Tenerife is easy to love but worth knowing before you arrive. The island has two very different sides, a sunny, resort-heavy south and a greener, quieter north, and how much you enjoy it often comes down to a few practical decisions made before you land.
This guide covers the essentials: getting around, what to expect from the weather, where to eat, what to do, and how to stay safe. Where a topic deserves a deeper dive, we’ve linked to a dedicated guide so you can go as far as you need.
Top Places to Visit in Tenerife
Tenerife packs a lot into one island: volcanic peaks, black sand beaches, colonial towns, and busy resort areas all within an hour’s drive of each other. The highlights most visitors prioritise are Teide National Park, the beaches around Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos in the south, and the historic centre of La Laguna in the north.
→ Explore our full guide to the best places to visit in Tenerife
Things to Do in Tenerife
Whether you’re after whale watching off the southwest coast, hiking up to Mount Teide, visiting Loro Parque with the kids, or just working your way along a succession of beaches, Tenerife has enough to fill a week easily without repeating yourself.
Getting Around Tenerife
Tenerife has a decent bus network (called guaguas) that connects the main towns and resorts, but if you want flexibility, especially for reaching places like Masca, Anaga Rural Park, or the quieter north, a hire car makes a big difference.
Hiring a car in Tenerife is straightforward and relatively affordable, particularly if you book in advance. Parking in the south can be tricky in peak season, but outside the main resorts it’s rarely an issue.
Weather in Tenerife
One of Tenerife’s biggest selling points is its climate, warm and sunny year-round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 17°C even in winter. That said, the north and south of the island can feel like different places weather-wise, and the best month for your trip depends on what you’re planning to do.
→ Read our month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Tenerife
Food & Drink in Tenerife
Tenerife’s food scene goes well beyond the resort buffet. The island has a distinct Canarian food culture built around papas arrugadas (wrinkly potatoes with mojo sauce), fresh seafood, gofio, and locally produced wines from the slopes of Mount Teide. Markets, local tascos, and a growing number of serious restaurants make eating well here easy at any budget.
Tenerife with Family
Tenerife is one of the most family-friendly destinations in Europe, reliable sunshine, calm beaches, Siam Park, Loro Parque, and submarine trips make it easy to keep kids happy. The resort areas in the south are set up for families, with shallow beaches and plenty of child-focused activities.
Tenerife on a Budget
Tenerife can be done cheaply if you plan ahead. Travelling in spring or autumn, staying in self-catering accommodation, eating at local markets and neighbourhood restaurants, and using the bus network instead of taxis all make a significant difference to what you spend.
Do You Need to Rent a Car in Tenerife?
Renting a car in Tenerife isn’t essential, but it opens up a lot more of the island.
The bus network covers the main resorts and towns well enough for a beach holiday, but places like Masca village, Anaga Rural Park, or the quieter coastal roads in the north are much harder to reach without your own transport.
Rent a car if: you want to explore beyond the resorts, you’re staying somewhere rural, or you’re travelling as a group where splitting the cost makes sense.
Skip the car if: you’re based in the south and plan to stay local, you’re travelling solo on a tight budget, or you’re visiting during peak season when parking in busy areas is a headache.
If you do hire a car, book in advance, prices are significantly better than walk-in rates at the airport. A full tank policy is usually the simplest option to avoid confusion on return.
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Safety Tips & Practical Info
Tenerife is a safe destination by any standard, but a few practical things are worth knowing before you travel.
Travel Documents and Insurance
EU citizens can enter with a national ID card. Non-EU travellers need a valid passport. It’s worth making digital copies of your documents and storing them separately, email them to yourself or save them in the cloud.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Make sure your policy covers medical costs, cancellations, and any activities you’re planning (hiking, water sports).
EU citizens should also carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), though this doesn’t replace insurance.
→ Read our pre-travel checklist
Health and Medical Care
Tenerife has good hospitals and clinics. In an emergency, call 112. For non-emergencies, local health centres (centros de salud) are well-equipped and widely available.
Practical health tips: drink plenty of water in summer, use high-SPF sunscreen (the sun is stronger than it feels), and be cautious swimming in unsupervised areas where currents can be unpredictable.
Staying Safe
Tenerife is generally very safe. The main things to watch for are petty theft in busy tourist areas, keep an eye on bags at the beach and in crowded markets. Avoid leaving valuables in hire cars. Use official taxis or apps like Uber and Cabify rather than unlicensed vehicles.
Respecting Local Culture
Tenerife is a cosmopolitan island used to visitors, but a few things go a long way: a basic greeting in Spanish (hola, gracias) is always appreciated, tipping around 10% in restaurants is standard, and dressing modestly when visiting churches or religious sites is expected.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travelling to Tenerife
Is Tenerife safe for tourists?
Yes, Tenerife is considered one of the safer holiday destinations in Europe.
Petty theft exists as in any tourist area, but serious crime affecting visitors is rare.
Do I need a visa to visit Tenerife?
Tenerife is part of Spain and the EU. EU citizens need only a valid ID card.
Most non-EU visitors can enter visa-free for up to 90 days, check your country’s
specific requirements before travelling.
What currency is used in Tenerife?
The euro (€). Cards are widely accepted, but it’s worth carrying some cash for smaller restaurants, markets, and rural areas.
What language is spoken in Tenerife?
Spanish is the official language. In tourist areas, English is widely spoken.
A few words of Spanish are always appreciated.
Is Tenerife expensive?
It depends on how you travel. Resort areas and tourist restaurants can be pricey, but local bars, markets, and public transport are very affordable. Mid-range
travellers typically spend €80–120 per day including accommodation.
What’s the best area to stay in Tenerife?
The south (Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos) is best for beach holidays and families. The north (Puerto de la Cruz, La Laguna) suits those who prefer a more local, cultural experience. Los Gigantes and Costa Adeje are good middle-ground
options.
Tenerife rewards a bit of planning. Know which part of the island suits you, sort your transport before you arrive, and don’t limit yourself to the resort strip, the island has a lot more to offer than the beach towns suggest.
