Building the Perfect Tenerife Itinerary
Planning a trip to Tenerife means setting yourself up for an adventure filled with diverse landscapes, rich culture, and endless activities. From majestic volcanoes and hidden beaches to historic towns and scenic drives, Tenerife has something for every traveler. Creating the perfect itinerary can help you make the most of your time on the island and ensure you experience its many wonders. Here’s a guide to building the ideal itinerary, filled with must-see spots and memorable moments.
Day 1: Discover the South – Sun, Sand, and Relaxation
Begin your trip with a relaxing day on Tenerife’s sunny southern coast, where some of the island’s most popular beaches await.
- Morning at Playa de las Américas: Kick off your trip with a visit to Playa de las Américas, known for its lively atmosphere and golden sands. Take a swim in the ocean, rent a sunbed, and soak up the sun.
- Afternoon in Costa Adeje: Head to Costa Adeje for lunch and enjoy fresh seafood at a beachside restaurant. Afterward, explore the boutiques and enjoy a stroll along the scenic promenade.
- Sunset at El Médano: End the day with a visit to El Médano, a relaxed beach town popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The sunset here, with views of Montaña Roja, is breathtaking.
Day 2: Explore the Majestic Mount Teide
A trip to Tenerife would be incomplete without experiencing the stunning Teide National Park, home to Spain’s highest peak.
- Morning Drive to Teide National Park: Start early and drive up to Teide National Park. The journey offers incredible views, and each elevation brings a different landscape, from pine forests to volcanic plains.
- Cable Car Ride to Teide: Take the cable car up Mount Teide for an unforgettable view from above. If you have a permit, hike to the summit for an even more rewarding experience.
- Stargazing Evening: Teide National Park is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Join an evening stargazing tour or simply enjoy the night sky in one of the world’s top stargazing locations.
Day 3: Discover Tenerife’s Northern Charm
The north of Tenerife offers lush greenery, traditional towns, and a more authentic Canarian experience.
- Morning in La Orotava: Start with a visit to La Orotava, a historic town known for its colonial architecture, beautiful gardens, and charming streets. Walk around the old town, visit Casa de los Balcones, and enjoy a coffee in one of the local cafes.
- Afternoon in Puerto de la Cruz: Just a short drive away is Puerto de la Cruz, a coastal town with a relaxed atmosphere. Visit the famous Lago Martiánez pools, designed by César Manrique, or explore the Botanical Gardens.
- Dinner in a Local Guachinche: End the day with a meal at a guachinche, a traditional Canarian eatery, where you can try local dishes like papas arrugadas with mojo sauce and grilled meats.
Day 4: Adventure in the Anaga Mountains
Tenerife’s Anaga Mountains are a hidden paradise for nature lovers, offering lush forests and scenic trails.
- Morning Hike in Anaga Rural Park: Start with a hike through the ancient laurel forests of Anaga. The trails here range from easy walks to more challenging hikes, all with stunning views of the mountains and ocean.
- Visit Taganana: After your hike, head to the village of Taganana, one of Tenerife’s oldest settlements. Enjoy a seafood lunch at a local restaurant with ocean views, and take a walk around the quaint village.
- Playa de Benijo: Close the day with a visit to Playa de Benijo, a wild, rugged beach surrounded by cliffs. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the beauty of Tenerife’s untouched nature.
Day 5: Relax and Unwind on the Western Coast
For the final day, relax on the western coast and visit some of Tenerife’s most scenic spots.
- Morning at Los Gigantes Cliffs: Start the day by exploring the impressive Los Gigantes cliffs. You can book a boat tour to see the cliffs from the water, with a chance to spot dolphins and whales.
- Afternoon in Garachico: Head to Garachico, a picturesque town with natural lava pools perfect for a swim. Wander around its charming streets, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, and take in the unique architecture.
- Evening Stroll in San Juan de la Rambla: End your trip with a peaceful evening in San Juan de la Rambla, a quiet village with beautiful coastal views and a laid-back atmosphere. Take a last look at the ocean and reflect on the memories you’ve made on the island.
Tips for Your Tenerife Itinerary
- Rent a Car: Having a car makes exploring Tenerife much easier, as many scenic spots are best reached by road.
- Book in Advance: For popular activities like the Teide cable car, it’s best to book tickets in advance to avoid long wait times.
- Stay Flexible: Tenerife has microclimates, so the weather can vary across the island. Keep your plans flexible to adapt to changing conditions.
- Savor Local Flavors: Don’t miss the opportunity to try Canarian dishes at guachinches and local markets for a truly authentic experience.
Summary
Tenerife is an island of endless possibilities, deserving far more than just a few days of exploration. While the suggested itinerary offers a taste of the main attractions, an extended stay allows you to truly immerse yourself in the island’s essence at a more relaxed pace. One or two weeks only scratch the surface of what Tenerife has to offer. To fully appreciate the unique climate, enjoy the tranquility of its smaller villages, and experience the richness of its natural beauty and culture, consider a longer stay—even a month or more.
Our “Village of Longevity” within the Tenerife Eden project is designed to provide just such an opportunity: a long-term retreat where you can explore the island at your own pace, forging a deep connection with nature. Here, every activity is coordinated thoughtfully and without rush, aligned with the philosophy of harmonious, healthy living far from the pressures of mass tourism. Tenerife Eden offers a rare chance to learn a balanced, health-oriented lifestyle in a picturesque setting and community atmosphere.
A longer stay in our Village of Longevity gives you time to fully integrate with nature, discover wellness practices, and experience profound physical and spiritual renewal. Tenerife, with its unique climate and natural diversity, is the perfect place to learn how to live in balance, making our project more than just a retreat—it’s a place where life takes on a new quality.