One Week Tenerife Itinerary
A Traveler’s Guide to an unforgettable 7-day Trip to the largest of the Canary Islands
Looking for the perfect one week Tenerife itinerary for your trip to the biggest of the Canary Islands? I’ve got you covered!
I have spent a fantastic 7 days in Tenerife and will let you know what you need to see and do as there is lots to discover and to explore.
To make sure that you do not miss out on any of the best places to visit in Tenerife, I have prepared this one week Tenerife itinerary. It will cover the best there is to visit in that short time, including mountains, sandy beaches, cities and traditional villages.
Getting around Tenerife
If you have 7 days on the island and want to see as much as possible, you only have two options: book daily tours to cover the main sites and excursions, or rent a car. I do recommend a rental car in order to be flexible.
It is best and the most convenient to rent a vehicle directly from the airport upon arrival. Prices are quite reasonable. Last time, I did pay around €120,00 for one week including full coverage insurance.
Overview of your Tenerife 1 week itinerary
Following my itinerary, your 7 day trip to Tenerife will be one you’ll always remember, with each day filled with some of the island’s best attractions.
The secret to experiencing all the highlights of this Tenerife itinerary is to rise early. Especially if you’re visiting during the peak season, you’ll encounter many other tourists, which could impact your ability to see everything on your list.
Here is a breakdown of your one week Tenerife day-by-day itinerary. Feel free to adjust the sequence of days to suit your preferences and the weather forecast!
Breakdown of your 7 Day Tenerife Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival & Los Gigantes
- Day 2: Masca and Punta de Teno
- Day 3: Whale Watching & Samara Mountain
- Day 4: Teide National Park
- Day 5: Santa Cruz de Tenerife & Playa de Las Teresitas
- Day 6: Anaga Rural Park
- Day 7: La Lagna and Departure
How to spend 7 days in Tenerife
Let’s get to the details! Here comes your Tenerife one week itinerary for your perfect holiday getaway.
Day 1: Arrival & Los Gigantes
Morning
Arrival: Fly into either Tenerife South or Tenerife North airport. Pick up your rental car for the week.
Los Gigantes Head to Los Gigantes, famous for its towering cliffs. Start your visit with a stroll to get a feel for the area and admire the stunning views.
Afternoon
Natural Pools: Take a refreshing dip in the Piscina Natural Acantilado de Los Gigantes. These natural pools are formed by volcanic rocks. The clear, cool water is perfect for a relaxing swim while enjoying the dramatic coastal scenery.
Kayaking: If you’re up for some adventure, opt for a kayaking excursion around the cliffs of Los Gigantes. This activity offers a fantastic perspective of the towering cliffs and the clear blue Atlantic waters.
Kayaking here allows you to get even more impressed by the cliffs as you will be kayaking close to that impressive “wall”. I can highly recommend the 2 hour sea kayak trip from Teno Activo which I took.
My Tip: For kayaking you should dress in swim wear, bring a towel, lots of sun screen, a hat and if you want to take your own pictures, a waterproof cell phone case with you. Check out my Packing List for Tenerife to find out what else to pack.
Day 2: Masca and Punta de Teno
Morning
Masca Valley: Drive to Masca, a picturesque village set in a deep ravine. The drive itself offers stunning views and is an adventure on its own due to the winding mountain roads. The village, with its lovely houses and narrow streets, feels like a step back in time.
Once in Masca, explore the village and enjoy the beautiful landscapes. You can take a short hike around the village to admire the dramatic scenery, including terraced fields and lush greenery.
The famous Masca Gorge Trail does require a special permit which you need to buy way in advance. It does cost €30,00 per person. ⇨ More information here.
Afternoon
Punta de Teno: Head to the westernmost point of the island. The drive offers breathtaking coastal views.
Visit the Punta de Teno lighthouse and enjoy the stunning sea cliffs and crashing waves. This remote spot offers some of the best views on the island and is perfect for photography.
If you’re interested in a bit more activity, take a short hike around the area to enjoy the unique landscapes and panoramic views of the ocean. The trails here are relatively easy and offer incredible views of the rugged coastline.
Insider Tip: Before driving to Masca check with a Tourist Information Center first, if the winding mountain road is open for private cars. If not, you will have to change in Santiago del Teide to the local bus 355 to get to Masca.
Day 3: Whale Watching & Mount Samara
Morning
Whale Watching: The ocean stretch between Tenerife and La Gomera island is natural habitat of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. Therefore Costa Adeje is a great spot for starting a responsible whale watching boat tour to admire those fantastic animals.
Whale watching tours typically last a couple of hours and provide excellent opportunities for photography and learning about these magnificent creatures. Just make sure to book an eco- and animal friendly tour, like this one I joined.
Dolphin & Whale Eco-Cruise
✅Eco-friendly Catamaran
✅Responsible Dolphin and Whale Watching
✅Underwater sound equipment to hear the animals
✅3-hour or 5-hour options with food, drinks, and swimming time
Afternoon
Samara Mountain: Drive up to the Mirador de Sámara in Teide National Park. From here a moderately easy hike starts taking you to the peak of Samara Volcano and through the breathtaking volcanic landscape.
You will have fantastic views of the coastline and the neighboring Canary Islands. ⇨ Detailed GPS track and more pictures
My Tip: Wear layers as it can be cool on your whale-watching tour as well as in Teide National Park. If weather permits, just a 5 minute drive further up the road to Mirador de las Narices del Teide (⇨ Location) to watch a beautiful sunset with a fantastic view of the ocean.
Day 4: Teide National Park
Morning
Mount Teide: Drive again up to Teide National Park and visit Spain’s highest peak. The drive itself is very scenic, passing through various landscapes from lush forests to barren volcanic fields.
Take the cable car up for some panoramic views up to 3555m. I recommend booking your ticket here in advance. This ride offers a stunning view of the volcanic landscape and the surrounding islands on a clear day.
At the top, you are able to walk along one of the free-access trails but not to the peak as a permit is required for that.
Afternoon
Hiking in Mount Teide National Park: Explore trails such as Roques de Garcia. This 3.5 km trail offers close-up views of the unique rock formations and volcanic landscape. The trail is relatively easy and provides excellent photo opportunities.
For the more adventurous, hike the Alto de Guajara trail. This 11km long trail is a bit more challenging but rewards you with stunning views of Mount Teide and the surrounding areas. The hike takes you through varied landscapes and offers spectacular views from the summit.
Both hikes do start at the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide (2151m).
My Tip: Start your day early to avoid crowds at the cable car and pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic spots in the park. Remember: You won’t get to the very top of Mount Teide as for that you do need a permit which you need to book months in advance.
You want to go to the summit? Than I recommend joining this guided tour which includes all the above activities plus the summit permit and pickup in Tenerife South.
Mount Teide Hiking Day Trip & Cable Car
✅Mount Teide Summit Permit
✅Cable Car Ticket
✅Small group (2-10 People)
✅Pick up in Tenerife South
Day 5: Santa Cruz de Tenerife & Playa de Las Teresitas
Morning
Santa Cruz: Drive to the capital city of Santa Cruz. The city offers a mix of modern and historical attractions.
Start your day with a visit to the bustling market Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África. It’s a great place to experience local life, try some Canarian delicacies and find souvenirs to take home.
The market is a vibrant spot filled with stalls selling fresh produce, local cheeses, and traditional pastries.
Stroll through the streets and do not miss the iconic Auditorio de Tenerife, known for its unique architectural design.
The city was founded in 1494 and quickly became one of the main ports on the route between Europe and the American colonies.
You will find evidence of this period in the form of historic buildings and churches in the citys old town. Other places of interest include the Plaza del Príncipe, Plaza Weyler, Plaza San Francisco and Plaza de Candelaria.
Afternoon
Playa de Las Teresitas: Head to this beautiful golden sand beach located just north of Santa Cruz.
Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach, swimming, and enjoying the scenic views of the surrounding mountains and the village of San Andrés. The beach is protected by a breakwater, making it ideal for swimming.
Day 6: Anaga Rural Park
Loop drive and road trip through Anaga Rural Park.
Morning
Anaga Rural Park west: Drive to the Mirador Cruz del Carmen (⇨ Location) where you will find a visitor center with more information on that lush, green park located in the northeast part of the island. The park is known for its ancient laurel forests and stunning views.
One of the trails starting here is a very easy one called Sendero de los Sentidos (eng. Path of the Senses). You can choose between 3 different walks, all with varying lengths. The longest walk is 30 minutes.
Continue exploring Anaga’s stunning landscapes along the main park road and stop at the various view points.
Afternoon
Anaga Rural Park east: Do a beautiful circular hike to visit the Anaga lighthouse. The 9km hike starts at Chamorga village (⇨ Location) and passes through the Barranco de Roque Bermejo gorge and Casas Blancas to get to the scenic Faro de Anaga lighthouse.
If time allows, visit the secluded Playa de Benijo, one of the beautiful black sand beaches of Anaga National Park. The drive to Benijo offers breathtaking views, and the beach itself is perfect for a quiet afternoon by the ocean.
My Tip: Pack a picnic lunch as there are not many other options. Also, drive carefully as the roads in Anaga can be narrow and winding.
Day 7: La Laguna and Departure
Morning
San Cristóbal de La Laguna: Visit this historic city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. La Laguna is known for its well-preserved and beautiful colonial architecture.
Just wander through the colorful streets and historic buildings of the cities old town. You will pass by landmarks such as the Cathedral of La Laguna and the Plaza del Adelantado.
Afternoon
Departure: Head to the airport and plan some spare time as you still need to return your car prior.
Useful Information for Your Trip to Tenerife
Best Time to Visit the Island
Deciding when to visit Tenerife depends on what you’re looking for in a vacation. If you want to enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities, the best time to visit is from late spring to early fall.
Summer is peak season, which means warmer weather, but also busier and more expensive. However, you might save some money by planning and booking in advance.
If you’re not focused on beach days and prefer a quieter experience, the off-seasons from late fall through early spring are ideal.
Personally, I love winter in Tenerife. With mild winter temperatures averaging between 20-25°C (68-77°F) and plenty of sunny days, Tenerife can be a perfect escape from colder climates.
Regardless of when you go, Tenerife is stunning all year round. Keep in mind that each season has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, especially in terms of costs and how crowded the island might be. ⇨ More Top Tips for Tenerife
How to Get to Tenerife
Tenerife has two main airports: Tenerife South (TFS) and Tenerife North (TFN). Both airports offer direct and connecting flights from all over Europe, with many budget airlines operating routes to and from the island.
Flights from major European cities to Tenerife are frequent and convenient, with flight times ranging from 3 (from Spain) to 5 hours (from the north and eastern Europe).
Alternatively, you can reach Tenerife by ferry from mainland Spain or other Canary Islands. Ferries from the port cities of Cádiz or Huelva in mainland Spain to Santa Cruz de Tenerife provide a scenic but longer, journey.
Where to Stay During Your 7-Day Trip
I did stay in the Sholeo Lodges Los Gigantes during my last trip and found it to be a fantastic place to stay for exploring Tenerife, especially for hiking. For the first few days, I therefore recommend staying in or around Los Gigantes.
This area offers stunning coastal views with easy access to plenty of water activities as you may decide to do more of those such as learning how to surf. It’s a great base for exploring the western part of the island.
For the last two days, consider staying in La Laguna. This historic city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers charming streets and beautiful architecture. It’s also conveniently located for exploring the northern part of the island.
By staying in these locations, you’ll have quick access to both natural attractions and cultural experiences, making the most of your week-long adventure in Tenerife
My Hotel Tip for Los Gigantes: Sholeo Lodges Los Gigantes
My Hotel Tip for La Laguna: La Laguna Gran Hotel
Sholeo Lodges Los Gigantes
✅Great size outdoor Pool
✅Very tasty breakfast with lots of choices
✅Directly on the promenade of Playa de la Arena
Conclusion
Visiting Tenerife in seven days gives you a great overview of what that beautiful Canary Island hast to offer.
With this Tenerife Travel Guide, you’ve experienced the majestic cliffs of Los Gigantes, the dramatic landscapes of Masca, the fascinating marine life on a whale-watching tour, and the breathtaking heights of Mount Teide.
You’ve also explored the vibrant city of Santa Cruz, the beauty of Playa de Las Teresitas, the lush hiking trails of Anaga Rural Park, and the historic charm of La Laguna.
From thrilling outdoor adventures to relaxing beach days, and quiet coastal hamlets, this 7 day itinerary for Tenerife has given you a taste of the island’s incredible diversity.
