Ten, ten, Tenerife across the board! Feel like a winner on a holiday to Tenerife, where beautiful beaches, resorts lined with sun-loungers, and epic volcanic backdrops await. No wonder it’s one of our all-time favourite fly-and-flop getaways.

Beach day every day

Tenerife is a tan-topping paradise with more than 300 days of sunshine every year. Pick out a spot under the palm trees of Playa de Las Teresitas or head to Playa de la Tejita for uncrowded views of Montaña Roja, a red-hued coastal volcano.

When the wind picks up (and it often does) bundle your bits in a beach bag and make a beeline for the golden sands of El Médano. Expect paddleboarding, windsurfing, kite surfing and plenty more watersports.

Head for the hills

Planning on punctuating your sunbathing with some rewarding hikes? You’re in the right place – Tenerife’s diverse landscapes are the perfect backdrops for trail hiking.

Head to Teide National Park for volcanic scenery and jutting pine forests. If you prefer the view without the exercise, get behind the wheel and drive through the middle instead (we won’t tell anyone!).

Elsewhere, the Masca Gorge Trail is gorge-ous. With routes for everyone from beginners to the hardiest of hikers, it takes in black-sand beaches and stunning coastal cliffs.

Get in the festival spirit

Stick a pin in the calendar and chances are there’s a festival happening in Tenerife. February’s Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the jewel in the crown with its parades, extravagant costumes, live music and dancing.

Canary Islands Day, in May, is marked across the island with traditional arts and crafts, local cuisine and more joyous street parades. For something a little more modern, check out Sunblast, a 15,000-strong gathering of electronic music lovers across five stages in Costa Adeje. It’s usually on in July or August.

Sneak Peek

Best for... Beaches, beaches and beaches! It’s always tanning weather in Tenerife ⛱️

Go... In the shoulder season for a bargain break with brilliant weather ☀️

You have to... Soak up the sunshine on a volcanic, black-sand beach 🌋

Details

Currency

Euro

Language

Spanish

Time difference

GMT +1

Cost of a beer

€3

3-course meal

€25 - €30

Flight time

4-5 hrs

Sun, sea, surfing and sangria

Playa de las Teresitas is easily one of Tenerife’s best beaches. Just outside the island capital, here you can take a dip in the ocean and refuel with cocktails and fresh seafood, all in an afternoon. For a more rugged day down by the shore, head for the volcanic sands of El Bollullo. What it lacks in amenities, it more than makes up for in pure natural beauty! The charming Playa Jardin is another excellent place to stop, especially if you like sunbathing with snow-capped mountain views.

Dancing shoes are non-negotiable

Tenerife? When it comes to nights out, this Canary Island is more like Elevenife! Brag-worthy nights start in Playa de las Américas, where you can take your pick from British and Irish pubs, cocktail bars, nightclubs and more (try the Magic Lounge Club and Tramps Tenerife). However, the ultimate party takes place in February with the arrival of Carnaval de Santa Cruz. The city is abuzz for two weeks of vivid festivities but the Carnival Queen’s Gala is easily the best of the street spectacular.

Family-friendly fun for all ages

Tenerife has you covered whether you’re a family that flies in and flops by the pool or hits the hiking trails the moment you land. Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Los Gigantes are built for family fun thanks to their jam-packed resorts, waterparks and theme parks (hello, Siam Park!) all within easy reach of a beach or two. For day trips with a difference, take in the epic volcano views at Teide National Park or spot great apes, parrots, big cats and everything in between at Loro Parque.