Whale-watching, hiking, sunbathing – whatever you’re into, Tenerife has you covered. All part and parcel of being the largest, most popular Canary Island.
Good to know
🤩 Fun fact: Tenerife is home to the third tallest volcano in the world, Mount Teide, and it's an absolute whopper!
🏖️ Best beach: Playa de Las Teresitas. Think golden sands (flown in from the Sahara, no less) and turquoise waters – proper good vibes!
🍺 Price of a pint: Around €2-3 (that's basically pocket money, folks).
Destination highlights
Perfect for couples and family holidays
Year-round sunshine - making it a top pic for something last-minute!
Home to the famous Veronica's Strip
Golden sandy beaches
Read more about things to do in Tenerife and travel advice for Tenerife by clicking the tabs above!
Where to stay on your holidays to Tenerife 2025
Let’s break down the main resorts.
Playa de las Américas, Costa Adeje & Los Cristianos - The Golden Triangle - 📐 🏖️💃
These three interconnected resorts form one massive holiday playground along Tenerife's sunny south coast.
Playa de las Americas is the party capital - think buzzing nightlife, brilliant beaches, and that proper "holiday in the sun" atmosphere. Costa Adeje is the sophisticated neighbour, with luxury hotels and classy restaurants. Los Cristianos was a fishing village before it became a resort, so it still has a working harbour area (now full of lovely restaurants), and it's also the best value option.
Puerto de la Cruz - Culture Meets Coastline 🏖️🏝️🖼️
Tenerife's cultural heart on the dramatic north coast - think stunning colonial architecture, botanical gardens, and that sophisticated Spanish town vibe! The beaches here are volcanic black sand (which sounds weird but is actually quite cool). Perfect if you want your beach jollie with a side order of urban chic.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife - The Real Deal - 🏖️🏙️💃
The island's actual capital. It's got excellent shopping, fantastic restaurants, cultural attractions like the stunning Auditorio de Tenerife, and some of the best nightlife on the island (the locals know where to party!) The city beaches are decent, but most people use it as a base for exploring the whole island. Perfect for culture vultures, foodies, and anyone who prefers cities to beach resorts.
Puerto de Santiago - Dramatic Cliffs Meet Perfect Beaches 🗻🏖️
This gorgeous spot on the west coast is famous for Los Gigantes - those mind-blowing cliffs that rise straight out of the sea like something from a fantasy movie. The resort itself is more relaxed and intimate than the big south coast destinations, with excellent restaurants, a lovely marina, and some brilliant beaches, including the stunning black sand Playa de la Arena.
Golf del Sur - Fore the Serious Players ⛳🏖️
This purpose-built resort on the South Coast is all about luxury accommodations, and that refined atmosphere where everyone appreciates a well-struck 7-iron. The beaches are lovely, but let's be honest, you're here for the golf! Perfect for serious golfers, groups doing golf holidays, and anyone who wants luxury accommodation with world-class golf on their doorstep.
Tenerife holidays 2025 - Best beaches
With over 40 beaches to choose from, snorkellers, sunbathers and sandcastle-makers can find their perfect spot of shore in sunny Tenerife - the perfect way to pass the time on one of our cheap holidays.
Playa del Duque - one of the golden oldies on the island, and famous throughout the Canary Islands. The well-kept stretch of shore is a mix of golden sands and pebbles, and features sun loungers that are perfect for keeping sand our your bits and bobs. If you’re one who likes a wander between sunbathing sessions, there are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby for you to explore.
Mesa del Mar - located in the north of the island, this unspoilt slice of paradise is a real hidden gem and will never disappoint.
Playa del Puertito - fancy escaping the crowds and getting back to nature? Then Playa del Puertito is 100% a must-visit. This unspoilt cove offers a peaceful day of relaxing and swimming. Top tip - if you grab your snorkel and take a swim just by the fishing boats, you’re likely to be greeted by friendly marine life, including turtles and butterfly rays!
Playa de las Vistas - with a 1 km-long stretch of lovely blonde sands and beautiful waters. Beach bars are also located down the beach raring to serve up your beers, cocktails or Fanta Limon.
Playa los Gigantes - sat at the base of giant cliff sides, this black sand beach offers a pretty special beach day. With calm waters and minimal breeze, it's made for those 'ahhhh' days.
Playa de la Nea - peace and quiet, in beach form. This one’s a bit of an adventure to get to, but if you’re looking for something away from the crowds, then it’s worth it. This rustic stretch of coast offers lava sand and even a playground for the kids! Just be careful if you are travelling with little ones because the shoreline is known to deepen quite suddenly.
Playa del Médano - This inviting bay is perfect for the whole fam, with a sheltered location, which means gentler waves and ramps for easy access. Plus, this beach flies the Blue Flag award, offers activities such as windsurfing and kitesurfing, has a dedicated swimming area AND a breezy promenade lined with bars and restaurants. Talk about the whole shebang!
Playa Diego Hernández - for the more daring amongst you, Playa Diego Hernandez is an isolated and unspoiled nudist beach that’s a great spot for topping up your tan or having a lovely swim. Keep in mind there are no facilities here, so whilst you can leave your cozzy at the hotel, you might want to bring a drink and a bite to eat (sausage sarnie anyone?)
What are the top hotels to stay at on your holidays to Tenerife 2025?
Our huge range of Tenerife hotels offers everything from All Inclusive resorts to budget-friendly breaks if you're looking for a cheap holiday to Tenerife.
Sol Tenerife - Located in Playa de las Americas, this four-star hotel is only 200m from the beach and is a great pick for family fun.
Checkin Bungalows Atlantida - Perfect for a Self Catering or All Inclusive budget-friendly stay in Los Cristianos, this three-star accommodation boasts three pools, a games zone and a mini club.
Meliá Jardines del Teide - Looking for a stylish stay in Tenerife? This four-star hotel offers modern interiors, restaurants and entertainment for all, as well as stunning panoramic views over Costa Adeje.
Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife - A fantastic five-star family hotel located on a volcanic sand beach, guests can enjoy luxury rooms, brilliant entertainment and a mini aqua park for kids!
Hotel KN Arenas del Mar Beach & Spa (Adults Only) - Unwind in the Thalasso Spa, dip into the sun-drenched pool or relax on the beach that lies on the hotel doorstep. A great pick for couples wanting an adult-only getaway.
Gara Suites - a bit of bouj in Playa de las Americas with facilities to keep the whole fam happy, we're talking a spa centre, a games area and even an on-site golf course.
Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife - a swanky, rock-star-worthy retreat serving up top-notch vibes, mega pools, and banging beats with super-cool rooms
🌄 Best Day Trips for your Tenerife holidays
These top day trips are the perfect way to spice up your beach holiday – whether you're on a last-minute escape or planning your holidays 2026 way in advance:
Mount Teide National Park – Hit the heights at Spain’s tallest peak. Ride the cable car or hike dramatic volcanic trails. A must-do on any Tenerife holidays.
Masca Village – Wind through mountain roads to this hidden beauty spot. Gorge views, cobbled charm and a proper wow-factor walk.
La Orotava – One for the culture vultures. Think Canarian balconies, dreamy gardens, and a cracking cup of barraquito in the old town square.
Los Gigantes Boat Trip – Set sail beneath towering cliffs and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and whales. It's a highlight on any cheap holiday to Tenerife.
Garachico & Icod de los Vinos – Splash in lava pools, see the famous dragon tree, and taste your way through Tenerife’s wine and mojo scene.
El Médano – A breezy boho beach town made for windsurfing, tapas-hopping and chilling with sandy toes and zero worries.
🌞 When is the Best Time to Visit Tenerife?
Whether you’re after beach days, bargain breaks, or a bit of winter sun, holidays to Tenerife deliver year-round, but each season has its own perks.
☀️ June – September: this is peak season on the island, with hot days (28–30°C), buzzing beaches, and lively nightlife – ideal for Tenerife holidays 2025 or family getaways during the school hols.
🌼 March – May: Spring is perfect for those after fewer crowds and warm-but-not-scorching days (22–26°C). Great for hiking, island exploring, and snapping up cheap holidays to Tenerife before the summer rush.
🍂 October – November: Autumn offers golden hour vibes, comfy mid-20s temperatures, and a laid-back atmosphere – just the ticket for couples or a peaceful post-summer break.
❄️ December – February: swap drizzle for sunshine with mild winter days (18–22°C). Plus, February’s Santa Cruz Carnival brings big colour, big energy, and big bragging rights.
✅ Quick tips:
Best for beach weather: June to September
Best for budget: March to May, or late September
Best for couples: October and November
Best for winter sun: December to February – pack the SPF, not the thermals
Holidays to Tenerife 2025 travel guide
🧑🧑🧒🧒 Things to do in Tenerife for Families
For starters, why not kick things off with a day at Aqualand Costa Adeje? It’s got all the slides, wave pools, and splash zones you could ever need for a splashtastic time. Plus, there's a dolphin show that’ll have your little ones grinning from ear to ear.
If you’re in the mood for some land-based fun, take the kiddos to Monkey Park. Here, they can interact with cheeky monkeys, lemurs, and other cute critters. The best bit? You get to feed the animals and snap some proper good family pics. Maybe you're after something a lil' more on the thrill side, well, that's what the jeep safaris are for, zoom around the island’s rugged landscapes and soak up the sights, a surefire way to satisfy any sense of adventure.
❤️ Things to do in Tenerife for Couples
Tenerife is the ultimate spot for couples looking for sunshine and romance. Start your day with a hike through Anaga Rural Park, where you can wander hand-in-hand through lush forests and dramatic landscapes. The views? Too stunning! Feeling peckish after all that trekking? Book a vineyard tour in one of the island’s scenic wine regions – sip some vino, and toast to a top-tier holiday to Tenerife.
For a more chilled-out vibe, why not take a stroll along Playa de las Teresitas? The golden sand and palm trees make it a picture-perfect spot to relax and dip your toes in the sea. And if you’re all about those memorable moments, a stargazing tour up on Mount Teide is an absolute must. The night sky here is one of the clearest in the world, so get cosy and watch the stars twinkle above.
🍷 Things to do in Tenerife for Foodies
First up, hit the Mercado Nuestra Señora de África in Santa Cruz, a mahoosive market brimming with fresh produce, local cheeses, and lush Canarian treats. Fancy getting hands-on? Jump into a traditional cooking class and master mojo sauces and papas arrugadas, because nothing says "I've nailed Tenerife" like cooking your own Canarian classics.
If vino's your thing, volcanic vineyard-hopping through Tacoronte-Acentejo or sipping crisp whites at a swanky tasting in Abona are both proper good shouts. For a little extra buzz, how about visiting a local organic farm to see how Tenerife's lush produce goes from field to fork (10/10 Insta content, guaranteed). And let’s not forget the seaside tapas trails: grab your swimmers, amble from bar to bar tasting sizzling prawns, crispy calamari, and local cheeses - all with mega sea views that'll make your mates proper jealous.
🚵🏽♂️ Things to do in Tenerife for Adventurers
Kick things off with a hike up Barranco del Infierno, one of the island’s most popular trails. The views are nothing short of epic, and the waterfall at the end is the cherry on top.
Wanna get your heart racing? Try windsurfing in El Médano. Or prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? No problem. Tenerife’s volcanic landscapes are made for mountain biking – you can cycle through pine forests, around craters, and along rugged cliffs for a proper good thrill. And if you’re looking to go even higher, give paragliding a go and see the island from a bird’s-eye view.
Other Canary Island holidays:
Popular Tenerife hotels
Stunning Tenerife resorts
Weather in Tenerife
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With a climate as warm as your favourite cuppa, Tenerife’s weather is pure sunshine on tap, no matter the season. The island’s got a serious VIP pass to perfect weather, and trust us, bad weather isn't on the guest list. Let’s break it down for you.
First up, summer. Expect temps to soar up to the high 20s, peaking around 28°C to 30°C in July and August. But don't worry, it's not the kind of heat that has you melting into a puddle. Thanks to the Atlantic breeze, Tenerife stays cool and comfortable – it’s like nature’s air-con, keeping things fresh while you soak up the rays.
Winter? Oh, it’s still proper sunny. While the rest of Europe is shivering, Tenerife’s chilling in the low 20s (about 19°C to 22°C from December to February). Forget the winter woollies – this is the kind of weather that calls for flip-flops and cold drinks by the beach. You’ll be trading snowmen for sandcastles and hot chocolate for an ice-cold sangria. Absolute dream.
Then we’ve got spring and autumn – seasons where the weather is like a smooth 22°C to 26°C hug. Warm, breezy, and perfect for strolling along the beach or heading into the mountains for a bit of exploring. Whether it's March, April, or October, the sun’s still putting in the hours, making sure every day is a beach day. Sunshine and good vibes? Always. Read more about Tenerife weather.
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Tenerife?
How long does it take to fly to Tenerife?
It takes about four and a half hours to fly to Tenerife from the UK.
What’s the time difference between the UK and Tenerife?
What’s the time difference between the UK and Tenerife?
The local time in Tenerife is one hour ahead of the UK.
What currency do they use in Tenerife?
What currency do they use in Tenerife?
The official currency of Tenerife is the Euro.
What language do they speak in Tenerife?
What language do they speak in Tenerife?
The official language spoken in Tenerife is Spanish.
