The island of Tenerife is synonymous with all-round tourism. We go from dream beaches to mountains with challenging climbs to towns whose history mixes ancient African rituals and European and colonial architecture. Here, in this piece of Spain dispersed in the Atlantic Ocean which is the Canary Archipelago, there is everything you may dream of. And Tenerife (whose main town Santa Cruz is the co-capital with Las Palmas) is the perfect synthesis of why everyone wants to come and dream here…
When to go to Tenerife
Tenerife’s nickname is “island of eternal spring”, because except for a few weeks of intense rain, the climate here is always an eternal “month of May”. To find the best climate conditions, also in terms of humidity, the ideal period for a holiday in Tenerife is between January and March. But obviously if you are looking for absolute fun, you will have to book for July and August. We recommend a healthy middle ground: between March and June!
Travel documents
Even though far from Europe, Tenerife is a territory of Spain, that is a nation which is part of the Schengen Agreement Area. So, if you also come from a nation of the Schengen area, you will only need to have an ID paper to enter Spain. If you belong to non-Schengen nations, you shall show your passport as soon as you arrive at the local airport.
What to pack for your trip to Tenerife
It goes without saying that swimsuits and accessories for diving are the first things to pack if you go to Tenerife. But remember! This is also the island of the great Mount Teide (the highest volcano in Europe, although not active) and one of the most challenging mountains on the continent. Climbing it requires good trekking equipment and clothing. Therefore also bring climbing shoes and in general comfortable shoes for long excursions. You should also pack sunscreen, anti-mosquito creams, hats, electronic devices (chargers but also electrical adapters) and jackets for the sudden cold temperature changes that may occur. And then… why not? Some elegant clothes for a romantic dinner in town.
How to get to Tenerife
Tenerife hosts two international airports which together manage the island’s large tourist traffic. Tenerife North Airport (TFN) is located in San Cristobal de la Laguna. It is the oldest airport on the island (1941) and operates with a runway and a four-storey terminal. Tenerife South Airport (TFS) is located a few kilometers from the capital Santa Cruz; built in the 1960s, it handles significant passenger traffic with a single runway and a three-storey terminal. Both airports are very well connected to the rest of the island by buses, taxis and personalized private transfers.
How to move through Tenerife
Public buses and boats are the most common ways to travel around Tenerife and between Tenerife and neighboring islands. However, you can rent vehicles to move around freely, such as cars, motorbikes and bicycles. Organized excursions are another way to move around the island with full knowledge of the facts. If you plan your trip and have money to choose the best comfort, you can also book a car with driver.
What to see
Mount Teide is the king of the island. This mountain is the first tourist attraction and the natural park all around it i salso worth seeing. The most popular tourist resorts in Tenerife are Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, Isla Baja, Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos. The south of Tenerife hosts some of the most wonderful beaches. For sea lovers, the areas of Arona, Costa Adeje, Playa Teresitas, Lago Martianez, Bajamar and Punta del Hidalgo are a “must”.
Those who come here for hiking, will also enjoy Anaga Mountains, Barranco del Infierno, the Corona Forest Natural Park and the Cueva del Viento Sobrado volcanic tunnel. Tenerife also has several archaeological sites among which the area of La Cambados, El Barranco de Ray and the pyramids of Guimar stand out.
More to visit on the island: Acantilados de los Gigàntes, Cueva de los Guanches, Santa Cruz, Garachico Pools Beach, Las Teresitas Beach, San Cristobal de la Laguna, Siam Water Park.
What to do and NOT to do in Tenerife
In Tenerife, basically, you will only have to do two things: walk a lot and rest on the beach. Walk to explore and discover the thousand beauties of the island, then relax at the end of the excursion by swimming in a dream bay. You absolutely must climb the Teide volcano. And you will have to taste the excellent Afro-Spanish cuisine.
What you shall NOT do in Tenerife: don’t go shopping on weekends because many shops remain closed; do not venture onto roads or paths closed by barriers… even if there are no information signs, it is at your own risk; never venture out without a map if you have a rented car and want to get around on your own… you can easily get lost. Finally, if spring is the best time, it is also the time for cockroaches and beetles which are “at home” in Tenerife. Don’t get too upset and don’t criticize the hygienic conditions on the island… rather try to “adapt” like the locals do.