Even in a few days, Tenerife offers very different landscapes: the volcano, forests, cliffs, historic towns and beaches. These itineraries start from the south, where most visitors stay, but they also work if you’re staying in the north; a car is the ideal way to get around. Book the Teide cable car in advance and, if you plan to do it, the Barranco de Masca trail.
Tenerife in 3 days
- Day 1 – Teide: head up to Teide National Park on the road from Vilaflor, stop at the Roques de García and take the cable car up to 3,555 metres. Then drive down to the north and end the day in La Orotava.
- Day 2 – The north-west: Icod de los Vinos and the Drago Milenario, Garachico and the natural pools of El Caletón, then the mountain road to Masca and the viewpoints of the Teno massif.
- Day 3 – The south coast: a day on the beach at Playa del Duque or Las Vistas, or a boat trip from Los Cristianos or Los Gigantes to see whales and dolphins.
Tenerife in 5 days
To the first three days, add:
- Day 4 – La Laguna and Anaga: the morning in the historic centre of La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the afternoon in Anaga Rural Park, with the forest at Cruz del Carmen, the Pico del Inglés viewpoint and sunset at Playa Benijo.
- Day 5 – Santa Cruz and the east coast: Santa Cruz and the Auditorio de Tenerife, a swim at Las Teresitas and, on the way back, Candelaria and the Pyramids of Güímar.
Tenerife in 7 days
With a week, you can add:
- Day 6 – Theme parks and Puerto de la Cruz: a day at Loro Parque or Siam Park, or the historic centre and seafront of Puerto de la Cruz.
- Day 7 – The Barranco de Masca or La Gomera: if you love walking, hike down the Barranco de Masca (booking required) and return by boat to Los Gigantes; alternatively, take a trip to La Gomera on the ferry from Los Cristianos, which takes about 50 minutes.
Travel tips
Keep an eye on the weather: the north and the mountains can be cloudy even when the sun is shining in the south, and in winter it can snow on Teide (see our page on the climate). On mountain roads, allow more time than you expect. To choose a base for your trip, read our guide on where to stay; for buses, cars and ferries, see our guide to getting there and getting around.
