Tenerife Spain Tourism (2024) Travel Guide Top Places

Tenerife Travel Essentials

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TENERIFE

"Tenerife: The paradise in Canary Islands"

Tenerife Tourism

Tenerife is the largest and most diverse of the Canary Islands, located off the northwest coast of Africa and governed by Spain. This enchanting island, known as the "Island of Eternal Spring," offers a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and a plethora of activities that attract tourists from all over the world. Tenerife boasts a diverse landscape that includes pristine beaches, lush forests, and volcanic mountains. The island's centerpiece is Mount Teide, a dormant volcano and Spain's highest peak, offering breathtaking views from its summit.

Beyond its natural wonders, Tenerife has a rich cultural heritage. The historic towns of La Laguna and La Orotava showcase colonial architecture, while the lively capital city, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, offers modern amenities and an energetic atmosphere. The city also hosts one of the most vibrant and colorful carnivals in the world, second only to Rio de Janeiro. The carnival, held in February or March, features dazzling parades, elaborate costumes, and non-stop celebrations. Tenerife also offers a mouthwatering selection of traditional Canarian dishes, including "papas arrugadas" (wrinkled potatoes), fresh seafood, and "mojo" sauces.

For adventure seekers, Tenerife offers numerous opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, and other outdoor pursuits, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. The waters around Tenerife are rich in marine life, and tourists have the opportunity to go on boat tours to spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Also, Mount Teide's altitude and clear skies provide an excellent environment for star-gazing. The island is home to a renowned astrophysical observatory.

Public Transportation: Tenerife has a reliable public transportation system, including buses and trams, which can take you to most of the island's popular spots.
Rent a Car: Renting a car can be a convenient way to explore Tenerife, especially if you want to venture off the beaten path and discover less touristy areas. International driving licence is mandatory.
Pack Accordingly: Tenerife enjoys a mild climate throughout the year, but temperatures can vary depending on the region and the season. Pack lightweight and breathable clothing, swimwear, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Cash and Cards: While credit cards are widely accepted, it's a good idea to carry some cash, especially for small purchases and in case you encounter places that don't accept cards.
Beach Safety: When visiting the beaches, pay attention to warning flags and lifeguard instructions. Some beaches may have strong currents, so it's essential to prioritize safety.
Beach Etiquette: When visiting the beaches, it's important to know that topless sunbathing is common in Tenerife. However, full nudity is not allowed.
Siesta: Tenerife, like many other Spanish regions, observes a siesta tradition. In the early afternoon, some shops and businesses may close for a few hours and then reopen later in the day. Plan your activities accordingly.
VAT Refund: Non-EU residents can claim a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund on certain purchases. Look for the Tax-Free Shopping logo in stores and follow the procedures to get your refund at the airport when departing the EU.

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Things To Do In Tenerife

Teide National Park

Anaga Rural Park

Siam Park

Loro Parque

Masca Gorge Trail

Anaga Mountains

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45 Villas In Tenerife

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22 5 Star Hotels In Tenerife

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15 Resorts In Tenerife

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50 Luxury Hotels In Tenerife

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50 Cheap Hotels In Tenerife

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Nightlife in Tenerife

Tenerife boasts a vibrant nightlife scene with a wide range of options to suit every taste. The major party areas are centered around popular resorts and towns. In the south, Playa de las Americas and Costa Adeje are famous for their bustling nightlife. The Veronicas Strip in Playa de las Americas is a lively street packed with bars, clubs, and live music venues. Nearby, the Starco Commercial Center offers even more entertainment options. In the southwest, Los Cristianos features a more relaxed nightlife atmosphere with cozy bars and waterfront terraces. In the north, Puerto de la Cruz offers a more traditional Spanish nightlife experience with charming bars and squares like Plaza Charco. Overall, Tenerife's nightlife caters to diverse preferences, making it an exciting destination for party-goers and night owls alike.

Shopping in Tenerife

Tenerife offers a diverse and exciting shopping scene, with plenty of options for retail therapy. The island's major shopping areas and streets are concentrated in various towns and cities. In the capital city, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, you'll find luxury boutiques, department stores, and popular shopping centers like Plaza de España and Calle Castillo, which is a bustling pedestrian street lined with shops and cafes.

In the south, Playa de las Americas and Costa Adeje feature numerous shopping complexes, such as Siam Mall and Gran Sur Shopping Center, offering a mix of fashion brands, electronics, and souvenirs. For a more traditional shopping experience, head to the charming town of La Orotava in the north, where you can explore quaint shops selling local crafts and delicacies.

Additionally, Tenerife hosts various street markets, where you can purchase fresh produce, handmade items, and souvenirs. The Mercado Nuestra Señora de África in Santa Cruz and Mercado de Nuestra Señora de Africa in Puerto de la Cruz are two popular markets worth visiting. From modern malls to traditional markets, Tenerife provides a delightful shopping experience for every visitor.

History of Tenerife

The native inhabitants of Tenerife were primitive cave dwellers known as Guanches who were originally from North Africa. They were staying here since 200 BC. It was the last island that fell under the Spanish in 1946 and then gradually it became an important centre for trade. It was also subject to invasion by the marauding pirates. In 1821, Santa Cruz de Tenerife was declared as the capital of the Canaries by Madrid. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria remain incensed till 1927, when Madrid split the archipelago in two provinces. Economic links started developing in a better way between the Canaries and Americans. In later years, emigrants like Latin Americans brought influences that are still evident in the food and music of present Tenerife.

Daily Budget for Tenerife

A budget traveler in Tenerife can expect to spend around 30-55 Euros per day on food, transport, and attractions. Budget travelers can enjoy meals at local cafes and restaurants for around 15-25 Euros per day. Opting for menu del día (daily menus) can be more economical. Using public transportation like buses or trams is cost-effective, with a daily budget of 5-10 Euros for getting around the island. Tenerife offers a mix of free and paid attractions. Budgeting around 10-20 Euros per day for entry fees to attractions, parks, and activities should suffice.

Exchanging Money in Tenerife

The rate of exchange of currency keeps varying from time to time. Travellers are advised to bring traveller cheques, credit cards and about 2 days worth of Euros. There are Spanish auto banks where anyone with a visa based card can withdraw cash in Euro. One may also withdraw cashing using switch cards. The credit cards are acceptable in most shops and restaurants.

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FAQs on Tenerife

What are the places near Tenerife?

The top places near to Tenerife are Canary islands which is 0 km from Tenerife, Barcelona which is located 2242 km from Tenerife, Madrid which is located 1792 km from Tenerife, Ibiza which is located 2051 km from Tenerife, Majorca which is located 2203 km from Tenerife

What are the things to do in Tenerife?

The top things to do in Tenerife are Teide National Park, Parque Rural de Anaga, Siam Park, Loro Parque, Masca Walk, Playa del Duque. You can see all the places to visit in Tenerife here

What is the local food in Tenerife?

The major part of their local diet is the fish and you can get a large range of fishes to choose from. These are generally hand caught and freshly prepared for you. Another native dish is papas arrugadas which is basically black potatoes served unpeeled and covered with rock salt. These are best eaten with local sauce. The most special dish of Spain, Tapas are eaten with a lot of local specialities like refried beans, garlic sauces and squid. Spanish meals such as paella(rice dish with seafood) and tortilla (potato omlette) are pretty common here. The southern part of the island has a lot of junk food restaurants that serve chips, pizzas and hamburgers. The traditional Canarian restaurants that one can try are Meson Era las Mozas in Valle San Lorenzo and El Cordero in Guargacho. They serve different types of meat prepared on a barbeque.
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What is the best time to visit Tenerife?

The best time to visit Tenerife is during Spring or Autumn. The subtropical climate of this island ensures plenty of sunshine all year round. It is truly an alluring destination irrespective of when you visit. The Canary Islands are often called the ‘Islands of Eternal Spring’ owing to the year-round sunshine. The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife, is most famous for its Carnaval de Santa Cruz that involves parades, dancing, music and colourful costumes. August is the best month to visit Tenerife for water sports. Summer, as well as winter, form the peak season for tourism in Tenerife. The island gets especially busy in summer owing to the school vacations. The Canary Islands are the warmest place in Europe during the winters. Europeans tend to flock to Tenerife to avoid chilly temperatures and snow in their hometown. Winter is also carnival season, adding to the crowds. Spring and Autumn constitute the low season for tourism in Tenerife. You can get the cheapest deals on flights and accommodation during this time. One advantage of Tenerife is that it is a year-round holiday destination, and none of the activities or public places shut down during any of the seasons.
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Tenerife Travel Essentials

TENERIFE

"Tenerife: The paradise in Canary Islands"

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