Tenerife holidays

Best hotels in Tenerife

Tenerife holidays give you the most reliable winter and summer sun in Europe, a different coastline at almost every resort, and Spain's tallest mountain in the middle of it all. The largest of the Canary Islands sits off the coast of Africa, so it stays warm when the rest of Europe cools down — which is exactly why holidays to Tenerife work in February as well as they do in August. July is the top month to travel, closely followed by August and September.

Every type of break is covered here – no wonder we had over 7,000 guests visiting the island over the past year! There are easy beach days on the volcanic-black sands of the north and the golden, Sahara-imported sand of the south, lively resorts built for families and groups, quieter towns for couples, and All Inclusive holidays where meals, drinks and entertainment are sorted before you land. Thomas Cook packages to Tenerife are ATOL and ABTA protected (ATOL 11806), with direct flights from the UK.

A 7-night stay is the top option for most holidaymakers, with shorter 5-night breaks also popular. Holidays typically start from around £877pp, with a low deposit available to secure your booking.

Types of Tenerife holiday

All Inclusive – The most popular way to book Tenerife. Buffet and à la carte dining, poolside bars and daily entertainment are all built into the price, so families and couples can switch off completely. The south coast around Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas has the densest choice of resorts. See all Tenerife All Inclusive holidays.

Family – Year-round warmth, short transfers from Tenerife South Airport and big-hitter attractions make this an easy family pick. Siam Park – regularly rated the best waterpark in the world – has the Mai Tai lazy river and the near-vertical Tower of Power, and Forestal Park adds zip lines and treetop courses. The shallow, calm beaches at Costa Adeje suit younger children. Browse Tenerife family holidays.

Adults-only & couples – Costa Adeje pairs fine dining and spa hotels with sunset strolls along the promenade, while Puerto de la Cruz in the north offers a slower, more traditional Canarian pace. For grown-up stays look at Tenerife luxury holidays or our wider adults-only collection.

Last minute – Frequent UK flights and a broad range of hotels mean Tenerife is one of the best islands for a late deal, in winter as well as summer. Check live Tenerife last-minute holidays.

Luxury – Five Michelin-starred restaurants, beachfront five-star hotels and golf resorts cluster around Costa Adeje and Golf del Sur. The Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife in Playa Paraíso and Bahía del Duque in Costa Adeje sit at the top end. See Tenerife luxury holidays.

Cheap & shoulder-season – Travelling in late spring or autumn means warm weather, quieter beaches and lower hotel rates. Self-catering keeps costs down further – browse Tenerife self-catering and package holidays.

Summer & winter sun – Summer highs reach 28°C; winter rarely drops below 20°C on the coast, so winter sun breaks don’t have to mean long-haul flights. Winter holidays typically start from around £871pp, keeping prices steady even in the cooler months. See Tenerife summer holidays.

Best areas and resorts in Tenerife

Tenerife splits neatly into a sunnier, busier south and a greener, more traditional north. So, where you stay matters more here than on most islands.

Costa Adeje – The island's premium resort. Blue Flag beaches, golden Sahara sand, calm shallow water for snorkelling and sailing, and the widest spread of family, luxury and adults-only hotels. Best all-rounder. Guests regularly book Laguna Park 2 here.

Playa de las Américas – Tenerife’s nightlife capital, with bars, clubs and summer guest DJs. By day it’s still a proper beach resort with watersports and family-friendly hotels along the south coast. Sol Tenerife is a popular choice with our guests here.

Los Cristianos – A former fishing village turned relaxed seaside town. Two golden beaches, a working marina, boat trips and dolphin-spotting. Good for easy-going and first-time visitors.

Puerto de la Cruz – The pick of the north. Black-sand Playa Jardín, the Lago Martiánez seawater pools, tapas bars and a more authentic, culture-led feel. Ideal for couples and travellers who want the real Canaries.

Puerto de Santiago – A quiet, whitewashed village beneath the dramatic Los Gigantes cliffs. The calmest option, and the base for some of the island’s best whale and dolphin watching. The adults-only Barceló Santiago is a favourite here for guests seeking a quiet stay.

When to book Tenerife holidays

Tenerife is a year-round destination, which is rare in Europe. Peak season runs May to July with highs of 24–28°C. Spring and autumn are the value sweet spots – warm weather, fewer crowds and lower prices, with September and October often the cheapest months to fly while the sea is still warm. Winter holds steady around 20–22°C on the coast, making December to March prime winter-sun territory.

Peak summer holidays typically start from around £882pp, reflecting the higher demand during these months.

Things to do

Beyond the beaches, Teide National Park and Spain’s highest peak dominate any ‘things to do in Tenerife’ list – the cable car climbs close to the 3,718m summit. Add Siam Park, whale and dolphin trips off the south-west coast, the historic streets of La Laguna, and a food scene that runs from Michelin tasting menus to fresh-off-the-boat seafood in the fishing villages.

Getting there and around

Flights from the UK take around 4 hours 30 minutes, with regular departures from Manchester, London Stansted,London Gatwick and a number of other airports. Tenerife South Airport (TFS) serves most resorts and is the one you’ll usually land at; Tenerife North (TFN) is closer to the capital, Santa Cruz. On the island, pre-booked airport transfers or car hire make it easy to reach the inland and northern spots, and the green guagua buses and the Santa Cruz tram cover the rest. We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers any watersports or hiking you’ve got planned.

Similar Canary Islands

If Tenerife isn’t quite the fit, its neighbours each have a different character: Gran Canaria for variety and dunes, Lanzarote for volcanic landscapes and relaxed family resorts, Fuerteventura for its enormous beaches, and Portugal’s Madeira for greenery and hiking.

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 minutesTenerife 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.

Types of holiday in Tenerife

Map of Tenerife

Tenerife is best for...

Beach breaks: 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.

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.

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.

Events in Tenerife

Tenerife Carnival: Celebrated in February with parades, fireworks, parties and lively celebrations in exuberant Rio de Janeiro style. The festivities usually last around two weeks.

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.

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

UK travellers need a valid British passport to enter Tenerife. You can stay visa-free for short stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, visiting family or business purposes, Make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay and issued within the last 10 years. Check UK government travel advice for the latest entry requirements before travelling.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover medical treatment, cancellations and unexpected costs. If you plan activities such as water sports, hiking, or jet skiing, make sure these are included in your policy.

Tenerife weather

Best time to visit

Tenerife enjoys warm weather year-round. Peak season (May-July) brings temperatures of 24-28°C and plenty of sunshine. Shoulder seasons in spring and autumn offer warm weather with fewer crowds and better prices, while winter still sees pleasant temperatures around 20-22°C making it ideal for a sunny escape.

For detailed monthly temperatures and sea conditions, see our Tenerife weather guide.

More hotels in Tenerife

Popular Tenerife holiday resorts

Los CristianosPretty as a picture, Los Cristianos holidays take you to one of Tenerife’s most delightful resorts. It merges new facilities with traditional charm, giving you a taste of Canarian life with all the modern trimmings. You have not one but two curved golden beaches to choose from, stretching back to a busy and cosmopolitan seafront promenade that’s so long you can walk all the way to neighbouring Playa de las Americas.

Puerto de SantiagoPuerto de Santiago: authentic Tenerife! Peace, calm and chilled-out beach days sound like your kind of fantasy? Puerto de Santiago holidays are right up your promenade! A hidden gem of whitewashed houses and black sands, Puerto de Santiago is tucked away on Tenerife’s west coast.

Playa de las AmericasFor fun in the sun, you can’t beat Playa De Las Americas holidays. This vibrant and dynamic destination hums with energy all year round in its bars and nightclubs, where some of the world’s top DJs do guest spots all through the summer to keep everyone dancing from dusk to dawn.

Puerto de la CruzWhile most people head to the south of the island for the parties, the bars, and the banging clubs, you’ll find the northern coast of Tenerife has its own special charms too. It’s more chilled out, making it ideal for romantic getaways for couples, or family holidays away from the crowds.

Costa AdejeCosta Adeje holidays are super popular with all types of travellers. You can have family breaks in the sun, wild nights partying till dawn or laid-back eco-tourism. Or you can hit the shops, then spend the evening relaxing in a restaurant. There are even water sports and snorkelling if you’re feeling more adventurous.

Places similar to Tenerife to visit

MadeiraMadeira has built up a loyal following among Thomas Cook holidaymakers, with 712 holidaymakers visiting this Atlantic island over the past year. Its dramatic volcanic scenery, levada walking trails, and mild year-round climate make it a top choice for adventurous types who want something that differs from Europe's typical beach destinations.

FuerteventuraFuerteventura is one of our most in-demand Canary Islands destinations, with 5,511 Thomas Cook holidaymakers heading there over the past year. Known for its wide, wind-swept beaches, dune landscapes, and near-constant sunshine, it's an island that works well year-round, not just in peak summer.

LanzaroteLanzarote is a consistent favourite with Thomas Cook holidaymakers, with 6,618 guests visiting the island over the past year. Its volcanic landscape, black-sand beaches, and year-round mild climate set it apart from many other Canary Islands, making it a great choice whatever time of year you're travelling.

Gran CanariaGran Canaria continues to draw plenty of Thomas Cook holidaymakers, with 4,126 guests visiting the island over the past year. Often called a "continent in miniature" for its varied landscape of dunes, mountains and coastline, it suits both relaxed beach holidays and more active breaks.

Tenerife holiday FAQs

What entry requirements do UK travellers need for Tenerife?

UK travellers visiting Tenerife can stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa, as the island is part of Spain. You’ll just need a valid UK passport that’s less than 10 years old and has at least three months remaining before it expires after your departure date.

Is Tenerife good for All Inclusive holidays?

Definitely! Families, friends, or couples looking for a hassle-free break will love All Inclusive holidays in Tenerife. Resorts usually come fully stocked with meals, drinks, and entertainment, so you can simply relax and enjoy your stay.

Which parts of Tenerife are best for families?

Families usually head to the south of Tenerife for holiday fun. Costa Adeje stands out with its pristine beaches, safe swimming waters, and a host of attractions, including waterparks. For families seeking a quieter, more scenic experience, Puerto de la Cruz is a charming alternative with historic streets to explore and nature-based excursions.

Which areas are best for couples?

Couples looking for a romantic getaway have plenty of options in Tenerife. Costa Adeje is a great choice for couples who enjoy luxury, beautiful beaches, chic resorts with fine dining, spa experiences, and sunset strolls along the promenade. Los Cristianos offers a more intimate, traditional vibe, with golden beaches perfect for quiet afternoons together.

How many days do you need in Tenerife?

Most travellers find that 5-7 days is just right to enjoy the beaches, sightseeing, and activities without feeling rushed. A short break of 3-4 days works well for sun and relaxation, while 10 days or more lets you explore the island’s diverse landscapes.

Is Tenerife suitable for first-time travellers?

Absolutely! Thanks to its easy-to-navigate resorts, reliable transport links, and wide range of activities, Tenerife is an excellent choice for first-time travellers. Friendly locals, well-equipped facilities, and year-round sunshine make it a simple and stress-free destination to explore.