Longevity Travel guide to Tenerife: what to see, where to stay and how to plan your holiday

Which part of the island should you choose? Is Tenerife suitable for a winter break? Do you need a car? And what is worth experiencing beyond the beach? We have gathered practical tips for a holiday that will allow you to truly discover the island, not just visit it.

Tenerife first draws you in with its sunshine and ocean, then surprises you with its diversity. Beaches and resorts line the coast, pine forests give way to volcanic landscapes inland, while the north reveals green slopes, historic towns and a different, more local rhythm.

That is why, when planning your trip, the question “How do I want to spend my days?” matters more than “Which hotel has the most stars?” A family, a couple on a romantic break and a keen hiker can have very different, yet equally enjoyable, holidays on the same island.

North or south? The most important decision before booking

The south: for beaches, sunshine and resort convenience

The south of Tenerife is generally drier and sunnier. This is where you will find Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas, making it a convenient choice for guests who want beaches, restaurants and holiday amenities close to their accommodation.

Costa Adeje suits couples and families who appreciate well-maintained surroundings, quality hotels and walks by the sea. Los Cristianos has a more relaxed harbour atmosphere, while Playa de las Américas offers more nightlife, shopping and entertainment.

Our tip: for a first visit, staying in the south is a good base. Set aside a few days for relaxation and one or two for exploring the interior and the north.

The north: for greenery, culture and exploration

The north is more humid, so the landscape is lusher and cloud cover more frequent. This is not necessarily a drawback: the different weather is precisely what gives this part of the island its character.

Puerto de la Cruz combines seaside life with historic streets, gardens and a local atmosphere. La Laguna appeals to lovers of architecture and culture, while the Anaga area is ideal for those who want to spend their days among green slopes and forest trails.

Our tip: if you are planning several hikes in the north, do not choose your accommodation solely for the southern beaches. Less driving each day often means a more enjoyable holiday.

When should you visit Tenerife?

You can visit Tenerife all year round, but the “island of eternal spring” does not mean summer weather everywhere, every day.

From October to March, it is an appealing escape from the winter routine and a good time for walking, golf and exploring. Conditions on the coast are generally milder than at home, but it can be cold in the mountains and it may even snow in the Teide area.

In summer, the coast is warmer and there is more activity on the popular beaches and in the resorts.

For a winter break, check whether the hotel heats its pool. The fact that an accommodation has a pool does not necessarily mean its temperature will be pleasant for swimming in January.

Beaches: choose according to your holiday style

Tenerife has both lighter sandy beaches and dark volcanic shores. However, the beach that looks most beautiful in a photograph may not be the most practical choice for your day by the sea.

Playa del Duque: a good choice for a well-serviced day by the sea in Costa Adeje and a walk around the area.

Playa de Fañabé: suitable for those who want to combine the beach with lunch, cafés and bars, and a livelier holiday atmosphere.

The beaches of Los Cristianos: appealing to guests who value being close to the promenade and harbour town.

El Médano: for a relaxed, sporty atmosphere, windsurfing and kitesurfing. The wind is part of its character, so it is not the first choice for anyone looking for completely peaceful lounging.

The ocean is not a hotel pool. Pay attention to flags, lifeguard warnings and any closures. The same applies to natural pools: they are unsafe in heavy swell, even if they look sheltered in photographs.

Teide: an excursion that reveals a completely different Tenerife

Teide National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the island’s most distinctive experiences. Roads lead from the coastal resorts through forests and then into an open landscape of lava, rocks and volcanic views.

You do not need to reach the summit to enjoy a visit. The viewpoints and selected shorter trails already provide a good sense of the landscape.

It is important, however, to distinguish between:

• visiting the national park,
• taking the cable car,
• hiking to the summit of Teide.

These are not the same experiences and are not necessarily subject to the same conditions. Buying a cable car ticket does not automatically include a permit to access the summit. Check current booking requirements, permits and trail openings before you set out.

Take a warm layer, sun protection, water and suitable footwear. It can be considerably colder at altitude than by your hotel, and the weather can change quickly.

Our tip: allow enough time for Teide. Do not squeeze it between a morning at the beach and an evening flight home.

Whales and dolphins: an experience that calls for a responsible choice of operator

Tenerife’s south-west coast is known for watching whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Excursions depart from Puerto Colón, Los Cristianos and Los Gigantes.

Do not consider price alone when choosing. Check:

• the duration of the trip and the size of the vessel,
• the number of passengers,
• whether a swimming stop and a meal are included,
• the cancellation policy in the event of bad weather,
• whether the operator is licensed for marine mammal watching.

The official “Blue Boat” label identifies vessels licensed for this activity.

Our tip: if you are prone to seasickness, mention this when choosing your excursion. Tours take place in the wild, so encounters with animals should not be promised as guaranteed.

Historic towns and the island’s green side

It is worth setting aside a day in Tenerife without your swimwear.

San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage city, invites you to stroll among historic buildings, squares, cafés and bars. La Orotava is notable for its traditional architecture and wooden balconies.

In Puerto de la Cruz, you can combine exploring the town with gardens or a visit to Lago Martiánez, a saltwater pool complex designed by César Manrique.

For a day in nature, choose Anaga or Teno. These are protected rural landscapes, not the same type of park as Teide National Park. Choose trails according to your fitness, the weather and current restrictions.

Our tip: do not plan the north as a list of five stops in a single day. Choose one town and one natural area, with a leisurely lunch in between.

Tenerife with children

Family holidays are most enjoyable when bigger experiences alternate with quieter days.

Popular options include:

• Siam Park for water attractions,
• Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz,
• a boat trip,
• shorter walks and beach days.

Before buying tickets, check the attractions’ age and height restrictions, opening hours and cancellation terms.

When choosing a hotel, look beyond the pools and check the bed configuration, whether there is a separate bedroom, dining options and the route to the beach. For a family, these details are often more important than an extra star.

Golf: a well-located hotel saves a great deal of driving

Tenerife is also an appealing destination for a golf holiday. Its courses include Golf del Sur, Golf Las Américas, Golf Costa Adeje, Abama and Buenavista Golf.

Choosing well-known names alone is not enough when planning. Consider the distance from your accommodation, your preferred level of difficulty, tee times and any companions who may not play.

Before confirming, check:

• whether the price includes only the green fee or a buggy as well,
• handicap requirements,
• club and other equipment hire,
• transport to the course,
• the airline surcharge for a golf bag.

Our tip: for a shorter break, choose nearby courses. More time on the course and less in the car is usually the better combination.

Yoga and a retreat in nature

Tenerife is not only appealing for a conventional hotel holiday. Quieter accommodation inland allows for a different rhythm: morning exercise, a hike, a shared meal and time to rest.

Longevity Travel also offers Tenerife Retreat: Connect with Nature, featuring yoga and the discovery of Tenerife. It combines a stay at Finca Casa del Cielo, yoga with instructor Marzena, selected hikes and exploration of the island.

This is an option for those who want an organised programme in a small group rather than planning excursions every day. Check the programme page for the current dates, content and terms.

What should you try on the plate?

Recognisable Canarian dishes include papas arrugadas, small potatoes boiled in salted water and served with mojo sauces. Also try the local fish and island wines.

For a more homely culinary experience, visit a guachinche, one of the traditional eateries associated with local wine and simple home cooking, particularly in the north of the island.

Our tip: check opening times before setting out. Smaller local establishments do not always keep the same hours as restaurants in tourist centres.

Do you need a car in Tenerife?

Not necessarily, but it is very useful if you want to explore.

If you are staying in Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos and taking a few organised excursions, you can plan your holiday without one. For rural accommodation, several hikes and independent exploration of different parts of the island, hiring a car is more practical.

You do not need to hire one for your entire holiday. A good option is to combine a pre-arranged airport transfer with a car for selected excursion days only.

When hiring, check the insurance, excess, deposit, fuel policy, parking at the hotel and luggage space. On mountain roads, allow time based on the actual route, not just the distance in kilometres.

Where to stay? Longevity Travel’s selection

We recommend different accommodation for different holiday styles:

• GF Gran Costa Adeje: for guests who want a five-star hotel in Costa Adeje.
• GF Isabel: for families and guests who appreciate apartments, bungalows or villas.
• Gara Suites Golf & Spa: for a combination of spacious accommodation, golf and relaxation.
• Coral Los Alisios: for an apartment stay in Los Cristianos.
• Hotel El Médano: for close proximity to the ocean and a sporty local atmosphere.
• Finca Vista Bonita: for a quieter stay in San Miguel de Abona and independent exploration.
• KARAT El Nogal Hotel Boutique & Spa Adults Only: for couples who want a retreat in the island’s interior.

View accommodation in Tenerife.

Practical points before you travel

Check the airport. Tenerife has two: Tenerife South (TFS) and Tenerife North (TFN). TFS is generally more convenient for stays on the south coast.

Compare airfares with all extras included. The basic fare does not necessarily include your preferred luggage allowance, seat and other services. Also take into account the cost of travelling to the departure airport.

A valid national identity card or passport is sufficient for Slovenian citizens. Every traveller, including every child, needs their own document.

Pack for both the coast and the interior. Swimwear, sun protection, comfortable shoes and a warmer layer are a more useful combination than a suitcase filled only with summer clothes.

Do not plan every day down to the last hour. The weather, how you feel and an unexpectedly beautiful stop are all good reasons to keep your itinerary flexible.

Tenerife, tailored to you

The best holidays in Tenerife are not those with the most excursions ticked off, but those where the location, accommodation and daily rhythm match your wishes.

At Longevity Travel, we help you choose the right hotel, coordinate your journey and add experiences that will genuinely mean something to you. Together with our local partner Jumbo Tours, we ensure careful organisation and an enjoyable holiday experience.

Send us your wishes and we will prepare a personalised proposal for your holiday in Tenerife.

Sources used in preparation: the official Tenerife tourism organisation, the Jumbo Tours presentation and the Longevity Travel portfolio.