Travel guide

How to Plan Your Trip to Tenerife

Everything you need to know to plan the perfect holiday on the largest of the Canary Islands.

How to Get to Tenerife

Tenerife has two airports and ferry connections from mainland Spain.

Tenerife South (TFS) - Reina Sofía

Main airport for international and charter flights. Located in the south, near the tourist areas of Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, and Costa Adeje.

Tenerife North (TFN) - Los Rodeos

Airport for domestic flights and inter-island connections. Located near Santa Cruz and La Laguna.

Ferries

Fred Olsen and Naviera Armas operate routes from Huelva and Cádiz (mainland) with 30-36 hour crossings. Fast inter-island connections are also available (Gran Canaria, La Gomera, La Palma, El Hierro).

Best Time to Visit

Tenerife enjoys spring-like weather year-round. The south is drier and sunnier; the north is greener and wetter.

January

15-21°C

Moderate

February

15-21°C

Moderate

March

16-22°C

Low

April

16-23°C

Low

May

18-24°C

Very low

June

20-27°C

Minimal

July

22-29°C

Minimal

August

23-30°C

Minimal

September

22-28°C

Low

October

20-26°C

Moderate

November

18-23°C

Moderate

December

16-21°C

Moderate

Where to Stay

The north and south offer very different experiences.

North Tenerife

Pros

+Lush nature and green landscapes

+More affordable prices

+Authentic local cuisine

+Less crowded

Cons

-More cloudy and rainy

-Volcanic beaches (black sand)

-Less nightlife

Recommended areas: Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, Icod de los Vinos

South Tenerife

Pros

+Almost guaranteed sunshine

+Golden sand beaches

+Great nightlife options

+More tourist infrastructure

Cons

-Higher prices

-More tourist crowds

-Drier landscape

Recommended areas: Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos, El Médano

Getting Around the Island

Options for traveling around Tenerife.

Car Rental

Best option to explore the island freely. From 20-35 per day. Book ahead in high season. Companies: Cicar, Autoreisen, TopCar.

Buses (TITSA)

Bus network covering the whole island. TenMas card for discounts. Key lines: 110 (TFS-Santa Cruz), 343 (Costa Adeje-Puerto de la Cruz).

Tram

Two lines connecting Santa Cruz with La Laguna. Runs every 5-10 minutes. Ideal for traveling between both cities.

Taxi

Available island-wide. Regulated fares. Airport South to Costa Adeje: ~30. Airport North to Santa Cruz: ~15. Apps: PideTaxi.

Daily Budget

Estimated costs per person per day in Tenerife.

Backpacker

40-60/day

✓Hostel or shared apartment

✓Supermarket/local eateries

✓Public transport (TITSA)

✓Free beaches & hiking

Mid-range

80-120/day

✓3-star hotel or private apartment

✓Local restaurants

✓Rental car

✓1-2 excursions/activities

Premium

200+/day

✓4-5 star hotel or villa

✓Gourmet restaurants

✓Premium rental car

✓Private tours & spa

Useful Apps

Download these apps before your trip.

Google Maps

Navigation and offline maps. Download the Tenerife map before traveling.

TITSA (Buses)

Real-time bus schedules and routes. Essential if you are not renting a car.

Teide Permits

Mandatory (free) reservation to climb to Teide peak. Book weeks in advance.

AEMET / Windy

Weather forecast. Important due to the climate variability between island zones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a passport to travel to Tenerife?

Not if you are an EU citizen. Tenerife is Spanish territory and part of the European Union. For non-EU citizens, the same entry rules apply as for mainland Spain.

What is the best time to visit Tenerife?

Tenerife can be visited year-round thanks to its subtropical climate. April to October offers more sunshine, while December-February is popular for escaping European winters. Peak season is July-September and Christmas.

Is it necessary to rent a car in Tenerife?

Highly recommended if you want to explore the island in depth. Public transport (TITSA) covers main routes, but for remote beaches, hiking trails, and inland villages, a car is the best option. From 20/day.

How many days do I need to visit Tenerife?

A minimum of 5-7 days to see the essentials: Teide, southern beaches, north of the island, and some excursions. With 10-14 days you can explore in depth, including hiking, charming villages, and trips to neighboring islands.

Can you drink tap water in Tenerife?

Tap water is safe to drink but has high mineral content and a strong taste. Most locals and tourists prefer bottled water. Restaurants serve bottled water by default.

Ready for Your Tenerife Adventure?

Explore our experiences and the best activities on the island.