Tenerife Holidays

Tenerife holidays are guaranteed to attract every type of holidaymaker. Whether you’re searching for a stunning beachside suntrap, a hike to an impressive historical site or wine tasting in the shadow of an ancient volcano, don’t let your holiday to Tenerife pass you by!

• Explore Tenerife’s capital: Tenerife’s epicentre has a lot to offer. Expect art galleries, like the Tenerife Espacio de las Artes, surrounded by volcanic landscapes. Enjoy the displays of unbeatable fresh produce at the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África.
• Hike the Anaga mountains: For a breathtaking, natural adventure, hike part of the 400km trail between hilltop hamlets along the 400km stretch of the Anaga mountains.Protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this trail takes you through ancient laurel forests and willow trees, rewarding you with unbeatable coastal views.
• Catch a glimpse of whales and dolphins in the wild: Tenerife holidays are a great chance to see marine life. Head to the western side of the island where a swath of ocean has been declared Europe’s first whale heritage site. The area is home to populations of short-finned pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins and 27 other cetaceans.
• Ride the waves in El Médano: With its unique combination of strong winds and gentle waves, the long stretch of beach at El Médano is a water-sport lover’s paradise. Kitesurfing, paddle boarding and windsurfing are popular pastimes here. Not feeling confident? Dive into your holiday to Tenerife with a course at one of the local schools.
• Taste volcanic Canarian wines: Canarian wine is unique due to the mineral-rich soil and Tenerife’s distinctive climates. So, if you’re a fan of the odd tipple, then wine tasting in Tenerife is a must.Vines have been grown on the island since the 15th century and many of the vineyards still use traditional methods.
• Marvel at Spain’s highest peak: El Teide is Spain’s highest peak and stands at 3718m, in the centre of Spain’s most-visited national park. There are infinite options for trails around this UNESCO-protected national park, including the formidable ascent of the summit itself.
• Experience Winter Carnaval in the capital: For three weeks in February, the capital witnesses one of Spain’s most impressive events. Tenerife’s Winter Carnaval is a festival of colour, sequined outfits, street parties, music, dance and fashion shows. It is a phenomenal spectacle. Dates change yearly, so check in advance and remember that hotels fill up fast.
• Luxuriate on Tenerife’s beaches: For a more laidback Tenerife holiday, you needn’t look far. Tenerife’s beaches are as diverse as they are stunning. From volcanic sands to calm waters, to kitesurfing and dolphin-watching paradise. Tenerife’s beaches have so much to offer.

Playa Las Teresitas Beach

Holidays to Tenerife offer some of the best beaches and Playa Las Teresitas in the north is no exception. With the breathtaking Anaga Mountains as its backdrop, this mile-long beach is an other-worldly sight.

• Why visit: This beach has a relaxed vibe, soft sand, a range of seafood restaurants and chiringuitos (beach bars).
• How to get there: You can get there by foot or by car. Playa las Teresitas is just 5km from the island’s capital, Santa Cruz. You can drive the long road that traverses the coastline. Buses also run regularly from the centre of Santa Cruz.
• Who’s it for: Playa las Teresitas is a great beach for families due to its calm waters. It’s also good for groups of friends given its size.
• What to do: Playa las Teresitas is one of the island’s largest beaches so there’s plenty of space to sunbathe or enjoy relaxing beneath the shade of a parasol. El Caracol Beach Club is a cool hangout with excellent cocktails (try the mojitos) and a menu comprising mainly seafood and paella.

Playa Los Guíos Beach

Another dramatic vista awaits you on your holiday to Tenerife. Playa los Guíos will take your breath away with its looming cliffs and famous sunsets. Get your camera ready!

• Why visit: Unbeatable natural sights, including the Acantilados de los Gigantes (Cliffs of the Giants), which jut out from the ocean at 600m high. Playa Los Guíos has a relaxed feel, calm water, plenty of shade in the morning, gorgeous sunsets and views out to La Gomera.
• How to get there: You can get there by foot or by car. The beach is located in Los Gigantes, in the western part of Tenerife.
• Who’s it for: Perfect for scuba divers and snorkellers, this shoreline is replete with caverns and arches teeming with fish, anemones, moray eels, octopus, lobsters and stingrays. Families, friends and couples alike will enjoy the calm waters and range of activities on offer.
• What to do: Los Gigantes Diving Centre is a terrific port of call for PADI courses. If you’d rather stay above water, you can get a closer look at the tremendous cliffs by booking a walking tour. There’s also kayaking and dolphin and whale watching here.

El Médano Beach

Water sports lovers will rejoice at this beach, which consistently bears witness to the perfect climate for windsurfing, kitesurfing and paddle boarding. This beach has shallow waters and a wooden boardwalk boasting an array of restaurants and cafés.

• Why visit: El Médano is a family-friendly beach with sunbeds and parasols for hire, a beach promenade with restaurants and is accessible for those with reduced mobility.
• How to get there: El Médano is on Tenerife’s south coast and can be accessed by car or on foot.
• Who’s it for: Water sports enthusiasts and families.
• What to do: Dive into the excellent surfing conditions here, with strong winds and moderate waves. Equipment is available to rent if you don’t have your own.

Playa de Roque Bermejo Beach

This beach mesmerizes with its black sand and secluded vibe. As its backdrop, Playa de Roque Bermejo has the craggy mountains of Anaga Rural Park. Access it via a trail from the tiny mountain village of Chamorga.

• Why visit: The views on the journey to Chamorga alone are spectacular. The trail is a rewarding hike through gnarled laurel forest and past cactuses and agaves that goats love to nibble. The climb then opens up the views of ravines and jagged mountains.
• How to get there: This beach is only accessible by foot. The tiny mountain village of Chamorga is the starting point for an 8.3km (5-mile) loop trail along the peninsula.
• Who’s it for: Nature lovers in search of a secluded spot.
• What to do: Enjoy the trail. There is a small bar by the chapel where you can get refreshments.

Playa del Duque Beach

Swap your trail shoes for a yoga mat on the Costa Adeje. If you are searching for a Tenerife holiday with style, head to the island’s trendiest beach spot at Playa del Duque.

• Why visit: With its turquoise waters and golden sand, Playa del Duque is lined with some of the island’s most exclusive hotels. Its promenade connects it to 8 other beaches and is lined with restaurants, bars, cafés and shops.
• How to get there: This beach is accessible by car or by foot. It is an accessible beach for those with reduced mobility.
• Who’s it for: This beach has a blue flag, meaning its safe waters are ideal for families. Playa del Duque’s range of amenities makes it a suitable place for everyone to enjoy.
• What to do: Activities include yoga, sipping on cocktails and reclining fully on cabana beds beneath a canopy of palm trees.

Spring

• Climate: Book your holiday to Tenerife in Spring to enjoy delightful sunshine while avoiding the more intense heat of summer.
• Things to do in Spring in Tenerife: The pleasant temperatures allow you to make the most of outdoor activities like hiking and exploring.
• Why visit Tenerife in Spring: At this time of year, the island is more peaceful, yet to welcome the waves of tourism that arrive in summer. Take care if you’re planning to visit the north of the island, which can experience cooler climates and some rainfall during this time of year.

Summer

• Climate: Visit Tenerife in summer to count on warm days full of sunshine. Temperatures oscillate between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius.
• Things to do in Summer in Tenerife: Summer is a great time to partake in water sports and take advantage of Tenerife’s stunning and diverse beaches. It’s also a great time of year to take refuge in the shade of the island’s many galleries and museums.
• Why visit Tenerife in Summer: Tenerife is a great summer holiday option for families due to its family-friendly beaches and water parks. There are a range of activities on offer for all types of holidaymakers.

Autumn

• Climate: With average highs of 26 degrees Celsius, the weather in Autumn is pleasant. The sea is at its warmest during this season.
• Things to do in Autumn in Tenerife: Get into the great outdoors. Autumn is a great time to enjoy the island’s natural landmarks, its water sports and sites of historical interest.
• Why visit Tenerife in Autumn: Autumn in Tenerife is a relaxed season. The buzz of summer quietens and, like in Spring, you can take in the island’s natural beauty and hike its trails in a pleasant climate. The autumn months can be a pocket-friendly time to visit Tenerife with better deals on flights and accommodation.

Winter

• Climate: Tenerife is a great destination for winter sun-seekers. Although January experiences the most rainfall, the rain falls in short showers and there are still many warm and dry days.
• Things to do in Winter in Tenerife: Experience Carnaval, visit wineries and take in the festive decorations if visiting at Christmas time.
• Why visit Tenerife in Winter: Book your Tenerife holiday in Winter to witness the spectacle of Winter Carnaval. Three weeks of fiesta taking place around the end of January and into February. Dates change depending on Easter so be sure to check for exact dates. Hotels book up quickly at this time of year so make your reservation in advance. Tenerife is also a fabulous destination for winter sunshine, with little rainfall and mild temperatures.

Tenerife is a great option for families due to the large number of hotels offering kids’ clubs and excellent entertainment programmes.

There is much more to do than simply visit the beaches, but they’re a good place to start. With long stretches of sand, perfect for building castles, and rock pools to play in and explore, Tenerife’s beaches can provide hours of fun for the little ones.

There are also a plethora of activities on the island that are great to enjoy with children in tow. Whale and dolphin watching is an experience that children will carry with them forever.

Tenerife is home to several zoos, theme parks and water parks. Loro Parque has a diverse collection of animals from all over the world. And children can learn about the different species through entertaining and educational shows.

Siam Park is a water park with a Thai theme. Kids will marvel at the park’s towering water slides, such as the Tower of Power, where they can plummet through a shark-filled aquarium. And, for a more relaxed experience, the lazy river and vast wave pool provide something for everyone.

Another exhilarating experience for families in Tenerife is the Tenerife Karting. Whether you’re a Formula 1 enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to spend the afternoon, Tenerife Karting has it all. The track’s fastest karts can reach speeds of up to 95 km per hour!

The fun doesn’t end there! There are many things to do for families at night time in Tenerife. The Tenerife Light Park will leave your entire family enchanted with its wonderland filled with over 40 themed light installations.

Alternatively, get settled in for a night of medieval adventures at the Castillo San Miguel. There are horse shows, jousting, dinner and, not only will kids be entertained, they get to learn about medieval history too!

• Morning: The best way to begin your day in Tenerife is by heading to one of the famous beaches or relax by the pool in your resort. Your choice of beach will depend on whether you’re looking for total relaxation or an action-packed morning of water sports. Either way, it’s smart to hit the beach in the morning before the heat of the midday sun kicks in.

  Alternatively, get to Mount Teide National Park and kickstart your day with an early morning hike around the trails before the sun gets hot and the park gets too crowded. Don’t forget to pack your camera!

• Afternoon: At midday, head to the island’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, to squeeze in some shopping and grab some local fare at the iconic Nuestra Señora de África market. Established in 1943, you will find different varieties of cheeses, wines, freshly made food and produce here.

  Why not do as the locals do and buy your fish at the market and then have it cooked up at one of the eateries dotted around its edge. Now, that’s sea to table! The market closes daily at 2pm so make sure to leave yourself plenty of time.

  Later in the afternoon, history buffs will love visiting some of the most famous squares such as Plaza de la Candelaria and Plaza de España. Hidden beneath the latter, in an underground gallery, are the remains of San Cristóbal castle, which was the first significant fortification on the island and dates back to the 16th century.

  If visiting outside of Carnaval time, you may wish to get a taste for the famous event by visiting Casa del Carnaval, a museum housing a permanent exhibition of items relating to Carnaval.

  Alternatively, walk off your lunch with one of the island’s many walking trails. However, this is best done during the months of October – April, when the temperatures don’t reach the same highs as summer.

• Night: Tenerife has several exciting events to choose from to end your day on the magical island. Couples may wish to set sail along the coast on a romantic sunset cruise, and soak up the scenery as you glide past Tenerife’s black-sand beaches.

  Alternatively, spend the evening at one of Tenerife’s dinner shows with live entertainment. The medieval dinner show at Castillo San Miguel is a popular choice for families. It’s a fun filled event, featuring costumed knights and horseback jousting.

  The iconic white building of the Tenerife Auditorium, designed by Santiago Calatrava, also offers a repertoire of music, dance and opera shows.

  Party lovers need not look far for a place to get their dancing shoes on. The island’s capital is one of the best options for a night out in northern Tenerife. Head to the pedestrianised street Calle de La Noria. Here, the same bars and restaurants that serve tapas during the day transform into clubs when night falls.

• Bars and clubs: Though you’ll find bars and nightlife in most resorts on the island, the area of Playa de las Ámericas is most well-known for being a party hotspot. The Las Verónicas strip hosts up to 50 establishments. On its northern corner is the Papagayo Beach Club, which welcomes the hottest DJs every weekend.
• Shows and entertainment: There are amazing shows to see in Tenerife. From flamenco to theatre to music recitals, there is something for everyone. The Music Hall Tavern features comedy shows to have you roaring with laughter whereas the Tenerife Auditorium has a range of theatre, music and dance.
• Tapas bars: For foodies, getting a tapas route is one of the most fun things to do at night time in Tenerife. Tapas bars tend to be located within a short radius of one another, meaning you can hop from one to another, trying the recommended tapa in each establishment.

Traditional dishes of Tenerife share much in common with other Canary Islands. With its fertile, volcanic soil and abundance of fish, it’s easy to eat and drink well on this island.

Mojo: is a sauce that’s highly popular in the Canary Islands. The two most common types are mojo rojo (made from red pepper and garlic) and mojo verde (made from coriander and parsley).

Goat’s cheese: is on the menu in almost every local restaurant. In fact, grilled goat’s cheese topped with mojo is a firm favourite amongst locals.

Limpets: are a popular type of clam served in Tenerife. Enjoy the traditional Tenerife-style recipe, served with a green mojo sauce.

Fiesta meat: (carne fiesta) is a meat-lover’s dream. This typical Tenerife dish is made from chunks of marinated pork fried in plenty of oil and served with chips. The pork is marinated in a Canarian spice mix made from paprika, oregano, salt, garlic and vinegar.

Tenerife is home to some unique potato varieties, including black potatoes. These are often served with (you guessed it!) mojo!

Finally, don’t forget to pair your dishes with a glass of local wine. Tenerife is the largest producer of wines in the archipelago of the Canaries, with approximately 65% of all vines in the Canary Islands. The diversity of climates found in Tenerife and its rich volcanic soil makes for some unique and delicious wines.