Information
Language
Spanish
Currency
Euro (€)
Time difference
0hr
Local beer
£1.70
Meal for two
£36.30
Average flight time
4.5hrs
An island of two halves
South Tenerife is all soft sand, warm turquoise waters and lively resorts like Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos. Things are much greener in the north, where you'll find forests made for hiking, picture-perfect Puerto de la Cruz and the capital, Santa Cruz. Not to mention the island’s home to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak. For expansive views of the pretty island, venture to its summit.
By day and by night
Tenerife’s year-round tropical climate means days here are spent outside. The beaches are geared up for lounging, water spots and midday beers, but there are lots of golf courses and theme parks for endless entertainment too. When the sun goes down, live shows, al fresco dining spots, budget-friendly restaurants and dance-all-night-worthy bars are what you can expect.
Local goodies
Not only is Tenerife a tangle of boutiques and retailers to make any savvy shopper swoon, it’s also a pantry of local specialties waiting to be tried and purchased. Cheese, honey, mojo sauce – you name it, this island has flavours to pack a punch in every dish. Don’t miss papas arrugadas, wrinkly potatoes that are found on most menus!
Is Tenerife suitable for family holidays?
Absolutely. Tenerife is renowned as a family-friendly destination. Resorts like Costa Adeje and Puerto de la Cruz offer shallow beaches, water parks (such as Siam Park), animal parks (Loro Parque), and many hotels equipped with dedicated children’s clubs and facilities.
Does Tenerife have golden sand beaches?
The south of the island is famous for golden and white sand beaches like Playa de Fanabe and Playa de las Américas. However, many beaches in the north (such as those in Puerto de la Cruz) are volcanic, consisting of black sand. If you prefer golden sand, stay in the south or visit Playa Jardin, a man-made black sand beach in the north designed by César Manrique.
Which part of Tenerife is best for nightlife?
Playa de las Américas and the Veronicas Strip are the hubs for vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues. Los Cristianos offers a more relaxed evening atmosphere with traditional tapas bars and live entertainment.
Is Tenerife good for hiking?
Absolutely. Tenerife is a walker's paradise, offering everything from coastal walks to challenging mountain treks. The Anaga Rural Park and the pine forests surrounding Mount Teide provide thousands of kilometres of well-marked trails (senderos).