Mallorca or Tenerife? After visiting both of these famous Spanish islands, here’s my honest opinion on which one I’d return to myself and recommend to others.

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Mallorca or Tenerife: Which One Is Better for Your Next Holiday?

Visiting Popular Spanish Islands

While many people associate Spain with the iconic landmarks of the Iberian Peninsula, as well as with Barcelona or Madrid, some of the trendiest destinations in the country, for both tourists and locals, are actually its unique islands of Spain: the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands. The most popular destination in the Balearic Islands is Mallorca, while Tenerife holds the top spot in the Canary Islands. Naturally, comparisons between the two come up often on social media.

After visiting both, I thought I’d share my honest comparison of Mallorca and Tenerife for those of you dreaming of an island getaway and unsure which one would make the best holiday choice.

Choosing between the Mediterranean islands like Cyprus and Crete, or Mykonos and Santorini, hasn’t always been easy for me. But when it comes to Mallorca vs. Tenerife, I do have a clear personal favorite. That said, in this post, I’ll do my best to stay objective by highlighting the different aspects of each island.

So far, I’ve visited Mallorca three times and spent a full week exploring Tenerife. I had the chance to drive around both destinations and experience a wide range of what each has to offer. Here’s how I felt about both.

Canary Island Beaches — *Playa de Las Teresitas in Tenerife*

Mallorca vs Tenerife: My Honest Opinion

Weather

Mallorca, situated in the Mediterranean, experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters. It’s an ideal beach destination from late spring to early autumn. Even in winter, Mallorca remains a popular winter sun destination. However, if I’m completely honest, I visited the Balearic Islands once during the winter and found it too humid for my taste.

July and August are the sunniest months, with average daytime temperatures around 31°C (88°F). While this makes it perfect for sunbathing, it can sometimes feel too hot. Also, the tourism has boomed in recent years, making the island extremely crowded during peak season.

Tenerife, part of the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa, enjoys a subtropical climate and warm weather year-round. It’s a fantastic escape during the colder months in mainland Europe. I visited Tenerife at the end of July and was pleasantly surprised – the weather wasn’t too hot, with average temperatures around 25°C (77°F), making it ideal for exploring comfortably.

While summer in Tenerife does bring travelers, it didn’t feel nearly as overcrowded as Mallorca. In fact, over recent years, Tenerife’s peak season has shifted toward the winter holidays, thanks to its mild and stable climate. Average winter temperatures hover around 20°C (68°F) during the day, making it a top choice for winter sun seekers. That said, the Canary Islands still receive plenty of summer visitors, as it’s a common vacation time across Europe and there are numerous flight options from major European cities.

So, I’d say Tenerife is the better pick for off-season travel and for those who prefer moderate, consistent temperatures over intense summer heat.

Best in Weather: Tenerife

Is Tenerife worth visiting Teresitas — *Tenerife in July*

mallorca port palma spain — *Mallorca in July*

Beaches

Mallorca is known for its stunning white-sand coves and crystal-clear waters. It’s a fantastic destination for a beach holiday in Spain, offering that classy-Mediterranean coastal vibe. In summer, the sea is warm and inviting, with average water temperatures ranging from 24°C to 27°C (75°F to 81°F). Even in September and early October, the water remains pleasant for swimming, making it an ideal time to visit if you want to avoid the peak-season crowds while still enjoying great beach weather.

Tenerife, on the other hand, offers a more rugged and dramatic landscape, featuring mainly black-sand beaches formed by volcanic activity. There are a few white-sand beaches as well, such as the well-known Playa de Las Teresitas. However, Tenerife wouldn’t be my first choice for a traditional beach holiday.

Firstly, Tenerife is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, so the water is noticeably colder than in the Mediterranean. Average water temperatures range from 20°C to 23°C (68°F to 73°F) in the summer months. Secondly, many of the island’s volcanic beaches experience strong waves, making them better suited for surfers than sunbathers.

During my last visit, it also felt quite windy. Playa de Las Teresitas looked picture-perfect, but after an hour, I was completely covered in sand. That said, I wasn’t visiting Tenerife for a classic beach holiday, so having a few relaxing moments by the ocean or pool was more than enough.

If you’re looking to spend an entire week lounging on the beach with a good wanderlust book, Tenerife wouldn’t be my top recommendation. While the island does offer excellent hotels and fun waterparks – making it easy to cool off with a dip – it’s not the kind of place I’d choose specifically for a beach-focused getaway.

Best in Beaches: Mallorca

playa romantica beach — *Beaches in Mallorca*

Canary Islands teresitas tenerife family holidays — *Playa de Las Teresitas in Tenerife*

Tenerife volcanic beach — *Volcanic beaches in Tenerife*

Natural Beauty

When it comes to natural beauty, Tenerife is home to some of Spain’s most impressive natural wonders. From the volcanic landscapes of Mount Teide – Spain’s highest peak – to the magical forests of Anaga, the dramatic cliffs of Los Gigantes, and the island’s unique volcanic beaches, Tenerife offers a landscape that feels truly exotic compared to the more familiar scenery of the Mediterranean islands. It’s also a fantastic destination for outdoor activities like kayaking and whale or dolphin-watching tours.

For me personally, Tenerife is the clear winner in terms of raw, breathtaking nature. That said, it’s important to note that I’ve lived near Valencia for over 15 years, so Mediterranean landscapes are part of my daily life. I completely understand that for travelers coming from places like Australia or the United States (where destinations like Hawaii or New Zealand are relatively close) the Mediterranean coastline and its charming small towns might hold a different kind of appeal.

Mallorca, of course, also has its share of natural beauty. The Serra de Tramuntana mountain range offers stunning cliffs and scenic hiking trails. However, for me, it doesn’t quite match the wild, untamed feel of Tenerife.

So, when it comes to natural beauty, I’d say the comparison between Mallorca and Tenerife is highly subjective. Europeans might be more drawn to Tenerife’s dramatic, volcanic terrain, while visitors from the U.S. or Australia may find Mallorca’s Mediterranean charm more captivating.

Best in Natural Beauty: Tenerife

tenerife anaga hiking — *Anaga Rural Park in Tenerife*

Teide Tenerife Canary Islands — *Teide in Tenerife*

Canary Island Masca — *Masca in Tenerife*

mallorca cap de forentor cliffs in spain — *Serra de Tramuntana in Mallorca (Mallorca or Malta? My Honest Impressions After Visiting)*

Activities / Things to Do

Mallorca’s capital, Palma, is rich in historical architecture, excellent restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife scene. Picturesque towns like Valldemossa and Sóller are considered some of the most romantic spots in Spain.

Tenerife, meanwhile, is famous for its Carnival in Santa Cruz each February, one of the most iconic festivals in Spain. It’s also an excellent destination for adventure lovers, offering activities like hiking to Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide, or exploring the Sendero del Bosque Encantado in Anaga – one of the most enchanting hiking trails in the country.

When it comes to traveling with kids, I’ve visited both Mallorca and Tenerife with my children, and I’d say each island is great in its own way. Whether you choose Mallorca or Tenerife, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly hotels with waterparks. Tenerife’s Siam Park, for example, is consistently ranked among the best waterparks in the world. On the other hand, the Palma Aquarium in Mallorca is one of the most impressive places I’ve ever visited for exploring marine life with kids.

While both Mallorca and Tenerife offer luxury accommodations, Mallorca’s overall vibe – especially in areas like Palma or charming towns like Valldemossa – feels slightly more upscale. Tenerife also has its share of unique boutique hotels and even luxury yoga retreats, but overall, the atmosphere on the island is more laid-back and casual.

All in all, I’d say it’s nearly impossible to get bored on either island. Both offer a wide range of activities, from guided tours and day trips to unique experiences you can easily book through platforms like GetYourGuide, Viator, or TripAdvisor. And if you use Tiqets, you can get a 5% discount with the code “ATC5” (excluding bundles).

Best in Activities: Both

mallorca spain kayaking tours — *Kayaking in Mallorca*

Canary Island mirador — *Visiting Teide National Park in Tenerife*

mallorca aquarium spain — *The Palma Aquarium in Mallorca*

Food

While Mallorca is strongly rooted in Mediterranean cuisine – featuring fresh seafood, olive oil-based dishes, and local specialties like sobrasada and ensaimadas – Tenerife is known for traditional Canarian dishes such as papas arrugadas with mojo sauce, fresh goat cheese, and wines grown in volcanic soil. That said, I didn’t notice any significant differences in overall food variety, apart from the fact that restaurants in Tenerife generally seemed slightly more affordable than those in Mallorca.

In the end, both Mallorca and Tenerife are part of Spain, so you’ll find a wide range of classic Spanish dishes on both islands. At the same time, they are both popular tourist destinations, meaning you’ll also have access to a variety of international cuisines – including Japanese, Indian, and more.

Tenerife also stands out for its delicious local bananas, plátanos de Canarias, which are definitely worth trying.

So overall, while Mallorca may appeal more to lovers of traditional Mediterranean flavors and Tenerife offers some unique regional dishes less common in mainland Spain, I’d say both islands are excellent in terms of food. You’ll have no trouble enjoying a rich culinary experience on either one.

Best in Food: Both

coca de patata valldemosa mallorca — *Trying local foods in Mallorca*

bananas tenerife spain food — *Tenerife is known for its delicious bananas*

Accessibility and Cost

Mallorca is much closer to major European cities and has a highly developed tourism infrastructure. That’s actually one of the reasons I’ve visited it three times already – you can easily reach the island by plane, take a ferry from Denia, Valencia, or Barcelona during the summer, or even visit as a stop on many Mediterranean cruises. However, Mallorca can get very crowded and expensive during the peak summer months, especially when it comes to accommodation and dining.

Tenerife, while slightly farther from mainland Europe and Spain, is still well-connected by air to most European capitals. In my personal experience, Tenerife felt more diverse in terms of cost. There are plenty of luxury, all-inclusive resorts and high-end restaurants, particularly in the southern part of the island. At the same time, it’s entirely possible to visit Tenerife on a budget – especially if you rent a car and stay in the northern part of the island, where prices tend to be more affordable.

So, in terms of accessibility, Mallorca has the advantage. But when it comes to cost flexibility, Tenerife offers a more versatile range of options for different types of travelers.

Best in Accessibility: Mallorca; Best in Cost: Tenerife

renting a car in mallorca spain — *The Port of Mallorca*

mallorca renting a car spain travel — *All you need to know about driving in Mallorca*

Locals and Atmosphere

Including the local attitude as a factor when comparing Mallorca and Tenerife is something I wouldn’t have even considered a few years ago. However, since this is a personal blog and I don’t have to stick to any official narratives, I feel it’s important to share my honest thoughts based on personal experiences in both Mallorca and Tenerife.

In recent years, you may have seen Mallorca making headlines due to protests against mass tourism. These protests reflect the growing frustration among locals over the negative impact of overtourism – such as overcrowding, soaring housing prices, and strain on public infrastructure. These are real problems for the people who live in Mallorca.

Still, Mallorca’s economy heavily depends on tourism – there simply isn’t much else driving income on the island. Last year, the protests sparked a wave of negative press, and many travelers ended up canceling their trips because they didn’t feel welcome in Mallorca. Which, to be fair, I also understand – you’re paying a lot for a summer vacation in Mallorca, and then find people in the streets holding signs telling you to go home.

Another issue is the cruise ship traffic in summer, which severely overwhelms Mallorca’s infrastructure. I experienced this myself – during my last visit in July, taxi drivers in La Palma refused to take us to Valldemossa because they preferred staying near the city center. I’ve never encountered anything like that elsewhere in Spain, and frankly, I’m not even sure it was legal.

So, all in all, I feel slightly hesitant to recommend Mallorca as confidently as I once did. You never quite know what kind of protest might pop up next season.

On the other hand, I haven’t had any similar concerns in Tenerife – my experience there has been welcoming and relaxed.

Best in Locals and Atmosphere: Tenerife

Canary Island Garachico — *Volcanic pools in Garachico, Tenerife*

orotava-tenerife-family-holidays — *Orotava in Tenerife is one of the most colorful villages in Spain*

Mallorca or Tenerife: The Verdict

Both Mallorca and Tenerife are great choices, but they offer slightly different experiences. Objectively speaking, the better option depends on the kind of trip you’re looking for. Mallorca is ideal for beaches and that classic Mediterranean vibe, while Tenerife stands out for its dramatic natural beauty, hiking opportunities, and adventurous activities.

Subjectively, I preferred Tenerife – mainly because of its stunning landscapes and the overall friendlier atmosphere I experienced from the locals.

Don’t get me wrong – Spaniards are generally warm and welcoming, and in Mallorca, most people are still friendly toward tourists. However, the protests against mass tourism last year definitely impacted the island’s image.

Overall, when comparing Mallorca and Tenerife, it’s fair to say that both are absolutely worth visiting. Each offers a unique and memorable Spanish getaway – it really just depends on which landscapes and experiences best suit your personal travel style. You can find more tips and itineraries on the blog under #BalearicIslands for Mallorca and #CanaryIslands for Tenerife.

2 Comments

Alex S on May 24, 2025 at 3:06 PM

Love the comparison! Personally I think I would choose Tenerife, but honestly I could enjoy either one! They both look beautiful.
Sonia on May 24, 2025 at 5:49 PM

I appreciate the honest feedback. We love the hiking and other outdoor activities in Tenerife, though agree that the water can be chilly. We haven’t made it to Mallorca yet though.

Mallorca or Tenerife: Which One Is Better for Your Next Holiday?

Mallorca or Tenerife: Which One Is Better for Your Next Holiday?

Visiting Popular Spanish Islands