Tenerife Holidays

Q: Should I hire a car in Tenerife?

While it isn’t necessary, it’s definitely a good idea. You can drive around the whole island in just three to four hours so, wherever you’re based, you can still get to all the sites for day trips. If you’re there in the height of summer, you’ll probably want to do as much of your sightseeing as possible early in the morning to beat the heat, and a hire car will help with that. Most of the markets are in the mornings, too. As an alternative, the cheap local buses are usually reliable in the south of the island but less so once you head north.

Q: What language do they speak in Tenerife?

Spanish – but it’s closer to the Spanish spoken in the Caribbean than on mainland Spain. In all the main tourist areas, most people speak English.

Q: Where should I stay in Tenerife for good nightlife?

Most people looking to party will stay in the south of the island, as near to Playa de las Americas as they can get. There are other places on Tenerife for wild nights out but the most popular spot – especially for tourists – is definitely along this beachside strip with bars and clubs that go all day and night.

Q: Which Tenerife resort is best for a family holiday?

If you’re renting a car, it doesn’t really matter where you stay, but Los Cristianos is a good place to start when thinking about a family holiday. It’s close to Playa de las Americas so you can take advantage of the beach, cafes and shops during the day, but go home at night to more peace and quiet. Siam Park is perched above Los Cristianos, packed with water rides, wave pools, and a mile-long lazy river. There’s also an amazing aquarium.

Q: What is the cuisine like in Tenerife?

The traditional food of Tenerife is simple, with Spanish, African and Latin American influences. A wide range of other cuisines can also be sampled on the island.

Q: Which part of Tenerife has the best beaches?

Whatever you want from a beach, Tenerife has it all. There are quiet beaches, beaches with wild parties, and beaches for water sports enthusiasts. There are some stunning beaches in the south but the most scenic and dramatic are in the quieter, less-visited north of the island. Beach holidays are usually centred around Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Los Gigantes. Head to Fanabe Beach if you're looking for the party, La Tejita for an unusual secluded red volcanic rock beach, and Playa del Duque if want a bit of luxury on golden sands.

Q: When is the best time to visit Tenerife?

Most people on holiday to Tenerife are seeking the sun and it shines all year round. You’ll find some times of year are busier than others but, if you rent a car, there’s always a quiet corner for a peaceful escape. And in the winter, in the absence of the heat haze, stargazing and sunsets are even clearer.

Q: What is the weather like in Tenerife?

Tenerife is blessed with a mild, sunny climate for the large majority of the year. While rainy spells do occur, May to September are generally dry.

Q: Who is Tenerife great for?

Tenerife has a lot to offer various types of travellers. There’s plenty to entertain families, couples, clubbers and nature lovers alike.

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An island with so much to offer

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, an archipelago of Spanish islands just off the coast of Morocco. It’s a jewel in the Canaries’ crown, not least because it boasts a wealth of luxury hotels, a glittering array of cultural riches, and excellent weather all year round – think average temperatures of 23° and plenty of sunshine.

The island’s natural beauty is truly diverse, making it a paradise for walkers and nature lovers. You’ll find everything from lunar-like volcanic landscapes and dramatic cliffs to lush green valleys and ancient forests. Plus, Tenerife is home to the highest peak in Spain – Mount Teide, which soars an impressive 3718 metres into the sky. You can visit it at Mount Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The lowdown on holidays to Tenerife

When it comes to Tenerife holidays, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. Looking to take the family on a fantastic getaway? No problem – you can tick off world-class beaches and splash-ready waterparks with the kids here.

Simply fancy relaxing? The island’s trendy beach clubs and award-winning spas have the art of relaxation mastered, and you can sample delicious food and wine in traditional tavernas and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Wine tastings are also on offer at local wineries. And if you’re more of a sports enthusiast, you can hike, cycle and mountain bike through Tenerife’s varied landscapes, or tee off on one of the island’s eight golf courses. There are lots of watersports on offer at the beaches, too – why not learn to surf or paraglide during your holiday?

Need to know

Language
Spanish

Currency
Euro

Time zone
GMT

Flight time
4hr 30min

*Average time from London Gatwick to Tenerife

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Marine life
The waters between Tenerife and the island of La Gomera are home to a colony of pilot whales, which means it’s possible to go on whale watching trips to see them all-year round. You might also be lucky enough to spot bottlenose dolphins and turtles.
Cueva del Viento
Book a tour of the magnificent Cueva del Viento (Cave of the Wind), which boasts the largest system of lava tubes in Europe.
Natural pools
Go for a dip in one of Tenerife’s natural sea water pools. Formed by the erosion of volcanic lava, these pools offer a unique swimming experience.