Tenerife holidays

Tenerife holidays

Deals from £199 per person

Holidays to Tenerife are a dream come true for beach lovers of all stripes. Like families with tiny tots and adventurous teens, sand-seeking couples, and friends on a mission to reconnect. From its black and golden coastline to its towering central mountain and beautiful little hamlets, this Spanish hotspot is packed with all sorts of places to chill out under blue skies – at any time of year.

The largest of all the Canary Islands, with peaceful seaside scenes, banging bar life and everything in between, it’s no wonder Tenerife holidays are such a big hit with us sun-hungry Brits.

5 reasons to visit Tenerife

• 12 months of sunshine: It may be part of Spain but the weather in Tenerife comes straight from nearby Africa. Perfect for that winter escape!
• Scenery for days: A gorgeous backdrop’s the icing on the cake for an away-from-it-all holiday, and Tenerife hits the mark with its swoon-worthy beaches, dramatic lava fields and waterfalls.
• Fun times for families: Sandcastle builders, animal lovers, and waterslide zoomers all love it here. And that’s just the mums and dads!
• Big name beach spots: From picture-perfect Playa del Duque (Costa Adeje) to family-friendly Playa de las Vistas (Los Cristianos), two of the best Tenerife beaches, the island’s coastline has it all.
• Must-do sports and activities: Golf courses galore, exciting dive sites, hiking for all levels and a whole lot of watersports help tick all the boxes for those with plenty of get-up-and-go.

Best places to stay in Tenerife

Wondering what’s the best part of Tenerife for holidays? Take your pick from these fave spots.

A trio of lively resorts covers the southwest corner of Tenerife with fine sandy beaches and plenty for families. You’ve probably already heard of them: Los Cristianos, Playa de las Americas and Costa Adeje are some of the most famous places for holidays to Tenerife. Or, head to nearby Playa Paraiso and the 5 star Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife for a swanky stay in peaceful surrounds.

Looking for somewhere more traditional? Try the quieter retreats further south, like San Miguel de Abona with its cobbles and wooden balconies. Make the Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife 5-star hotel your base – it’s outside the town near the beach, golf courses, sports marina and San Blas nature reserve for that fairy-tale combo of chill time and action.

If pretty streets are your thing, you’ll love the island capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. In the shelter of the Anaga Mountains, it’s home to fantastic beach life at Playa de las Teresitas. Think 2km of sun-kissed sands and snorkel-friendly waters. Plus cute fishing villages like San Andrés dot the coastline around here.

Go north past the white peak of Mount Teide and you’ll come to dreamy La Orotava, a beautifully preserved 17th-century town decked out in pastel colours. Just beyond is the thoroughly Canarian resort of Puerto de la Cruz, whose laid-back charms will win you over. And that’s not to mention the spectacular volcanic sands of Playa Jardin.

What to do in Tenerife

Obviously there are the beaches – Costa Adeje’s Playa del Duque is one of the best, perfect for making the most of the incredible Tenerife weather. And if you want more than just sun, sea and sand? Whether you’re looking for late-night dance floors or something to tire the kids out, Tenerife comes up trumps with an array of things to do all vacay long.

Big nights out are Go! Known for its vibrant resorts, Tenerife has a party reputation that doesn't go unnoticed. The nightlife in Playa de Las Americas is some of its liveliest, particularly along Veronica's Strip.

More into fresh air and Insta-worthy views? Dominating the centre of the island is Spain’s tallest peak, the beautiful Mount Teide. And don’t worry if you’re not much of a hiker, there’s a cable car taking you right to the volcano’s summit. Plus there are plenty more outdoor adventures to be had, like a day exploring the island’s answer to Machu Picchu at the hidden village of Masca.

As for families, a splash-filled trip to Siam Park has to be top of your list. It’s one of Europe’s best waterparks so don’t miss it! While a visit to Monkey Park is a must on all Los Cristianos holidays. Walk among squirrel monkeys and lemurs in its open enclosures. For a wildlife experience on a bigger scale, take to the ocean on a whale-spotting boat trip.

More about Tenerife holidays

Get more insider travel tips with our guides to these top Tenerife destinations: Costa Adeje | Los Cristianos | Playa de las Americas | Puerto de la Cruz

Map of Tenerife

world_map
15-28°C

Tenerife holidays are all about sunshine with temps reaching around 20°C in the coolest months and summer highs hitting a toasty 28°C.
Tenerife weather forecast >

Approx. 4 hours and 30 minutes
Tenerife has two airports – North and South. South is the main airport, in easy reach of most popular resorts. North is 11 km from the island capital, Santa Cruz.

Tenerife is best for...

Beach breaks: Tenerife has a great mix of beaches. From man-made stretches of golden sand with everything you need, to untamed, volcanic shores set away from the tourist trail. For family-friendly spots with great watersports, head to the south coast.

Foodies: Did you know Tenerife has a jaw-dropping total of five Michelin-starred restaurants? Try NUB’s amazing tasting menu at Hotel Bahia del Duque in Costa Adeje, or stop by Kabuki in Santa Cruz de Tenerife for incredible Japanese flavours.

Outdoor explorers: From mountains and subtropical rainforests to azure waters filled with wildlife, you’ll be in heaven if you love the great outdoors. Teide National Park is a must-see thanks to its spectacular scenery and towering volcano.

Fast facts for Tenerife

Language: They speak Spanish in Tenerife. It’s a local dialect of Castilian to be precise, although English and other European languages are widely known too.

Currency: You’ll need Euros for your Tenerife holiday money.

Local time: Relax, there’s no time difference between Tenerife and the UK!

Fly to: Tenerife North Airport (TFN) or Tenerife South Airport (TFS). North is mainly for domestic flights, while South is one of Spain's busiest airports.

Flight time from UK: Approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Tourist information: Take a look at the official website for tourism in Tenerife.

Visas & health: Before you travel, check the latest advice from The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Top Tenerife holiday destinations:
• Costa Adeje
Los Cristianos
Playa de las Americas
Puerto de la Cruz

Getting around Tenerife

By taxi: You can’t miss the white taxis in Tenerife. Your fare will be on the meter, or you can always negotiate a fixed price before you set off if you’re travelling a little further.

By car hire: Pick up a hire car from the airport and discover some of the island’s hidden gems. Travel inland or hit the coast to find its secret coves.

By bus: Cheap, cheerful, and impossible to miss, the bright green buses nicknamed 'guaguas' make getting around in Tenerife easy.

By tram: Sleek modern trams travel between Santa Cruz in the south and La Laguna in the north, with plenty of stops along two routes.

Tenerife airport transfers: If you’re not hiring a car, prebook your transfer, hop on the bus or grab a taxi.

Events in Tenerife

Carnival time: For two weeks in January/February/March, the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is carnival central. Expect parades, fireworks, parties and celebrations as the island welcomes spring with music and dancing in exuberant Rio de Janeiro style!

Easter celebrations: Easter brings the processions of Semana Santa (Holy Week), sardine sandwiches on Good Friday, and the chance to mark the end of Lent in high spirits.

Our Lady of the Candle: Pilgrims flock to the seaside town of Candelaria when Tenerife celebrates its patron saint on 14th and 15th of August. See processions, flower offerings and folk bands.

Wine festival: Raise a glass and try out the latest vintage at the Feast of St Andrew in November, when the island’s winemakers descend on Icod de los Vinos.

Tenerife travel advice

Make sure you check the latest FCDO advice on travelling to Tenerife well before your holiday. They cover everything from up-to-date info on passports and visas to all you need to know about safety and security.

 

 

Tenerife weather

Temperature: You can bask in 22°C heat most of the year here.

Best time to visit?

Nicknamed the ‘Island of Eternal Spring’, Tenerife holidays promise year-round heat, even during off-season. The most popular time of year is from May to July, when temperatures range from around 24°C to 28°C and a cooling sea breeze stops things from getting uncomfortably hot.

If your holidays revolve around the beach, August is a great time to visit, when the sea temperature averages around 23°C, perfect for swimming, water sports and snorkelling. The summer also promises nine hours of sunshine and highs of 28°C. While couples looking for a quiet break should head here during autumn when the kids are back at school and the Atlantic is still warm enough for a swim. 

Of course, Tenerife is well known as a top spot for winter sun too. Although cooler, temperatures rarely drop below 15°C. The island is generally quieter during these months, so you can see the sights at a gentler pace.

Best hotels in Tenerife

Popular Tenerife holiday resorts

Places similar to Tenerife to visit

Tenerife holiday FAQs
Tenerife FAQs
What is the cheapest month to go to Tenerife?

The cheapest month to travel to Tenerife can vary depending on the season, demand and availability.

Generally, winter is the most affordable time of year, so you’re looking at November, December, January and February. It’s sunny holiday weather at this time of year, so don’t forget the sun cream. Just be aware Christmas and New Year can be pricier!

May and June are also great value for money if you’d rather go when things are hotting up for summer.

During these months you can find good deals on flights and accommodation – and enjoy fewer crowds. As an added bonus, Tenerife is warm and sunny no matter when you travel!

Where are the nicest places in Tenerife?

You can’t go wrong wherever you pick! It’s a beautiful island with many amazing places to visit, and the island’s small enough that you can easily go anywhere on a day trip. But if you’re after recommendations, these are some of our favourite places to visit:

- Masca: Hidden away in the Teno Mountains, Masca village will charm your socks off with its stunning scenery, narrow streets and traditional architecture.
- Anaga Rural Park: Lush forests, stunning cliffs, and secluded beaches in the northeastern part of the island. Limber up – it's a great place for hiking and exploring.
- La Laguna: Known for its beautiful winding cobbles and cultural heritage, this historic town in the north of Tenerife is a must-visit straight out of the Middle Ages.
- Los Cristianos: Your go-to holiday spot if you’re looking to be in the heart of the action. You can expect toe-sinking sands, delicious menus, and plenty of shops, as well as tons of entertainment options.

Do all the beaches in Tenerife have black sand?

There are lots of black sand beaches in Tenerife but there are plenty of golden and white sand beaches too! You’ll find most of them in Tenerife South, but if you’re in the mood for a tropical-looking idyll head to the north and Las Teresitas. Think palm trees and sugar-white grains, transported from the Sahara Desert.

As for those black beaches? That’s the natural style of this volcanic island. And they’re absolutely stunning! You might want to pay a visit to Playa Jardin in Puerto de la Cruz – it’s a strong contender for the nicest beach in Tenerife.

What are the must-visit attractions in Tenerife?

Now you’re asking! With so much to do in Tenerife, it can be hard to narrow down the must-visit spots. These three have to be our top 3 though: 

- Teide National Park: So extraordinary that it’s been made a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s home to Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain. It's a great place to make like an intrepid explorer, with hiking trails and stunning views. Don’t miss the cable car ride!
- Siam Park: This action-packed waterpark is top dog, one of the finest in the world, with a Thai-themed atmosphere and plenty of water rides and other features for all ages. We reckon it’s the best thing to do with kids in Tenerife.
- Veronica’s Strip: If you’re looking for the liveliest nightlife hub on the island, this is the place to be! Pull up a bar stool or take your feet to the dance floor – Veronica’s Strip is the life and soul of the party in Playa de las Americas.

What are popular dishes to try in Tenerife?

Don’t stick with the beige Brit plate of chicken and chips! A Spanish island located off the coast of Africa, with links to the Caribbean, Tenerife’s cuisine is a tantalising blend of local delicacies, African flavours, and Latin American influences. Here are a few examples to get your taste buds going… 

- Papas arrugadas: A must-try Canarian dish made from small, salted potatoes that are boiled in their skins until they go wrinkly. They’re often served with a spicy mojo sauce.
- Conejo en salmorejo: Rabbit marinated in a sauce made from garlic, paprika, vinegar and olive oil before being sauteed or roasted.
- Ropa Vieja: A hearty stew made from shredded beef and chicken, chickpeas, potatoes, and vegetables. It’s a staple in the Canary Islands.
- Bienmesabe: Moreish creamy dessert made from ground almonds, honey, egg yolks, and lemon zest. It’s usually served with ice cream for a double win!
- Churros: Spanish doughnuts! They’re usually dipped in melted chocolate, do we need to say more?

Is it better to fly to Tenerife North or South?

Stay in the south of Tenerife for the main holiday action – that’s where you’ll find Tenerife’s most popular resorts: Playa de Las Américas, Los Cristianos, and Costa Adeje. Not to mention, some of its biggest family attractions, like Siam Park.

Prefer a gentler pace? Stay in Tenerife’s north to soak up Canarian heritage, from the cobbled streets of La Orotava to the colonial architecture of Puerto de la Cruz.

For the easiest transfer, you’ll want to fly to the closest of the two international airports to your hotel.

Tenerife South Airport (aka Tenerife South-Reina Sofia Airport):
• Most people go to Tenerife South Airport (TFS).
• Super close to the most popular resorts, including Playa de las Americas (18 km), Los Cristianos (16 km) and Costa Adeje (16.5 km), and pretty west coast spots like Los Gigantes and Puerto de Santiago.
• Just a quick trip from the quieter southern coast, including the area around San Miguel de Abona (12.5 km), where you’ll find San Blas and Golf del Sur.

Tenerife North Airport (or Los Rodeos Airport):
• The island’s original airport, Tenerife North (TFN) is smaller and less busy than Tenerife South.
• Handy for Santa Cruz de Tenerife (14 km) and Puerto de la Cruz (27 km).
• The best option for holidays spent exploring the quaint former capital, La Laguna (6 km), and traditional little villages.