DESTINATION GUIDE

Tenerife The Year-Round Sun Island

Tenerife is the largest of Spain's Canary Islands, sitting just 300km off the coast of West Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. Thanks to its position and dramatic volcanic topography — dominated by Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak — the island offers a micro-climate for every taste: warm, sheltered southern resorts, lush green north coast towns, and an extraordinary natural interior. Average temperatures hover between 20°C in winter and 28°C in summer, making it a genuinely year-round destination for UK travellers.

THINGS TO DO

What to Do in Tenerife

Tenerife packs an extraordinary range of experiences into a single island — whether you're after adventure, relaxation, wildlife, or culture, there is something here for every kind of traveller.

  • Teide National Park — Take a cable car to the rim of Europe's highest volcanic peak for jaw-dropping views across the island and the Atlantic.
  • Whale & Dolphin Watching — Year-round boat trips from Los Gigantes and Los Cristianos offer sightings of resident pilot whales and playful bottlenose dolphins.
  • Water Parks — Siam Park, consistently rated one of Europe's best water parks, and Aqualand Loro Parque keep families entertained for full days.
  • Golf — Over a dozen championship courses across the south make Tenerife one of Europe's premier golf-holiday destinations.
  • Local Markets — Weekly mercadillos in towns like La Laguna and Los Cristianos bring local produce, crafts, and an authentic taste of island life.

RESORT GUIDE

Which Part of the Island Is Right for You?

Tenerife's resort areas each have a distinct personality. Use this guide to find the right fit for your travel style, group, and budget.

  • Playa de las Américas — The island's liveliest resort with a packed strip of bars, restaurants, and nightlife. Ideal for groups and party-minded travellers.

  • Los Cristianos — A bustling fishing-town-turned-resort with a calmer, more family-friendly feel than its neighbour Las Américas. Great for first-timers.

  • Costa Adeje — Tenerife's most upmarket resort zone, home to five-star hotels, fine dining, and a pristine promenade. Best for couples and luxury seekers.

  • Los Gigantes — A dramatic cliff-side village in the west with a small dark-sand beach and a genuine local atmosphere. Perfect for nature lovers and those escaping the crowds.

  • Puerto de la Cruz — A traditional Canarian town in the lush north, known for the volcanic Lago Martíanez pools and a rich cultural scene. Great for culture-curious travellers.

  • El Médano — A laid-back windswept town in the south-east, famous as a world-class kitesurfing and windsurfing destination. Suits active, adventurous visitors.

FOOD & CULTURE

More Than a Beach Holiday

Tenerife's culture runs deep. The island blends Spanish mainland traditions with Guanche indigenous heritage, African influences, and a distinctive Canarian identity that expresses itself in its food, festivals, and architecture.

  • Papas Arrugadas — The island's most iconic dish: small wrinkled potatoes boiled in heavily salted water and served with mojo rojo or mojo verde dipping sauces.
  • Fresh Seafood — Waterfront restaurants across the island serve freshly caught fish — try vieja (parrotfish) grilled simply with mojo and salad.
  • Canarian Wine — The volcanic soils of the Orotava Valley and Tacoronte-Acentejo produce distinctive wines that are rarely found outside the island.
  • Carnaval de Santa Cruz — Held each February, this is one of the world's largest carnivals — second only to Rio — with costumes, music, and street parades.
  • Historic La Laguna — A UNESCO World Heritage city, La Laguna's cobbled streets and colonial architecture offer a step back in time just 30 minutes from the resorts.

TRAVEL TIPS

Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Planning a Tenerife holiday from the UK is straightforward — here are the key practical details to help you prepare with confidence.

  • Best Time to Visit — Tenerife is a year-round destination. The south is warm and sunny even in January; July and August are hottest but busier. Spring (March–May) offers the best balance of warmth, availability, and price.
  • Flight Time from UK — Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes from London airports; slightly longer from northern UK departure points such as Manchester or Edinburgh.
  • Currency — The Euro (€) is used across the Canary Islands. Most resorts accept card payments widely; carry some cash for local markets.
  • Transfers — Tenerife South Airport (TFS) is the main gateway for resort holidays. Private and shared transfers to all major resorts are available and bookable through us when you enquire.
  • What to Pack — Light summer clothing suits the south year-round; a light layer is useful for evenings and for higher-altitude excursions to Teide.
  • UK Passport & Entry — UK citizens do not need a visa for the Canary Islands. A valid passport is required; check your expiry date before travel.