12 Essential Tips for Traveling to Tenerife 2025

This guide of recommendations for discovering Tenerife will be of great help if it’s your first time planning to visit the island and you still feel a bit disoriented about the organization.

Traveling to Tenerife is almost like fulfilling a dream. The largest island of the Canary archipelago is a true paradise for nature lovers, with wonders such as Teide— that imposing volcanic cone which holds the title of Spain’s highest mountain— and with beaches and natural pools perfect for enjoying at any time of the year. In addition, here you’ll have the opportunity to wander through charming villages like Garachico or Icod de los Vinos, and discover cities full of history like La Laguna.

After having explored every corner of the island, taking in both its cultural and natural attractions, and after having created guides such as things to do in Tenerife, we want to offer you some recommendations so that your adventure isn’t marred by any unpleasant surprises. In this article we explain, among other details, how to get there, how to get around, how to manage your accommodation, and other tips we wish we had known before starting our journey. Let’s get started!

1. What Is the Best Time to Travel to Tenerife?

To start with the basics, the truth is that Tenerife can be enjoyed in any season. It’s no coincidence that it’s known as the “Island of Eternal Spring.” Even in winter, the temperatures along the coast rarely drop below 22ºC and, at night, they usually stay above 18ºC. Additionally, rainfall is infrequent throughout the year, making the climate very pleasant almost always.

However, remember that the island has more than 20 different microclimates. In general, the south is warmer and drier, while the north is somewhat cooler and more humid, with a greater chance of overcast skies or rain. For example, in La Laguna you might need a jacket even in summer, and in Teide National Park temperatures can drop below freezing.

If you’re looking for a specific recommendation, in our opinion the ideal months to visit Tenerife are spring (especially May and June) and autumn (late September and October). This way you’ll enjoy mild weather, fewer tourists, and more moderate prices. On the other hand, if you’re after heat and beach time, July and August are perfect since the water reaches pleasantly warm temperatures for swimming.

2. Entry Requirements for Traveling to Tenerife

If you’re an EU citizen, you will only need your DNI or an equivalent identification card to travel to Tenerife. For those coming from non-EU countries, it is important to check with the Spanish embassy or consulate to see if any additional documentation is required.

Although Spaniards can be attended to by the public healthcare system, it is essential to have travel insurance. Policies not only cover medical issues, but also possible flight delays or cancellations, loss or theft of luggage, or even early return in cases of death or hospitalization of a family member.

That’s why we always travel insured with Heymondo.

3. Safety When Traveling to Tenerife

Traveling to Tenerife is completely safe, as long as you take the usual precautions. In tourist areas it’s wise not to leave valuable items unattended, and on very crowded beaches you need to be alert, but overall there is no reason to worry.

If you decide to rent a car (and we highly recommend it), avoid leaving valuables in plain sight inside. If you are not an EU citizen, check whether you need any additional documentation for the rental.

Likewise, if you plan to go hiking or engage in adventure sports, it is vital to have the proper equipment and book excursions with reputable companies, in addition to having a travel insurance that covers you in case of an accident.

4. How to Get to Tenerife

For travelers from the United Kingdom, the most common way to get to Tenerife is by plane. Depending on your location in the UK, you will find direct flights to the island that land at either Tenerife North Airport, near La Laguna, or Tenerife South Airport, near El Médano. Both airports offer good connections, but if you don’t plan to rent a car, it’s ideal to choose the one closest to your accommodation.

Search for your flight at the best price here

Additionally, low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, or Jet2 operate direct flights from various British cities to both airports. To secure the best rates, it’s advisable to book in advance, especially during spring and autumn when prices tend to be more economical. Also, remember to verify the post-Brexit entry requirements and ensure you have all your documentation in order before traveling.

5. Transportation in Tenerife: How to Get Around

Undoubtedly, the most comfortable option for getting around the island is to rent a car. Although there are buses (locally known as “guaguas”), their schedules outside urban centers are not always ideal for tourists, which could cost you time.

Additionally, vehicle rental prices are quite competitive, with rates starting at €25 per day if booked in advance. Therefore, we suggest comparing prices and making your reservation as soon as possible through Rentalcars or AutoEurope, two platforms we often use to obtain the best prices.

You should also know that the roads in Tenerife are in excellent condition, and the highway that circles almost the entire island greatly facilitates travel. Fuel prices are lower than on the mainland and, except in areas with high tourist traffic, finding parking is usually not a problem.

If you prefer not to drive, check out the website of TITSA, the company in charge of public transportation. Moreover, schedules and routes are available on Google Maps. Another alternative is to set up a base on the island and book excursions through Civitatis or GetYourGuide.

6. How Many Days Do You Need to Travel to Tenerife?

This is a complex question, as you could spend weeks exploring the island and still not fully discover it. However, to have a satisfying experience that includes both the north and the south, we recommend a 7-day stay. With a week, you’ll have time to explore, enjoy the culture, take in nature, and relax on the beach.

If you have less time or wish to combine the visit with other Canary Islands, 3 or 4 days might be enough to have a memorable experience. Later you will find some suggested itineraries adapted to different durations.

7. Where to Sleep?

Given the size of the island, it’s essential to clearly define your base (or bases) to save time on transfers. If it’s your first visit and you have 3 or 4 days without prioritizing the beach, it’s ideal to stay in the north. Places like Puerto de la Cruz, Icod de los Vinos, La Orotava, or Garachico are excellent for exploring the natural attractions of that area.

On the other hand, if you’re looking to enjoy the sun and beaches during a short stay, destinations such as El Médano, Las Américas, Costa Adeje, Playa Paraíso, or Los Gigantes might be the best option.

If you have more than 4 or 5 days, we suggest splitting your stay into two: a few days in the north and the rest in the south. Additionally, if you rent a car, the location of your accommodation is less critical; but if you depend on public transportation or excursions, it is essential that your location is well connected.

Also remember to book in advance, especially in high seasons like summer, winter (when it’s cold in other countries), or during festive periods such as Easter and long weekends. To find your room at the best price, use this search engine.

8. Points of Interest on a Trip to Tenerife

One of the best pieces of advice is to research thoroughly the island’s points of interest and tailor your itinerary according to your preferences, since the experience can be very different if you’re drawn to the beach, hiking, or culture.

In our article Things to Do in Tenerife we offer numerous ideas, but if we had to highlight a few must-sees, we would mention:

Teide National Park: Get close to Spain’s highest mountain and marvel at the park’s almost lunar landscape. You can visit it in various ways, even by hiking up to the peak. In our post how to climb Teide we explain everything in detail.
La Laguna: A city full of history, with beautiful traditional mansions.
Icod de los Vinos: A picturesque town in Tenerife and home to the Millenary Dragon, a centennial specimen.
Garachico: One of the most charming coastal towns in the north, known for its spectacular natural pools formed by volcanic activity.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife: The island’s capital, with emblematic buildings such as its Auditorium and museums of great interest.
Anaga Rural Park: A natural setting full of laurel forests and trails for all levels. You can explore it on your own or join a tour, such as this one.
La Orotava: With one of the most beautiful historic centers, ideal for lovers of traditional architecture.
Los Gigantes Cliffs: A natural spectacle of imposing volcanic walls up to 600 meters high, bathed by the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic.
Enjoying the Sea: The opportunities for snorkeling, diving, boat trips, or kayaking are almost endless, and you can even opt for responsible whale and dolphin watching excursions.
Tenerife’s Beaches: The variety of beaches, from golden sand to dark or volcanic, is one of the strongest reasons to visit the island.

9. Travel Itineraries Around Tenerife

Before setting off on your adventure, it’s essential to sketch out an itinerary or at least define the places you want to visit, which will help you choose the ideal accommodation and minimize transfers. Although driving across the island won’t take more than 90 minutes from one end to the other, it’s a good idea to leave some room for spontaneity.

If you only have 3 days, a brief itinerary might be as follows:

Day 1: Tour La Laguna (we suggest joining this free tour), explore Anaga Rural Park, stroll through Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and relax at Las Teresitas beach.
Day 2: Tour the north by visiting La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz, Rambla de Castro, Icod de los Vinos, Garachico, and Masca, then spend the night near Los Gigantes.
Day 3: Enjoy a boat tour around Los Gigantes, visit Teide, and end the day in El Médano.

If you have a few extra days, you might consider this option:

Day 1: Visit La Laguna, venture into Anaga Rural Park (including this hiking tour) and finish at Benijo Beach, plus stroll through Santa Cruz and Las Teresitas.
Day 2: Head to Teide National Park, ride the cable car or take a excursion to the peak, and visit Puerto de la Cruz.
Day 3: Explore La Orotava, Icod de los Vinos, and Garachico, and enjoy the sunset at Punta de Teno.
Day 4: Tour Masca, take a sailboat tour around Los Gigantes, and visit Diego Hernández beach.
Day 5: Conclude with a visit to Barranco del Infierno, Las Américas, Arco de Tajao, and El Médano.

If you have 7 days or more, an extended itinerary could be:

Day 1: Explore La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and Las Teresitas.
Day 2: Visit Anaga with a hiking route, tour Taganana, and enjoy northern beaches such as Benijo.
Day 3: Tour Teide National Park, ride the cable car or take a excursion to the peak, and follow the Roques de García trail.
Day 4: Stroll through Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, Icod de los Vinos, and visit Cueva del Viento.
Day 5: Discover Rambla de Castro, Garachico, and take a kayaking excursion at Punta de Teno.
Day 6: Tour the south, passing through Masca, enjoy a boat tour around Los Gigantes, and visit a beach such as Diego Hernández, Abama, or Las Américas.
Day 7: Conclude with a visit to Barranco del Infierno, Las Américas, Arco de Tajao, and El Médano.

10. Gastronomy: Where and What to Eat in Tenerife

Visiting Tenerife is also an opportunity to savor its varied cuisine, which rivals that of any other region in Spain. Although seafood is a star, there are many must-try dishes that go far beyond grilled fish:

Papas arrugás with mojo: More than just a side dish, they are the signature of any restaurant or bar. The secret is in choosing the right potato, cooked with its skin and sea salt (or even seawater), and served with green mojo (made with cilantro) or red mojo (with paprika).
Grilled cheese: Canarian white cheese grilled and served with a delicious mojo.
Garbanzas: A chickpea stew that usually includes meat—a dish you simply must try.
Ropa vieja: A stew originally made with leftovers from other dishes, combining various meats, vegetables, potatoes, and chickpeas.
Carne fiesta: Cubes of marinated pork, generally served with potatoes.
Escaldón de gofio: The gofio, a flour made from toasted cereals, mixed with either fish or meat to form a kind of dough to which vegetables are added.
Gofio mousse: A traditional dessert made with gofio, eggs, cream, and condensed milk.

As for beverages, Dorada beer is very popular, but you should also take the opportunity to taste the island’s typical wines, honey rum, and above all, the barraquito—a coffee “taken to the nth degree” prepared with condensed milk, frothed milk, cinnamon, lemon peel, and, if you like, Licor 43.

We recommend that at least once you eat at a guachinche, those traditional restaurants in northern Tenerife where you can enjoy generous portions, authentic dishes, and locally produced Malvasia wines.

11. Tours and Excursions

Although you can travel to Tenerife independently, there is an enormous variety of activities to complement your self-guided visits that delve into the different cultural and natural aspects of the island. Here are some of the most interesting:

Teide National Park: Teide excursion with cable car ride, Teide free tour, excursion to Teide’s peak, and visit to Teide Observatory.
Sky Observation: stargazing in Teide and astronomical tour.
Cetacean Watching (Whales and/or Dolphins): 3-hour catamaran trip, sailboat tour, and yacht trip.
Hiking: hiking through Masca gorge or hiking in Anaga.
Diving: dive initiation in Radazul and Open Water Diver course in Los Cristianos.
Cultural City Tours: free tour in La Laguna, free tour in La Orotava, and free tour in Santa Cruz.

To find many more options, we recommend checking out our post on the best excursions in Tenerife.

12. More Tips for Traveling to Tenerife

You’ve already seen that there are many tips we can offer for traveling to Tenerife, but here are a few more from our own experience:

If you plan to climb Teide, we recommend that you plan ahead. Whether you’re just buying the cable car ticket or you plan to climb to the peak (remember, you need a permit), it’s best to have everything arranged. If the weather is bad, you can modify your reservation.
Although there is a large selection of hotels, book your accommodation in advance too, especially during periods of high demand such as Christmas, Easter, or long weekends. For more information, you can read this post on where to stay in Tenerife.
Turn your car into a closet. Don’t leave your accommodation without sunscreen, an umbrella, swimwear, and flip-flops, but also don’t forget some warm clothing and sturdy shoes. Traveling to Tenerife means encountering several different microclimates, so it never hurts to be prepared.
Don’t forget to bring a snorkeling kit; there are some very interesting seabeds surrounding the island.
If you’d like to bring a souvenir home, lacework and ceramics are great choices, but someone will be even happier if you bring them mojos, rum, or Canarian wines.
Talk to the locals! Although you can’t generalize, the people of Tenerife are very open and always willing to help. Getting to know them is an important part of traveling to Tenerife. Besides, you’ll learn which words are said differently here.
Check the weather forecast for the places you plan to visit during your trip to Tenerife. It might be sunny where you are, but just a few kilometers away it could be overcast or even cold. More importantly, pay attention to the winds and tides when enjoying the beaches. An app that works very well for both is Windy.
Be very cautious of the currents at certain beaches. Always heed the lifeguards’ instructions.
If you’re traveling from the mainland, your SIM card will work perfectly during your trip to Tenerife. If you’re coming from abroad, we recommend that you purchase an e-SIM for Europe. As a reader, you get a 5% discount on those from Holafly.
Although tap water is potable, it is advisable to drink bottled water to avoid any stomach issues.
Plan ahead with a map of the places you want to visit so that you can do it in an organized manner. Tenerife is a large island, so optimize your transfers.

We hope these tips for traveling to Tenerife have helped you plan your adventure on this Canary Island. If you’d like to add anything or have any questions, feel free to write to us in the comments.