How to spend 1 week in Tenerife, enjoying it to the fullest!
Tenerife is considered to be an island of never-ending summer. But it’s not just a nice place to visit for the weather. Tenerife is an island packed with amazing activities and attractions! From relaxing on one of the stunning beaches to hiking the highest mountain peak in Spain, Tenerife has it all!
Keep reading to find the best activities and exactly how to spend 1 week in Tenerife!
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About Tenerife
Tenerife is the biggest island in the Spanish Canary Islands. The island group consists of 8 volcanic islands located only 100 kilometers from the coast of Morocco. This means that, like Morocco, the weather in the Canary Islands is very sunny and warm all year round.
Even though they’re so close to Africa, the Canary Islands are a part of Europe, Spain to be exact. With Spanish as the most common language and the Euro as currency, these islands are very popular with European tourists.
Of all islands, Tenerife is one of the most popular islands to visit, and with good reason… This island is so incredibly diverse in its landscapes, there are simply too many places to see!
I will tell you more details shortly!
General tips for visiting Tenerife in 1 week
Visit in the low season. Tenerife is one of the most popular summer AND winter destinations. The high season is from May to October and it has a busy period in December too. Weather-wise Tenerife is a good place to visit all year round, so go for any time outside the high season for cheaper prices and fewer tourists!
Bring hiking boots. Tenerife is a true hiker’s paradise. With surprisingly diverse landscapes, you’ll be able to explore lush green forests, hike through deserts, climb Spain’s highest mountain (Teide: 3715 m), and admire the most unique color contrasts in the volcanic landscapes!
Pack clothing for both warm and cool weather. In the south of Tenerife, it’s always warm. With less than 20 rainy days per year, the south side is a good place to base yourself. However, you might want to see the north too as it’s quite different and much greener. But this means more rain and cooler temperatures. Make sure to pack layers, so you’re prepared for every kind of weather.
Rent a car! In Tenerife, renting a car is very cheap. You can find good deals from 50 euros per week! I highly recommend renting a car as it’s good to have the freedom to drive anywhere!
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Book some tours in advance. In this itinerary, I will recommend some tours and they should be booked in advance. I highly recommend doing these tours and booking them through GetYourGuide, as I 100% believe in them and booked these tours there myself.
How to spend 1 week in Tenerife
There are 2 airports in Tenerife, one on the north side and one on the south. This itinerary starts in the south and ends in the north. It doesn’t matter which airport you fly into for this itinerary, as you can easily drive from one side to the other in under an hour. You can also choose to do this itinerary back to front.
To enjoy this itinerary to the fullest, make sure to:
- Rent a car. You will need it every day in this itinerary and it will make your trip a whole lot easier
- Book accommodation in the south for 4 nights and in the north for 2 to 3 nights (recommendations coming later in this post)
Now let’s get into it!
7-day itinerary for Tenerife – 1 week in Tenerife
Day 1: Arrival – Los Gigantes
On the first day, you’ll arrive on the sunny island of Tenerife. I recommend taking a morning flight if possible to the south airport. When you’ve landed, it’s time to pick up your rental car and take it to Los Gigantes, as this is the perfect place to base yourself in the first couple of days.
After settling into your accommodation, it’s time to explore the fascinating views of Los Gigantes!
Make sure to:
- Take a refreshing dip in the natural pools (Piscina Natural Acantilado de Los Gigantes)
- Relax on Los Guíos Beach
- Take in the views from the Archipenque viewpoint
- Go on a kayaking excursion
Los Gigantes is a place that you must see, but there’s not too much to do. It’s the best place to base yourself in the first few days because it’s close to the activities in the coming days.
Where to stay in Los Gigantes?
The best budget hotel in Los Gigantes is Aparthotel Los Dragos del Sur. With a very good breakfast included, a swimming pool, sea view, free wifi, and a bar, this hotel has it all for a small price!
If you’re into luxury hotels, this one’s for you: Royal Sun Resort. For a reasonable price, you’ll get a real luxurious experience: A fabulous breakfast, 2 swimming pools, 2 restaurants, free wifi, sea view, and a hot tub!
Want an apartment? Then check out this amazing apartment in Los Gigantes. This apartment is perfect for couples and families up to 4. With a fully equipped kitchen, free wifi, and a balcony with stunning views over the cliffs, you’ll have everything you need!
Day 2: Masca – Teno
The second day is one where you need to be prepared to have your mind blown! After breakfast, it’s time to drive to Masca, which will take you around 40 minutes.
The Masca Valley is a stunning natural wonder located on the northwest side of the island. The valley is renowned for its rugged beauty, dramatic cliffs, and lush vegetation, making it a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and adventurers.
I recommend stopping the car by some of the viewpoints, to take some magical photos. If there are parking places available, make sure to head into the village and sit down in one of the picturesque restaurants to enjoy some typical Canarian cuisine.
Barranco de Masca Trail
To hike the Barranco de Masca trail you will need a permit. These permits are free but high in demand. The hiking trail is quite difficult and you need proper hiking boots to enter, otherwise, your access will be denied. It’s a 7-hour hike and the trail is only opened on Saturdays and Sundays.
This trail is considered to be one of the most beautiful hikes in Tenerife, so make sure to get a permit in advance. I never managed to get a permit as it’s super hard.
However, if you book this tour, you won’t have to go through all the trouble of getting a permit and finding the way. If you really want to do this hike but have trouble getting a permit, this hiking tour is for you!
Related: 19 Incredible Warm European Destinations in February – Enjoy The Winter Sun
Punta de Teno
If you decide to skip the Masca hike, you should drive up to Punta de Teno. This is a rather unique spot in Tenerife and is one of my favorite places on the entire island!
Punta de Teno is the most western point of the island and it’s one of the most picturesque places I’ve ever seen! With marvelous sea cliffs, amazingly blue crashing waves, a magical lighthouse, and so many bright green cactuses, Punta de Teno is a must-see!
When we went there we were so unprepared and weren’t aware of the fact that you either have to take a bus or walk the last piece of road. But I will leave you prepared 😉
So here’s what you need to know before visiting Punta de Teno, believe me, it’s simpler than you think.
All you have to do is park your car at this exact spot: 28.366109, -16.861791 and then wait for the bus that goes up to the cliffs every hour until 7 pm. It’s only 1,- euro per person per ride.
That’s all.
Easy peasy, right?
You have to visit this place on your trip to Tenerife!
Ps. If you’re into climbing or bouldering, there’s a great deepwater solo spot here!
Day 3: Teide National Park
When flying into Tenerife, you can’t possibly oversee the huge volcano dominating the island. Mount Teide is a volcano of 3715 meters high, which makes it the highest mountain in all of Spain!
Volcano Teide is one of the attractions that drives adventurers to the island. I mean, imagine a desert-like landscape filled with cactuses, weird stone structures, and a huge volcano overlooking the entire island… Who wouldn’t want to see that?
There are many options for exploring the Teide National Park. You can:
- Go hiking on one of the impressive trails
- Climb the volcano to the top
- Take the cable car up
- Drive through the national park and explore the viewpoints
- Explore Parque Natural Corona Forestal
I once did an unofficial hike in Teide National Park and another time I drove from north to south through the crazy landscapes and stopped at several viewpoints and a café along the way. It was incredible!
I could write about some hiking trails here, but I won’t be able to give you enough information, which is why I highly recommend checking out the best hiking trails here!
And here are some helpful tips for hiking in Teide NP:
- Wear layers and long pants! I seemed to be the only one with shorts on and although I had no problem with the cold, I cut my legs open on plants all the time! And even if it’s sunny, most people consider the temperatures there to be chilly!
- Bring enough snacks and water! There are not many places to buy some refreshments in the national park, so make sure to bring enough.
- Wear good hiking boots, you’ll need them.
- Use Maps.me (offline map) to locate trailheads and get helpful information.
You can easily spend an entire day in Teide National Park. Just let yourself get lost (not literally though) and enjoy!
Day 4: Whale and dolphin watching – El Médano – Montana Roja
On day 4, it’s time for a unique opportunity: A whale and dolphin-watching tour!
I mean, how incredible is it to spot some beautiful dolphins, and whales, and see the island from the sea?!
I remember going on a dolphin-spotting tour in Madeira a few years ago, and I remember how unreal it felt seeing the dolphins marvel in their natural habitat!
The tour you should book is the Los Cristianos: No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Cruise.
I think it’s super important to not impose on the animals environment, which is why the no-chase tour is the only one you should book for a responsible and ethical experience.
However, if you’re not so interested in hopping on a boat or you’re simply more adventurous, you should go for this tour instead: Kayaking and Snorkeling with Turtles.
Kayaking out on sea to find some turtles without disturbing their natural environment, will be a unique experience! And besides turtles, you may even see some dolphins! If you’re adventurous and don’t like tours, this one’s for you. I promise you, kayaking at sea will not feel like a tour at all, the average tourist will not join this one 😉
Ps. When booking the tour, make sure to go for the earliest option. This will leave you time for another activity or relaxing during the day!
El Médano
After the tour, you should visit El Médano in the afternoon! I stayed close to El Médano for a month and this town left quite a mark on my heart.
This town doesn’t feel as touristic as Los Cristianos and Adeje. I experienced a certain charm in Médano that is unique and just lovely.
These are some of my favorite activities in El Médano:
- Stroll through the town and go shopping in the many boutiques
- Visit the hippie market (Saturdays 9 am to 2 pm only)
- Enjoy a refreshing drink on a lovely terrace
- Go surfing! (El Médano is THE surfing hotspot! There are options to go kitesurfing, windsurfing and regular surfing and you can find rental places everywhere!)
- Relax on the beach
Even if you’re tired after the morning tour, you should still go to El Médano and just have a little lazy afternoon.
In the evening there are many incredible restaurants, like:
- Familiar (make a reservation though!)
- Wairua
- Santo Chihuahua
- Tasca La Lata Del Gofio
- Café Flashpoint
I know, I know, I’ve been to too many restaurants and now have too many recommendations, don’t judge 😉
Montana Roja
If you’re not so much of a city person but more adventurous, you should climb Montana Roja! This is the ‘’red mountain’’ that’s not so far from El Médano.
To climb to the top you’ll only need around 45 minutes, which makes it a pretty easy hike. From the top, you can enjoy some wonderful views, especially at sunset.
If you don’t want to climb to the top, but see this highlight anyway, head to Playa de La Tejita. From this beach, you’ll be able to gaze upon the perfect contrast of the red mountain with the bright blue ocean below.
This is a sight that will leave you breathless, you must check it out!
Day 5: Santa Cruz de Tenerife
After having enjoyed Los Gigantes and the southern part of the island for a few days it’s time to check out and explore the north!
So take your morning to pack up, check out and then take the 1-hour drive to Santa Cruz!
Santa Cruz is the capital of the island. Filled with amazing historical monuments, beautiful beaches and incredible activities, Santa Cruz will steal your heart away!
Here are some spots you don’t want to miss in Santa Cruz:
- The historic old town
- Adán Martín Tenerife Auditorium
- Palmetum botanical garden
- The Mercado Nuestra Señora De África (a huge market)
- Playa de las Teresitas Beach
- Ruins of Castillo de San Cristóbal
There is so much to do in Santa Cruz that you should plan out your day carefully if you want to see as much as possible. However, I loved taking my day in the capital slowly and just went wherever the wind led me.
As for your next accommodation…
There are 2 great cities to base yourself in for the last few days, it’s your choice to make.
The first is Santa Cruz. This is especially a good option if you don’t feel like moving again on the same day, you can just stay in the city and enjoy its nightlife.
The other option is San Cristóbal de La Laguna. This is another amazing city to see if you would have the time on your trip and it’s close to any activity in the North! But so is Santa Cruz, so really it’s more a matter of how much you want to see.
Related: 19 Incredible Warm European Destinations in February – Enjoy The Winter Sun
Best accommodations in Santa Cruz
The best budget hotel in Santa Cruz is for sure Hotel Nautico. For a small price, you get a comfortable room, wifi, a private balcony, a restaurant, a bar, and a convenient location.
The best luxury hotel is Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey. This reasonably priced hotel has everything you need! There’s a superb breakfast, 2 swimming pools, 4 restaurants, a parking lot, free wifi, a wellness centre and even more!
Best accommodations in La Laguna
A cheap accommodation option in La Laguna is Apartamentos La Concepción. You will get a fully equipped apartment with a balcony, free wifi, a washing machine, and it’s located close to the city.
But in my opinion, the best hotel in La Laguna is for sure Gran Hotel. This authentically furniture hotel offers comfortable rooms, free wifi, an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant with fabulous breakfast, a bar, a fitness centre and more! There’s also a parking lot which is very convenient when you’re renting a car 😉
Day 6: Anaga Rural Park
When I drove from the south to Anaga Rural Park for the first time, there was a moment I still remember vividly… While driving into the park, for some reason I opened my window, and the air I breathed instantly opened all my airways (I was just getting over a cold) and it smelled so green and fresh!
I know it doesn’t sound that spectacular, but I wish you the same kind of first impression with all my heart! And I haven’t even told you about the views and the landscape yet…
Driving into Anaga Rural Park is like entering another world…
Suddenly you’re surrounded by beautiful laurel trees and greenery. Unlike the south, Anaga isn’t always sunny and warm. Often, there are clouds which only make the landscape more mysterious. Sometimes it rains, and believe me when I say, the rain suits the landscape.
There are so many places to see in Anaga Rural Park, like:
- The Enchanted Forest
- Playa de Benijo
- Cruz del Carmen viewpoint
- Roque de Taborno
- Tamadite Beach
Hiking possibilities in Anaga are endless, which is why I will redirect you again to these way more informative posts:
Anaga Rural Park is for sure one of my favorite places on the island! I was there in February and the day started out cloudy, but once the sun appeared, it didn’t leave again.
I’m just trying to say, that if going here doesn’t appeal to you because of the weather, you should go anyway. It can be way better than you think! Especially from May – October, rainfall will be minimal.
Make sure to enjoy your day in Anaga Rural Park to the fullest!
Day 7: Free day – Departure
The last day is always hard to plan. Your flight could be in the morning or later in the day. Or not on this day at all. Whatever the case, you should take this day to relax.
This itinerary is not exactly relaxing, as your time on the island is limited and this is the best way to see as many highlights as possible.
So take the last day to pack, go to the beach, have a little cocktail, or anything else. It’s all up to you 😉
You’re probably flying from the same airport you flew into a week ago, so make sure to keep in mind that you might have to take an hour to drive back to the south airport. If you’re flying from the north, you don’t need as much time.
I’m sure you’ll enjoy this 7-day itinerary for Tenerife!
Highlighted tours for your 1 week in Tenerife
Like I’ve said before, in this itinerary I’m recommending some tours, and I will list them here again, so you have them in one place!
Masca Ravine Breathtaking Hiking Adventure
Los Cristianos: No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Cruise
Kayaking and Snorkeling with Turtles
Small 1 week in Tenerife travel guide
Weather in Tenerife
Tenerife is an amazing island to visit all year round, weather-wise.
January is the coldest month, with high temperatures of 20°C and lows of 14°C (68°F / 57°F). August is the hottest month with high temperatures of 28°C and lows of 20°C (82°F / 68°F)
I was in Tenerife in February, and constantly enjoyed temperatures between 23°C and 26°C during the day.
Check this website for the annual weather in Tenerife.
Where to stay in Tenerife
Tenerife has several good places to base yourself in. Here’s a list of the best places in the south, followed by the best places in the north.
By clicking on the place names you’ll instantly be directed to the best accommodations in that place.
Best places to stay in the south of Tenerife:
- Los Gigantes
- Adeje
- Playa de las Americas / Los Cristianos (super touristy though)
- El Médano
Best places to stay in the north of Tenerife:
How to get around in Tenerife
Tenerife is only a small island and getting from one place to the other isn’t that hard.
Public transport
In Tenerife, there is a fairly good bus network. It’s easy to go from one city to another. However, if you want to go to places like Teide National Park and Anaga Rural Park, it’s gonna be harder to get there by bus.
In this case, you can book a tour and make sure that the transport is included.
If you’re going to Tenerife for sunbathing and relaxing most of the time, using the public transport system should be fine for you and will save you quite some money.
Renting a car
However, if you’re keen to see more of the island, you should rent a car. It’s easy to get deals from €50 to €80 euros per week. With a car, you’ll have the freedom to drive anywhere.
I rented a car for a few days on my month long trip and it was so simple! It was amazing to have the freedom to drive anywhere. I highly recommend renting a car in Tenerife, especially because it’s not so expensive. Gasoline is also very cheap on the island.
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Final thoughts on 1 week in Tenerife
Now that you know about the best things to do in Tenerife, all that’s left for me to do is wish you an amazing trip!
Happy travels!
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1 Week in Tenerife: The Perfect 7-day Itinerary for you!
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