Traveling to Tenerife, Spain: What to Know Before You Go

Back in February, I booked a trip to Tenerife with a few friends from Barcelona. Due to Covid, there were still many travel restrictions throughout Europe which meant we were limited to staying within Spain. Since we all were working remotely, we decided it would be the perfect opportunity to pack up our bags and stay a few weeks in a new location.

We wanted something that offered warm weather, beautiful beaches, hiking, and nature. With those criteria in mind, we landed on Tenerife, Spain.

Tenerife is a part of the Canary Islands, which is located right off the coast of Africa. Due to their location, these islands are known for having warm beautiful weather year-round, natural beauty, and unmatched landscapes. 

Since we were visiting for a few weeks, we were able to take the time to explore and venture around the island. What I learned is that this island is diverse yet wild, making it the perfect destination for beach-goers and nature enthusiasts alike. While there are larger cities like Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the rest of the island still feels untouched and undeveloped, making it the perfect spot to embrace some time outside. 

Below are some of my top tips and things to do when visiting this beautiful Spanish island.

Where to Stay in Tenerife

Puerto De La Cruz & La Orotava

If you are looking to escape city life and get into nature, use La Orotava as your home base. Situated in the northern part of the island, La Orotava offers rustic farmhouses and stunning views of the Mount Teide volcano. What I loved about staying in La Orotava is the fact that you can be out in nature and still have the convenience of a normal-sized city just 10 minutes away by car. 

However, keep in mind that this was a good option for us since we were staying for a few weeks and wanted to have plenty of outdoor space. We stayed in an Airbnb that had orange and avocado trees right on the property. While it felt more remote, you still had to get into the car if you ever wanted to go into town or a beach. 

 For those who are more limited on time, you may want to consider going to a larger town that is more convenient for getting around. If you prefer to be in the heart of a city but still on this side of the island, spend a few nights in Puerto de la Cruz. 

Another important thing to note is that if you’re expecting to have sunny days during your stay in Tenerife, you may want to reconsider staying in this part of the island. Here the weather is more unpredictable compared to the south. If the clouds don’t roll in during the afternoon, you can expect beautiful views and warm weather. However, most days during our stay in February were cloudy and a lot colder than we had anticipated.

Los Gigantes

If you’re craving some sun but still want nearby hiking trails, spend a night or two in Los Gigantes. Not only is this beach area great for vacationers, but it also offers stunning views of the soaring nearby cliffside. Here you’ll find lots of restaurant options and accommodations, making it the perfect spot for a beach town vacation.

Things to Do in Tenerife

Tenerife is a diverse island that offers both dramatic coastlines and scenic hiking trails. If you want to get the most out of your stay on the island, I highly suggest renting a car so you can get around. Without your own transportation, you’ll be very limited on what you can do. 

Tenerife has three different climatic zones, which means the island’s landscapes and terrain dramatically changes depending on where you are. Going by car is the best way to see Tenerife’s natural diversity first hand, whether you are touring El Teide or meandering through Masca. 

Below are some of the top things to do in Tenerife: 

Drive Through Mount Teide National Park

Smack dab in the middle of the island soars the Teide volcano. Touring this vast natural park is the perfect way to see the island’s untouched, natural beauty. I suggest giving yourself plenty of time to drive and hike through this changing landscape. To gain a different perspective, hop on the cable car and see the Teide from a birds-eye view. 

Walk Through Masca

Tucked high into the cliffside lies the village of Masca. This beautifully preserved town boasts rustic charm and dreamy mountain landscapes. The village of 90 inhabitants is the main attraction itself, making it a quick afternoon spot to explore while visiting the area. Be prepared as the drive-in is not for the faint of heart. The thin road is barely wide enough for two cars to pass each other, and when you factor in the plummeting cliffs on one side, it makes for quite a heart-pounding experience.

Check Out the Local Beaches

 

If you are planning a trip to Tenerife, you are probably expecting to spend a good amount of time on the coastline. You would be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t pencil in some R&R on the rocky coasts and beautiful beaches. As said before, the weather drastically changes depending on where you are on the island. If you are looking to spend a few days in the sun, do your research and look up the weather before heading out for the day. Some top beaches to check out include:

• Playa de Los Gigantes
• Playa de Las Américas
• Playa de la Tejita
• Playa de Las Teresitas 
• Playa el Bollullo
• Playa del Duque
• Playa Del Medano 
• Playa de Diego Hernandez

Explore Quaint Seaside Towns

While on your Tenerife tour, make sure to take some time to pass through the quaint villages and towns. What I like to do is star notable places and sites on my google maps and hit each place along the way. Some must-see towns to visit are listed below:

• Taganana
• Masca
• Vilaflor
• Candelaria
• Garachico
• Los Cristianos
• La Laguna

Hike in Rural de Anaga Park

This was one of my favorite experiences we had during my time in Tenerife. This tucked-away pocket of the island boasts some of Tenerife’s most stunning landscapes. While you’re going to want to strap on your hiking boots and clock a few miles by foot, the drive itself is just as stunning on its own. There are lots of different trails you can take depending on how much time you want to spend. Do your research, get there early, and make a day out of this beautifully-preserved natural park. 

Watch the Kite Surfers at Medano Beach

At the southern tip of Tenerife lies Medano Beach. This casual coastal town attracts a crowd not only for its tranquil beachside restaurants and bars but also for its pristine location as a kite surfing hotspot. People from all over come to Medano beach just to kitesurf. Whether you are interested in learning by yourself or just want to watch from the shore, this is a great place to spend a day if you have the time.

As you can see, Tenerife is a diverse and rugged island that offers plenty to explore. Whether you are coming for a long weekend or an extended stay, you’ll be able to create the perfect itinerary for your holiday away!