Visiting Tenerife? 12 Tips Every Traveller Needs To Know

Are you thinking of visiting Tenerife? Tenerife belongs to a group of volcanic islands named the Canary Islands. This small archipelago is a popular tourist destination known for its year-round good weather, diverse landscape, and great beaches.

While it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of planning a trip to Tenerife, it’s also important to remember that planning your perfect vacation involves more than just booking flights. Here are insider tips and advice to help you stay safe in Tenerife and make the most of your Canary Islands vacation. Make sure to read these essential travel tips before your departure.

Getting into Tenerife

There are two main ways to reach Tenerife:

By Plane

Tenerife has two airports: Los Rodeos Tenerife North Airport and Reina Sofia Tenerife South Airport. Their names suggest where they are located. If you visit Tenerife from outside of Spain, you will most definitely land at Tenerife South Airport. Inter-state or national flights are operated only from Tenerife North. This means you will use this airport if you continue your trip to any other of the five Canary Islands.

By Ferry

Tenerife has two ports: Santa Cruz de Tenerife on the northeast coast and Los Cristianos on the southwest coast. Ferries from other Canary Islands, such as Gran Canaria and La Gomera, travel to Tenerife. The trip from La Gomera takes about 50 minutes, with at least four daily crossings.

What is the best time to visit Tenerife?

Due to its mild and consistent weather, you can visit Tenerife all year round. The temperatures in winter usually don’t drop below 19°C.

1. Spring (March to May): This is an excellent time to visit Tenerife. The weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and blooming landscapes, and it’s less crowded compared to the peak summer season. It’s ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
2. Autumn (September to November): Another great time to visit Tenerife. The weather is still warm, and the crowds start to thin out. It’s a good time for hiking and exploring the island’s natural beauty.
3. Winter (December to February): Tenerife is a popular destination for winter sun seekers. While the coastal areas remain relatively warm, the higher elevations may experience some snow, creating a unique contrast on the island.

You are most likely to witness rain between November and February. We visited Tenerife in February 2021, and we experienced warm spring weather mixed with rainy and cooler days. 

Please note that Calima can occur at any time of the year. It is a wind that brings the desert dust from the Sahara. It deteriorates visibility and can last from a day or two to a whole week. We were told it’s most common in February. 

Which part of Tenerife is the warmest?

We have received many questions about whether North Tenerife is colder than South Tenerife. The southern and southwestern coastal towns and resorts are noted as being the hottest and sunniest parts of Tenerife, especially in the winter months of December, January, and February

The north of Tenerife can be more rainy and cloudy, especially in winter. However, you should not take this for granted.

The warmest area to stay

The most obvious choices for people looking for the best weather are the popular tourist resorts around Playa de Las Americas and Los Cristianos or Los Gigantes in the southwest of the island.

What is the average sea temperature in Tenerife?

This is a tricky question. Whether the sea is warm enough for you to swim depends on what you consider too warm or too cold. The sea temperature is different in summer and winter. However, generally speaking, the temperatures are high enough for a swim and sunbath every month of the year. However, the water may feel a little cold in the winter.

Is it always windy in Tenerife?

Tenerife is windy throughout the year, especially on the north and west coasts of the island. The warmest and least windy areas are Arona, or more specifically, Playa de Las Americas, Los Cristianos, and Costa Adeje. Therefore, it’s no surprise that most tourist resorts are located here. 

The island’s windiest part is the northern part, more specifically, La Laguna and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Is Tenerife safe?

Tenerife is widely regarded as a safe destination for travellers, with low crime rates, friendly locals, and minimal health/safety risks. However, instances of pickpocketing have been increasing in Tenerife’s tourist areas in recent years, though they are still relatively low compared to other destinations. Visitors are advised to take common-sense precautions to protect their valuables. Never leave anything unattended in your car or hotel. We were robbed while hiking at Teide National Park. They took everything from swimming suits and towels to iPhone adapters. According to locals, people are desperate and will take everything they can sell.

What should you do if you become a victim of pickpocketing?

Immediately contact your bank and credit card companies to report the theft and block your cards to prevent unauthorized transactions. Afterwards, contact the police (Policia Local) to report the incident. This is crucial for insurance claims if you need to make a claim against your insurance company for stolen items.

How to go around Tenerife?

The best option is to rent a car. It’s time-effective and provides you with more freedom to explore Tenerife. The petrol prices are lower than in continental Europe, and the motorways are clearly marked. We booked our car with Hertz because of the low prices.

By Car

• The island has a good road network that allows you to connect the furthest points in under 2 hours.
• Car rental companies are widely available at the airports and major resorts. You’ll need a valid driver’s license and passport.
• Driving in Tenerife is generally easy, with well-maintained roads and clear signage, though you should be cautious on the winding mountain roads.

By Bus

• Tenerife has an extensive public bus system called Titsa that connects the major towns and tourist areas.
• Buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and relatively inexpensive. You can buy individual tickets or get a discounted travel pass.
• Bus timetables and route information are readily available online and from tourist offices.

By Bike

• Tenerife is becoming a popular cycling destination, with routes along the coast and up to Mount Teide.
• You can rent traditional or electric bikes to explore the island at a slower pace.

12 TENERIFE TIPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TRIP

Let’s do a recap of the main tips and tricks to make your stay in Tenerife a blast:

1. Pack clothes for warm and cool weather. It can get chilly in the hillsides and at the top of Mt. Teide, especially in winter. 
2. Bring sneakers or hiking boots. Even if you are not going to do the proper hiking, note that some viewpoints can be dangerous. I injured my big toe walking in sandals to photograph La Rambla. 
3. Bring sunscreen with you. 
4. Rent a car! This is very affordable, and if booked in advance, it can be as little as 60 EUR. 
5. Most places are closed on Mondays. Be sure to check that the place you want to visit is open. 
6. Keep your belongings with you all the time.
7. Go wine tasting – this area has one of the best and most unique wines we have drunk. Where else can you drink dragon blood? 
8. Reserve a special permit to trek to the summit of Mount Teide or book an organised tour.
9. Book your spot for hiking trails. Some hiking trails have a limit on the number of visitors per day. They are also booked out quickly. 
10. South of the island (Playa de las Americas, Costa Adeje) is more expensive than the other parts of Tenerife. 
11.  Free parking is available almost everywhere. It’s hard to find a hotel in the city centre offering free parking, but don’t worry. We never had a problem finding street parking in proximity to our accommodation. 
12.  Save on data roaming. Double-check whether your accommodation has Wi-Fi and, if it does, which areas it covers. The best way to use the internet without limitations is to buy a local SIM card.