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Tenerife

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Tenerife

The largest Canary Island, home to Spain's highest peak, the volcano of Mount Teide, along with old towns, whale-rich seas and year-round sun.

Tenerife is the largest of Spain's Canary Islands, lying in the Atlantic off the northwest coast of Africa. It is best known for Mount Teide, a volcano that is the highest peak in Spain and the centre of a UNESCO-listed national park. Around it the island changes fast, from busy southern beach resorts to green northern hills, the old town of La Laguna and the lively city of Santa Cruz. With warm weather all year, it works as both a beach holiday and an outdoor one.

What Tenerife is known for

Tenerife is the island people picture when they think of the Canaries, and much of that is down to Mount Teide. At 3,718 metres it is the highest mountain in Spain, and the volcanic park around it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with lunar lava fields, a cable car near the summit and some of the clearest night skies in Europe for stargazing. The rest of the island is just as varied. The south has the big resorts, reliable sun and long beaches, while the greener north has banana plantations, the laurel forests of the Anaga hills and the historic town of La Laguna, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its grid of old streets and coloured buildings. The capital, Santa Cruz, hosts one of the world's largest carnivals each year. Add a strong local food scene, whale and dolphin watching in the channel towards La Gomera, and mountain villages like Masca, and Tenerife really is several islands in one. It rewards anyone who looks beyond the beach.

Things to do in Tenerife

For nature, drive or take the cable car up Mount Teide, the national park at the island's heart, and stay after dark for world-class stargazing. If you like history, wander the old streets of La Laguna or the colourful capital, Santa Cruz. Beach lovers have the southern resorts and the golden sand of Playa de las Teresitas, while hikers head to the laurel forests of Anaga or the mountain village of Masca. For something memorable, take a boat trip to spot whales and dolphins in the channel. Whichever way you want to play, Tenerife has it.

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Where to stay in Tenerife

Where you base yourself changes the trip. The southern resorts like Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos offer reliable sun, beaches and family hotels. The capital, Santa Cruz, and nearby La Laguna suit anyone after city life and culture. For green scenery and a quieter feel, Puerto de la Cruz and the northern towns are the better choice.

Food and drink in Tenerife

Canarian food is simple and full of flavour. The classic is papas arrugadas, salty wrinkled potatoes served with red and green mojo sauces. Look out for fresh fish, goat cheese and hearty meat dishes in a guachinche, a rustic family-run eatery. Tenerife also makes good volcanic wines, best tried in the wine towns of the north.

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Best time to visit Tenerife

Tenerife is a year-round destination, with warm, mild weather even in winter, which makes it popular for winter sun. Spring and autumn are ideal, with comfortable temperatures for both the beach and hiking. Summer is the busiest and warmest season. Note that the green north is cooler and cloudier than the sunny south, so the south is the safer bet for guaranteed sunshine.

Getting to Tenerife and around

Tenerife has two airports. Tenerife South (TFS) takes most international flights and is closest to the main resorts, while Tenerife North (TFN) handles more flights between the islands. Both link to the UK and Europe, especially in winter. Ferries connect Tenerife with the other Canary Islands, including La Gomera and Gran Canaria. On the island, hiring a car is the best way to reach Teide, the north and the mountain villages, though buses cover the main towns and resorts.

Nearest Airport in Tenerife

Tenerife South Airport

TFS

Tenerife North Airport

TFN

Travel tips for visiting Tenerife

Book Teide cable car tickets online in advance, as they sell out, and bring warm layers for the summit. If you want to hike to the very top of Teide, you need a free permit booked ahead. Hire a car to explore the green north and mountain villages, which buses do not always reach. The south is sunnier than the north, so pick your base to match the weather you want. Try a guachinche for cheap, authentic Canarian food away from the resorts. Pack for stargazing in Teide park after sunset, where the skies are exceptional.

Events happening in Tenerife

What's on in Tenerife during your travel dates - annual festivals events.

FAQs about visiting Tenerife

Helpful answers for planning your visit to Tenerife.

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