Tenerife is the largest of Spain's Canary Islands, offering incredible diversity from black volcanic beaches to Spain's highest peak, Mount Teide. This "Island of Eternal Spring" enjoys year-round warm weather, making it perfect for beach holidays, hiking, whale watching, and experiencing Spanish culture with an African influence.
Quick Facts
Recommended Stay7 days
Budget$70/day
Mid-range$130/day
Luxury$300/day
Known For
tenerifecanary_islandscanariasspainteidevolcanobeachesall_year_sunwhale_watchingcarnivalspanishatlanticsubtropical
🇪🇸 Country Information: Spain
CapitalMadrid
CurrencyEuro (€)
Language Spanish , Catalan, Galician, Basque, Valencian
Phone Code+34
Electricity230V (Type C, F)
Tap WaterSafe to drink
Tipping
- Tipping is generally not obligatory but appreciated for good service; 5
- 10% in restaurants is common for good service, rounding up taxi fares, small change for baristas
Money & Payments
- ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas
- Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in cities and tourist areas, but smaller establishments might prefer cash
- It's good to have some cash for small purchases and less urban areas
- There is no black market for cash
Cultural Norms
- Meal times are typically later than in many other countries, with dinner often starting at 9 PM or later
- Siesta is less common in major cities but still observed in smaller towns
- Personal space can be closer than in some other cultures
- Dress codes are generally casual but respectful, especially when visiting religious sites
LGBTQ+ Information
Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Spain is very LGBTQ+ friendly with comprehensive anti-discrimination laws and legal same-sex marriage since 2005. There is strong societal acceptance.
Alcohol & Drug Laws
- Legal drinking age is 18
- Drug laws are complex: private use and cultivation of cannabis are decriminalized, but public consumption and trafficking are illegal and carry severe penalties
Special Laws
- It is illegal to drink alcohol in public spaces outside of designated areas
- Smoking is prohibited in many public indoor spaces
- Nudity and topless sunbathing are allowed on some beaches but can be restricted in others
Common Phrases
HelloHola (OH-lah) Hola
PleasePor favor (por fah-VOR) Por favor
Excuse mePerdón (per-DOHN) Perdón
Thank youGracias (GRAH-see-ahs) Gracias
Climate
Subtropical climate with minimal seasonal variation. Southern coast is drier and sunnier (22-28°C year-round). Northern coast is greener with more clouds. Higher altitudes significantly cooler - Teide can have snow. Trade winds provide natural cooling. Very little rain, especially in south.
Getting There
- Tenerife South Airport (TFS) handles most international flights, 60km from Santa Cruz
- Tenerife North Airport (TFN) is closer to Santa Cruz and serves domestic/inter
- island flights
- Ferry connections to other Canary Islands and mainland Spain
- Package holiday flights from all major European cities
Getting Around
- Rent a car to explore the island
- highly recommended
- TITSA buses cover main routes but limited schedules
- Taxis available but expensive for long distances
- Tram connects Santa Cruz with La Laguna
- Ferries between ports
- Driving times: Santa Cruz to Teide 1 hour, to south beaches 45 min
Health & Vaccinations
- No special vaccinations required (Spain/EU)
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) valid for EU citizens
- Good medical facilities throughout island
- Pharmacies widely available
- Sun protection essential
- UV levels high year
- round
- Travel insurance recommended for non
- EU visitors
Staying Connected
- EU roaming included for European carriers
- Spanish SIM cards available (Movistar, Vodafone, Orange)
- Free WiFi at hotels, cafes, airports
- 4G/LTE coverage excellent
- WiFi in most tourist areas
- eSIM: Airalo, Holafly work well
Local Cuisine
Papas Arrugadas
must_try
Wrinkled potatoes boiled in heavily salted water until the skin crinkles. Served with mojo rojo (spicy red sauce) and mojo verde (cilantro sauce).
Mojo Sauce
must_try
Canarian sauces essential to local cuisine - mojo rojo (red with paprika and chili) and mojo verde (green with cilantro or parsley).
Gofio
regional_speciality
Toasted grain flour (wheat or maize) used since Guanche times. Added to soups, desserts, or eaten as escaldón with fish stock.
Fresh Seafood
must_try
The Atlantic provides excellent fresh fish - try vieja (parrotfish), cherne (wreckfish), or sama (sea bream) grilled simply with mojo.
Local Wine
regional_speciality
Tenerife has 5 DOP wine regions. The unique volcanic soil produces distinctive whites from Listán Blanco grapes.
Book in Advance
Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:
🔴 Must Book in Advance
Book 1-4 weeks ahead
The cable car to Spains highest peak has limited capacity. Sells out days ahead in peak season.
Book 2-3 months ahead
Free permit required to hike the final stretch to the 3,718m summit. Limited to 200 people per day.
🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead
Book a few days ahead
Famous zoo and marine park. Online tickets cheaper than gate price.
Book 1-2 weeks ahead
Tenerife has resident pilot whales. Ethical tours from Los Gigantes popular.
Fun Facts
- 1. Mount Teide is Spain's highest peak at 3,718 meters and the world's third-largest volcanic structure after Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.
- 2. Tenerife has been called the "Island of Eternal Spring" due to its mild climate year-round - it rarely drops below 15°C.
- 3. The island has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Teide National Park and the historic city of La Laguna.
- 4. Loro Parque was originally just a parrot park but now houses the largest penguin exhibit in the world outside Antarctica.
