Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is a place of striking contrasts. In a single day you can stand above a sea of clouds beside Mount Teide and finish the afternoon on a sunny beach in the south. With temperatures hovering around 22°C all year round, it's an easy escape whatever the season.
It suits almost everyone: families come for the beaches and theme parks, couples for the sunsets and wine country, and nature lovers for volcanic landscapes and ancient laurel forests. The south is sunnier and livelier, while the greener north keeps a more traditional, local feel.
Make sure you visit:
Start with Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site crowned by Spain's highest peak at 3,715 metres. Drive up early in the morning, when the light is soft and the views over the clouds are at their best, and take the cable car almost all the way to the summit.
From there, head down to the north coast. San Cristóbal de La Laguna, another World Heritage Site, is perfect for strolling among colonial-style streets and colourful façades, while La Orotava is famous for its carved wooden balconies. Round off the route in Icod de los Vinos, home to the Drago Milenario, a centuries-old dragon tree, and in Garachico, where the sea fills natural lava pools.
On the west coast, the sheer Acantilados de Los Gigantes drop straight into the Atlantic and look spectacular at sunset.
Beaches we think you'll like:
Las Teresitas, near Santa Cruz, has golden sand and calm water protected by a breakwater, which makes it ideal for children. In the south, El Médano is the go-to spot for windsurfers and kitesurfers, with a long, laid-back beach and Montaña Roja as a backdrop.
If you're after a touch of luxury, Playa del Duque in Costa Adeje offers turquoise water and a smart promenade. In Puerto de la Cruz, Playa Jardín mixes volcanic black sand with gardens designed by César Manrique.
Family-friendly activities:
A family day out could start with a boat trip from the south coast to spot dolphins and pilot whales, which live in these waters all year. In the afternoon, choose between Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz, with its animals and shows, or the slides at Siam Park in Costa Adeje.
For something calmer, the short trails in Anaga Rural Park take you through misty laurel forest, and the natural pools along the north coast make swimming fun for all ages.
Local delicacies you have to try:
Canarian cooking is simple and full of flavour. Almost every meal starts with papas arrugadas, small wrinkled potatoes served with red or green mojo sauce, alongside a slice of grilled cheese. For something heartier, try conejo en salmorejo, rabbit marinated in garlic, herbs and wine, or a bowl of escaldón, made with gofio, the toasted flour islanders have eaten for centuries.
The best place to taste it all is a guachinche in the north: a simple, family-run eatery serving homemade food with local wine from the island's volcanic vineyards. Finish with a barraquito, a layered coffee that is a Tenerife classic.
Make the most of your visit:
Tenerife is a great base for exploring further. These are our favourite day trips from the south coast:
- La Gomera (about 1 hour by ferry from Los Cristianos): a green island crowned by Garajonay National Park.
- Masca and Teno Rural Park (about 1 hour): a hamlet hidden among dramatic ravines.
- Anaga and Taganana (about 1 hour 15 minutes): wild mountains, black-sand beaches and whitewashed houses.
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife (about 1 hour): the capital, with the striking Auditorio de Tenerife and a lively seafront.
