Tenerife is a famous island in the archipelago of the Canary Islands, situated near West Africa. Its sandy beaches, busy nightlife, and pleasant climate attract tourists throughout the year. Although there are many resorts here, one must never venture on a Tenerife vacation without adequate research. Before visiting the place, one must learn all about the island, including the places to visit and how much a trip would cost in this paradise destination.
Island travel guide
Following a few tips can make one’s trip to Tenerife more enjoyable and safe.
Use public transport with caution
Tourists should avoid public transport, such as the bus, to go around the island because it has an irregular schedule. Poor public transport timings may eat into one’s itinerary, especially if one has to travel a long distance. Instead, individuals should use a car to visit destinations. A bus is best suited for shorter distances in Tenerife.
Compare souvenir prices
Although many shops on the island may have the same souvenirs, they might be priced differently based on their exact location. So, one must check multiple souvenir stores to find the best rate on any keepsakes they may want to take back home.
Learn about the airports
Most travelers fail to recognize that Tenerife has two airports – one in the north and another in the south. While most flights land in the latter, one can pick either airport. Landing at an airport closer to the resort or hotel might help reduce travel time and costs.
Account for local travel time
Most places to visit in Tenerife are far apart, and driving from one attraction to the next may take about 30 to 40 minutes. Also, it might not be possible to cover all destinations over a few days, so one would have to shortlist the best places or go on a longer holiday to cover most tourist attractions on this island.
Book restaurants in advance
Tenerife hosts hundreds of tourists daily, making finding a reservation difficult, especially in a popular restaurant on the island. That’s why tourists should make reservations weeks before they travel to the island. Doing so will ensure they can enjoy the unique cuisine the destination has to offer at some of the fanciest spots.
Places to visit
While one could visit any spot on the island, a few places are more popular and might be worth visiting.
Masca
A beautiful city in the southwest of Tenerife, Masca is known for the Mirador de la Cruz de Hilda, a viewpoint overlooking the Masca Valley. One could even hike down Masca to the beach and enjoy local cuisine nearby.
Mount Teide National Park
One can enjoy a day at Mount Teide National Park. Tourists who are more adventurous could even hike up to Mount Teide, located here. Either way, one will enjoy the breathtaking views. The national park is also home to the Samara Loop Hike and Roques de Garcia trail, which makes up a one-day visit to this attraction.
La Laguna
A smaller town located near the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, La Laguna is one of those places where tourists can enjoy clicking pictures and eating at local restaurants along the way.
Playa de Las Teresitas
One could also visit this large manmade beach in Tenerife to enjoy the clear white sand brought in from the Sahara desert. Tourists can rent a beach bed for the day and relish fresh seafood at the beachfront restaurants and bars.
Natural pools
Apart from beaches, Tenerife is famous for its abundant natural pools spread across the island. One can take a dip and cool down in these pools, especially if the weather isn’t too forgiving.
Anaga National Park
This lush green national park is located toward the north of the island. Tourists must set aside at least one day to explore this location and its surroundings. Places to visit in Anaga National Park include Mirador Batan, Tagana, and Benijo. With more time to spare, one could visit the Las Carboneras restaurant and the Chinamada hamlet.
Travel costs
Before venturing to an island like Tenerife, tourists must determine the costs associated with the trip. The average cost of a day on this island will differ based on one’s preferences, including the hotels one stays at, the restaurants visited, the mode of transport, and the things to do. The prices may change based on factors like the season, demand, and time when one makes a booking.
- Three-day trips to Tenerife may cost about $600 for a solo traveler, about $1,000 for a couple, and over $1,200 for a family of four.
- Living in the city center may cost between $150 to $380 per night to stay in a hotel, while home rentals may cost about $50 per night for an apartment.
- If one travels by taxi or public transport and eats at local restaurants while on the island, one can expect to pay about $80 per person.
- Individuals should also account for flight costs to Tenerife and back, as this could affect the overall budget for the trip. On average, a round-trip may cost about $1,000 per person.
