Your ultimate travel guide to Tenerife in the Canary Islands

As the largest and most populated of the Canary Islands, Tenerife boasts stunning beaches, delightful villages, breathtaking hiking trails, and a variety of family-friendly activities.

If you think it's too remote and that traveling there would take ages, United's new service launching on Thursday, June 9, 2022, offers a game-changing nonstop flight from Newark (EWR) to Tenerife South (TFS).

There's never a bad time to visit Tenerife, thanks to its year-round sunshine, warm temperatures, and absence of a rainy season. Whether you want to indulge in wine tasting on your honeymoon, enjoy water parks and volcano hikes with your family, or simply soak up the sun with friends over cocktails, Tenerife is the perfect getaway.

This guide will help you plan your trip comprehensively, providing tips on how to get there, where to stay, and recommendations for activities, sights, and dining during your Canary Islands vacation.

Unsure if Tenerife is the perfect island for your getaway? Explore these guides that might help you select a more suitable island for your vacation:

• How to determine which Canary Island suits you best
• Which Canary Island is ideal for your socially distanced getaway?

Navigating the Canary Islands: Getting there and around

Tenerife boasts two international airports: Tenerife Norte (TFN) and Tenerife Sur (TFS). As their names imply, Norte is situated in the northern part of the island in the capital, Santa Cruz, while Sur is located near the southern end, closer to popular tourist areas like Los Cristianos, Playa de las Americas, and Costa Adeje.

As mentioned earlier, United Airlines has introduced a new route from Newark, New Jersey, to Tenerife Sur, operating three times a week, starting June 9.

This is the quickest and most convenient way to reach Tenerife, which is actually closer to Africa than to Europe. Alternatively, you can take advantage of Iberia's award chart sweet spots, flying business class for as low as 34,000 Avios one-way from major U.S. hubs like Chicago (ORD) or New York (JFK) to Madrid, followed by a two-and-a-half to three-hour flight to either Tenerife North (TFN) or Tenerife South (TFS).

You can also combine your Tenerife trip with another European hub, as numerous flights from cities like Frankfurt, London, Paris, Milan, and Amsterdam are available via both full-fare and low-cost carriers. Most visitors from European destinations prefer flying into the southern airport, which is more tourist-friendly. However, if you find a great deal for the northern airport and plan to rent a car, it's just about a one-hour drive to popular resort areas in the south.

Renting a car is crucial for exploration, as public transport in Tenerife is limited to buses that often run on 'island time,' particularly on weekends and holidays. Major car rental companies like Hertz and Avis operate at both airports, but local options like Plus Car and Orlando typically offer more budget-friendly rates.

That said, if you'd rather settle into a beach lounger at your all-inclusive resort, renting a car might not be necessary. Instead, you can take a taxi from either airport directly to your hotel, as there are no ride-hailing services available on the island.

Accommodation options

Typically, most visitors choose to stay in the southern part of the island due to its sunnier and less windy climate. The western side is also favored among travelers. For a range of tourist amenities, consider areas like Los Cristianos, Playa de las Americas, Los Gigantes, and the nearby Costa Adeje.

If you're interested in exploring Tenerife's wineries, touring the capital Santa Cruz, or hiking in Anaga Park, you might want to establish your base in the northern part of the island.

The majority of the resorts are situated in the southern and western regions of the island. For a more authentic experience, consider booking a home or apartment in the northern part. Santa Cruz offers all the conveniences of a vibrant city, while San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features colorful homes reminiscent of the Caribbean and a stunning cathedral.

Wine enthusiasts should explore the picturesque hills of Icod de los Vinos. There are also rentals in the sunnier southern region in quieter, less tourist-heavy areas like Las Galletas or the surfing hotspot El Médano.

Travelers with Marriott points may want to consider the Ritz-Carlton Abama (starting at 40,000 points per night) and the Sheraton La Caleta (starting at 30,000 points per night). Both luxury hotels provide breathtaking sea views, along with amenities such as saltwater pools and fitness centers.

For accommodations in the north, the AC Tenerife, which opened in 2021, is a budget-friendly choice for Marriott enthusiasts (rates start at 25,000 points per night, though paying cash is advisable since rates are usually below $100 per night). This hotel includes a small rooftop pool and a decent breakfast buffet.

Another beachfront choice is the Hard Rock Tenerife, featuring three swimming pools and the Rock Spa. The H10 hotel brand offers several accommodations across the island suitable for both families and couples, including the H10 Big Sur and H10 Costa Adeje.

Lastly, the Melia Palacio de Isora presents another luxurious option for all kinds of travelers, with a dedicated adults-only floor known as the Red Level and a family-friendly floor called the Red Level for Families.

Activities and attractions

Beaches

What’s the top attraction in Tenerife? The beach! The island features both black sand volcanic beaches and stretches of golden sand. Here are some of the finest:

• For windsurfing, kitesurfing, and surfing: El Médano.
• For soft white sands, shallow waters, and all the facilities: Los Cristianos and Las Vistas (they're a short walk apart).
• For northern white sands: Playa de Las Teresitas.

• For windswept black sands: Playa de la Tejita.
• For a hidden treasure: La Pelada.
• For dining and shopping choices: Playa del Fanabe.
• For remote northern black sands: Playa Benijo (where you can see striking sea rocks!).

Adventure

Tenerife is an ideal destination for adventure seekers. In addition to a variety of water sports such as diving, snorkeling, kite surfing, and traditional surfing, paragliding is also a popular choice, along with canyoning at Tejina Mountain. You can explore an ancient lava dome system filled with craters and caves at Cueva del Viento.

Another beloved activity in Tenerife is hiking. The most notable location is the Teide volcano, one of Spain's highest peaks. There are numerous trails of different lengths and difficulties available. For those seeking a more leisurely option, a cable car can take you close to the summit.

Keep in mind that accessing the summit requires a permit, and it's advisable to purchase your cable car tickets ahead of time at the start of your visit. Be sure to check on the day of your visit to ensure the cable car is operating (it often closes due to weather conditions), and consider rescheduling if necessary.

Anaga Rural Park is a lush hiking destination. It guides you through winding paths in diverse microclimates, showcasing unique mosses and laurel trees, fertile valleys, and rocky trails, all while providing breathtaking ocean views. Dress in layers here; while others might bask on the beach, certain areas in this natural park can be cold and rainy.

Masca is one of the most picturesque mountaintop villages in Tenerife. You can hike in the area or take a scenic drive through the Macizo de Teno mountains to soak in the stunning landscapes. Some trails offer spectacular views of Los Gigantes, the towering cliffs along the island's western coast.

Family Fun

Families will love a trip to Siam Water Park, one of the largest water parks in Europe. Older children may also enjoy quad biking adventures or stargazing activities. The island's capital, Santa Cruz, features the Natural History Museum and boasts many 15th-century buildings, along with palm-lined squares perfect for leisurely strolls on warm afternoons.

What to Eat and Drink

Canarian cuisine is hearty and flavorful. Be sure to try papas arrugadas, or "wrinkled" potatoes served with the tangy Canarian sauce, Mojo picón, along with ropa vieja, a beloved meat dish also found in Cuba. Fresh seafood is also a must-try.

Don't miss dining at some of the most authentic restaurants in the north of the island, known as guanchinches. These unpretentious spots offer simple dishes with limited menus, embodying the island's culinary spirit.

These traditional eateries often produce their own wine, so be sure to savor a glass or two. Notable options include the vibrant Restaurante Bodegón Casa Tomás, renowned for its ribs in mojo picón sauce, and Guachinche 3 Dragos, where you can enjoy fresh cheese or stewed octopus.

Tenerife's volcanic soil provides an excellent environment for wine production. Some of the finest wineries are located in the northern part of the island, including Bodegas Lomo and Bodegas Monje. The latter features a beautiful outdoor terrace where you can enjoy wine tasting while watching the sunset.

Bottom Line

Tenerife is a versatile vacation destination: whether you want to relax on the beach for days, indulge in wine tastings and visit waterparks, or discover caves, forests, and beaches, there's something for everyone.

With its mild temperatures and abundant sunshine all year round, plus new nonstop travel options, anytime is a great time to visit. This budget-friendly island offers plenty of activities to enjoy.