Top 10 Tenerife Travel Tips
All You Need to Know When Planning Your Canary Island Adventure

1. Pack cloths for all seasons

My first and perhaps most important Tenerife tip concerns your packing list and the island’s weather. Tenerife’s climate can be quite diverse, so it’s important to be prepared for various weather conditions and microclimates.

The southern part of the island, including popular tourist areas like Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas, is known for its sunny and warm weather year-round.

However, the northern region, such as Puerto de la Cruz, tends to be cooler and more humid, particularly in the winter months.

Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain, has a much cooler climate, and temperatures can drop below freezing at night, even in summer. I sometimes changed clothes three times a day…

Therefore, pack light clothing for beach days, but also include warmer layers like sweaters, jackets, and long pants more chilly days in higher altitude areas.

If you plan to explore or hike in the mountains, I suggest thermal clothing and a windproof jacket. Don’t forget accessories like a hat, sunglasses, and a raincoat, as weather can change rapidly.

Comfortable walking shoes or even hiking boots, depending on your Tenerife itinerary, are essential for visiting towns and enjoying (volcanic) hiking trails.

If you plan on dining out in nicer restaurants, bring a few smart-casual outfits. For evenings, especially in winter, I recommend bringing as well a warm coat.

3. Booking hiking permits in advance

As mentioned above, to get to the very top of Mount Teide, you need a special permit, as the number of visitors is limited to 200 per day to protect the environment.

Permits are free, but must be reserved well in advance through the Teide National Park website. It’s recommended to book as early as possible, as slots fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.

As most of us, do not want and can’t commit to a specific day months in advance, I suggest booking a guided tour to the summit which includes the permit already (⇨ This is the tour I recommend).

To support conservation efforts on the island, two other outstanding hikes, the Barranco de Masca and the Barranco del Infierno (both along spectacular canyons in western Tenerife) also require permits.

The Masca gorge was closed for a period due to safety concerns but has since reopened with new regulations. You can buy your Masca Gorge permit here and your Barranco del Infierno Gorge permit here.

But don’t worry if you can’t get a permit. There are plenty of other fantastic activities in Tenerife for you to choose from.

4. Rent a car to get around

As much as I would like to recommend using public transport, to really explore the island, you will need to have a rental car. The island’s roads are generally well-maintained and easy to drive.

There are exceptions, like the really narrow street to Masca, which is certainly a challenge for driving and parking. But for that trip, being one of the best outdoor experiences on the island, I would anyhow recommend using public transport.

Car rental services are available at the airport and in major towns, with a wide range of vehicles to choose from. Booking in advance can save money and ensure availability, especially during high season.

5. Plan for Siesta Time

Tenerife, like much of Spain, observes the tradition of siesta, where many businesses close in the afternoon for a few hours. Typically, this occurs between 2 PM and 5 PM, although exact times can vary.

During this period, shops, restaurants, and some tourist attractions may close or reduce their services. If you are not hiking or exploring Teide National Park where there not really are any businesses, it’s important to plan your day accordingly to avoid inconveniences.

Some larger supermarkets and tourist-oriented businesses may stay open during siesta, but it’s always good to check ahead. If you’re outside the city in a smaller town or village, expect most places to be closed and plan to do your shopping and sightseeing in the morning or late afternoon.

7. Cash is King in Small Towns

While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Tenerife’s major tourist areas, smaller towns, markets, and some local restaurants prefer cash.

I recommend carrying enough euros with you for small purchases, tips, and any unexpected expenses. ATMs are available in most towns and tourist areas, but fees may apply for international cards.

By the way: Have some change with you when going to restaurants or using other services. Restaurants, especially in the tourist areas, expect a 10% tip on each bill.

For other services, tipping in Tenerife is appreciated, but not obligatory. Rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount is customary and very much appreciated!

In restaurants like the ones in the pictures below, tipping is definitely expected.

8. Bring Hiking Boots

If you love to hike, like me, you definitely want to bring your hiking boots when visiting Tenerife. To fully enjoy the island’s numerous hiking trails, it’s essential to bring a pair of sturdy hiking boots.

Proper footwear provides the necessary support and grip for tackling uneven and sometimes steep terrain. Especially within Teide National Park hiking boots will give you the necessary support and grip for tackling the volcanic, uneven and sometimes steep terrain.

If you are only looking in doing easy and short trails like the round trip hike Roques de Garcia sport shoes you have done some longer walks in and which have some grip will be fine.

Don’t forget to break in your boots before your trip to avoid blisters and discomfort. In addition to boots, bring moisture-wicking socks.

9. When to visit Tenerife

Tenerife is a year-round destination, thanks to its mild climate. However, the best time to visit depends on your preferences and planned activities.

Summer, July and August, is the peak season, being the main school vacation period. These months are perfect for those looking for beach holidays, as the weather is warm and ideal for sunbathing and swimming.

The second busiest time of year is December, when visitors from colder climates flock to the island seeking a warm escape. The winter in Tenerife (December – February) tend to see more rain compared to the summer season.

In my opinion, the best time to visit Tenerife is during the low season in spring and autumn. Spring, between March and May, offers a burst of beautiful flowers and lush greenery, making it a fantastic time to explore and hike on the island.

Autumn, from September to November, is another excellent time to visit. One of the main reasons to travel during autumn is the warm water temperatures, which remain at 23°C or above until November, perfect for enjoying the beaches without the summer crowds.

Visiting during these low seasons also means fewer tourists, a more relaxed atmosphere, and potentially better deals on accommodations and activities, making your trip even more enjoyable.

10. Choose places to stay near the things you want to see

My final Tenerife Travel Tip concerns your choice of where to stay in Tenerife.

The island is actually pretty big and to make the most of your visit, choose a place to stay that is conveniently located near the attractions you want to see or places you want to visit.

If you’re looking for lively nightlife and beautiful beaches, consider staying in the southern resorts like Playa de las Américas or Costa Adeje. These areas offer a variety of hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options.

For a more relaxed and cultural experience, the northern town of Puerto de la Cruz is a great choice, with its botanical gardens, historic center, and black sand beaches.

If you love the outdoors, like me, staying near Teide National Park or in the mountain villages provides easy access to hiking trails and natural beauty.

If you have booked your flight already, you should consider your arrival airport as well, as the island does have two: Tenerife North and Tenerife South, which is one of Spain’s busiest airports.

Just FYI: From San Cristianos in the south you need nearly an hour by car to get to the islands capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the north of Tenerife.