Two Airports Tenerife has two airports — a unique feature among the Canary Islands: Aeropuerto de Tenerife Sur — Reina Sofía (TFS) The main airport for tourists in the south of the island, near the highway between Los Cristianos and El Médano. Almost all holiday flights from Germany, Austria,

Rental Car — The Best Choice A rental car is by far the best option on Tenerife. The island can be crossed from north to south in 1–1.5 hours, the highways (TF-1 in the south, TF-5 in the north) are excellent, gasoline is cheaper than on the mainland, and many of the most beautiful places (Anaga,

EU Citizens As an EU citizen, you do not need a visa. Tenerife is part of Spain and thus the Schengen Area. You only need a valid ID card or passport. For direct flights from Germany: no passport control, but still bring your ID (airlines check). Important: Although Tenerife belongs to the EU, the i

Internet & Communication

Mobile Internet Thanks to EU roaming, you can use your German mobile contract in Tenerife without additional costs. Surfing, calling, and texting are included in your plan. The network coverage in Tenerife is excellent — 4G/5G everywhere along the coast and in the cities. In the mountains (Anaga, Te

Health Tenerife has a good healthcare system (part of the Spanish Sistema Nacional de Salud). No special vaccinations required. Bring EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) for treatments in public health centers (Centros de Salud). A travel health insurance is recommended — especially for activities

Packing List & Clothing

Year-round Light clothing: T-shirts, shorts, light dresses. Tenerife is warm all year round. Sun protection: Sunscreen (SPF 30+, on Teide SPF 50+), sunglasses, hat/cap. Swimwear: At least two — one dries, one you wear. Light jacket/sweater: For evenings and the north (can be cool even in summer). H

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Travel Guide Tenerife

Your Complete Travel Guide to Tenerife

Capital:Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Language:Spanish (Canarian dialect)

Currency:Euro (€)

Best Travel Time:Year-round / Mar–May & Oct

Flight Time:4–5 hours from DE

Visa:Not required (EU/Schengen)

Last updated: 19 March 2026 · 11 Chapters · 39 Sections

RECOMMENDED

Route Suggestions

Complete Tenerife Tour

10–14 days

The grand tour showcasing all facets of the island — from the UNESCO Old Town through primeval forests and volcanic peaks to the southern beaches. Best with a rental car, changing locations every 2–3 days.

Santa CruzLa LagunaAnaga-GebirgePuerto de la CruzLa OrotavaIcod/GarachicoMascaLos GigantesTeide-NationalparkCosta AdejeLos Cristianos

Nature & Hiking Intensive

7 days

For hikers and nature lovers: The island's most spectacular trails — from the laurel forests of Anaga through the lunar landscape of Teide to the legendary Masca Gorge. Good fitness required.

Anaga-GebirgePuerto de la CruzTeide-NationalparkMasca-SchluchtTeno-Gebirge

Beach & Indulgence

7 days

Relaxed indulgence vacation with the most beautiful beaches, best restaurants, and a trip to the starry sky on Teide. Ideal for couples and connoisseurs.

Costa AdejeLos GigantesGarachicoPuerto de la CruzTeide (Sternbeobachtung)

Family Tenerife

7–10 days

The most family-friendly route: safe beaches, Europe's best water park, zoos, a cable car ride to the volcano, and a pirate adventure by ferry to the neighboring island. Children love Tenerife.

Costa Adeje/Los CristianosSiam ParkLoro ParqueTeideLa Gomera (Tagesausflug)

All Chapters

Planning· 3 Chapters

Chapter 1

Welcome to Tenerife

4 Sections

Chapter 2

Best Travel Time & Climate

3 Sections

Chapter 3

Budget & Costs

3 Sections

Regions· 4 Chapters

Chapter 4

The South

5 Sections

Chapter 5

The North

5 Sections

Chapter 6

Teide & Center

4 Sections

Chapter 7

Santa Cruz & La Laguna

3 Sections

Understanding· 2 Chapters

Chapter 8

History & Guanches

3 Sections

Chapter 9

Culture, Food & Drink

3 Sections

Practical· 2 Chapters

Chapter 10

Arrival & Transport

2 Sections

Chapter 11

Practical A–Z

4 Sections

Discover More Travel Guides

Regions at a Glance

The South

Tenerife's sun-drenched south is the tourist powerhouse: golden beaches, the cliffs of Los Gigantes, Europe's best water park, and the best whale watching tours in the Atlantic — plus the legendary Masca Gorge.

Playa del DuqueLos Gigantes CliffsWhale WatchingSiam Park+1

Playa De Las Americas Los Cristianos Costa Adeje

The North

The green, authentic Tenerife: Puerto de la Cruz with historic charm, the colonial jewel La Orotava, the mystical Anaga Mountains with ancient laurel forests, and Garachico's natural seawater pools in volcanic rock.

Puerto de la CruzAnaga Mountains (UNESCO)Drago MilenarioGarachico Natural Pools+1

Puerto De La Cruz

Teide & Center

The heart of the island belongs to the volcano: The Teide National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — offers an extraterrestrial lunar landscape, Spain's highest peak, and one of the clearest night skies in the world for stargazing.

Pico del Teide (3,715 m)Roques de GarcíaStargazingPaisaje Lunar+1

Santa Cruz & La Laguna

Tenerife's urban side: Santa Cruz with Calatrava's futuristic auditorium and the second-largest carnival in the world. La Laguna as a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a colonial gem whose street plan inspired the cities of Latin America.

Auditorio de TenerifeCarnivalLa Laguna UNESCO Old TownMUNA (Guanche Museum)+1

Santa Cruz De Tenerife