Here’s the ultimate itinerary for one week in Tenerife that made our family holiday on the island truly unforgettable.

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An Ultimate Guide to Spending One Week in Tenerife

Is Tenerife worth visiting?

Tenerife is 100% worth visiting. It is one of the most versatile destinations I’ve ever traveled to. As the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, it’s renowned for its year-round mild climate, making Tenerife an ideal spot for beach lovers, hikers, and family travelers alike. We visited Tenerife with a baby in July, and the island immediately earned a spot on my list of top family-friendly destinations in Spain.

For this trip, we weren’t aiming for a lazy resort stay – despite traveling with a baby. The island is filled with natural wonders, so it felt like a crime not to make the most of our Tenerife itinerary. While we did book a quiet hotel with a pool to relax after sightseeing, I was thrilled to drive around both the Northern and Southern parts of the island, while exploring its unique attractions.

How many days are enough in Tenerife?

For us, one week in Tenerife felt like the perfect amount of time to see the island’s highlights. However, anything from 5 days to 2 weeks would also work, depending on your interests and pace of travel.

Arrival in Tenerife canary islands with kids
One week in Tenerife with a baby

What is the best way to get around Tenerife?

Since we had an ambitious sightseeing plan for our week in Tenerife, renting a car was the only practical option (especially when traveling with a baby and all the essentials that come with it). Having a car allowed us to explore the island at our own pace, which was a game changer. If you’re not keen on renting a car, another alternative would be staying in the south (like Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos) and exploring the nearby attractions via day trips. However, to see the entire island, a car is the best option.

Car rentals are easily accessible in Tenerife, especially at the airports and in tourist hotspots with popular companies, like Rentalcars, Localrent, QEEQ, GetRentacar, Expedia, and AutoEurope.

The platform I personally use and enjoy is Discovercars: it’s one of the highest customer-rated comparison sites on the market, where you can find more than 700 suppliers. It is especially handy for evaluating all the options before renting a car in Tenerife, as well as discovering the best deals from both international and local car rental suppliers.

Overall, driving around Tenerife was great, except for navigating the narrow, winding roads around Masca (where we wished we had booked a guided tour instead). My advice: stick to the main roads and avoid shortcuts recommended by GPS, as some can take you through steep, nerve-wracking paths that may be best left to local drivers. Parking can also be challenging in popular tourist areas, especially in the north. If possible, plan to arrive early in the day (before 11 a.m.) to avoid the hassle.

Where to Stay in Tenerife

From my experience, most of Tenerife’s natural wonders are in the Northern part of the island, while the majority of hotels, restaurants, bars, and shopping centers are located in the South. For families, Costa Adeje is a popular choice thanks to its calm beaches, child-friendly resorts, and proximity to attractions like Siam Park and Loro Parque. If you’re after a quieter, more authentic experience, towns in the North, like Puerto de la Cruz are great options. Since we wanted to explore the whole island, we booked Hotel Luz del Mar in the North, which provided a peaceful retreat after our daily adventures.

Tenerife family holidays in Spain
Hotel Luz del Mar in Tenerife

Best Time to Visit Tenerife

The best time to visit Tenerife depends largely on your preferences, as the island is known for its great weather year-round. Both winter and summer are peak seasons – winter draws visitors seeking for Spanish winter sun, while summer attracts European holiday-makers. Our trip to Tenerife took place in July, and the weather was surprisingly comfortable. It was hot, but never above 30°C (86°F), which was a relief compared to Southern Spain’s intense heat in cities like Seville or Cordoba.

If you’re hoping to avoid high prices and major tourist traffic, late spring (March to May) and early fall (September to November) are ideal times to visit Tenerife.

Which side of Tenerife is nicer?

The north and south of Tenerife offer distinct experiences. The north is much greener, with frequent rainfall, making it a favorite for nature lovers and adventurers. In contrast, the south is the island’s tourist hub, boasting the best restaurants, beaches, malls, and resorts. I’d recommend the North for couples and adventure travelers, while the South is perfect for families, solo travelers, and groups of friends.

Personally, I enjoyed the landscapes in the north of Tenerife (these reminded me of Hawaii). By and large, the island is small enough that you can drive from south to north in about an hour or two, so staying in the south while exploring the north on day trips is a great option too.

the prettiest place in Tenerife
North Tenerife
Tenerife volcanic beach
Volcanic beaches in the Northern part of the island

What is the prettiest place in Tenerife?

Tenerife is filled with otherworldly, beautiful landscapes. However, if I had to pick one location, I’d choose Anaga Natural Reserve. It deserves a spot on the list of Spain’s magical forests. While we briefly visited the Sendero de los Sentidos hike with a baby stroller, returning to explore more of the trails is at the top of my bucket list. My second favorite would be Teide National Park with its volcanic landscapes that make one feel like traveling on the moon.

One Week in Tenerife Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tenerife and Los Gigantes

We arrived at Tenerife South Airport in the afternoon and picked up our rental car right away. On the way to our hotel, Hotel Luz del Mar, in the northern part of the island, we made a stop in the small town of Los Gigantes, known for some of the most impressive cliffs in Spain. It’s a popular destination for sailing trips and kayaking in Tenerife:

Week in Tenerife los gigantes
Los Gigantes in Tenerife

Day 2: Teide National Park

Teide is one of Spain’s top national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a must-visit on any Tenerife itinerary. The ideal plan here is to take the Teleferico del Teide taking one all the way up close to the summit of Spain’s highest peak (though not to the summit itself). In the past, hiking to the summit was easily accessible, but it is restricted, and you need to request permission in advance at www.reservasparquesnacionales.es. So, taking the Teide Cable Car is the next best thing. Unfortunately, we were not able to test it (as kids under 2 years old are not allowed). So, we just drove around the area and made stops at local visitors centers. Also, we made a stop in Vilaflor, known as one of the highest villages in Spain. Here, you can find great local restaurants like Finca Tres Roques and Los Cipreses De La Casa Inglesa.

Thanks to its unique volcanic landscapes, Teide is a popular destination for a range of adventurous activities on the island, such as:

Teide Tenerife Canary Islands
Teide National Park
Teide National Park Views tenerife
Views when driving around Teide National Park

Day 3: Anaga Rural Park and Loro Parque

On the third day of our Tenerife week, we planned to visit Anaga Rural Park, known as one of the Spanish magical forests. If traveling with an older child, we would have planned a day of hiking adventures. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed visiting and walking a part of Sendero de los Sentidos, a family-friendly trail right by the visitors center. My dream plan for the next trip to Tenerife would be Sendero el Bosque Encantado, one of the most unique trails in Spain. Keep in mind, that local authorities limit the number of hikers per day for this particular trail and you need to book your access permission in advance via Cabildo de Tenerife. You can also find it under the name of Sendero El Pijaral.

In the afternoon, we visited the famous Loro Parque, one of the most popular places in Tenerife for families. This park was originally famous for its parrot collection, but these days it has evolved into a full-scale zoo. We particularly enjoyed the parrot show (though less than Jardin del Papagayo in Benicarlo) Also, I had mixed feelings about the presence of orcas, as I feel these majestic creatures should not be kept in captivity.

Anaga Rural Park Sendero de los sentidos
Sendero de los Sentidos (only a part of the trail is adapted for the baby strollers)
Spain Canary Islands Driving anaga
Driving around Anaga Rural Park

Day 4: Punta de Teno and Masca

First thing in the morning, we drove to Punta de Teno, famous for its stunning coastal views. Once there, we walked to the iconic Teno Lighthouse and marveled at the rugged coastline for a while.

Afterward, we headed straight to Masca, considered one of the most beautiful spots in the Canary Islands. I initially planned to visit Masca on the first day of our week in Tenerife, but each morning we woke up to the rain forecast. So, a big tip here is to be flexible with your Tenerife itinerary and visit Masca on a day with good weather, even if it means changing your plans. Another thing to consider is the actual road to Masca – narrow and full of curves, making the drive somewhat stressful, though the destination is 100% worth it. It is such a charming village nestled in the mountains. You can spend some time wandering its narrow streets and soaking in the stunning views. However, the adventurous alternative here would be hiking the Masca Valley, by following a popular trail leading down to the coast. It is another activity still left on my Tenerife bucket list since the hike is quite intense and is not a fit for family travelers.

A great alternative to visiting Masca on your own is to book an organized tour and forget about the driving:

One Week in Tenerife Itinerary punta teno
Walking to the iconic Teno Lighthouse
Tenerife family holidays in Spain
Views from Punta de Teno
Punta Teno Tenerife
Punta de Teno
Which side of Tenerife is nicer Masca
Masca

Day 5: Garachico, Orotava, and Icod de los Vinos

First thing in the morning, we decided to visit Caleton de Garachico, a natural swimming pool formed by volcanic rocks. It’s a popular spot for swimming, but since we arrived before 10 a.m., we had the place to ourselves.

Afterward, we headed to La Orotava, a small town often referred to as one of the most colorful places in Spain. Be sure not to miss the beautiful garden of Jardines Victoria, and the Museo de Alfombristas, a small museum dedicated to the local tradition of creating intricate sand mosaics. By accident, I discovered a unique art gallery Osman Art, and bought a few paintings with the landscapes of the Canary Islands.

In the afternoon, we visited Icod de los Vinos, a village renowned for its Drago Tree, considered one of the oldest trees in the world. You’ll find this impressive tree within the Parque del Drago, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk among the native plants of the Canary archipelago.

caleton de garachico tenerife
Caleton de Garachico
Icod de los Vinos
Icod de los Vinos
Colorful Villages Orotava secret museums in Spain
Museo de Alfombristas in La Orotava
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La Orotava – one of the most colorful places in Spain
a bunch of bananas on a banana tree
Tenerife Drago Park (Canary bananas, also known as “platanos de Canarias,” are famous across Spain for their unique sweetness, rich flavor, and nutritional value)
Parque del Drago
Drago Tree

Day 6: Las Teresitas, Candelaria, and the Guimar Pyramids

On the last day of our Tenerife week, we headed to one of the most picture-perfect beaches on the island – Las Teresitas. While we had a nice walk and enjoyed the swim, it was too windy, so we ended up covered with sand. Nevertheless, I still suggest visiting Las Teresitas on any Tenerife itinerary. You can get a panoramic view of the coast at Mirador Las Teresitas.

After Las Teresitas, we headed to Candelaria, a coastal town famous for its Basilica and the impressive statue of the Virgin of Candelaria. Beyond its religious significance, Candelaria is known for its beautiful seaside promenade featuring large statues of the Guanches, the island’s indigenous people. Unfortunately, not much is known about them: historians believe Guanches arrived on the Canary Islands between 1000 BCE and 1000 CE and were of Berber origin from North Africa. The civilization existed in relative isolation in Tenerife until the Spanish conquest in the late 15th century. Interestingly, descriptions from early Spanish records suggest that the Guanches were tall and fair-skinned, with blue or green eyes and blond or reddish hair.

Our last stop of the day was the Guimar Pyramids, often regarded as one of Spain’s historic mysteries. Thor Heyerdahl, a Norwegian explorer best known for his Kon-Tiki expedition, believed the Guimar Pyramids were too similar to other monumental structures found around the world, especially in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Peru. He theorized that pyramids could be evidence of early transoceanic contact between ancient civilizations. However, Spanish archaeologists stand by another opinion while claiming that the Guimar Pyramids are simply agricultural constructions. Regardless of the debate, it was fascinating to explore the visitors’ center of Guimar and learn more about pyramids across the globe.

Is Tenerife worth visiting Teresitas
Las Teresitas Beach
statues of the Guanches
Statues of the Guanches in Candelaria
Candelaria Tenerife
Candelaria
Tenerife with a family Guimar pyramids
The Guimar Pyramids

Day 7: Departure

On the last day of our Tenerife vacation, we had no time to explore anything due to an early flight. However, visiting Costa Adeje with its famous Playa del Duque and Barranco del Infierno would be a great idea. From the top tours in Costa Adeje, I would highlight Buggy Safari, Secret Volcano Tour by Tuk Tuk, and diving & snorkeling.

Overall, my 7 days in Tenerife were filled with breathtaking natural wonders and rich cultural experiences, making it a rewarding adventure for travelers of all ages. One week felt like the perfect amount of time to explore the island, though I do wish I had more days to venture on some of the local hikes. Despite the challenges of traveling with a baby, which inevitably slowed down our itinerary, we still managed to see a lot and make the most of our trip. Next time, I would love to explore one of the luxury yoga retreats in Tenerife.

Read more about the Canary Islands:

  • Epic Tenerife Family Holidays: All You Need to Know (read it)
  • 10 Best Spanish Islands to Visit (read it)
  • Top Beautiful Places in The Canary Islands (read it)
  • 5 Days in Lanzarote: Cool things to do in Lanzarote (read it)
  • A Visual Guide To The Cactus Garden in Lanzarote (read it)

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