Tenerife
Tenerife
Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and a paradise waiting to be discovered. Located in the Atlantic Ocean, this Spanish island boasts breathtaking landscapes dominated by Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain. The volcano and its surrounding national park have earned UNESCO World Heritage status and offer stunning views that you won't forget.
The island has a fascinating history, having been inhabited by the ancient Guanches before Spanish conquest in the 15th century. Their legacy lives on in local traditions, archaeological sites, and even in the Silbo Gomero, a whistled language that was used to communicate across the island's deep ravines.
Tenerife enjoys year-round spring-like weather with mild temperatures, which explains why it's so popular with Europeans looking to escape cold winters. The island features beautiful black volcanic beaches in the north and golden sandy beaches in the south.
The food scene is incredible with local specialties like papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) served with mojo sauce, fresh seafood, and tropical fruits. And don't miss out on the local wines - Tenerife has been producing them since the 16th century from vines grown in volcanic soil.
Whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences, Tenerife delivers with its unique blend of natural beauty and Spanish charm.
ratings
| Category | Rating | Your Rating |
|---|---|---|
| adventure |
|
|
| atmosphere |
|
|
| beach |
|
|
| culture |
|
|
| food |
|
|
| hiking |
|
|
| nightlife |
|
|
| scenery |
|
|
| tourism |
|
|
| wildlife |
|
|
Things to do in Tenerife
Top things to do in Tenerife by theculturetrip.com
Where to stay in Tenerife
Best hotels in Tenerife:
-
RF San Borondon (budget hotel)
RF San Borondon is located just steps from Plaza del Charco, it offers a perfect home base for exploring the town's attractions. The colonial-style buildings are surrounded by lush gardens, creating a peaceful oasis in the city center.
One of the highlights is the large saltwater swimming pool - ideal for cooling off after a day of sightseeing. There's also a gym if you want to keep up your workout routine. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, many with garden views. And with the bus station nearby, it's easy to venture out and explore more of Tenerife's natural beauty spots like Teide National Park.
Whether you're looking to relax by the pool, stroll to nearby beaches, or use it as a base for island adventures, RF San Borondon offers a great mix of comfort and convenience in a prime Puerto de la Cruz location. The friendly staff and laid-back vibe make it a welcoming spot to call home during your Tenerife getaway.
-
Casa La Laguna (homestay)
Casa La Laguna is a cozy homestay in Tenerife that offers a great mix of comfort and convenience. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped, with comfy beds, private bathrooms, and kitchenettes. Guests particularly love the shared kitchen downstairs where you can whip up your own meals or grab a quick coffee in the morning.
The location is super handy - it's just a short drive from the airport but still nice and quiet. You're also not far from attractions like the Leal Theatre and some nice beaches. The host Ivan gets lots of praise for being helpful and making check-in a breeze.
Overall, it's a great budget-friendly option if you want a homey place to stay in Tenerife. The rooms are clean and modern, there's free WiFi, and you get way more space and amenities than a standard hotel room. Perfect for both quick overnight stays or longer vacations exploring the island.
-
H10 Atlantic Sunset Horizons (luxury hotel)
The H10 Atlantic Sunset in Tenerife is a slice of paradise. This sprawling resort has killer ocean views and enough pools to keep you swimming for days. I loved hanging out at the infinity pool overlooking the sea - total bliss.
The rooms are sleek and modern with comfy beds and nice balconies. Food-wise, there's tons of options from the massive buffet to specialty restaurants. The breakfast spread was especially impressive.
While it's a bit removed from major attractions, that means you get peace and quiet. And with all the amenities on-site, you might not want to leave anyway. Between the spa, kids' club, and nightly entertainment, there's always something to do.
If you're after a luxe beach getaway in Tenerife, the H10 Atlantic Sunset delivers big time.
-
Landmar Playa La Arena (medium range hotel)
Landmar Playa La Arena offers a fantastic beachfront location in Puerto de Santiago, Tenerife. Just steps from the black sand beach, this 4-star hotel boasts incredible ocean views and easy access to the shore.
The hotel features multiple outdoor pools, including a kids' pool with waterslides and an adults-only infinity pool overlooking the sea. Guests can relax on the sun terraces or enjoy activities like tennis, mini golf and live entertainment.
The spacious rooms and suites come with balconies, many offering sea views. On-site dining options include buffet restaurants, pool bars, and themed dining experiences. For those wanting extra luxury, the Platinum Club provides exclusive perks and a private lounge area.
With its prime location and excellent amenities, Landmar Playa La Arena is ideal for both families and couples looking for a relaxing Tenerife getaway by the ocean.
-
Parque Vacacional Eden (resort)
Parque Vacacional Eden is a great spot for a relaxing getaway in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife. The place has everything you need - spacious studios and apartments with kitchenettes, several swimming pools surrounded by lush gardens, and a restaurant serving up tasty buffets.
While it's a bit of a walk from the center of town, they offer a free shuttle to make getting around easy. The views of the mountains and sea from the balconies are pretty sweet too.
The staff are super friendly and there's plenty to keep you entertained, from tennis courts to evening shows. Sure, some of the decor might be a little dated, but overall it's a comfortable place to chill out. With options for all-inclusive packages, it can be great value for a sunny Tenerife vacation.
Best hostels in Tenerife:
-
Los Amigos NEST (hostel)
Los Amigos NEST is a lively hostel just a short walk from La Mareta Beach in Tenerife. With its fun, social atmosphere and great outdoor spaces, it's perfect for travelers looking to meet new people and soak up some sun. The hostel has a sweet pool area where you can cool off and hang out, plus a terrace with BBQ for chill evenings under the stars.
Inside, the dorms and private rooms are basic but comfy, with lockers to stash your stuff. There's a shared kitchen if you want to cook, or you can grab drinks at the bar in reception. The staff are super friendly and always up for organizing activities or giving tips on what to see nearby.
While it's not right in the center of the action, Los Amigos NEST is only 10 minutes from the airport and there are buses nearby to take you to popular spots like Los Cristianos. It's a great base for exploring Tenerife if you're after a laid-back vibe and good company.
-
The Tree House (party hostel)
The Tree House in Tenerife is a cool hangout spot for travelers looking to chill by the beach. This laid-back hostel has an awesome pool area where you can soak up the sun or mingle with other guests. The communal kitchen is great for whipping up meals and meeting new people.
Located a short walk from La Pelada beach, it's the perfect base for catching some waves or just lounging on the sand. The rooms are simple but comfy, with options ranging from dorms to private doubles. There's free WiFi throughout if you need to get some work done between adventures.
The friendly staff organize activities like barbecues and group dinners to keep the social vibe going. With its relaxed atmosphere and stunning ocean views, The Tree House is an ideal spot to unwind and make some new friends on your Tenerife trip. Just don't forget your sunscreen!