- Try not to hang your hand out of the window for too long. You're supposed to have both hands on the wheel, but a quick wave will most likely not get you a ticket.
- Keep your ears open while driving. Don't wear anything covering your ears like hats or headphones.
- For safety's sake, don't put your feet on the dashboard while seated in the passenger seat. You might get in trouble if you're stopped by the police.
- Especially with the wildfire risk in Tenerife, never flick your cigarette out of the window.
- Obvious, but avoid using your phone or GPS while driving. Remember, two hands on the wheel, always.
By Bus
If renting a car is not possible, there’s always the green buses, known as “Guagua,” as an option for your Tenerife Holidays. Tenerife’s got a pretty decent bus network, but expect waits and hiccups. Relying solely on bus schedules might eat up your time, especially for sightseeing or reaching remote spots and the best hikes. On the other hand, buses are cheap and save the hassle of hunting for parking.
Or simply use Google Maps, which provides a straightforward method to plan your routes and receive live updates about bus schedules and routes. When at the bus stop, scan the QR code for instant information on the arrival time of the next bus. While there’s a TITSA app available, reviews say it’s not the most reliable.
The right ticket for you:
Single Tickets:
Firstly, you can buy tickets directly from the bus driver as you board the bus. Payment can be made in cash (up to a maximum of a 10 Euro note) or by credit card. If you plan to travel to and from the same destination on the same day, it’s best to purchase the appropriate ticket directly from the bus driver, which entitles you to a 10% discount. In Spanish, this is referred to as “Billete ida y vuelta.” However, this option is only practical for occasional bus rides. If you intend to travel extensively around Tenerife by bus, consider opting for one of the prepaid bus tickets, “ten+“.
tenMas or ten+ Cards:
These cards allow you to pay contactlessly on buses and trams. They can be obtained from the green ticket machines at Tenerife’s airports or from kiosks, gas stations, and TITSA bus station information desks.
You can top them up at the counter or at the machine in 5 Euro increments and tap the cards on the scanners when boarding AND disembarking. Use the scanner at the front of the bus when you hop on and the one at the back when you step off. It calculates the fare based on your travel distance. If you forget to tap out, the amount will be automatically calculated up to the final stop. Easy and convenient, right?
Additional ten+ Card Advantages:
- They can be used for multiple people. Simply scan the card multiple times when boarding. One scan is enough when disembarking.
- The day pass (in Spanish: Tarjeta turística 1 día) for 10 Euros offers the best value for money if you’re planning a day trip around the island.
- The 7-day pass (in Spanish: Tarjeta turística 1 días) for 50 Euros is valid for 7 consecutive days from the first use and is worthwhile if you plan to explore all of Tenerife using public transportation.
- When purchasing and topping up a card at the counter, always keep the receipt with you. There have been occasional issues with loading credit onto the card, and the receipt serves as proof of a valid ticket.
- Did the bus pass by without stopping? Be sure to wave it down next time. It's a common signal in Tenerife to indicate to the bus driver that you want them to stop. If you find a stop button at a bus stop, press it. This also signals to the driver that you intend to board.
Guided Day Tours
If you have only a few days to explore the island, don’t plan on renting a car, but still want to venture beyond your resort, guided tours are a great option. Our preferred providers are GetYourGuide and Viator.
6. What do you need to know about island hopping?
If you’re looking to explore another Canary Island alongside Tenerife during your Tenerife Holidays, La Gomera is an excellent choice. Positioned just about 20 kilometers off the coast of Tenerife, it offers delightful easy hiking routes through the laurel forests of Garajonay National Park.
The ferry ride from Los Cristianos port to San Sebastian on La Gomera takes around 50 minutes. You can book a ferry trip with Fred Olsen Express or Naviera Armas, tickets are available online. If you plan to take your rental car to the island, check your rental company’s policies beforehand—not all companies permit travel to other islands. We took a day trip with our rental car and paid 200 euros for two people, including the car, for the round trip.
Alternatively, you can opt for a guided day tour with hotel pickup, costing around 90-100 euros per person.
7. How do you communicate during your Tenerife holidays?
Spanish is the main language on Tenerife, with its unique local dialect, noticeable in things like the “s” often not being pronounced at the end of words. While basic Spanish is handy, English works well in most places. It might get a bit tricky in remote and rural areas without some grasp of Spanish. But Google translator will help you out in those situations.
8. How safe is Tenerife?
Tenerife is generally a very safe travel destination. There’s a very low risk of politically motivated, religious, or terrorist threats during your Tenerife Holidays. Incidents of assaults on tourists are very rare. However, car break-ins are occasionally reported. That’s why it’s advisable not to leave valuables visible in cars, especially at popular tourist viewpoints.
Important emergency contact numbers:
112 Emergency hotline for ambulance, fire department, and police
092 Local Police
091 National Police
9. How do you stay online during your Tenerife Holidays?
Network coverage in the Canary Islands isn’t as strong as on the Spanish mainland. Unfortunately, Wi-Fi in hotels or vacation rentals can also be unreliable. So, if you plan on streaming a movie in the evenings or need a reliable internet connection for other reasons, using your hotspot might be a better option.
There are no longer roaming charges within the EU, meaning you might be able to use the same SIM card you use at home for surfing, texting, and phone calls while in Tenerife or other EU destinations.
However, if you’re planning an extended stay in Tenerife or you’re living in a non-EU country, it’s advisable to get a local SIM card. An eSIM card is the simplest option. It functions like a physical SIM card but is 100% digital, making installation more convenient and faster. We recommend Airalo for this. Installation is straightforward via a QR code, and it offers good value for the price. While Airalo might not typically offer access to a 5G network, it’s rarely available in Tenerife anyway.
10. How much money do you need for your Tenerife Holidays?
Generally, Tenerife is a rather affordable holiday destination. Naturally, prices, like in all other travel destinations, depend on the time of year, your preferred travel style, accommodations, and activities. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of costs for an 11-day and 10-night stay in Tenerife. These prices are for both of us. For a better idea of what our trip looked like, feel free to check out our Story Highlight on Instagram.
Flights: €350
We flew from Düsseldorf to Tenerife, then from Tenerife to Lanzarote, and finally back to Düsseldorf. We got an absolute bargain here. Usually, flight prices are around double this.
Accommodation: €980
We mostly stayed in simple holiday apartments.
Car rental including insurance and fuel: €700
Various activities: €250
Food: €400
We occasionally ate out, but mostly cooked for ourselves using the small kitchenettes in our apartments.
11. What typical dishes should you try during your Tenerife Holidays?
You might immediately think of classic Spanish tapas like Jamon, Bocadillos, or Patatas Bravas when considering typical Canarian specialties. While these tapas are indeed served in many restaurants, they don’t necessarily represent typical Canarian cuisine but are inspired by the Spanish mainland.
Typical for the Canaries and in our case for Tenerife are hearty stews made from chickpeas and various meats. Many types of goat cheese are sold, and goat meat is also available in many places.
However, particularly well-known and beloved in Tenerife are Papas Arrugadas. These are small wrinkled potatoes with a light salt crust served with two sauces: the Mojo verde and the slightly spicier Mojo rojo. These are served as a side dish or snack.
Additionally, Gofio is a classic in Tenerife. It’s a combination of corn, wheat, and barley grains mixed into a type of bran. Often, Gofio serves as a base for other dishes.
If you’re looking for truly authentic cuisine in Tenerife, you should seek out the so-called Guachinches. These are very rustic and simple eateries that originated from the sale of wine. When tasting the wine, small dishes were also served. Traditional Guachinches are mainly found in the north of the island. In the south and especially in the tourist areas, you might come across places called Guachinche, but they’re actually more like traditional restaurants. An authentic Guachinche can be identified by the limited drink menu and a small menu featuring only typical Canarian dishes. Usually, the waiter informs you about the available dishes. English might not get you far in a Guachinche, but ChatGPT or google translator can quickly come to the rescue nowadays.
And don’t forget to try the typical coffee specialty Barraquito. It’s a layered coffee drink made from sweetened condensed milk, liquor, espresso, milk foam, cinnamon, and lime zest. Absolutely delicious and more of a dessert than just a coffee.
12. Which regions are suitable for staying during your Tenerife Holidays?
When people talk about Tenerife, many tourists immediately think of Puerto de la Cruz or Playa de las Americas. Both areas are lined with luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts. That’s not necessarily our preference. However, you can find some lucrative deals here, though you’ll have to embrace the very touristy atmosphere. Yet, there are many other regions on the island that promise a bit more tranquility and seclusion. From charming boutique hotels, traditional vacation rentals to glamping accommodations, there’s something for everyone here.
Since Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, and many places are connected only by winding roads, we advise against exploring the entire island from one location. Instead, we recommend focusing on 2 or even 3 regions, depending on the length of your vacation. Despite this division, expect driving times of about 1 hour each way to explore the island’s highlights. Our top 3 regions are as follows:
Teide National Park: The center of the island
The Teide National Park is a must-visit during your trip to the island. In two days, you can see a lot of the park and even take a few small hikes.
Below, you’ll find our accommodation recommendations in the Teide National Park or its immediate vicinity:
Anaga Mountains: In the northeast of the island
The Anaga Mountains have captured our hearts. If you’re lucky and witness the spectacular views on a clear day, you’ll understand why. We could easily have spent an entire week here. Accommodations directly at the foot of the mountains are scarce, so we recommend settling within a radius of about 1 hour. Places like the capital, Santa Cruz, or smaller towns like Tacoronte or Tegueste are well-suited for this.
Below, you’ll find our accommodation recommendations:
Los Gigantes: In the west of the island
Los Gigantes is located near the Teno Mountains and is excellent for a day trip to the famous Masca Gorge. The sunsets here are also worth seeing!
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13. Which places should you visit during your Tenerife holiday?
A trip to Tenerife means a journey of contrasts – and that’s precisely what we find so fantastic about this island. From black sand beaches and impressive volcanic landscapes to dramatic coastlines reminiscent of Hawaii, picturesque villages, and towns, as well as lush laurel forests. In Tenerife, you’ll find all this and much more. Which places and activities you should definitely not miss on Tenerife, and how to cleverly combine them in your travel planning, can soon be found in a separate blog post.
With this blog post, you’ll be well-prepared for your Tenerife vacation. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to us on Instagram.
And if you’d like to read more interesting blog posts about other destinations as well, you’ll find them on the homepage of our blog.
