Tenerife: Things to Do, Beaches and a 7-Day Itinerary

What should you see in my favourite Tenerife? My favourites are the volcanic landscapes below Mount Teide, green Anaga, the cliffs of Los Gigantes and Las Teresitas beach. With a week on the island, I would avoid driving from one end to the other every day. The south works well for beaches and a stay without a car, while the north and northeast are great for towns and greener scenery. Book regulated trails, the cable car and the Masca gorge hike ahead. Below are our family experiences, transport and accommodation tips, plus a suggested one-week itinerary.

Teide tickets sold out? I would also check GetYourGuide. A cable car trip with transfers includes the cable car ticket but not a summit permit. For the actual summit, a guided Teide hike with permits is a different option, with roughly 10 km of uphill walking and 1,500 metres of ascent. The cable car descent costs extra. Check availability for your dates.

We have returned to Tenerife several times. On one trip, we exchanged homes (guide in Czech) with a local family for a week. This guide brings together those visits and our other family outings. As we also travelled with our young son, you will find plenty of ideas for families, including a lovely hike below Mount Teide. Tenerife also made it into my October beach holiday ideas (in Czech), although it is certainly not just an October destination.

Enjoy exploring Spain? We’ve also visited Alicante, Mallorca outside the peak season (guide in Czech) and Málaga.

Tenerife at a glance: what to book ahead

• Mount Teide: book the cable car separately from the PNT 10 summit permit and any permit required for your approach trail. Selected trails are booked through Tenerife ON.
• Masca: visiting the village and hiking down the gorge are two different outings. The hike requires a reservation, the compulsory bus and a separately booked boat.
• Anaga: most walks do not require a permit, but there are exceptions such as El Pijaral and Monte de Aguirre. Check trail closures before setting off.
• Getting around: buses can be enough for beaches and the main towns. For longer hikes and smaller villages, it is more practical to hire a car. If you do not have a credit card, filter for rental companies that accept debit cards and check the selected offer’s conditions.
• Before you go: check that your travel insurance covers your planned hikes and choose cover available in your country of residence.

When to visit and where to stay: north or south Tenerife?

I would first decide whether you want mostly beach time or hiking. The greener north tends to be cloudier and wetter, while the south is the more practical choice for a beach holiday. Even neighbouring areas can have different weather. In Candelaria we had sunshine, temperatures of 20 to 24°C, swimming weather and, thankfully, no wind. Sunrise was before 8am and sunset after 6pm. Those long, bright days were such a treat!

On other visits we explored the volcanic scenery and Anaga too. I would not choose dates assuming that swimming is guaranteed, or that the weather below Teide will match the weather at your hotel. For a week combining sightseeing and beaches, splitting your stay between north and south makes sense. With small children, one base and fewer moves may be more comfortable.

Area	Who I would recommend it for	Without a car
Los Cristianos / Costa Adeje	Beaches, families, amenities and boat trips	Good: airport bus 40 and coastal services.
Puerto de la Cruz	Town life, restaurants, the north and mountain trips	Good in town. Hiking trips need careful timetable planning.
Santa Cruz / San Andrés	Las Teresitas, La Laguna and Anaga	Bus 910 links the city and beach. Mountain journeys take longer.
Igueste de San Andrés	A quiet village away from the crowds	Less flexible connections. Check the last bus and access with luggage.
El Médano / La Tejita	Beach time and views of Montaña Roja. Expect wind.	Depends on your apartment’s distance from a bus stop. A car helps for day trips.
Candelaria	Local life and a place we enjoyed staying	Buses along the east coast. Longer journeys to Anaga and the west.

Where we stayed and other places I would consider

I would consider staying near Las Teresitas. In San Andrés, my shortlist includes Casa Tía Julia and Al-Cova House 13. I have not personally stayed in either apartment. For somewhere quieter, look at Casa Bora in Igueste de San Andrés. This is a separate village further along the coast from San Andrés, rather than accommodation right beside Las Teresitas.

La Tejita is another area I would consider, including this apartment near La Tejita. I stayed at the slightly tired Chimisay hotel in central Puerto de la Cruz, now called 4Dreams Hotel. Three nights for two people, with a fairly decent breakfast, worked out at a good price. Compare other Tenerife accommodation for your dates, preferred location and recent guest reviews.

Getting to Tenerife and around the island

Flying to Tenerife: South or North Airport?

Check the airport code before booking. Tenerife South (TFS, also called Tenerife Sur) is the main gateway for many international holiday flights and is convenient for Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje. Tenerife North (TFN, Tenerife Norte-Ciudad de La Laguna) is closer to La Laguna, Santa Cruz and Puerto de la Cruz. Compare flights from your own departure airport and the onward journey to your accommodation. The two airports are on different sides of the island, so they are not interchangeable for a quick connection.

We enjoyed the lounge at Tenerife South Airport. Complimentary entry depends on your bank card or lounge membership, guest allowance and rules for children. Check children’s access with your own programme. The Montaña Roja lounge publishes its current conditions on the Aena website, including a maximum stay of three hours before your scheduled departure. That makes it easier to decide whether entry is worthwhile for the whole family.

If there is no suitable direct flight, compare connections via mainland Spain and check whether the itinerary arrives at TFS or TFN. Look at accommodation at the same time as flights. We search through Booking. I would pack a snack for the journey too. On our flight, we were given a small cup of water about three times and other refreshments cost extra. What is included will depend on your airline and fare.

Buses from the airport and around Tenerife

You can visit Tenerife without a car if you stay near a useful bus route and do not plan a remote hike every day. From Tenerife South (TFS), bus 40 runs via Los Cristianos to Costa Adeje, bus 10 goes to Santa Cruz and bus 343 goes via Tenerife North Airport to Puerto de la Cruz. For night arrivals, check bus 711. Match stops and connections to your arrival time using TITSA’s airport routes.

Bus 343 also runs at weekends. If the direct service to Puerto de la Cruz does not suit your arrival, look for a connection via Santa Cruz, using bus 10 from the airport or bus 711 at night. The main daytime links between Santa Cruz and Puerto are buses 100 and 102, with bus 104 providing a night option. Check the full journey before choosing a connection.

Buses are useful for day trips, but mountain services are much less frequent than coastal ones. For Teide, I would find the return bus first, then choose the walk and cable car time around it. The times below refer to the named stops. Open the relevant route before travelling and check service notices as well as the timetable.

Route	Bus	Practical details
Puerto de la Cruz via Icod to Los Gigantes	325	A longer coastal journey, rather than a quick crossing of the island.
Puerto de la Cruz to Teide National Park	348	Leaves Puerto at 09:30. Returns from the Parador at 16:00 and the cable car at 16:05.
Costa Adeje / Los Cristianos to Teide National Park	342	Costa Adeje 09:25, Los Cristianos 09:40. Returns from the cable car at 15:40 and the Parador at 16:00.
Santa Cruz / Puerto de la Cruz	100 / 102	Choose according to your stop. For night services, check route 104.
Los Cristianos / Costa Adeje / Los Gigantes	473 / 477	473 follows the coast. 477 normally starts at Costa Adeje, with only selected services extending to Los Cristianos.
Puerto / TFN Airport / TFS Airport / Costa Adeje	343	Direct airport service, including weekends.
Santa Cruz / San Andrés / Las Teresitas	910	Useful beach connection, roughly 20 minutes depending on traffic.

The ten+ tourist pass costs €10 for 24 hours or €50 for seven days, according to TITSA’s fares. It is for one person, covers buses and trams, and starts with the first use. A physical card costs an extra €2. Alternatively, use the ten+ móvil app. Compare the pass price with your planned journeys and follow the operator’s instructions for using the card or app.

When hiring a car makes sense

I would hire a car for Anaga, smaller villages and days with several different stops. I have heard both praise for Cicar and reports of queues at collection, so I would compare the specific offer and conditions. We book through DiscoverCars when travelling. Choose full-to-full fuel and check the excess, deposit, cancellation terms and child seat. Free cancellation must be included in your chosen offer. A hire car does not replace the compulsory bus for the Masca gorge hike.

Your navigation app may send you down a very steep little street. Once, after stopping on a hill, our car couldn’t get going again even in first gear, and we had to reverse all the way down. Around Anaga and Masca, allow for slow driving and tight bends.

Things to do in Tenerife: hikes, towns and beaches

I would alternate day trips with slower days by the sea. This table helps you choose according to your time and your children’s ages. Durations are rough planning estimates excluding transport. Walking times depend on the route and your pace. On narrow mountain paths, distance alone says little about difficulty. A walk we did with our four-year-old son will not necessarily suit every child.

Place	Time there	Difficulty	Booking	With children
Roques de García below Teide	2 to 3 hours at a family pace	Rocky loop with descents and climbs	Check trail status	We walked it with a toddler. Shorten it if needed.
Teide cable car and summit	Half a day, allowing for queues	High altitude. Summit is more demanding.	Cable car + separate PNT 10 permit	Cable car from age 3. Not suitable for everyone.
Guajara	5 to 6 hours	More demanding hike, about 11 km	Check route and closures	Better for fit, older walkers.
Masca village	1 to 2 hours	Steps and sloping lanes	No gorge ticket needed	Yes, depending on mobility.
Barranco de Masca	Full day including transport	Difficult. About 5 km downhill	Required + bus + boat	Age 8 and over, fit walkers only.
Cruz del Carmen	1 to 2 hours	Easier woodland walk	Not for the usual short walk	A good first taste of Anaga.
Roque de Taborno	2 to 3 hours	Narrow, exposed sections	Check trail status	We went with a four-year-old. Care is essential.
Chamorga / Roque Bermejo	4 to 6 hours	Downhill to the coast, uphill on return	Check trail status	Better for experienced walkers.
Los Gigantes and boat trip	Half a day	Easy, but allow for boat movement	Book the boat ahead	Check age limits and operator’s conditions.
La Laguna / Puerto de la Cruz	2 to 4 hours	Town walk	No	Yes.
Las Teresitas	Half to a full day	Beach	No	Lovely in calm conditions.
Monkey Park / Siam Park	2 hours / full day	Depends on your plans	Tickets recommended	Age and height restrictions below.

Teide: the national park, cable car and summit permits

Tenerife is home to Spain’s highest mountain, Mount Teide, at 3,718 metres. You may spot it from the plane. Mirador de Chipeque offers a wonderful view, especially in the morning, although it can be busy. When planning, separate three things: exploring the national park, riding the cable car and walking on regulated trails. Booking one does not automatically cover the others. There is no general park admission fee for the usual roadside viewpoints.

The Teleférico del Teide cable car takes you to La Rambleta, at roughly 3,555 metres, rather than all the way to the summit. The official cable car prices list non-resident return tickets from €42 for adults and from €21 for children aged 3 to 13. Book a timed ticket well ahead. Wind or bad weather can stop the service, so check its operating status and booking-change conditions before travelling.

The summit trail is PNT 10 Telesforo Bravo and requires a separate permit through Tenerife ON. For non-resident adults, the fee for the 09:00 to 17:00 period is €15. The PNT 07 approach from Montaña Blanca to La Rambleta requires its own reservation. Between 09:00 and 15:00 it costs €6 on weekdays or €10 on weekends and public holidays. Resident rates and exemptions differ, as explained in the island council’s fee notice. These charges do not include the cable car.

If you walk up PNT 07 and continue to the summit, you need two coordinated reservations. The park currently releases bookings up to 56 days ahead, with new dates opening on Mondays at 07:00 Canary Islands time. Permits and trail conditions still apply outside the charged hours. A night ascent does not let you bypass the booking system. Before planning a sunrise hike, read the Teide booking rules, choose the correct time slot and check compulsory equipment, ice restrictions and closures.

Children under three, pregnant visitors and people with certain medical conditions, including heart problems, cannot use the cable car. The cable car operator explains the restrictions. With a toddler, I would explore the lower national park instead. Even on a sunny day, bring warm layers, sturdy footwear, water and sun protection. The summit is a high-altitude hike in thin air and needs more preparation than a coastal stroll.

Two other paths start at the upper station: PNT 11 to Mirador de La Fortaleza and PNT 12 to Mirador de Pico Viejo. They are alternatives to the crater ascent, but do not assume they are equally short twenty-minute walks or automatically open substitutes. Check the status of both and leave enough time for your return cable car. Snow around Pico Viejo can look beautiful in winter, but it changes walking conditions considerably.

With small children, I recommend Roques de García around the La Catedral rock formation in the lower part of the park. We had beautiful views of the volcano without taking the cable car to the highest elevations. The trail is rocky and has climbs and descents, so I would not plan the full loop with a pushchair. Adjust the distance to your child. I would go early, as the nearby car park filled quickly when we visited, even though some people only stopped for a photo of Teide.

Guajara: views of Teide from 2,718 metres

For a more substantial hike, consider Guajara, Tenerife’s third-highest peak. From the parking area near La Catedral, head in the opposite direction and you soon begin climbing. After roughly 600 metres of ascent, Guajara rewards you with magnificent views of Teide and, with luck, a blanket of cloud below. You can make it a loop of about 11 km, although one route spends a fairly long stretch on a surfaced track.

Twice we left a rainy coast and drove into sunshine as the rain stopped at around 1,800 to 2,000 metres. The weather up in the mountains was completely different from the seaside. Before hiking Guajara, check warnings and access routes. Wind, snow or ice can change your plans even when the weather down by the sea looks lovely.

Barranco de Masca: booking, cost and hiking the gorge

You can visit Masca village without a gorge hiking ticket. Wandering between the houses and enjoying the valley views is a different outing from the regulated descent through Barranco de Masca. The hike has been charged since July 2024, as explained in the island council’s announcement. The official booking page lists prices from €40.66. This covers admission, information and supervision, rescue support, accident insurance and helmet hire. The bus and boat are paid for separately.

Allow roughly four hours for the five-kilometre descent. It is a difficult walk, losing around 750 metres in height, and transport makes it a full-day outing. Independent hikers must arrive on TITSA bus 355 from Santiago del Teide and show proof of the journey. Driving to the trail entrance does not meet this requirement. Be at bus stop 4692 at least an hour before your booked slot and at the village entrance check at least half an hour beforehand. Read the current Masca conditions before booking.

Book the boat from Masca jetty to Los Gigantes in advance. Choose a departure no later than four hours after your reserved gorge entry, and coordinate the connections when you book. The return from Los Gigantes to Santiago del Teide is separate, with routes 325 and 462 listed by the operator. If the jetty closes unexpectedly, a demanding climb back may be necessary. You need enough fitness for that possibility. The beach below the gorge is closed to the public and swimming is not permitted. No reopening date has been announced.

The minimum age is eight. Minors need an accompanying adult and their legal guardian’s consent. Closed hiking boots with grippy, treaded soles and the loaned helmet are compulsory. Ordinary trainers or sandals may lead to refusal of entry. Bring identification, a charged phone, food and at least 1.5 litres of water per person. Check trail and jetty status before booking and again before setting off, as bad weather or rough seas can close access.

For a guided excursion, compare the price and inclusions with an independent booking. Transport to the village, admission, the boat and return to your accommodation are separate components and may not all be included. A sightseeing coach trip called “Teide and Masca” is not the same as the gorge hike. With small children, I would stick to the village and viewpoints.

Los Gigantes

Los Gigantes are immense rock walls rising above the ocean, with a town of the same name beside them. The name means “The Giants”, and you get the best sense of their scale from the harbour, small beach or a boat. Our notes included two- to three-hour cruises for €25 to €35. If you would rather swim, nearby Playa de la Arena is another option.

I would consider a longer boat trip that also goes looking for dolphins. On this outing, I saw more than in New Zealand’s Doubtful Sound. They swam, jumped and followed our boat. It was wonderful, although nobody can promise a particular wildlife sighting. Choose a dolphin and whale cruise from Los Gigantes according to the duration, boat size and conditions for children. Check the details of any sighting guarantee with the operator.

Anaga Rural Park and the surrounding area

Anaga, in the northeast, reminds me of Madeira (guide in Czech), with green mountains, viewpoints and forests where it can rain while the rest of the island is sunny. There is no single permit required for all of Anaga. Areas such as El Pijaral and Monte de Aguirre have controlled access. Find your chosen trail and booking calendar on Tenerife ON, or ask the Cruz del Carmen visitor centre. There is no universal rule that you must book at least two weeks ahead. Available dates and capacity determine what you can reserve.

We drove through Anaga with our young son, stopping at viewpoints above Taganana and near Mirador Diseminado Casas de Cumbre. That kind of day is easy to adapt to the weather and a child’s mood without committing to a big hike. Remote villages still involve long, winding drives, so I would not squeeze three far-apart walks into one day. From the outings below, I would choose one main walk per day.

Roque de Taborno

The loop around Roque de Taborno was one of our beautiful Anaga walks. It is roughly four kilometres, with views of the rock formation, surrounding cliffs and ocean. We did it with our four-year-old son, but parts are narrow and exposed, so I would not describe it as an easy walk for all young children. You need sturdy footwear, a sure footing and close supervision. In wet weather or poor visibility, I would choose a shorter forest trail.

I would arrive in Taborno early. It is a tiny village, and when we visited most parking was along the road. Arriving later could mean searching for a space. We noticed more visitors coming after 10am. Keep the road clear and follow the signs. This narrow access road is not somewhere you want to block other drivers trying to turn around.

Chamorga and Roque Bermejo

For a slightly longer hike, there is a lovely loop of about eight kilometres from Chamorga down to the beach at Roque Bermejo and back. One route follows the ravine and the other the ridge. I would head out along the ridge for the magnificent ocean views and unusually green Tenerife scenery, then return through the ravine. This is a very sparsely populated corner of the island, and you cannot help wondering what everyday life here is like.

In Chamorga we saw roughly ten to twenty parking spaces, still empty around 9am. After the long, narrow, winding drive, that was a relief. The road looked new when we visited, but I would still take it slowly. Download the route and check its status on Tenerife ON before walking. You descend to the coast first and climb back at the end, so save water and energy for the second half.

Cruz del Carmen

For a first taste of Anaga’s forests with smaller children, I would choose Cruz del Carmen. There is a viewpoint, visitor centre and several shorter trails. We had our eye on the walk to Llano de los Loros and back, roughly 1.5 km depending on the variation. Unlike Taborno, you do not need to commit to a long loop with exposed sections. Choose a distance that suits your children and watch for signs, roots and slippery wet ground.

At the car park, we found a one-hour limit and instructions to display a parking disc. We did not notice anyone checking parking times during our visit. By around 11am, police were turning cars away because it was full. Follow the signs in place when you visit. If you want a longer walk, sort out parking or a bus connection before heading into the forest.

San Cristóbal de La Laguna

La Laguna has a beautiful UNESCO-listed historic centre, pedestrian streets and charming courtyards, often with a café tucked inside. A tram connects it with Santa Cruz, making it a pleasant car-free day trip. Here is where we parked, although you should check current charges and restrictions on arrival. We had coffee at Dilemma café, whose interior I liked. If I had known we would later spot the café in Casa Museo Cayetano Gómez Felipe, I would have gone there instead!

Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz, on the north coast, began as the port for neighbouring La Orotava. Today it has a character of its own. I would consider staying here if the big-resort feel of Los Cristianos or Las Américas is not for you. Puerto is popular with visitors too, but still has plenty of charm, small restaurants, local bars and lively evenings without quite the same resort bustle.

In Punta Brava, beside Puerto de la Cruz, we were disappointed to find beaches closed or swimming discouraged because of water quality. On the north coast, we ended up swimming only in Bajamar. Separately, the council announced the reopening of Playa Grande and Charcón on 4 September 2026 after satisfactory test results. Check the specific beach, local notices and flags before choosing accommodation or going swimming, as conditions can change.

Montaña Negra and Arenas Negras

Want to see a volcanic valley without driving all the way up to Teide? There is a lovely walk from San José de los Llanos. From the campsite car park, which was large and fairly empty when we visited, follow the yellow waymarks through pine woods to the volcanic landscape around Montaña Negra and Montaña La Atalaya. For a loop, continue around Montaña Negra via the Arenas Negras camping area and its small playground. Returning on the northern unmarked path, we saw all kinds of volcanic formations. Check access and closures before setting off.

Punta del Hidalgo

A striking modern lighthouse stands on the coast at Punta del Hidalgo. Come in the early evening for sunset. Look for parking in the streets near the stadium, then walk the short distance to the coast and follow it towards the lighthouse. With children, the lovely playground we found in the coastal park at the start of the walk makes an excellent stop.

If you arrive in the morning, conditions permitting, you can follow PR-TF 10 towards Chinamada. Even the view from the first suitable viewpoint over the ocean and cliffs is rewarding. You do not have to make it a full mountain crossing. Choose a turning point and check trail conditions beforehand. This uphill path is different from the seaside promenade. With a small child, I would leave plenty of time to return and visit the playground.

Santa Cruz and Las Teresitas beach

Santa Cruz shares the role of Canary Islands capital with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. From the city, TITSA bus 910 takes you to Las Teresitas, a long beach with golden sand brought from the Sahara. The breakwater shelters it from some of the waves, and we liked it with small children. You can paddle or go for a proper swim. There is a large car park, although spaces are not guaranteed. Always follow the beach flags and lifeguards’ instructions.

Beyond Las Teresitas, I also recommend a stroll around the quiet village of Igueste de San Andrés. We parked at the top and walked between the houses into the old village, met a local elder and stopped for a beer at a little shop that doubled as a bar. We liked the area around the church and its playground; work was under way on the beach when we visited. For a similarly peaceful evening, have a look at Casa Bora. I haven’t stayed there myself, and I’d check access to the house before arriving with a pushchair or heavy luggage.

La Tejita Beach

La Tejita is one of our favourite beaches. I especially love it before sunset, when nearby Montaña Roja turns red. You can also follow the permitted trail up the hill for the views. There were quite a few waves when we visited, so with small children I wouldn’t assume it offers the same sheltered swimming as Las Teresitas. Another family recommended Chiringuito Pirata, but we didn’t get around to trying it.

Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas

Los Cristianos and neighbouring Playa de las Américas are very much holiday resorts. The beaches lined with hotels didn’t appeal to me as much visually, but the swimming was good and everything is close at hand for an easy holiday. If you want to stay without a car and walk to the beach and restaurants, this is more practical than a remote mountain apartment. If you prefer smaller towns, I’d also suggest looking at Puerto de la Cruz and San Andrés.

Tenerife with Kids: Our Experiences and Day Trips

You don’t need to chase paid attractions to enjoy Tenerife with a young child. We were happy with the beach, sunshine and exploring at our own pace; a boat trip off Los Gigantes is another option. We walked a loop below Teide with Adam before he turned two. It took a little over two hours, with lovely views of the volcano throughout. Without toddler stops it would have been quicker, but with a small child I’d plan to go at your own pace and leave yourself the option of turning back early.

We came across two particularly good playgrounds: one by the coast in Punta del Hidalgo and another in Realejo Bajo, with two long slides and an outdoor exercise area, just off the main road above the north coast. I’d happily build one into a driving day, so it isn’t all about viewpoints that mainly appeal to the grown-ups.

Broth-based soups worked well for our toddler: we often ordered fish, seafood or chicken soup, depending on what was available. If you’re bringing your own car seat for a hire car, check the airline’s baggage rules and confirm that your seat is suitable for the car you’ve booked.

Monkey Park: A Favourite in the South

We can recommend Monkey Park near Los Cristianos from our own visit. In designated areas of this zoo, you can walk among some of the animals and feed them approved food. A monkey may come right up close, although contact is never guaranteed. The children loved it. I recommend arriving at opening time, before the animals have had their fill, and buying the food sold at the park. Don’t bring your own food for them.

The Monkey Park FAQ lists admission at €10 for adults, €5 for children aged 5–12 and free for under-fives. The park opens daily from 9:30am to 4pm, with last admission at 3:30pm. Online bookings carry a handling fee, and animal food costs an extra €3.

Siam Park: A Full Day at the Water Park

Siam Park is a Thai-themed water park near Costa Adeje, with a wave pool, slides and big water rides. I’d set aside a full day for it. The official ticket shop lists standard non-resident daytime admission at €44 for ages 12+, €32 for children aged 3–11 and free for under-threes. Individual rides have height restrictions. When booking Siam Park tickets, choose the right type of visit: evening sessions have separate prices.

Loro Parque: A Recommendation We Haven’t Tried

Lots of people praised the orcas at Loro Parque, but we haven’t visited ourselves. If you decide to go, allow plenty of time and check whether the programme suits your children. The official ticket shop lists standard non-resident admission at €44 for ages 12+, €32 for children aged 3–11 and free for under-threes. The park FAQ gives daily opening hours of 9:30am–5:30pm. Choose Loro Parque tickets according to your child’s age: children need a paid ticket from their third birthday.

A Suggested 7-Day Tenerife Itinerary

This is a suggested itinerary built from our tips, rather than a diary of one particular trip. It assumes arrival at Tenerife South Airport (TFS), three nights in Puerto de la Cruz, then a stay in Los Cristianos or Costa Adeje in the south. I’d hire a car for the transfers and mountain trips. Driving times are rough estimates without traffic or stops; in Anaga, even short distances can take a while. Rearrange the mountain days to suit the weather.

Day	Plan	Travel and flexibility
1	Arrival, Puerto de la Cruz and a gentle stroll	Allow around 1½ hours to drive north from TFS, more in traffic. After a late arrival, just settle into your accommodation.
2	La Laguna and a short Anaga walk from Cruz del Carmen	Puerto to La Laguna takes roughly 35–50 minutes, then another 20–30 into the forest. Choose Taborno instead of the town, rather than adding it on.
3	Santa Cruz, Las Teresitas and perhaps Igueste	Allow around 45–60 minutes from Puerto to Santa Cruz, then 20–30 to the beach. Add Igueste only if you have time to spare.
4	Teide and Roques de García, then move south	Puerto to the national park takes around 1–1½ hours, with a similar drive down to the south. The summit requires the relevant reservations; Guajara is a separate, longer alternative.
5	Los Gigantes and a boat trip, or a visit to Masca village	Allow around 35–50 minutes from the south to Los Gigantes. Masca adds a winding mountain drive. The gorge hike takes the whole day and has compulsory transport arrangements.
6	Siam Park, or Monkey Park and La Tejita	Give the water park a full day. For an easier option, visit Monkey Park, then drive around 25–40 minutes to La Tejita. Swim only if conditions are suitable.
7	A relaxed morning and departure	Allow around 20–30 minutes from the southern resorts to TFS, plus time for traffic, returning the car and check-in. Avoid a distant hike before your flight.

Without a car, I’d choose one base in the south or Puerto de la Cruz and visit fewer places. From the south, you can combine beaches, Los Gigantes and the main attractions. From the north, focus on towns and selected bus trips. Plan Teide around the limited morning and afternoon buses, rather than copying this driving itinerary. With small children, I’d happily swap a day deep in Anaga for Las Teresitas and a playground. A holiday doesn’t have to be a race to tick off stops.

Food and Our Favourite Restaurants

If you love coffee and trying local variations, order a barraquito: espresso with condensed milk, liqueur, milk foam and cinnamon. We found it from €1.50. If you’d prefer a cold beer, look out for the local Dorada; for something sweet and alcoholic, try banana liqueur. I love these little local treats, especially over a relaxed drink after a day out.

Try papas arrugadas with your meal: small potatoes cooked in their skins in very salty water until a salty crust forms and the skins wrinkle. They come with mojo sauces, including the spicier mojo picón. They make a simple accompaniment to fish or other dishes, and ordering several small portions lets you try more things. With children, I’d taste the potatoes and sauces first to see how salty or spicy they are.

We love seafood and enjoyed octopus (pulpo in Spanish), garlic prawns, grilled squid, limpets (lapas) and churros de pescado, strips of fish fried in batter. Restaurants served us bread with mojo verde and mojo rojo for around €0.70 per person. The green and red sauces also make lovely gifts to take home.

These include our own favourites and recommendations from other people that we haven’t tried yet.

• El Surtidor, San Andrés: one of our favourites near Las Teresitas.
• El Petón, San Andrés: busy when we visited, with a wide choice of seafood and half portions, ideal for sharing tapas-style.
• Cofradía de La Punta, Punta del Hidalgo: our seafood favourite by the little harbour. I’d love to go back.
• El Mirador, Benijo: coffee with a wonderful view of the beach and rocks.
• Fuente Hermano Pedro, Vilaflor: one of our food stops in the mountains.
• The former El Cruce, south of Candelaria: we had excellent, inexpensive steaks and other good food here. It looked like a snack bar from outside but was unexpectedly lovely inside. A local food guide says it became Guachinche La Basílica. I haven’t tried the new operation.
• Chiringuito Pirata, La Tejita: recommended by another family; we didn’t get around to visiting.
• Casa Riquelme, Masca: we were told about a €16 three-course menu with a spectacular view, but didn’t manage to go.
• Titos Bodeguita, Puerto de la Cruz: another recommendation we haven’t tried ourselves.

Friends of ours had stomach trouble in Tenerife, and some needed hospital treatment, but we don’t know what caused it. I wouldn’t conclude from that that tap water was to blame or that it is unsafe across the whole island. Information for individual municipalities and supply areas is available through the official SINAC system and local water suppliers. Ask your accommodation about any local restrictions. Follow written instructions in bathrooms too: a bin beside the toilet alone doesn’t tell you whether paper should go in it.

Tenerife Travel FAQs

Do I need a car in Tenerife?

Buses often work well for a beach holiday and trips to the main towns. A car is more practical for Anaga, remote villages and several stops in one day. For the Masca gorge hike, however, arrival by the designated bus is compulsory even if you have a hire car.

Is north or south Tenerife better?

I’d choose the south for beaches, convenient facilities and an easier holiday without a car. I prefer the north for towns, greenery and exploring. Consider the particular beach and weather forecast as well as which side of the island it is on.

Do I need to book Masca, and how much does it cost?

You don’t need a hiking ticket to visit Masca village. You do need a reservation for Barranco de Masca, with tickets listed from €40.66; the bus and boat cost extra. Check the trail and landing-stage status before travelling. The beach at the foot of the gorge is closed to the public.

Does a Teide cable car ticket include access to the summit?

No. The summit requires a PNT 10 reservation. If you walk up, you may also need permission for an approach trail such as PNT 07. Check these rules for night ascents too. Arrange the cable car ticket and trail permits separately.

Where should I go in Tenerife with young children?

Las Teresitas, Monkey Park and a walk below Teide worked well for us. Cruz del Carmen offers an easier introduction to Anaga. We walked Taborno with our four-year-old, but its narrow sections won’t suit every child. The Masca gorge hike has a minimum age of eight.

More on Tenerife and the Canary Islands

We also loved Fuerteventura, La Palma and Gran Canaria (these guides are in Czech). Our Canary Island trips have been wonderful escapes to the coast, and I even went swimming.

More English guides: Málaga · Alicante · Malta · Barcelona