Tips for Tenerife

What you always wanted to know about the island
Practical tips from A to Z, insider tips for Tenerife and "do's and don'ts" - there are definitely a few tricks for a perfect and individual holiday on Tenerife. sunbonoo gives you everything you need for an unforgettable holiday on the Canary Island.
So that your holiday in Tenerife is never forgotten, you should inform yourself about the peculiarities of the Canary Island. We have compiled practical tips for your stay on the largest of the seven Canary Islands in a Tenerife encyclopaedia:
A for Arrival
Tenerife has two airports in the north and south. The southern airport Reina Sofía, which is served by most international airlines, is 20 minutes by car from Playa de las Américas. The northern airport is located in Los Cristianos and is around an hour's drive from Puerto de la Cruz.
From both airports, there are regular bus services to the neighbouring towns of Playa de las Américas, Puerto de la Cruz and the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife. A flight from Germany takes around 4-5 hours.
B for bus and train
"Guaguas" (pronounced: guahuah) is the name of the buses on the Canary Islands. On Tenerife, the green TITSA buses runfrom the central bus station Estación de Guaguas (Avenida 3 de Mayo 47) in Santa Cruz to almost all towns on the island.
If you buy "Bonos" (subscription tickets) at the bus station in Santa Cruz, you can travel on the public buses for 10 per cent less.
C for camping
With a tent, motorhome or camper van: camping in Tenerife is possible at any time, thanks to Tenerife's mild climate all year round. There are a total of 13 free forest campsites on the island, which are equipped with toilets, showers, barbecue areas and spring water. There are also six paid campsites scattered around the island.
Caution: Wild camping is not permitted in Tenerife and can cost you dearly! You may only spend the night in camper vans or in converted buses in remote places, car parks or at the edge of the forest.
D for dolphin shows
Many zoos and animal parks on Tenerife attract visitors with dolphin or sea lion shows - not least the world-famous Loro Parque. Of course, you have to decide for yourself how you feel about these attractions on your Tenerife holiday.
If you are on holiday in Tenerife to see dolphins, whales or orcas, a boat trip off the coast of Los Gigantes is more rewarding. Here you can marvel at the marine mammals in the wild!
E for deserted beaches
Among the most beautiful beaches on the island of Tenerife are some secluded, unspoilt beaches and bays. A particular highlight is Benijo beach, at the end of the Anaga mountains. Playa de la Tejita is also a beautiful, unspoilt beach with a view of the Montana mountains, where not many Tenerife holidaymakers find themselves.
F for nudism
FKK - naturism - is probably more of a German phenomenon. In Tenerife, nudism is only common on a few beaches, for example west of Montaña Roja near El Médano, at Playa de Montaña Amarilla or at Playa de las Gaviotas near Playa de las Teresitas.
G for Guanches
The Guanches are the indigenous people of Tenerife. If you want to get to know the original way of life of the islanders, you should visit the cave villages in the Anaga mountains. The caves carved into the rocks are still inhabited today. In Chinamada, one of these cave villages, you can even rent "rooms" - for a particularly authentic Tenerife holiday!
H for hippies
There are many dropouts on the island who rent out private rooms for little money - for example in Médano in the south. Another alternative to overpriced hotel rooms in overcrowded hotel complexes. Swap overrated hotel comfort for rooms made of mud bricks, guitar music and a private insight into life on Tenerife.
I for Internet
As the Canary Island of Tenerife belongs to Spain and therefore to the European Union, there are no additional costs due to the EU roaming agreement. So don't worry if you are on the internet with your smartphone or tablet while on holiday in Tenerife.
J for Jardin (Spanish for "garden")
One of the most beautiful and idyllic gardens on Tenerife is the botanical garden in Puerto de la Cruz in the north of the island. The size is manageable and the plant world can be easily explored on foot. Admission costs just €6.00 and small children are often admitted free of charge.
K for carnival
The fourth season on the "island of eternal spring"! Before Lent in February and March, the Canary Islands and Tenerife are in a state of emergency - so think carefully about whether you want to spend time on the island during Carnival in Tenerife. You have to like the hustle and bustle that extends from small mountain villages to the cities of Santa Cruz and Puerto de la Cruz ...
L for last-minute holidays
As with any other holiday destination in the world, you can also fly to Tenerife for a spontaneous holiday. The fact that the choice often falls on a holiday in Tenerife is due to the mild climate all year round and an average annual temperature of 23°C. However, this does not change the fact that thereis a high and low season in the tourism industry, according to which the prices for a Tenerife holiday are determined!
M for hire car
If you want to cover longer distances on your Tenerife holiday and enjoy more freedom, you should therefore book a hire car. Plus points: Pets are not allowed on public transport.
The buses on Tenerife, which are often very busy, are also not particularly reliable. Tolls apply on some motorways. These can be recognised by an additional marking in the form of a P.
You can find car hire prices here.
N for sustainable travelling
If you want to travel to the largest Canary Island in a sustainable and climate-friendly way, there are a few things you can keep in mind during your holiday in Tenerife. Tenerife itself also supports sustainable tourism and attracts visitors with beaches and stretches of coastline that have been awarded the "Blue Flag" eco-label, bioclimatic holiday homes and other environmentally friendly concepts.
Almost half of the island's surface area is under nature protection, especially the Pico del Teide National Park. So when sightseeing in Tenerife, make sure to preserve the unique natural landscape of the volcanic island!
O for opening hours
On the Spanish island, you should bear in mind that many shops are closed for siesta from 1 pm to 5 pm. Restaurants, on the other hand, are usually open from 1pm to 4pm and from 7pm to 11pm, and in tourist centres they may even be open all day. On Sundays, many restaurants and shops in the Canary Islands close at 3 pm.
If you are planning a trip, you should check the opening times in advance and also keep an eye on festivals and public holidays in Tenerife.
P for prices
Compared to Germany, prices in Tenerife are somewhat higher - especially when it comes to services such as repairs. Food is also significantly more expensive than in Germany, as most products are not grown on the Canary Islands but are imported.
Q for jellyfish
Tenerife is also plagued by jellyfish from time to time. The "Playas de las Teresitas" beach near Santa Cruz in the north of the island is particularly affected. The beach, which was artificially created with white sand, is known for its shallow water, which attracts jellyfish. So be careful when swimming in the sea water. Children should always wear water shoes and a T-shirt.
R for smoking
Smoking in Tenerife is prohibited in public places, public transport, telephone booths and areas where there are cash machines. The same applies to catering establishments, unless they are larger than 100 square metres and have a smoking area. You should also avoid smoking at the wheel, as you could be fined up to €4,000 if caught.
S for hours of sunshine
Tenerife's special climate means warm temperatures all year round, little rainfall and up to 9 hours of sunshine a day. Even if "island of spring" sounds like mild temperatures, the sunshine should not be underestimated, especially in the south of Tenerife. Don't forget to use the right sun cream, wear a hat, drink enough fluids and always take a break in the shade!
T for taxis
The yellow taxis in Tenerife are licensed and equipped with a taximeter that charges around 2 euros/km and a basic fee of at least 2 euros. There are usually surcharges for night trips, trips on Sundays and public holidays as well as trips to the airport and large luggage. If you want to take a taxi round the island, it is a good idea to speak Spanish so that you can negotiate the price in advance.
U for underwater world
If you want to explore Tenerife's underwater world, snorkelling and diving are the best ways to do this. To travel with less luggage, you can hire the right equipment from the diving shops and schools and dive in!
V for vegan
Tenerife traditionally serves mainly fish and meat dishes, vegetarian or vegan dishes on the menu are often only starters such as Canarian potatoes, fried mushrooms or goat's cheese. You have to search for vegan restaurants for a very long time and sometimes in vain. The few vegan restaurants on Tenerife include:
- Restaurante El Maná and Restaurante El Limón in Puerto de la Cruz
- BuenaVida 100% Vegan in the Centro Comercial Fañabé Plaza in Costa Adeje
- Burger Mel in Santa Cruz
W for whale watching
Many providers offer boat trips for dolphin and whale watching - especially off the west coast of Tenerife around Los Gigantes. However, most of the offers are tourist traps and have little regard for the welfare of the animals.
If you do decide to go on a whale watching tour, pay attention to environmentally friendly aspects: Quiet, electric boats that do not chase after the marine mammals, but allow them their space at an appropriate distance.
X for X-treme Sport
For active holidaymakers, extreme sports enthusiasts and outdoor activists, a holiday in Tenerife is an absolute paradise! But you shouldn't underestimate your own strength when you set off on a hike or cycle tour through the Anaga mountains or the volcanic landscape of Mount Teide.
In particular, the warm temperatures and high humidity on Tenerife could put you under more strain than you are used to in Germany. Ideally, you will not be travelling alone, with the right equipment, enough drinking water or even with a tour guide.
Y for yoga
Yoga retreats are becoming increasingly popular on holiday in Tenerife. Here you can recharge your batteries for up to 8 days and find rest, meditation and relaxation. If you don't want to book a yoga holiday on Tenerife, grab your yoga mat and head to one of Tenerife's less crowded beaches.
Z for time
The Canary Islands - including Tenerife - are in the Western European time zone (Lisbon). This means that the difference to Germany is one hour and it is one hour earlier in Tenerife than in Germany. There is summer and winter time in the Canary Islands.
Do's and don'ts on Tenerife
If you spend your holiday in Tenerife, there is plenty to experience, enjoy and discover in the popular holiday resorts of the largest of the Canary Islands. But to make your Tenerife holiday a pleasure, it is important to be informed about the customs of the holiday destination. Because, as the saying goes: Other countries, other customs.
You should be aware of this when on holiday in Tenerife:
- The speed limit on Tenerife's motorways is 120km/h
- Many shops take a siesta and remain closed from 1pm to 5pm
- When sending postcards, be aware that there are public and private providers that accept different stamps
- Tipping is not included in the bill on Tenerife. If you want to tip - and 10% is also customary on the Canary Islands - leave the change on the tray that the waiter brings with the bill
- If you are invited to a private event, it is customary to bring a small gift - such as a good wine or flowers. Even if dinners take place at a late hour, you should - like the other local guests - not arrive too punctually
- Within the European Union, you are allowed to take 800 cigarettes with you, but there are restrictions on alcoholic drinks depending on the alcohol content
You should avoid this on your Tenerife holiday:
- Wild camping and sleeping on the beach is prohibited!
- Valuables such as wallets, phones, jewellery and cameras should never be left unattended on the beach
- Do not undertake any challenging hiking and climbing tours without a tour guide
- Don't buy counterfeit branded goods at the farmers' and weekly markets in Tenerife, as this could catch you out at the airport
- Do not collect stones on the beach to take home as souvenirs
- Smoking in public places, transport and restaurants is prohibited, as is smoking at the wheel
In general, Canarians have an open-minded, relaxed and colourful mentality - you can't go far wrong on your Tenerife holiday! Enjoy the unforgettable fiestas, breathtaking natural scenery, delicious specialities and long nights on beautiful beaches - and the Canary Island to the full.
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