Tenerife: An Under-the-Radar Island Gem You Should Know About

Why Tenerife should be on your travel radar

• Perfect year-round weather

• Average annual temperature: 73°F

• 3,000 hours of sunshine per year

• Warm summers and mild winters

Inglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Pena de Francia

Natural beauty & outdoor adventures

• 70 unique beaches, ranging from golden sand to dramatic black volcanic shores

• 43 protected nature areas covering 48 percent of the island

• Over 800 species of local flora and fauna

• Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Teide National Park and the historic city of La Laguna

World-class stargazing

Tenerife's exceptionally clear skies make it one of the world's premier stargazing destinations. The island is home to the prestigious Canary Islands Astrophysics Institute and houses massive telescopes, including the Gregor solar telescope, used by international scientists to study the universe.

Tunel de las hadas

Teide National Park: A UNESCO must-see

With over three million visitors annually, Teide National Park is Tenerife's crown jewel and one of the most spectacular volcanic landscapes on earth. Words like "majestic," "breathtaking," and "unique" barely scratch the surface—this surreal landscape must be seen to be believed.

Spain's highest peak, Mount Teide, towers at 12,198 feet above sea level, dominating the island's skyline and offering visitors an otherworldly experience among thousands of tons of ochre lava flows.

• Unique flora & fauna

The park is home to remarkable endemic species, including the vibrant Teide violet and Tenerife bugloss, whose bright colors create a stunning contrast against the dramatic volcanic terrain.

• How to visit Teide National Park

• Accessible from both the north and south of the island

• Drive yourself or take the "guagua" (local bus)

• The cable car experience: A modern cable car takes you within 200 meters of the volcanic cone, offering breathtaking views of this lunar-like landscape.

• Summit access: To reach the very top of Mount Teide, you'll need to request a free permit in advance

• For the adventurous: Serious hikers can trek to the Altavista mountain refuge (advance booking required):

  • Three-hour winding trail to the refuge

  • Overnight stay at the mountain hut

  • Final one-hour climb to the summit for sunrise

  • On clear days, you can see all seven Canary Islands from the peak—a truly top-of-the-world experience

Road in Teide National Park

Getting around Tenerife

Despite being the largest Canary Island, Tenerife is perfectly sized for exploration—you can drive from one end to the other in a single day.

• Transportation options

• Modern motorway network

• Comprehensive bus service throughout the island

• Tramway system in the metropolitan area

• Car rentals for maximum flexibility

Practical information

• Currency: Euro (€)

• Language: Spanish (English widely spoken in tourist areas)

• Safety: Tenerife is exceptionally safe and family-friendly with a comprehensive healthcare network

• Ports: Two international cruise ports

Nighttime stroll in Puerto de la Cruz

My Tenerife experience: Why the north stole my heart

After exploring both sides of the island, I can confidently say the north was my favorite. It felt authentically local, rich in culture, and refreshingly non-touristy compared to the all-inclusive, resort-heavy south. Don't get me wrong—the south has its appeal if you're looking for that classic beach resort experience—but the north offered something more genuine and immersive.

I was able to experience three separate hotels, but Gran Taoro was my favorite, positioned beautifully on the mountainside just outside the main downtown area. This location turned out to be perfect—close enough to walk into town for dinner and exploration, yet far enough to feel like a peaceful haven away from the bustle. There's something magical about retreating to your mountainside sanctuary after a day of adventure.

UNESCO town of La Laguna

The food scene: Never a bad meal

I ate at numerous local restaurants throughout my stay, and I'm not exaggerating when I say I never had a bad meal. The service was consistently friendly and accommodating, and the quality was outstanding. One of my favorite discoveries? I randomly walked into a hole-in-the-wall spa for a facial and met one of the kindest, most genuine people I've encountered in my travels. She was so wonderful that it genuinely makes me sad I don't live there to visit her regularly—that's the kind of authentic connection you find in North Tenerife. If you are a banana lover, you will be so excited to know that that is Tenerife’s biggest export. Their bananas are nothing like the ones we get in America; they're filled with tropical flavors and notes of mango. I may have eaten my weight in them while there.

Sunset in Puerto de la Cruz

The hiking: Endless variety

The hiking opportunities blew me away. Every trail felt completely different, showcasing the island's incredible diversity. One fascinating phenomenon I learned about: There's often a slight haze over the island, which is actually sand from the Sahara Desert blowing across the ocean. How incredible is that?

Hiking near Montana de Los Poleos

Being an American in Tenerife

Here's something interesting: Locals were consistently surprised to meet an American visitor. They're accustomed to UK and European tourists, so I felt like a bit of a novelty. It made for great conversations and even warmer welcomes.

I had the pleasure of having some of the best guides on the island, and they really made the trip special! Without them, I would have missed out on so many interesting facts. It really proved to me that there's traveling and learning about culture, and then there’s being a standard tourist.

What I missed (and will do next time)

Unfortunately, the ocean was too rough during my visit for the water activities I'd hoped to try—boating, kayaking, and learning to kitesurf are all high on my list for my next visit. I also didn't get to experience the world-class stargazing, which is absolutely happening next time!

Hiking in the Parque Rural de Anaga

Planning your perfect Tenerife trip

• How long to stay?

Six nights is the sweet spot for experiencing Tenerife without feeling rushed. This gives you time to explore both the North and South, hike Teide, enjoy the beaches, and truly soak in the island's culture.

• Extend your adventure: Multi-island & stopover options

Tenerife pairs beautifully with the other Canary Islands. Consider adding:

• La Palma

• Gran Canaria

• Lanzarote

• Any of the other seven Canary Islands

Maximize your transatlantic flight with these incredible stopover options:

• Madrid stopover (via Iberia): Explore Spain's vibrant capital for a few days

• Lisbon Stopover (via TAP Portugal): Experience Portugal's charming coastal city

• Atlantic island hopping: Combine the Azores, Madeira, and Tenerife for the ultimate island adventure

Each of these options adds minimal cost to your airfare while giving you two or three destinations in one trip!

Getting to Tenerife from the USA

Tenerife has two airports, making it accessible year-round.

1. Tenerife North Airport (TFN): Primarily domestic flights

   • Madrid: 2.5 hours

   • Barcelona: 3 hours

   • Also connects through Bilbao, Sevilla, and Málaga

2. Tenerife South Airport (TFS): International hub connected to over 150 European airports with direct flights from major cities:

   • Madrid (Iberia Express): 2.5 hours

   • Lisbon (TAP): 2 hours, 17 minutes

   • Barcelona (Vueling): 3 hours

   • Paris (Transavia/Air France): 4 hours, 20 minutes

   • London Heathrow (British Airways) or Gatwick: 4.5 hours

   • Berlin (Eurowings/Lufthansa): 5 hours, 20 minutes

   • Reykjavik (Icelandair): 5 hours, 25 minutes

Pro tip: Most US travelers will connect through Madrid, Lisbon, or London for the easiest access.

Ready to discover Tenerife?

Whether you're drawn to volcanic landscapes, authentic culture, world-class hiking, or simply escaping to year-round sunshine, Tenerife delivers an experience that's both accessible and extraordinary. It's the kind of place that surprises you—less touristy than you'd expect, more authentic than you'd imagine, and absolutely worth the journey across the Atlantic.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Spain page.