Tenerife
Tenerife is the Canary Island of year-round sunshine, volcanic drama, golden beaches, lively resorts and mountain scenery, making it one of Spain’s most rewarding holiday destinations.
Excellent
4.6
Tenerife
Tenerife is an island of contrasts, and that is what makes it such a brilliant choice for so many different kinds of holiday. One moment you are walking along a palm-lined promenade in Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos, with the Atlantic shining beside you and the promise of a long lunch by the sea; the next, you are driving into the volcanic highlands of Teide National Park, where black lava fields, pine forests and enormous skies make the island feel wild and elemental. The south is where many travellers come for the dependable sunshine, family-friendly hotels, beach clubs, water parks, marina restaurants and easy resort life, while the north offers a greener, more traditional Tenerife, with historic towns, banana plantations, dramatic cliffs, local markets and a slower rhythm.
This is an island that can be as relaxed or as adventurous as you want it to be. You can spend your days swimming at Playa de las Vistas, whale watching from Los Cristianos, dining in La Caleta, shopping in Santa Cruz, wandering the colonial streets of La Laguna, exploring the forests of Anaga or watching the sunset above the clouds on Mount Teide. Tenerife is especially good for winter sun, but it works just as well for summer family holidays, couples’ escapes, walking trips, group getaways and longer stays where you want more than just a beach. It has warmth, scale, variety and a real sense of place, with enough scenery, culture and resort comfort to make every visit feel properly worthwhile.
Tenerife’s Most Popular Resorts
Tenerife’s resorts are mainly clustered around the warmer south and southwest coast, where sunshine, beaches and holiday facilities are at their strongest. Each resort has its own feel, so it is worth choosing carefully depending on whether you want nightlife, luxury, family comfort, beach days or a quieter coastal escape.
Costa Adeje is one of Tenerife’s smartest and most popular resorts, known for its quality hotels, stylish seafront, beach clubs, shopping centres and excellent restaurants. It is ideal for couples and families who want comfort, good beaches and a polished resort atmosphere without losing access to the island’s bigger attractions.
Playa de las Américas is best known for nightlife, entertainment, bars, restaurants and a lively holiday atmosphere. It suits groups, younger travellers and anyone who wants plenty happening close by, while still offering beach access, shopping and easy connections to nearby Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje.
Los Cristianos has a more established, easy-going feel, with a working harbour, sandy beaches, boat trips and a broad choice of restaurants. It is a good all-round resort for families, couples and older travellers who like a lively but not overwhelming base with plenty within walking distance.
Puerto de la Cruz sits on the greener north coast and offers a more traditional side of Tenerife, with historic streets, botanical gardens, sea pools and a local town atmosphere. It is best for travellers who prefer character, culture and scenery over a classic purpose-built beach resort.
Los Gigantes is famous for its towering cliffs, dramatic sea views and quieter west coast setting. It is a strong choice for couples and travellers who want scenery, boat trips, relaxed evenings and a more intimate base away from the busiest southern resorts.
Golf del Sur is a relaxed resort area close to the airport, known for golf courses, coastal walks, hotels and a quieter pace. It suits couples, golfers and repeat visitors who want sunshine, space and easy access to the south coast without staying in the busiest resort centres.
Latest Offers
Explore our latest Tenerife holiday offers, from winter sun escapes and family beach breaks to great-value packages with flights, hotels, transfers and flexible resort choices.
Our Top Destinations in Tenerife
Tenerife is much more varied than many first-time visitors expect, with beach resorts, volcanic landscapes, historic towns and dramatic coastlines all within reach. These standout places show the island at its best and are well worth building into your holiday.
Teide National Park
Teide National Park
Teide National Park is Tenerife’s signature landscape and one of the most memorable places in the Canary Islands. The road climbs through pine forests and lava fields before opening into a vast volcanic world of craters, rock formations and high-altitude views, making it essential for anyone who wants to understand the island beyond the beaches.
Costa Adeje
Costa Adeje
Costa Adeje is one of Tenerife’s best holiday bases, with excellent hotels, sandy beaches, beach clubs, restaurants, shopping and family attractions close at hand. It is polished without feeling too formal and works well for couples, families and anyone who wants a comfortable sunshine holiday with plenty of choice.
Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz offers a more local and characterful experience on the north coast, with old streets, sea pools, gardens, restaurants and a scenic Atlantic setting. It is a rewarding choice for travellers who want culture, greenery and a different side of Tenerife from the southern resort strip.
Los Gigantes
Los Gigantes
Los Gigantes is one of Tenerife’s most dramatic coastal destinations, with enormous cliffs rising from the sea and boat trips departing in search of dolphins and whales. It is a quieter, scenic place to visit or stay, especially for travellers who love sea views and slower evenings.
Transport Options in Tenerife
Flights
Tenerife has two airports, Tenerife South and Tenerife North-Ciudad de La Laguna. Most holidaymakers staying in the southern resorts use Tenerife South because it is closest to Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos, Golf del Sur and Los Gigantes, while Tenerife North is useful for Santa Cruz, La Laguna, Puerto de la Cruz and onward connections.
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are a simple and cost-effective way to reach your resort, especially if you are staying in the popular south coast areas. Shared transfers can usually be added to your Travel Cheaper package and are a good option for travellers who want everything arranged before they arrive.
Private Transfers
Private transfers are ideal if you want a quicker, more comfortable arrival after your flight. They are especially useful for families with children, groups with luggage, late arrivals or travellers staying in resorts further from Tenerife South, such as Los Gigantes or Puerto de la Cruz.
Car Hire
Car hire is a brilliant option in Tenerife if you want to explore properly, because the island’s best scenery is spread across coast, mountains, forests and traditional towns. A car gives you the freedom to visit Teide National Park, Masca, Anaga, Garachico, La Orotava and the quieter northern coastline at your own pace.
Tenerife is part of Spain, so Irish citizens travelling from the Republic of Ireland do not need a visa for a holiday on the island. Travellers should hold a valid Irish passport for the duration of their stay, and every passenger, including children and infants, must have their own passport. Non-Irish citizens living in Ireland may have different entry requirements and should check whether a Schengen visa is needed before booking. Entry rules can change, so it is always sensible to check official travel advice before departure.
Tenerife is one of Europe’s strongest year-round sunshine destinations, with mild winters, warm summers and a noticeable difference between the drier south and the greener north. The south coast, including Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas, is usually the best choice for reliable beach weather, especially in winter. Spring and autumn are excellent times to travel if you want warm days, fewer crowds and better conditions for exploring Teide, Anaga and the island’s towns. July and August are warmer and busier, making them ideal for school-holiday beach breaks, while winter is perfect for travellers who want sunshine without flying long haul.
6 Travel Tips for Visiting Tenerife
Tenerife’s weather can change dramatically between the sunny south, greener north and high volcanic interior, so check the forecast for the area you are actually visiting rather than relying on one island-wide prediction.
If you want to take the cable car or visit the highest parts of Mount Teide, book early and check access rules in advance, as spaces, weather conditions and permits can affect what you are able to do.
You do not need a car for every day in the main resorts, but hiring one for two or three days gives you a much better chance to see Teide, Masca, Anaga, Garachico and the quieter northern towns.
The breeze and altitude can make the sun feel less intense than it really is, so wear proper sun protection on beaches, boat trips, walking days and especially when visiting Teide National Park.
Some Tenerife beaches have Atlantic currents and stronger surf than they appear to have from the sand, so always follow local swim flags and be especially careful on exposed northern beaches.
Even if you are staying in the south, spend at least one day in the north to experience historic towns, greener scenery, local food and a more traditional side of the island.
Things To Do in Majorca
Majorca is much more than a beach destination. From scenic coastal drives and pretty mountain villages to historic landmarks, local markets, boat trips and family attractions, the island offers plenty to enjoy between relaxing days in the sun.
Things to Do
Cultural Highlights
5 Things to Do in Tenerife
Tenerife is packed with memorable days out, from volcanic adventures and sea safaris to water parks, mountain villages and historic towns. The best holidays here mix resort relaxation with a few well-chosen excursions that show the island’s full character.
Visit Mount Teide National Park
Mount Teide National Park is the island’s most iconic attraction, with volcanic plains, lava formations and Spain’s highest peak rising above the clouds. Whether you drive through the park, stop at viewpoints or take the cable car, it is a must-do experience that gives Tenerife its real sense of scale.
Go Whale Watching from Los Cristianos
Whale and dolphin watching is one of Tenerife’s most rewarding sea experiences, with boat trips departing from the southern coast around Los Cristianos, Puerto Colón and Los Gigantes. The views back towards the island are beautiful, and seeing marine life in the Atlantic adds something genuinely memorable to a sunshine holiday.
Spend the Day at Siam Park
Siam Park is one of Tenerife’s biggest family attractions and a favourite for water slides, lazy rivers, wave pools and full-day fun. It is especially good for families and groups staying in Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas or Los Cristianos, as it is easy to reach and gives a complete break from the beach routine.
Explore Masca Village
Masca is one of Tenerife’s most dramatic mountain villages, set among steep ravines, winding roads and remarkable views. The journey is part of the experience, so go with time to spare, travel carefully and enjoy the sense of arriving somewhere completely different from the resort coast.
Relax at Playa de las Teresitas
Playa de las Teresitas is one of Tenerife’s prettiest beaches, with golden sand, calm water and a palm-lined setting near Santa Cruz. It is a great stop if you are exploring the north or east of the island and want a beach day with a more local feel.
5 Cultural Highlights in Tenerife
Tenerife’s culture is found in its colonial towns, religious festivals, local markets, food traditions, architecture and strong island identity. Away from the resort promenades, the island has a rich history and a proud Canarian character that rewards curious travellers.
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
San Cristóbal de La Laguna is Tenerife’s most important historic city and a beautiful place to wander, with colourful buildings, courtyards, churches and elegant streets. Its old centre gives a strong sense of the island’s colonial history and makes a superb cultural day out from either the north or south.
La Orotava Old Town
La Orotava is one of the island’s loveliest traditional towns, known for its historic houses, wooden balconies, gardens and views towards the valley. It is a rewarding stop for travellers who want architecture, atmosphere and a glimpse of Tenerife’s more refined inland heritage.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz is the island’s capital and a lively working city with shops, museums, plazas, markets and a famous carnival tradition. It is a good place to experience everyday Tenerife, especially if you combine a city wander with the nearby beach at Las Teresitas.
Garachico Historic Quarter
Garachico is one of Tenerife’s most atmospheric coastal towns, shaped by volcanic history and known for its old streets, sea pools and handsome architecture. It is a wonderful place for a slower afternoon, especially if you like towns with character rather than polished resort design.
Basilica of Candelaria
The Basilica of Candelaria is one of Tenerife’s most important religious landmarks and a key pilgrimage site for the Canary Islands. Its seafront setting, statues and cultural importance make it worth visiting for travellers interested in local faith, tradition and island identity.
What are the best things to do in Majorca?
Popular things to do include visiting Palma’s old town, exploring the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, taking a boat trip along the coast, visiting traditional villages and spending time at the island’s beaches and coves.
Is Majorca good for families?
Yes, Majorca is a great family destination, with sandy beaches, shallow waters, family-friendly resorts, waterparks, boat trips and plenty of relaxed places to eat.
Can you explore Majorca without hiring a car?
Yes, many resorts have good local facilities, and buses, taxis and organised excursions make it possible to explore without driving. A car can be useful for visiting quieter beaches, villages and mountain viewpoints.
What is Majorca best known for?
Majorca is best known for its beaches, sunshine, scenic coastline, relaxed resorts, historic Palma, pretty villages and the dramatic Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.
Is Majorca only for beach holidays?
No, Majorca is also great for sightseeing, cycling, walking, food, shopping, culture, romantic escapes and luxury hotel stays.
Why Tenerife Is a Must Visit
Sunshine, Volcanoes and Island Variety
Tenerife is a must-visit destination because it offers the comfort of a reliable sunshine holiday with the scenery and variety of a much bigger adventure. It has beaches, resorts, restaurants, nightlife and family attractions, but it also has mountain roads, volcanic landscapes, historic towns, forests, cliffs and viewpoints that make the island feel rich and layered.
For families, Tenerife offers easy resorts, water parks, beach days, boat trips and hotels built around comfort and convenience. For couples, there are sunset dinners, spa hotels, coastal walks, scenic drives and quieter villages. For groups, the south coast brings nightlife, activities and plenty of places to eat and drink, while active travellers can walk, cycle, surf, dive and explore Teide and Anaga. Tenerife works because it gives every traveller a different version of the island, whether they come for winter sun, summer beaches, culture, nature or a holiday that balances relaxation with real discovery.
Thank you for contacting us.
We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
We got it.
Tell Us About Your Tenerife Plans
Ready to plan your Tenerife escape? Send us your travel details and the Dawson Travel team will help you find the right holiday options, from beach resorts and family-friendly stays to luxury hotels, transfers and car hire that can be added to your package.
