Tenerife

Tenerife is a perfect destination any time of year. Rising from the vast Atlantic Ocean, Tenerife is the land of eternal spring. Where dawn paints the sky above Mount Teide and waves gently embrace black-sand shores.

Every bend in the road reveals a new scene: lava fields, misty forests, vibrant towns with cozy squares. And the scent of fresh coffee. The island captivates at first sight — and leaves you with a quiet longing to return.

When to Visit Tenerife: Weather, Sea, and Activities

Season / Months	Weather / Temperature	Best For
Winter (Dec–Feb)	+19–24°C, sea +20°C	Escaping winter, beach days, walks, diving. Most tourists head south (especially in January).
Spring (Mar–May)	+20–26°C, sea +20–21°C	Hiking, mountain orchids, peaceful holidays, fewer crowds, moderate prices.
Summer (Jun–Aug)	+25–30°C, sea +22–24°C	Beach time, surfing, snorkeling, festivals. Sunny but not too hot — the ocean keeps it fresh.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)	+23–28°C, sea +23–25°C	Perfect balance: warm, sea is at its warmest, fewer tourists, great value.

Travel Goals & Best Timing

Goal	Best Time
☀️ Beach vacation	June – October (but swimming is possible all year round)
🥾 Hiking / Mount Teide	March – June, October – November (cooler temperatures)
🧘 Avoiding crowds	May, June, November
🎉 Festivals / Carnival	February–March – Carnival in Santa Cruz (second only to Rio!)
💸 Lowest prices	April–May, November

Climate advice: southern and northern parts of the island

Region	Climate / Weather
South (Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje)	Sunny, dry, stable weather — perfect for year-round beach holidays.
North (Puerto de la Cruz)	Greener, cooler, a bit more rain. Ideal for nature, hiking, and culture.

Flights to Tenerife

From	Flights / Airlines
Poland	Direct flights from Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, and Gdansk. Airlines: Ryanair, Wizz Air, LOT (seasonal).
Other European countries	Direct flights from most EU cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon, Berlin, Paris, London, Rome, Milan.
Flight types	Mostly low-cost or seasonal charter flights, plus regular routes from major carriers.

Tenerife Airports

Airport	Code / Location / Best For
Tenerife South (Reina Sofía)	TFS / South of the island – the main tourist airport. Close to Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas.
Tenerife North (Los Rodeos)	TFN / North of the island – closer to La Laguna, Santa Cruz, Puerto de la Cruz. Fewer tourist flights, mainly domestic.

Airport Transfers to Resorts

Mode	Details / Approx. Price
Bus (TITSA)	Reliable and cheap. E.g., from TFS to Los Cristianos – bus #40 (~€4–5); to Puerto – with a transfer.
Shuttle / Shared Transfer	Book online (e.g., via Hoppa, Suntransfers). From ~€7–15 per person.
Taxi	Fastest but expensive. TFS to Costa Adeje ≈ €25–35; to the north ≈ €80–100.
Car Rental	Good value if you plan to explore the island. Many rental companies at airports (Cicar, TopCar, Goldcar). Prices from ~€20/day.

Resorts: South vs. North

South Tenerife – Sun, Beaches, and Entertainment

Resort / Area	Highlights
Costa Adeje	Upscale resort with 4–5★ hotels, wide beaches, spas, and tranquility. Ideal for couples and those seeking comfort.
Playa de las Américas	The island’s nightlife hub: clubs, bars, surfing, and a youthful vibe. Most popular tourist spot.
Los Cristianos	Quieter, port town with a nice sandy beach and ferry connections. Great for families and budget travelers.
El Médano	Windy beach town perfect for surfers and kitesurfers. Laid-back vibe, hip cafés. Great for active holidays.
La Caleta	Picturesque fishing village near Adeje with upscale restaurants and premium villas. Perfect for romance and fine dining.

North Tenerife – Nature, Culture, and Hiking

Resort / Area	Highlights
Puerto de la Cruz	Lush, historic resort with a botanical garden and Lago Martiánez pools. Calm vibe, ideal for older travelers or cultural tourism.
La Laguna	UNESCO-listed colonial town with a student feel. Close to Teide National Park. Great for sightseeing.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife	The island’s capital: museums, parks, shopping, and fewer tourists. Ideal for a city break or festivals (e.g., Carnival).
Icod de los Vinos	Famous for the ancient Drago Milenario tree. Traditional architecture and local wineries.
Garachico	Charming coastal town with volcanic rock pools. Authentic atmosphere and very photogenic.

Comparison: Where to Stay

Question	South (Adeje, Américas)	North (Puerto, La Laguna)
☀️ More sun all year	✅ Yes	❌ Often cloudy and rainy
🏖️ Better beaches & swimming	✅ Wide sandy beaches	❌ Rockier coast, waves, some artificial beaches
🧘 Peaceful, quiet atmosphere	✅ Adeje, Los Cristianos	✅ Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava
🕺 Nightlife & party scene	✅ Las Américas	❌ Very calm
🧭 More nature / greenery	❌ Dry climate	✅ Lush, tropical landscapes
🚶 Excursions, mountains, hiking	✅ Available, but Teide is farther	✅ Closer to Teide, banana farms, hiking trails
💸 Budget stays / apartments	✅ El Médano, Los Cristianos	✅ Puerto, Santa Cruz

Beaches: Sand Types, Vibe & Who They’re Best For

Beach	Location / Sand Type	Description / Facilities
Playa de las Teresitas	🟩 North (near Santa Cruz) / golden sand (imported)	One of the island’s most beautiful beaches. Calm lagoon, palm trees. Ideal for families. Showers, cafés, parking.
Playa del Duque	🟨 South (Costa Adeje) / light-colored sand	Elegant beach near luxury hotels. Clean, comfortable, upscale. Sunbeds, showers, nearby shops.
Playa de las Américas	🟥 South / volcanic sand	Popular, wavey beach — great for surfing. Bars, rentals, lively vibe. Perfect for young travelers.
Playa Jardín	🟫 North (Puerto de la Cruz) / black sand	Designed by César Manrique. Gardens, wave breakers. Swimmable. Cafés and showers nearby.
El Médano	🟪 South / natural sand + wind	Windsurf/kitesurf hub. Long, wild, breezy beach with chill sporty crowd. Gear rental, cafés.
Playa de la Arena	⬛ West / black volcanic sand	Very photogenic, good swimming, near Los Gigantes cliffs. Compact but well-equipped.
Playa Abama	🟨 Southwest / golden sand	Quiet, tucked between cliffs, near Ritz-Carlton hotel. Peaceful, semi-private vibe.
Playa Bollullo	🟫 North / natural black sand	Wild and atmospheric near Puerto de la Cruz. Strong waves. Great for photographers and strong swimmers.

General Beach Infrastructure

Service	Available on Most Beaches (Especially in the South)
🚿 Showers & Toilets	Yes — at Playa del Duque, Las Teresitas, Jardín, Américas
🪑 Sunbed Rentals	Available on main tourist beaches: Adeje, Américas, Jardín
🍹 Cafés & Bars	Found near popular beaches like Médano, Américas, Duque
🏄‍♂️ Gear Rentals	Surf/kite: Médano; SUP & pedal boats: Américas, Jardín
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly	Best options: Las Teresitas, Del Duque, Jardín (calm water + full facilities)

Top Places to Visit in Tenerife

Place / Location	Description / Why It’s Worth Visiting
Mount Teide (El Teide)	Spain’s highest peak (3,718 m), an active volcano. Cable car, surreal Mars-like views. Perfect for hiking and sunrise trips.
Teide National Park	UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lava fields, craters, scenic lookouts (e.g. Mirador de La Ruleta, Roques de García). Accessible by car or tours.
Loro Parque	One of Europe’s best zoos. Orcas, dolphins, penguins, tropical zones. Located in Puerto de la Cruz. Great for families.
Faro de Teno (Teno Lighthouse)	Westernmost point of the island. Stunning cliffs and wild scenery. Limited access – best by car or on foot.
Los Gigantes Cliffs	Towering coastal cliffs up to 600m. View from the beach, or by boat/kayak.
Masca Village	Dramatic mountain village once used as a pirate hideout. Incredibly photogenic. Popular hike down to the ocean.
Icod de los Vinos	Famous for the Drago Milenario tree (over 1,000 years old). Traditional town with local wineries.
Garachico	Historic town partly destroyed by a volcanic eruption in the 1600s. Natural lava rock pools and local charm.
La Laguna (San Cristóbal de La Laguna)	UNESCO-listed city with colonial streets and deep Canarian culture. Former capital of Tenerife.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife	The island’s capital. Auditorio, parks, museums, shopping. Home to Spain’s largest carnival (Feb–Mar).

Additional Natural Highlights

Place	What to See / Do
Anaga Mountains	Lush green mountains and laurel forests. Wild nature, hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, remote villages.
Chinyero Volcano	The youngest volcano (last erupted in 1909). Beautiful lava landscapes, quiet, off-the-beaten-path.
Barranco del Infierno	Gorge trail in Adeje leading to a waterfall. Limited daily entry — book online in advance.

Active Experiences

Activity	Where / When / For Whom
Surfing	El Médano, Playa de las Américas, Playa del Socorro (north). Best waves: autumn–winter. Surf schools available for beginners.
Kitesurfing / Windsurfing	El Médano – the island’s wind capital. Breezy almost year-round. Ideal for experienced riders and sporty travelers.
Diving / Snorkeling	Los Cristianos, Abama, Las Galletas, El Puertito. Good visibility, many schools. Sea turtles, moray eels, and rays are common.
Hiking / Trekking	Teide, Anaga, Masca, Barranco del Infierno. Best in spring and autumn. Bring good shoes, water. Some trails require reservations.
Whale & Dolphin Safari	Puerto Colón, Los Gigantes – daily boat & catamaran tours. Pilot whales and dolphins often visible. Best in the morning.
Yacht Excursions	Catamarans, private yachts from Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, Los Gigantes. Sunset cruises and romantic dinners available.
Paragliding	Over Costa Adeje, landing on the beach. Tandem flights offered. Best from September to May.
Cycling / MTB	Teide Mountains, La Orotava, Vilaflor trails — great for road and mountain bikers. Rentals available in tourist areas.
Kayaking by the Cliffs	Los Gigantes – stunning views, often combined with snorkeling. Available year-round.

Useful Info

What to Know	Details
🎒 What to Bring	Water, sun hat, SPF, sports shoes, light jacket for mountains
📲 Where to Book	Most tours available online (e.g. GetYourGuide), through hotels or local agencies
🕒 Best Time to Go	Spring and autumn — pleasant weather, fewer crowds
🚫 Restrictions / Safety Tips	Barranco del Infierno – limited entries per day (book online); Teide – cold at altitude, some acclimatization needed

Tenerife Cuisine: What to Try

Dish / Product	Description / Where to Taste It
Papas arrugadas	Small wrinkled potatoes boiled in sea salt with the skin on. Served with mojo rojo or verde. The most iconic Canarian dish.
Mojo (rojo / verde)	Traditional sauces: red (paprika, garlic, oil) for meat; green (cilantro, green pepper) for fish. Found everywhere — even in supermarkets.
Local fish (vieja, cherne)	White ocean fish, grilled or baked. Served with potatoes and mojo. Best enjoyed in coastal towns like El Médano or Los Abrigos.
Pulpo a la gallega	Boiled octopus with paprika and olive oil. Served as tapas or a main dish.
Conejo en salmorejo	Rabbit stew in a garlic, spice, and wine marinade. Popular in rural and mountain regions.
Gofio	Toasted grain flour (wheat or corn). An ancient Guanche food, added to soups, meats, and even desserts.
Queso asado	Grilled goat cheese topped with mojo or honey. Common in tapas menus in inland villages.
Tropical fruits	Mango, passion fruit, papaya, and especially sweet plátano canario (Canarian bananas). Available at markets and supermarkets.
Canarian wine (white, malvasía)	Volcanic, mineral-rich wines (especially from the north, like Icod de los Vinos). Best experienced at a winery or guachinche.
Ron miel	Honey rum — a local sweet digestif, smooth and often served after dinner.

Where to Taste It

Type of Place	Description / Recommendations
Guachinche	Traditional family-run taverns with homemade food and local wine. Rustic, authentic. Mostly found in the north.
Seafood Restaurants	El Médano, Los Abrigos, La Caleta — fresh ocean fish, daily catches.
Tapas Bars	Found in Santa Cruz, La Laguna, Puerto de la Cruz. Cheap, tasty, and varied options.
Farmer’s Markets	Try Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África (Santa Cruz) — fruits, cheese, wine, spices.

💡 Tips

• In a guachinche, there may not be a menu — ask the owner for recommendations.
• Tenerife wines are rarely exported — taste them while you’re here, you won’t find them easily at home.
• For the best experience: eat seafood on the coast, and enjoy meat, cheese, and gofio in mountain villages.

Transport

Car Rental in Tenerife

Item	Information
Where to Rent	At airports (TFS, TFN) and tourist areas. Reliable companies: Cicar, TopCar, AutoReisen (often no deposit required).
Price	From €20–35/day in low season; up to €50+ in peak periods. Usually includes full insurance (CDW).
Fuel	Petrol ~€1.40/l. Most stations have automated pumps.
Type of Car	Small cars are ideal for cities and mountains. Automatic recommended in hilly areas.
Navigation	Google Maps works well, even in the mountains.

Parking

Item	Information
In towns	Plenty of free parking in white zones. Blue zones are paid (machines or apps).
At beaches / attractions	Large parking areas often free or very cheap.
At hotels	Often included or €5–10/day. Confirm when booking.
In mountains / nature	Limited spaces. Arrive early (especially for Masca or Teide).

Public Transport – TITSA Buses

Item	Information
Operator	TITSA – green and white public buses (intercity and local).
Payment	Ten+ card or contactless bank card. Buy cards at kiosks or machines.
Fare	From ~€1.45 for short trips; intercity routes €3–10. Ten+ offers discounts.

Main routes include:

• TFS ↔️ Los Cristianos: #40
• Santa Cruz ↔️ Puerto de la Cruz: #103
• Santa Cruz ↔️ La Laguna: #15
• Los Cristianos ↔️ Teide: excursion buses

Travel Transport Tips

Tip	Details
🚘 Car = Freedom	Ideal for exploring Teide, Masca, Anaga. Highly recommended.
🚌 TITSA is reliable — but limited	Good service to tourist areas, but few buses to remote mountain villages.
📱 Ten+ card = big savings	Especially useful for intercity travel.
⛽ Fuel stations close early	Many small-town gas stations close at night — fill up in advance.
⚠️ Mountain roads are narrow	Take your time, use your horn before blind curves. Especially in Masca.
🔋 Electric cars	Charging stations exist but aren’t widespread. Plan ahead if renting one.

Essential Tips for Your Trip to Tenerife

Topic	Advice / What to Know
🛡️ Safety	The island is very safe, with low crime rates. Still, watch your belongings in tourist areas like Santa Cruz and on beaches — pickpocketing can occur.
🗣️ Language	Spanish is the official language. In tourist zones, English and German are widely understood. In rural areas, basic Spanish phrases are helpful.
📶 Mobile & Internet	Tenerife is part of Spain — EU citizens have free roaming. Lots of Wi-Fi spots. For Ukrainian visitors, consider getting a local SIM or eSIM.
🌞 Sun Protection	Sun is strong year-round. SPF 30–50 is essential, especially in the mountains and on black-sand beaches (they get very hot).
🚰 Water	Tap water is technically safe but often has an odd taste. Bottled water is recommended for drinking.
🕒 Opening Hours	Siesta break (≈1:30 PM–4:30 PM) — some shops and pharmacies close. Large supermarkets usually stay open all day.
🧾 Tipping	Not mandatory, but appreciated: 5–10% in restaurants, €1–2 for drivers or guides.
🚖 Taxis	Official taxis are white with meters. Short distances often have fixed rates. TFS → Costa Adeje ≈ €25–30.
🧴 Pharmacies & Hygiene	Pharmacies marked with a green cross. Basic meds are available; some drugs require prescriptions.
🙏 Local Etiquette	Locals are friendly and relaxed. Greet with “Hola” or “Buenos días.” Stay calm and polite in public.
🚯 Litter & Environment	Locals care about cleanliness. Use bins and separate waste. Littering fines can be up to €100.

Accommodation: Where to Stay

Type of Stay	Description / Pros / Best For
Hotels	From budget 2★ to luxury 5★ with pools, breakfast, and full service. Most found in Costa Adeje, Las Américas. Great for couples, all-inclusive holidays.
Apartments	With kitchen, ideal for families or longer stays. Widely available in the south. Range from private flats to resort-style complexes with pools.
Villas	Private homes with gardens, pools, and sometimes ocean or mountain views. Higher price, but perfect for families or groups seeking comfort.
Guesthouses / Hostels	Affordable stays, especially in towns and mountain areas (e.g. La Laguna, Icod). Cozy and budget-friendly. Good for solo travelers and backpackers.
Rural Houses (Casa Rural)	Traditional Canarian cottages in mountain villages. Peaceful and authentic. Great for nature lovers and weekend getaways.
Resorts / Holiday Complexes	All-inclusive with entertainment, spas, kids’ clubs. Mostly in Costa Adeje. Best for families with children.

Booking Tips

Item	Details
🕒 When to Book	High season: December–March & July–August. Book 2–3 months in advance.
💶 Prices	Apartments from €50/night, 3★ hotels from €70–90, villas from €150+ (seasonal).
🧒 For Families	Choose places with kitchens and pools — especially in Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos.
🚗 If Renting a Car	Look for free parking, especially in mountain or northern areas.
🏊 Near the Beach?	Check the map — some apartments are up on hills with steep walks down to the beach.
🧾 What’s Included	Not all stays include breakfast, A/C, or daily cleaning — always check before booking.
🌐 Where to Book	Use platforms like Booking, Airbnb, FeWo-direkt (for German speakers), official hotel sites, or local agencies.