Tenerife holidays

This is an island of huge sandy beaches, a gorgeous mountainous landscape to wow us all, and resorts built specially for fun. You’ve got it – Tenerife is a big Brit hit with a list of traits to top them all. Welcome to a dazzling destination with magic in its veins.

Tenerife holiday resorts:

No.14 – TripAdvisor’s Top 25 Destinations

You’ll have such a top time in magical Tenerife that it’s been stamped as number 14 in TripAdvisor’s Top 25 Destinations in Europe.

Spring Hotel Vulcano

Playa de las Americas, Tenerife

Our rating

Based on 2724 reviews

Recently refurbished
New rooftop terrace
Chill-out bar & terrace
Pool view rooms available
Great for couples

Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife

Playa Paraiso, Tenerife

Our rating

Based on 2120 reviews

Beachfront
Unique decor
Half Board dine around available
Ultimate spa experience
Fun for everyone

Diamond Apartments

Los Gigantes, Tenerife

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Our rating

Based on 300 reviews

Stunning sea views
Modern apartments
Relaxed atmosphere

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Language

Spanish

Currency

Euro

Time difference

GMT

Cost of a beer

€1.80

3 course meal

Expect to pay at least €12

Flight times

4-5hrs

An island of two sides

South Tenerife is all soft sand, warm turquoise waters and lively resorts to sink your teeth into, but things get much greener in the north. Venture upwards and you’ll begin to find lush plants, forests, capitals and lesser-known towns unfolding in harmony. Flip the coin and see where to start.

Dominant force

Tenerife is at Mother Nature’s whim. Its dormant volcano – which last erupted in 1909 – is Spain’s highest peak and commands the island’s landscape. Rich hills are not a patch on this snow-capped point. But don’t miss the gorgeous beaches – they steal some of the limelight along the shore.

Calling all foodies

Not only is Tenerife a tangle of boutiques and retailers to make any savvy shopper swoon, it’s a pantry of local specialities waiting to be tried and purchased. Cheese, honey, sauces – you name it, this island’s got flavours to pack a punch in every dish.

Playa de las Americas

You’ve got every reason to make things lively in Playa de las Americas, an exciting coastal crowd-pleaser.

Costa Adeje

Families and couples alike can expect great food, classy shopping and a touch of glitz in Costa Adeje.

Los Cristianos

With three beaches and a lively harbour to show off, you’ll quickly learn that these perks make Los Cristianos a favourite.

Playa Paraiso

With seaside fun guaranteed, it’s no surprise that this sun-soaked scene is great for everyone.

Playa de la Arena

South of Puerto De Santiago and Los Gigantes, this resort has a laid-back demeanour.

Puerto de la Cruz

Your typical Spanish traditions align with island charms here in piece-of-paradise Puerto de la Cruz.

Golf del Sur

The clue’s in the name – this resort’s big on its golf. It’s a hole in one for scenery too, with its vast cliffs and sweeping sea views.

Puerto de Santiago

Sandwiched between Playa De La Arena and Los Gigantes, the ravines and rocky bays of Puerto de Santiago are well worth checking out.

El Medano

This lesser-frequented spot makes for an idyllic getaway for families and couples alike, especially if somewhere quieter is on the agenda.

Chayofa (Los Cristianos)

Epitomising traditional Canarian village, the green spaces of Chayofa are much quieter than its busier resort siblings.

Callao Salvaje

Not far from the bustling resorts of Costa Adeje and Playa de Las Americas, the petite town of Callao Salvaje occupies a small spot on Tenerife’s rugged west coast.

Los Gigantes

Overshadowing the town and harbour, the huge rock centrepiece of the resort, ‘The Giants’, shows off textured layers of epic volcanic rock.

Beaches

Tenerife’s beaches are legendary, and when you set your eyes on the soft white sand, twinkling emerald waters and swaying palm trees, you’ll soon see why. You’ll find many thriving tourist spots with quaint, café-lined promenades and plenty of prime places to watch the sun go down.

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Sights

A journey through pine forests takes you to the majestic Mount Teide and its epic National Park. You can get within 200m of the summit by cable car, so you’re in for panoramic views. Whale and dolphin watching is another must in Tenerife – you’re almost sure to see some.

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Acantilados de los Gigantes

Los Gigantes, Tenerife

The dramatic 'Cliffs of the Giants' are aptly named, reaching heights of 600m in some places. They offer some of the most spectacular scenery in Tenerife. Many of the whale-watching tours pass them, and the...

Basilica of Candaleria

Tenerife

Visit the impressive Basilica of Candaleria to view an iconic statue of the Virgin of Candelaria that was found on a nearby beach in the 14th century. The ornate Catholic church built to house the black...

Activities

Tigers, gorillas, meerkats and dolphins are just a few of the animals you’ll find at Loro Parque Zoo, but for thrills and spills, Tenerife’s got the mighty Siam Park Waterpark. Harbours and marinas are dotted all around, so scenic strolls are definitely on the agenda – not to mention cycling the coastal routes.

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Eating and drinking

Wrinkly potatoes might not sound like the most appetising, taste bud-tickling dish, but when done the Canarian way, with skins on and lots of salt, they’re delicious. You’ve also got to take advantage of the fish and seafood – Dorada, a type of sea bream, is the speciality.

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Alcala Harbour

Guia de Isora, Tenerife

The relaxed harbour here is the perfect spot to watch the sunset over dinner and cocktails. There are plenty of restaurants serving local cuisine and fresh seafood from the stylish Escondida to the more laid...

Bars and restaurants at Los Gigantes Port

Los Gigantes, Tenerife

The port thrives with bars and eateries, which sit beside the many boats and yachts moored there. Naturally, you'll find some excellent seafood restaurants with the freshest of ingredients, while tapas bars...

Shopping

The big, bold capital Santa Cruz is a bit of a shopper’s paradise, with great deals on electricals to be found on Plaza de España and Plaza de la Candelaria. Look out for the street market on Sundays too, where you can pick up everything from jewellery to fruit.

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Nightlife

Tenerife has got nightlife as laid-back or revved up as you want it. Playa de las Americas rightfully wears the partying-till-dawn crown. But like the island’s other resorts, it’s also a place for friendly bars, discos and restaurants where you can take your kids, so you won’t be disappointed.

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