Savings Tips
Tenerife is already inexpensive, but with these strategies, you can get even more out of it:
- Take advantage of IGIC: The Canary Islands have only 7% tax instead of 21% on the mainland. Electronics, alcohol, and perfume are significantly cheaper here — the duty-free effect without duty-free.
- Book rental cars early: Tenerife has some of the cheapest rental cars in Europe (from 10€/day with early booking). Providers like Cicar (local) often offer better prices than international chains.
- TITSA bus card (TenMás): The rechargeable bus card saves 30–50% compared to single tickets. Buy at the airport or TITSA counters (2€ deposit).
- Visit Guachinches: These unofficial restaurants in private homes in the north serve homemade food with their own wine at bargain prices (main course 5–8€). No menu, no decor — just honest food. Google Maps is your friend.
- Free beaches: All beaches in Tenerife are public. Instead of paying 20€ for a lounger at the hotel beach, bring your own towel.
- Hiking is free: The best experiences in Tenerife cost nothing: Anaga hikes, Teide National Park (only cable car and summit permit cost), Masca Gorge, coastal paths.
- Supermarkets: Mercadona has the best value for money, HiperDino is the local favorite, Lidl the cheapest option. Local markets (Mercadillo) for fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Travel in the off-season: May/June and October/November offer the best weather at significantly lower prices than the winter months.
