Best Places to Visit in Tenerife in 2026: Authentic Tenerife Guide For Slow Travelers

Welcome to my guide on the best places to visit in Tenerife. We visited Tenerife Island during Christmas 2021 making another big dream reality.

In recent years, there have been crowds mainly from the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands coming to the famous, and over populated seaside destinations such as Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos. Luckily, there are enough super remote, and secluded places where you will enjoy peaceful times.

And in my guide, I will show you the best places to visit in Tenerife when in search for peace, local and authentic experience.

Growing up in continental Europe, where wet, cold, and snowy winters with limited daylight are the norm, escaping for winter sun felt as luxury.

Meanwhile, we have done it every year in different destinations, but I am super happy Tenerife was our first winter sun destination.

Tenerife Quick Facts?

Tenerife is the biggest, and most populated island among the Canary Islands. Therefore, planning where to stay might be crucial.

Almost half of the entire archipelago lives here. Namely, almost 1 million inhabitants.

Approximately 5 million tourists visit Tenerife annually, making it Spain’s most visited and most important island.

The island is of volcanic origin and, the volcano is visible from most parts of the island today.

The north and south of Tenerife have different climatic characteristics because of the rain shadow effect. The windward northwestern side of the island receives 73 percent of all precipitation on the island.

Also, the coastal areas have an average temperature between 20-25ºC, whereas inland areas, can experience lows at 13 ºC and occasional snow in the winter.

The capital is Santa Cruz de Tenerife and it is in the northern part of the island, meaning colder and rainier winters.

There are multiple museums, one airport, and a port. It has the vibe of the big city, unlike Arrecife in Lanzarote or Puerto del Rosario in Fuerteventura.

The center of the island is characterized by forests because of the much higher precipitation, with some mountain peaks reaching over 3000 meters above sea level. Compared with Lanzarote or Fuerteventura, where there are no forests, this is a big a change.

Especially if you love hiking, you might appreciate the variety of landscapes.

Apart from forests, you’ll see the lava mountains, together with breathtaking sea views.

Who is Tenerife not For?

Tenerife did surprise me in many ways. I loved it, but I know that many people, especially those who like authentic stay don’t like it. Hence, you will not like Tenerife if:

• You can’t stand too much of a build up area and prefer nature. Especially compare to Fuerteventura, Tenerife feels very urban. We came there as first Canary Island and from Netherlands, so we weren’t bothered by it so much back then.
• You don’t like hills. There are everywhere. In the cities, at the coast and of course in the national park, so in the main part of the island.
• You don’t like weather changes. Even if you are staying on the southern part of the island, the weather can change from sunny to misty, or windy and back to the sun in matter of minutes and stay like this for hours. I guess it’s because of the higher altitude majority of the places have here.
• You want to visit a hole island in your a week or a month stay. Tenerife is the biggest Canary island, and you need much longer time if for would want to discover the whole island.
• You want to enjoy big sandy beaches. Even though there are some sandy beaches, those aren’t many and not of a big size for an undisturbed day under the sun. As the biggest ones are best for water sports due to the wind. (Medano area) or aren’t good fit for winter (Playa de Las Teresitas). If sandy beaches are what you like then go to Fuerteventura or Lanzarote instead.
  
  With that in mind, I wrote my article on finding the best places to visit in Tenerife with intention of showing you the quiet, and nature abundant place even in urban and mass touristy Tenerife.
  

How to Get to Tenerife?

Airplane

Regardless of where you live in Europe, Tenerife can be reached by direct flight below 4 and a half hours. Its convenient availability, and the fact that it belongs to Europe, even though it is geographically much closer to Africa than to Spain, make it an ideal winter getaway.

This is the most common, and the easiest way of transportation to the island. Good thing to know is that there are two airports in Tenerife: Tenerife North Airport and Tenerife South Airport.

North is a smaller one, and convenient if you want to fly to another Canary Island.

We did that in 2021 and a one-way ticket to Lanzarote cost us 25€ per person. We purchased the tickets via Canaryfly.

Tenerife South is the busy airport, ranked 7th busiest! airport in the entire Spain and you will probably land there.
If you are coming in winter, it saves you the longer bus travel from north to south.

Ferry

Similar to the airports, there are two ports located in the north, namely The Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and in the south, The Port of Los Cristianos.

The former connects the island with mainland Spain, with a ferry connection to Cadiz. The latter connects mostly Tenerife with the other Canaries.

Best places to visit in Tenerife: Where to Start?

Due to its size, but also variety, and uniqueness, there is an endless list of places you can see while in Tenerife.

I try to cover some, which can be characterized as highlights, ans at the same time, are not overcrowded.

Los Gigantes and Puerto de Santiago

Los Gigantes is the place we stayed, and it became the reason why I would recommend to visit Tenerife, despite the obvious resorts, and the rich urban build up. It offers a mix of seaside village with black volcano sand beach, dramatic cliffs, and a cute little port.

In the north end of the village,you can reach some of the great hiking trials.

What I loved about this village is that it felt very raw, untouched and authentic at one side. While, it also had supermarkets, restaurants and bus stop, making it ideal locatiion for exploring the south coast. I remember there was even a swimming pool, where I went on cloudy day.

There is direct bus connection with the capital. So, you can easily make day trips to the north.

Puerto de Santiago is small fishing village located just 20 minutes walk along the sea. There is local fish restaurnats, called Fishermenn-s Inn, overlooking the bay. There was also the best snrokelling spot we found acroos all Canary Islands.

Puerto de Santiago bay during the day and during the sunset.

Picture from our apartment in Los Gigantes.

This picture is taken from the coastal path towards Puerto de Santiago I was doing daily. It shows the Los Gigantes cliff and the natural pool. We loved it there.

Teide National Park

A standout is Teide National Park, home to Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide (more than 3000 meters high, and it can be reached by cable car.

The park’s unique landscapes, shaped by ancient volcanic activity, are perfect for adventurers of all kinds. Whether you’re hiking through its trails or taking the cable car for breathtaking views, this spot is a must-see. While it is similar park to Timanfaya in Lanzarote, in Teide, you can experience weather shifts characteristic for Tenerife.

One time it can be a blue sky, which in only matter of minutes changes to almost zero visibility mist. In fact, even snow is regularly present in the higher altitudes, and not only in the winter.

Masca

Another gem and one of the best places to visit in Tenerife is the charming village of Masca, nestled in the Teno Mountains. I have to be honest, abd mention I have not visited this place personally, but it is not my list for next trip.

Known for its dramatic scenery, Masca offers hiking trails with incredible views of ravines leading down to the ocean. It’s the kind of place where you can feel the true spirit of Tenerife away from the crowds.

Santa Cruz and La Laguna

On more cultural side, both Santa Cruz and La Laguna offer vibrant city vibes with a reminder of Tenerife’s rich history. San Cristobal La Laguna is the first establishedt own in the Canary Islands, and it is UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for university, many churches and narrow, authentic colonial streets.

Santa Cruz, the island’s capital, is a hot spot for urban explorers, with its art museums and bustling plazas. There is also famous carnival happening every year in end of February or beginning of March. Its the most visited Spanish street activity and highly popular around the world. It is an European equivalent of the famous Rio carnival.

La Orotava and Garanicho

Other cities worth visiting are earlier mentioned La Orotava with its breathtaking architecture and Garachico located near the sea. La Orotava is one of the oldest towns in the Canary Islands. The city is home of  La Concepción church, Latin American Craft museum of Tenerife, and some other historical buildings, that to me display perfectlx the old Canarian traditonal architecture. Nothing like tourists resorts. Great thing about the town, is that within a short disatnce , there is a sea, authentic city architecture and nearby green mountains.

Garanicho is located only 40 minutes car drive or 1 hour of bus ride away from La Orotava, and is defintely worth visiting. Small village, directly on te sea, once destroyed by volcano, offers the fishing vibe, I love about Canaries.

While I wasnt able to visit Garanicho, it is on ,my list. It reminds me of Puerto de Santiago. Also natural pools, hikign trials aling the sea, and unspoilt natarue.

Once there, recommendations from locals is to walk through the landscapes of La Caleta de Interián, the Chinyero volcano and the cliffs at La Culata.

For those searching for a nature, Tenerife’s got plenty of hidden gems. Explore places like:

• Miradors all around the whole island
• The serene rural landscape of Anaga Rural Park.

• Tenerife Stargazing Tours if you are up for something new.

• Montana Negra for hikes and views.

How to get around in Tenerife?

Cruising around Tenerife is as straightforward.

Public transport on the island is reliable and well-connected. The company opearting the buses is TITSA buses, and ayou an get easily everywhere on the coast. The inland, hilly and remote villages are reachbale but with longer journeys, combining multpile connections and with a less frequent departures.

The tickets are also very affordable. Plus, if you plan to stay more days, you may purchase a contactless card for 2€ and pay as you go, which will be in the end cheaper like buying single tickets.

Planning to explore Tenerife with bus? I’ve also written a post about what travelling around Tenerife, without a car is actually like in my complete Canary Islands without a car guide.

Insider Tip: I have to say, that using buses in Tenerife is super convenient. Buses are reliable, new, and affordable. This makes it a very nice alternative to renting a car. Especially if you stayalong the coasts, as we did in Los Gigantes, you might prefer the bus, as the roads can get pretty steep and not everyone enjoys driving in such curvy roads. But if you relish the freedom of setting your own pace, renting a car is the way to go. The roads here are pretty driver-friendly, and you’ll uncover spots that are often off the tourist radar.

When is the Best Time to Visit Tenerife?

As for all of the canaries, also for Tenerife is true that their inviting climate makes for an attractive getaway almost any time of the year. The island sees mild winters and wonderfully warm summers, meaning there’s almost always, the perfect weather.

I went in the winter and it was amaying. Tenerife stays mild in the winter months between December to March, offering those blue skies. Count on temperature above 20 ºC.

During the summer months from June to August, expect the beaches and key attractions to be crowded with tourists. So, in the summer you might prefer to head to Greece or France.

What to do in Tenerife?

Firstly, when it comes to activities on the island, hiking is the number one that pops up in my mind. Mount Guajara, Chinyero Volcano, and Callejon de Teno are all among the 10 best hikes in Tenerife, located in the southern part of the island and relatively easily doable.

Unforgettable views and unique landscapes are guaranteed.

Los Gigantes cliff during hike along the coast.

Mountains in Los Gigantes area.

Unusual flowers are to be found everywhere in the Canary Islands.

Rocky bay on the kie from Los Gigantes to Playa San Juan just behind Puerto de Santiago.

La Gomera Island view during th ehike to Playa San Juan.

Insider tip: The thing with hiking in Tenerife is, that wherever you are, there is an interesting hike trial. Try the alltrails.com for the best trials in your neighbourhood.

Next to hiking, snorkelling is another must on the list. Unlike Fuerteventura, where snorkelling is not something I would highly reckoned, Tenerife has beautiful spots where discovering beautiful fishes is quite easy.

Cycling is another activity you might enjoy, but bear in mind the steep roads.

After being tired from all that sport, hike and bike, it’s time to chill. In Tenerife, as everywhere on Canaries, you are here for a treat.

Activities like trying local food, wine tasting, or beach chill should be on your programme as well. The rule of thumb is that the villages on northwest side are more traditional. They have to be on your list when thinking about the best places to visit in Tenerife. Places like La Orotava, Garachico, and Buenavista del Norte are popular among those searching for local authenticityFirstly, when it comes to activities on the island, hiking is the number one that pops up in my mind. Mount Guajara, Chinyero Volcano, and Callejon de Teno are all among the 10 best hikes in Tenerife, located in the southern part of the island and relatively easily doable.

Best places to visit in Tenerife: Where to Eat as a Vegetarian in Tenerife and Discovering local dishes worth trying out

As for what to eat in Tenerife, it is more or less the same as for the rest of the Canaries:

Don’t miss out on trying dishes with famous “Papas Arrugadas” (wrinkled potatoes)

Sancocho Canario is a type of fish that usually means stew or thick soup, particularly in Latin America. But in Canary, the dish is presented without much gravy. To make this dish, preserved and salted fish is used.

Another typical food worth trying is Gofio, which is a type of flour made with toasted grains, most commonly from millio (sweet corn). We had it as a side dish paste, and it’s delicious. Different types of goat cheeses are also typical food in Tenerife.

How could I not mention tapas with wine? Try hot chopitos, which are battered, fried baby squid; or patatas bravas, spicy potatoes, or cold such as olives, cheeses, or sardines fishes.

For a dessert, try bienmesabe. This is a traditional dessert, made with almonds, sponge cake, egg, sugar, and lemon. It is one of the many typical desserts of the island.

I have eaten in below mentioned restaurants and would recommend.

• Am Eck- which means at the corner, is located close to Playa de la Arena ( I lived 26 years combined in Slovakia and Austria and the owners are exactly from those two countries, so I had to try it. Don’t worry I am not that biased, as my girlfriend ate with me), the food was delicious and offers also vegetarian specialties from those two countries, dishes dishes I recommend particularly: halusky, spaetzle (homemade pasta) with cheese and spinach)
• Brisa Marina Taberna San Juan– great and affordable pizza, seafood, and pasta. Located on an avenida overlooking the ocean.
  
  Restaurants I was not eating but was recommended:
  
• Fishermen’s Inn in Puerto de Santiago-for fish
• Michelle Restaurant in Adeje-for fish
• Arcon Tapas in Puerto de la Cruz close to La Orotava
• La Tajea is a farm in Fañabe that makes all their dishes using the veg from their land and pizzas in their stone-baked oven.

Best places to visit in Tenerife: The best beaches on Tenerife

As for the beaches, the truth is that the majority are the black lava sand beaches. Even though you can still find some white sandy beaches. If amazing sandy beaches is what you search in for while on Canaries, go to Fuerteventura or Lanzarote.

Due to the island’s size, it would be hard to cover all beaches, I will try my best to give you an overview.

The most beautiful beaches are in the southeastern part of the island. With that in mind:

• Playa de Las Teresitas is the one that you see in most Tenerife pictures. Undoubtedly a beautiful beach, but in the winter months, it isn’t recommended due to colder and rainier weather. Anyway, this beach, lined with palm trees and gentle waves, offers perfect postcard views.
• Playa del Duque upscale vibe and top-notch facilities. This is also a sandy beach with an exotic vibe.
• Playa de San Juan with lava sand has the charm of the old village.
  
• Playa de Santiago in Puerto de Santiago is a gem for snorkeling. As for the beach, I wouldn’t spend a whole beach day, you are better off with close-by Playa de la Arena, but if you are in the area and love snorkeling, this is a must. Especially the place between the rocks.
  

Playa de la Arena during windy day, (red flag) with the view of La Gomera Island on the horizon.

Playa San Juan.

• Playa de los Morteros, very tiny strecth of sand, surrounded by little hills, and with some caves, this beach is ideal if you love secluded places.
• Playa de Ajabo is another lava sand beach.
• Playa del Medano-wide, surfers hub in the south of Tenerife, located 10 km from Tenerife South Airport.
• Playa de la Tejita is another famous Tenerife beach located on the other side of the Medano village. It is defined by the big mountain and it is a wide beach, by the standards of Tenerife.

Best places to visit in Tenerife: Things I wish I Knew before coming

• 7% food tax is often not mentioned on the bills, so be aware of this and check it double with the waiter, to be sure you understand the final price.
• The landscape of the island is a mix of lava, forest, and sand which offers nice diversity for hiking and exploring the island. I wasn’t aware of the lava before, and thought only Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are of lava origin.
• The island is very mountainous, so be prepared to have small or bigger hills even in the cities. If you don’t like uphill hikes, rent a car.
• Mineral-rich soil of the island is famous for red wine.
• Tenerife has one of the best public transport bus systems, where even the most remote mountainous regions can be easily reached by bus.
• Tenerife has divided climate. Southwest of the island is warm all year around, similar to other Canaries. while northwest and northeast can experience temperature drops and have many rainy days in the winter period. Also, the temperature here is much lower. Therefore, I wouldn’t recommend this part of the island as winter sun destination.
• Wind is present not only after sunset, so be prepared to search for sheltered beaches
• There are chilled evenings if you come in winter (December-March), so always bring a light jacket. I got pretty surprised how big the temperature drop was. During the say, we experienced pleasant 20°C or more, while after the sunset, the temperature would drop to as low as 8-10℃.

Best places to visit in Tenerife: Which place to choose

So when it comes to choosing best places to visit in Tenerife, the recap could be like this:

Go to Los Gigantes if you want quiet, authentic and local place.

Go to Teide if you want to see 3 landscapes in one place. Snow, green forrests, lava mountains.

Go to Masca if you want to see some unique rock formations and if you have a car.

Go to Garachico if you want sea town, with unspoilt nature, and local architecture without crowds.

Go to Santa Cruz and La Laguna if you like built-up urban life, taste of culture and local architecture and you do not mind crowds.

I hope you will have fun, and let me know, how you liked it there.

Related:
Top Things to in Gran Canaria
Top Things to do in Lanzarote