Tenerife holidays

 

Tenerife holidays offer something for every beach lover, from peaceful coves to lively, family-friendly shores. With 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.

And the best bit? Holidays to Tenerife match every kind of getaway. There’s easy-going beach breaks, fun-packed family holidays, romantic trips for two, and All Inclusive stays where everything’s sorted before you’ve even landed. Find out more about top resorts, beaches, seasons and everything you need to know before your trip!

Types of Tenerife holidays

Beach holidays 

  • Enjoy ten hours of sunshine each day, making it ideal for sunseekers - which is why it’s so popular among UK travellers! 
  • Explore popular beachside resorts, like Puerto de la Cruz on the beautiful north coast.
  • Choose to stay at the charming seaside towns of Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje. 

 

All Inclusive holidays

  • Tenerife All Inclusive holidays are a great choice for couples and families or any traveller who wants meals, drinks and entertainment sorted before they arrive. 
  • Enjoy buffet dining, poolside bars and daily activities all included at your resort. 
  • Spend your days relaxing on the sands of Playa del Duque and your evenings soaking up the lively atmosphere in Playa de las Américas. 

 

Family-friendly holidays

  • Thanks to its sizzling year-round climate, Tenerife holidays for families are a brilliant pick all-year round, from winter beach days on volcanic sands to action-packed summer escapes. 
  • Make a splash at Siam Park, where highlights include Mai Thai lazy river and the heart-racing Tower of Power slide.
  • Take adventures to new heights and head to Forestal Park and tackle rope ladders, zip lines and wobbly bridges across thrilling treetop courses. 

 

Couples and adults-only breaks

  • Tenerife holidays for couples include relaxing beach days, scenic strolls, and peaceful evenings together.
  • Spend time exploring Puerto de la Cruz known for its historic streets and traditional Canarian feel. 
  • From Adults Only hotels to cocktail bars and seaside restaurants, places like Costa Adeje offer a balanced mix of relaxation and nightlife. 

 

Short winter sun breaks

  • Tenerife offers short winter getaways packed with sunshine, calm, and a chance to escape cold days without travelling too far.
  • With warm temperatures year-round, you can sunbathe or enjoy a scenic coastal walk.
  • Flights to Tenerife from the UK make it an easy and convenient choice for a quick winter escape. 

 

Budget and shoulder-season options

  • Travelling in spring or autumn means pleasant temperatures, quieter beaches, and more space to relax and explore.
  • Shoulder season trips offer lower hotel rates and great flight deals.
  • Popular attractions are less crowded, making it easier to enjoy sightseeing at a relaxed pace.

 

Top areas to visit in Tenerife

Costa Adeje: One of Tenerife’s most popular resorts, Costa Adeje is famous for its Blue Flag beaches. Silky golden sand, brought in from the Sahara Desert, is a big draw, while the waters are shallow and calm - ideal for watersports like snorkelling or sailing. It’s a destination for all kinds of travellers, offering a wide variety of holiday experiences. You can enjoy sunny family breaks, lively nights out, or a laid-back eco-friendly escape - there’s something here for everyone.

Playa de las Américas: Famous for its buzzing nightlife and energetic atmosphere, bars and nightclubs keep the party going from dusk until dawn, with top DJs appearing throughout the summer. But there’s more here than just the nightlife scene. By day, powdery soft beaches and sparkling waters along the south coast offer great opportunities to bask in the sun or paddle in the sea. Though it’s Tenerife’s party capital, holidays to Playa de las Américas also suit families, groups, and couples alike, with beaches, waterparks, and family-friendly resorts to enjoy.

Los Cristianos: Once a small fishing village, Los Cristianos is now a thriving seaside town with two golden beaches beside a lively marina. Days here are all about beach time, boat trips, dolphin spotting, and wandering along the waterfront with an ice cream in hand. Holidays to Los Cristianos suit easy-going travellers, where life revolves around the harbour and long, sunny afternoons.

Puerto de la Cruz: While the south of Tenerife is known for its party scene, this northern resort is all about charm, scenery, and a slower pace. Colourful streets tumble down to a lively waterfront filled with tapas bars, cafés, and quirky shops, while the volcanic black sands of Playa Jardín and the seawater pools at Lago Martiánez add to its appeal. It’s ideal for families, couples, and travellers looking for a more authentic side of the island with a culture-filled holiday experience.

Explore: Costa Adeje | Los Cristianos | Playa de las Américas | Puerto de la Cruz | Puerto de Santiago

 

5 reasons to choose Tenerife for your next holiday

  1. 12 months of sunshine: Tenerife may be part of Spain, but its African-influenced weather makes it a great choice for a winter escape.
  2. Scenery for days: A gorgeous backdrop is 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.
  3. Fun times for families: From sandcastles and animals to waterslides, there’s something for everyone - including the parents.
  4. Big name beach spots: There’s Playa del Duque (Costa Adeje) or the family-friendly Playa de las Vistas (Los Cristianos), two of the best Tenerife beaches; the coastline features beaches for every visitor. 
  5. 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.


More Travel Guides

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 | Puerto de Santiago

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: 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.

 

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

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

Places similar to Tenerife to visit

Tenerife holiday FAQs

Tenerife 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.