Where is the best place for a holiday in Tenerife?

10th place

Santiago del Teide

Location

in the north-west of the island, located inland between the tourist towns of Los Gigantes and Icod de los Vinos

Accessibility

• Around 40 kilometres from Tenerife and 70 kilometres from Tenerife North
• Accessible by car via TF-82
• By public transport with bus lines 460 from Playa de los Américas, line 325 from Puerto de la Cruz and line 355 from Buenavista del Norte

What makes Santiago del Teide special?

Santiago del Teide is a municipality in the north-west of Tenerife. Situated around 950 metres above sea level, the town offers impressive views of the pine slopes and rock formations of Teno. In contrast to the tourist towns, the small, tranquil village of Santiago del Teide is an oasis of calm. Tourists know the municipality as a starting point for excursions to the mountain village of Masca and the Barraco del Infierno gorge. From here, you can also explore the Teno Mountains in the west or the Montana Negras and the Pico del Teide National Park in the east on hikes.

What type of holiday is Santiago del Teide suitable for?

Active holidaymakers

Santiago del Teide is a quiet place in itself, but active holidaymakers can go hiking in the Teno Mountains from here. The most popular route leads to the mountain village of Masca and the Masca Gorge. In February, the famous almond blossom hike ("Ruta del Almendro en Flor") takes place, which leads to the old pottery village of Arguayo.

Best time to visit

• Pleasant climate all year round
• The warmest months are July, August, September and October with an average temperature of 23°C
• With 9 to 10 hours of sunshine, there is hardly any rainfall, but it rains more frequently in the winter months from November to February

Nearby beaches:

further away on the north-west coast near Masca are beaches such as Playa de la Galera, Playa de Juan López and Playa de Masca

Popular sights in the vicinity:

• Santiago de Compostela
• Señorío del Valle
• Masca mountain village
• Barraco del Infierno
• Pottery village of Arguayo
• Teno Mountains
• Punta de Teno
• Montana Negras

Shopping facilities:

A popular weekly market in Tenerife is the Mercadillo del Agricultor in Santiago del Teide - every Saturday and Sunday morning.

Activities in Santiago del Teide

Place 9

Garachico

Location:

Town on the north coast of Tenerife, between Buenavista del Norte and Icod de los Vinos

Accessibility:

• About 50 kilometres from Tenerife North Airport
• By car via the TF-42 from Buenavista del Norte to Icod de los Vinos or via the TF-5 to Santa Cruz de Tenerife
• By public transport with bus lines 106 and 363 from Puerto de la Cruz and lines 461, 460 and 363 from Santiago del Teide

What makes Garachico special?

The once very important town was almost completely covered by lava during a volcanic eruption of Montaña de Trevejo at the beginning of the 18th century. But even though Garachico has been rebuilt, traces of the volcanic eruption can still be found in the town. The best place to do this is on the coast, where you can still recognise the lava flows that poured into the sea. The town is particularly lively at weekends, as locals also like to come to the quiet town of Garachico - preferably for a dip in the lava-formed sea pool on the coast.

What type of holiday is Garachico suitable for?

• Beach holidaymakers

Garachico has a pleasant Mediterranean climate with average temperatures of 25°C in the summer months. With water temperatures between 20°C and 25°C, the Playa de los Roques and the sea swimming pool are perfect for a day (or several) of swimming and beach holidays.

• Family holidaymakers

Garachico is an ideal base for older children who are keen on cultural and hiking excursions. The seaside swimming pool on the coast is also a great experience on a Tenerife holiday with children!

Best time to visit:

• Mild temperatures all year round
• The best time to visit is in summer, as the warmest months are July, August and September with an average of 24° to 25°C and hardly any rainfall
• From November to June, the average temperature is 19°C

Nearby beaches:

Playa de los Roques, Playa del Muelle

Popular sights nearby:

• Roque de Garachico lava rock
• Piscinas Naturales de Caletón sea swimming pool
• Castillo de San Miguel
• Puerta de Tierra harbour gate
• Casa de la Cultura
• San Roque pilgrimage chapel
• Iglesia de Santa Ana
• Convento de San Francisco de Asís
• Plaza de la Libertad with monument to Simon Boliva
• Plaza de Abajo

Shopping facilities:

Garachico is a craft centre, as you can find genuine Canarian craftsmanship on the promenade and in Esteban de Ponte, as well as an old cigar workshop for unique souvenirs.

Activities in Garachio

Place 8

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

The island's capital attracts visitors with countless tourist highlights, including the Auditorium, numerous interesting museums on the history, art and culture of the island and the lively shopping street Calle Castillo.

Location:

Capital of Tenerife on the north coast of the Atlantic Ocean, south of the Anaga Mountains

Accessibility:

• only 12 kilometres from Tenerife North Airport in the neighbouring town of La Laguna, Tenerife South Airport is 70 kilometres away
• Connected by car via TF-1 to the south-west of the island and via TF-5 to the north coast towards Puerto Cruz
• By public transport, buses run to Santa Cruz de Tenerife from all directions (lines 14, 15, 26, 101, 102, 103, 105, 106, 107, 108, 228, 230, 238, 245, 246, 247 and from the south with lines 13, 110, 111, 112, 115, 116, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 127, 131, 138, 139, 140, 142, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237).

What makes Santa Cruz de Tenerife special?

Even though Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of the island, it is not the most popular holiday destination on Tenerife. However, as the capital, Santa Cruz offers everything your heart desires: good connections to other cities, the airport and motorway, numerous shopping opportunities, museums and green spaces as well as the Puerto de Tenerife harbour, where ferries regularly depart for Gran Canaria. A highlight in Santa Cruz, for which tourists and locals flock every year, is the carnival, which puts the city into a colourful, cheerful state of emergency for a week.

What type of holiday is Santa Cruz de Tenerife suitable for?

• Family holidaymakers

Santa Cruz is the ideal holiday destination for families with children, as all of Tenerife's attractions can be easily reached from here by car or public transport. At the same time, you have everything you and your family need in the island's capital!

• Individual holidaymakers

The same applies to individual travellers: While you are staying in Santa Cruz, you can start your journey of discovery across the island from here.

Best time to travel:

• Pleasant climate all year round
• The highest average temperature in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is 23°C in August and the lowest temperature is 18°C in February
• Between October and March it rains more frequently than in summer, although rainfall is very irregular

Nearby beaches:

Playa San Andrés, further away are Playa de las Teresitas, Playa la Radazul and Playa las Gaviotas

Popular sights nearby:

• Auditorio Tenerifa Adán Martín
• Plaza de Espana
• Museo de Naturaleza y Arqueologia
• Palmetum Botanical Garden
• Castillo de San Juan Bautísta
• Parque Marítimo César Manrique water park
• Anaga Mountains

Shopping facilities:

• Calle Cas shopping street
• Cento Commercial Meridiano
• El Corte Inglés Tres Mayo
• Centro Commercial Yumbo

Activities in Santa Cruz

7th place

La Orotava

The town, which is still an insider tip among Tenerife holidaymakers, is known for its beautiful old town, where you can buy traditional Canarian handicrafts and Canarian wines.

Location:

Town in the municipality of the same name in the north of Tenerife, above Puerto de la Cruz in the Orotava Valley

Accessibility:

26 kilometres from Tenerife North Airport

By car via TF-5 from Santa Cruz (35km), Tenerife North (26km) and La Laguna (26km) and via TF-312 from Puerto de la Cruz (7km)
By public transport with bus lines 345 and 352 (from Puerto de la Cruz) or line 108 (from Santa Cruz)

What makes La Orotava special?

La Orotava is still an insider tip among Tenerife holidaymakers, but is already a popular destination for tourists looking for the original Canarian flair. The historic centre of La Orotava - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - enchants visitors with its typical Canarian townscape. If you want to bring home Canarian handicrafts such as hemstitch embroidery, sand carpets and pottery as souvenirs, there is no way around La Orotava. Tal La Orotava is also one of the two growing areas for Tenerife's local wines. It is also a starting point for one of the most challenging hiking routes, which leads through the El Teide National Park and up to an altitude of 2,727 metres.

What type of holiday is La Orotava suitable for?

• Cultural holidaymakers

Those interested in culture will find museums in La Orotava that exhibit typical Canarian handicrafts - including the famous alfombras (sand carpets), wooden hem embroidery, pottery and folklore. The old town of La Orotava in particular is a popular destination for a trip back to colonial times.

Best time to visit:

• Warm, sunny weather all year round
• Temperatures in La Orotava range from a minimum of 19°C to a maximum of 24°C all year round
• The warmest month is August with air and water temperatures of 24°C

Nearby beaches:

Playa de El Bollulo and Playa el Martianez in Puerto de la Cruz

Popular sights nearby:

• La Orotava Valley and Mirador Humboldt
• Casa de los Balcones
• Casa Tafuriaste ceramics museum
• Museo de Alfombras
• Iglesia de la Concepción y su Tesoro

Shopping facilities:

• Mercadillo
• La Villa Centro Comercial

Activities in La Orotava

6th place

Güímar

The area around Güímar is visited for its breathtaking volcanic landscape from Montana Grande to the coast, a special attraction are the pyramids of Güímar

Location:

Municipality in the province of Santa Cruz in the southeast of Tenerife, 28 kilometres southwest of Santa Cruz

Accessibility:

• Around 30 kilometres from Tenerife North Airport and 40 kilometres from Tenerife South
• By car via the Autopista del Sur. Exit 11 to Güímar
• By public transport: Bus routes 120 (Santa Cruz to Puertito), 121 (Santa Cruz to Arafo), 124 (Santa Cruz to Candelaria), 126 (Arafo to Candelaria) and 127 (SantaCruz to Güímar)

What makes this place special?

Güímar is known beyond the borders of Tenerife for its pyramids of Güimar. While this Tenerife sight attracts a lot of attention, Güímar itself is an idyllic, cosy place on the south-east coast of Tenerife. Güímar is one of the oldest towns on Tenerife and is particularly worth a visit for its cultural and historical sights.

Best time to visit:

• Warm, sunny weather all year round
• The warmest months are July, August, September and October with an average of 25° to 28°C and up to 13 hours of sunshine
• Mild, summery temperatures from November to May with 20°C

What type of holiday is Güímar suitable for?

• Cultural holidaymakers

Güímar is particularly suitable for tourists interested in culture, who can explore the archaeological, historical and ethnographic heritage of Tenerife around the pyramids of Güímar, the archaeological park "Parque Etnográfico Piramides de Güimar" archaeological park and the Malpaís de Güímar nature reserve to discover Tenerife's archaeological, historical and ethnographic heritage.

• Family holidaymakers

Güímar is the perfect holiday destination for families with older children who enjoy exploring museums, exhibitions and nature reserves!

Nearby beaches:

in El Puertito de Güímar Playa de la Entrada, Playa del Soccoro de Güímar, Playa del Cabezo (with dog beach)

Popular sights in the vicinity:

• Parque Etnográfico and Pyramids of Güímar
• Nature reserve "Malpaís de Güímar"
• Montana Grande Nature Park
• Cueva Honda
• Iglesia de San Pedro
• Valle de Güímar
• Chinguaro

Shopping facilities:

You won't find any large shopping centres or promenades in Güímar, only in the new part of the town towards the bus station and in the old town are there small, charming shops and boutiques. The nearest large shopping centre is Santa Cruz, the island's capital, which is around 30 minutes away by car.

Activities in Güímar

Place 5

Icod de Los Vinos

This town in the north-west of Tenerife is best known for the world's largest and oldest dragon tree and one of Tenerife's most famous caves

Location:

on the north coast of Tenerife

Accessibility:

• Around 50 kilometres from Tenerife North Airport
• By car via the TF-5 from Puerto de la Cruz, the TF-82 from Adeje via Santiago del Teide or via the TF-42 coastal road towards Buenavista del Norte
• By public transport with bus lines 106 and 363 from Puerto de la Cruz and lines 461, 460 and 363 from Santiago del Teide

What makes Icod de los Vinos special?

Icod de los Vinos is one of the most famous places on Tenerife because it is home to the Drago El Milenario - the oldest dragon tree in the world. Many tourists, but also locals, visit the almost 1000 year old, 20 metre high dragon tree. However, the area is just as popular for a visit to a bodega to taste the wines grown in the region. The popular Fieste da San Andrés takes place on 29 November and attracts more than just wine lovers to Icod de los Vinos.

What type of holiday is Icod de los Vinos suitable for?

• Family holidaymakers

Excursions to the Drago El Milenario, the nearby butterfly house or the Cueva del Viento, one of Tenerife's caves, are perfect for children! Parents can enjoy a siesta with one of the local wines grown in Icod de los Vinos as a reward.

• Individual holidaymakers

As a city traveller, your holiday in Tenerife should also take you to Icod de Los Vinos, from where you can also go on hiking and cycling tours to Pico del Teide or along the north coast of Tenerife.

Best time to visit:

• Mild climate all year round
• The warmest months are July, August, September and October with an average of 23°C, around 10 hours of sunshine a day and hardly any rainfall

Nearby beaches:

Playa San Marco

Popular sights nearby:

• Parque del Drago with dragon tree "El Milenario"
• Cueva del Viento
• Plaza de la Pila
• El Mariposario del Drago butterfly park
• Playa San Marco

Shopping facilities:

As a popular holiday resort and tourist destination, there are numerous shopping opportunities in Icod de los Vinos. In the town centre around the Plaza de la Pila you will find a variety of brand shops, souvenir shops and boutiques.

Activities in Icod de los Vinos

4th place

Los Gigantes

Location:

Part of the municipality of Santiago del Teide in the south-west of Tenerife

Accessibility:

• Approximately 41 kilometres from Tenerife South Airport
• Accessible by car via TF-1
• By public transport: Bus routes 325 462 473 477 493 to Los Gigantes

What makes this place special?

The landmark of Los Gigantes is its ten-kilometre-long cliffs, the Acantilados de Los Gigantes, which provide a spectacular view from land and sea. Los Gigantes is a popular starting point for whale watching tours.

Best time to visit:

• Warm, sunny weather all year round
• between May and November between min. 21° and max. 27°C

What type of holiday is Los Gigantes suitable for?

• Beach holidaymakers

The good weather conditions all year round make Los Gigantes an ideal place for a beach holiday. As the resort tends to be quieter, the main focus here is on rest and relaxation.

• Active holidaymakers

Los Gigantes is particularly popular with tourists who enjoy hiking and climbing and want to discover the rocky backdrop on foot. Excursions on motorboats, sailing boats and catamarans are also popular for exploring the cliffs and the whales and dolphins that can be spotted off them.

Nearby beaches:

Playa de la Arena, Playa de los Guíos, Playa de Santiago

Popular sights nearby:

• Acantilados de Los Gigantes
• Cueva La Cava
• Santiago de Teide
• Whale and dolphin watching

Shopping facilities:

• Supermercado Los Gigantes
• Mercadona
• HiperDino Express in Puerto Santiago and Playa la Arena

Activities in Los Gigantes

3rd place

Los Cristanos and Playa de las Amerícas

Los Cristianos is located in the south-west of the island, around 77 kilometres from Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Together with the directly neighbouring Playa de las Américas and other districts of Arona and Adeje, this town has the highest number of tourists in the south of Tenerife.

Location:

Towns in the municipality of Arona, on the south-west coast of Tenerife

Accessibility:

• 15 kilometres west of Tenerife South Airport "Reina Sofia"
• Accessible by car via TF-1
• By public transport with bus lines 110 and 460 or 473 from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, lines 460 and 473 from Santiago del Teide

What makes Los Cristianos special?

The towns of Los Cristianos and Playa Las Américas - two of Tenerife's tourist strongholds - merge almost imperceptibly. Los Cristianos is the secret capital of the largest of the Canary Islands, whose hub is the busy harbour. Ferries to the neighbouring island of La Gomera depart from here, while the Puertito de Los Cristianos is also the starting point for boat trips for fishing and diving. In Playa Las Américas, everything revolves around the promenade - here you will find Tenerife's nightlife in the many bars and clubs! Together, the towns also form the island's shopping paradise!

What type of holiday are Los Cristianos and Playa Las Américas suitable for?

• For all holiday types

As a tourist stronghold, Los Cristianos appeals to all Tenerife holidaymakers - young and older travellers, singles and couples as well as families with children. The town on the south-west coast of Tenerife offers everything from relaxing on the beach and exploring the neighbouring islands to water sports on the sea or in the region's amusement and leisure parks!

• Individual holidaymakers

For tourists who want to organise their own holiday in Tenerife, Los Cristianos is the ideal starting point. The good connections, the harbour and the proximity to the southern airport make it easy to make various excursions to the north, west and east of Tenerife. There is always something to experience here!

Best time to visit:

• Warm, sunny weather all year round
• The warmest months are July, August and September with up to 29°C and up to 11 hours of sunshine
• Even in the winter months it remains pleasantly warm with an average of 21°C

Nearby beaches:

Playa de los Cristianos, Playa de las Vistas, Playa de Camison, Playa de Las Américas

Popular sights nearby:

• Monkey Park
• Aqualand
• Siam Park
• Playa Las Américas
• La Gomera

Shopping facilities:

Los Cristianos is a true shopping paradise! Along the promenade at the nearby Los Cristianos market, traders sell traditional Canarian handicrafts and clothing. Away from the beach promenade, there are countless shops and boutiques that invite you to go on extended shopping trips.

Activities in Los Cristanos and Playa de las Amerícas

2nd place

San Cristóbal de la Laguna

The student town of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, pronounced La Laguna by islanders, lies 550 metres above sea level to the west of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Location:

in the north-east of Tenerife

Accessibility:

• Only 3 kilometres from Tenerife North Airport, 70 kilometres from Tenerife South
• By car via TF-5 to Puerto de la Cruz (north) and Santa Cruz (south-east), via TF-2 and TF-1 towards Güímar
• By public transport: by tram from Santa Cruz (to Trinidad),

What makes La Laguna special?

Sán Crisobal de La Laguna is the cultural capital of Tenerife - its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The well-preserved Canarian mansions with their typical colourful paint still bear witness to the colonial era. Guided city tours are popular, where you can trace the history of Tenerife. At the same time, La Laguna is a student town where it is anything but quiet in the evening and at night. In short: in La Laguna you will have no trouble finding any kind of diversion to make your Tenerife holiday exciting!

What type of holiday is La Laguna suitable for?

• Cultural holidaymakers

For those interested in culture, a trip to La Laguna and a tour of the historic town centre is a must! The holiday destination also offers other opportunities to explore Canarian tradition - especially in the city's many museums.

• Family holidaymakers

Best time to visit:

• Pleasant temperatures all year round
• The best time to visit is from May to November with mild temperatures, up to 10 hours of sunshine per day and low rainfall
• The warmest month is August with 23°C, the lowest temperatures are in January with 19°C

Nearby beaches:

further away on the north-east or south-east coast of Tenerife

Popular sights nearby:

• Old town
• Museo de la Ciencia y el Cosmos
• Museo de Historia de Tenerife
• Museo de la Ciena y el Cosmos
• Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción
• Convento de Santa Catalina
• Palacio Episcopal

Shopping facilities:

Laguna Shopping Centre
Centro Commercial Los Venezolanos
Centro Commercial La Laguna and Galaxia

Activities in San Cristóbal de la Laguna

1st place

Puerto de la Cruz

The city in the north of Tenerife is a real tourist magnet for cultural holidays as well as swimming and beach holidays, a popular excursion destination is the Loro Parque with the largest parrot collection in the world

Location:

on the north coast of Tenerife

Accessibility:

• 30 kilometres from Tenerife North Airport
• By car via TF-5 from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Icod de los Vinos
• Accessible by public transport via all bus routes, Puerto de la Cruz is the hub for bus connections on Tenerife

What makes Puerto de la Cruz special?

Puerto de la Cruz has a unique location: not far from the evergreen Orotava Valley, with the majestic Pico del Teide behind it and the Atlantic Ocean with black lava beaches on its doorstep. The beaches in particular are a good argument for Puerto de la Cruz as a holiday destination, with surfers and other water sports enthusiasts getting their money's worth at Playa Martíanez. The city is also known for the largest parrot park in Europe - the Loro Parque in the west of the city.

What type of holiday is Puerto de la Cruz suitable for?

• Cultural holidaymakers

If you are looking for cultural diversion on your Tenerife holiday, Puerto de la Cruz may be just the right destination. The many museums, places of worship and botanical gardens invite you to get to know Tenerife's culture, nature and religion.

• Family holidaymakers

For families with children, Puerto de la Cruz is a popular holiday destination on Tenerife because there is so much to discover! Not least the Loro Parque, for which the city and Tenerife are famous, attracts many tourists (and children) every year.

• Beach holidaymakers

Puerto de la Cruz is particularly popular with beach holidaymakers, as it is home to some of Tenerife's most beautiful beaches, such as Playa Martíanez.

Best time to visit:

• Mild, sunny weather all year round
• Average annual temperature of 21°C
• The warmest months are from July to October with an average of 23°C and 10 hours of sunshine a day, with more rainfall only occurring in October and November

Nearby beaches:

Playa Martíanez, Playa Chica, Playa El Rincón, Playa de El Bollulu

Popular sights nearby:

• Lago Martíanez swimming area
• Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Eduardo Westerdahl
• Botanical gardens Playa Jardin and Jardín Botanico
• Orchid collection in the Jardin de Orquideas
• Loro Parque
• Plaza del Charco
• Parque Taoro
• Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia
• Shopping facilities
• Plaza del Charco de los Camarones
• Promenade Avenida Cristobal Colón
• Las Piramides de Martianez
• Centro Comercial La Villa

Activities in Puerto de la Cruz