Here’s the ultimate one-week itinerary that made our family holiday in Tenerife truly unforgettable. If you’re planning to spend 7 days on the island, these are the must-see spots you won’t want to miss! In this post, you’ll also find a Google Maps-ready map to save, along with a few personal tips and insights from our own experiences exploring the island.

• This post contains affiliate links from which I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you). For more info, please read my disclosure. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

An Ultimate Guide to Spending One Week in Tenerife

Visiting Tenerife for the First Time

As an avid fan of the Canary Islands, I tend to return to this incredible Spanish destination at least once a year (you can find all my tips under the #CanaryIslands hashtag). Tenerife is one of the most popular Spanish islands – and for good reason. It’s a versatile destination, equally perfect for couples, adventure travelers and family-friendly getaways.

Although Tenerife is part of Spain, it lies in the Atlantic Ocean, much closer to the African continent. This unique location gives the island an exotic feel, while still offering the safety, infrastructure, and convenience of any European destination. Having also visited Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura, I’ve shared in my Canary Islands post that Tenerife is, in my opinion, the most spectacular island in terms of landmarks. With so much to see, careful planning is key to making the most of your week on the island.

In this post, I’ll share a detailed 7-day itinerary based on our recent family trip to Tenerife. Even if you’re visiting the island without kids, this route works perfectly for a first-time trip. From volcanic landscapes and black-sand beaches to charming villages, I’ll highlight the spots that impressed us the most – and the ones I truly recommend not missing during your visit.

I’ve created this Google Map with all the places we visited during our 7-day trip to Tenerife, which you can save and use. The destinations are arranged in a clockwise order for convenience, in case you decide to stay in multiple locations and do a full Tenerife road trip.

In our case, traveling with a child, we chose to stay in one base in the northern part of the island and explored everything we wanted via day trips. Even with this approach, the drives between locations weren’t too long, making it easy to see the highlights without spending too much time on the road.

Book top Tenerife & Canary Islands activities with my 5% discount code ‘ATC5‘ / excludes combos and bundles (check availability)

One Week in Tenerife Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tenerife and Los Gigantes

Los Gigantes Cliffs

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:

• Los Gigantes Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop (check availability)
• Los Gigantes Private Sailing Tour with Swim, Drink, & Tapas (check availability)
• Private Kayak Tour at the feet of the Giant Cliffs (check availability)

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 now, and you need to request permission in advance at www.reservasparquesnacionales.es or book an organized tour.

Anyway, taking the Teide Cable Car is the next best thing after hiking to the summit. Unfortunately, we were not able to test it (as kids under 2 years old were not allowed). So, we just drove around the area and made stops at local visitors centers. Also, we enjoyed 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.

Due to its stunning volcanic landscapes, Teide is a top destination for a variety of exciting activities on the island. These experiences are highly sought after, so it’s best to book in advance:

• Guided Sunset & Stargazing Tour by Night with Dinner (check availability)
• Mount Teide Summit Hiking Adventure with Cable Car (check availability)
• Guided Off-Road Quad Tour on Mount Teide (check availability)

Day 3: Anaga Rural Park and Loro Parque

Anaga Rural Park

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 full day of hiking. 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.

Loro Parque

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). I also had mixed feelings about the presence of orcas (or killer whales), as I believe these magnificent creatures belong in the wild and should not be confined to captivity.

• Private Taganana and Anaga Day Trip with Pickup (check availability)
• Loro Park Zoo Ticket & Hotel Transfers (check availability)
• Loro Park Zoo Ticket on Tiqets (use the code ATC5 via this link for an extra 5% off)
• Loro Parque: Entry Ticket + Transport (use the code ATC5 via this link for an extra 5% off)

Day 4: Punta de Teno and Masca

Punta de Teno

On the 4th day, 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.

Masca

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 pro 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 keep in mind is the road to Masca – it’s narrow, winding, and can be quite stressful to drive, especially with excursion buses speeding along. I was definitely relieved when we finally left that road, though the destination was absolutely worth it. If you’d prefer a more relaxing experience, I’d recommend booking a tour instead.

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 driving there:

• Masca Canyon Day Trip (check availability)
• Teide, Masca, Garachico, and Sunset Exclusive Tour (check availability)
• Mount Teide, Masca, Icod and Garachico Day Trip (check availability)

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

El Caletón de Garachico

Our fifth day in Tenerife began with a visit to El Caletón 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 almost entirely to ourselves. I absolutely loved the dramatic landscape – rugged, raw, and incredibly scenic. While it can get quite crowded later in the day, we were lucky to avoid the crowds by arriving early. Though I really enjoyed Tenerife’s lava pools, I couldn’t help but compare them to those in Gran Canaria, as the pools there are similar but without any buzz.

Orotava

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.

Icod de los Vinos & Drago Tree

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.

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

Las Teresitas Beach

On the final day of our week in Tenerife, we visited one of the island’s most stunning beaches – Las Teresitas. We enjoyed a pleasant walk and a swim, though the wind picked up, leaving us covered in sand. Despite that, I still highly recommend including Las Teresitas on any Tenerife itinerary. It’s one of the most picturesque beaches in Spain. For an unforgettable view of the coast, don’t miss the panoramic vista from Mirador Las Teresitas.

Candelaria

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.

The Guimar Pyramids

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.

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 choose Buggy Safari, Secret Volcano Tour by Tuk Tuk, and diving & snorkeling. As the airport is located in the southern part of the island, you can read more about the area in my post on spending 4 days in South Tenerife.

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 for Tenerife.

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.

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.

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.

ChatGPT said:

Although we only had a brief visit to the Sendero de los Sentidos hike with a baby stroller, returning to explore more of its trails is definitely at the top of my bucket list. My second favorite spot would be Teide National Park, with its otherworldly volcanic landscapes that make you feel like you’re walking on the moon. You can read more about this epic place in the Canary Islands in this post.

How many days are enough in Tenerife?

For us, one week in Tenerife was the perfect amount of time to see the island’s highlights. However, depending on your interests and travel pace, anywhere from 4 days to 2 weeks could work well. While I’ve already visited the other major Canary Islands – Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura – Tenerife is the one I feel I need to return to in order to explore more. In my opinion, it offers the most unique landmarks of all the Canary Islands.

The only experience I regret missing during my week in Tenerife is a day trip to La Palma, as it would have been an incredible addition to my visit. However, I’d rather save it for a solo trip or a couples getaway, rather than a family trip.

Also, this 7-day itinerary covers the entire island, as I wanted to see as much as possible on my first trip. However, if you’re planning a shorter stay, you can also check out my 4-day South Tenerife itinerary.

Where to Stay in Tenerife

From my experience, most of Tenerife’s natural wonders are found 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, hotels with waterparks, and close proximity to attractions like Siam Park and Loro Parque.

If you’re looking for a quieter, more authentic experience, northern towns like Puerto de la Cruz are great options. Since we wanted to explore the entire island and did not mind driving, we chose to stay at Hotel Luz del Mar in the north, which offered a peaceful retreat after our daily adventures.

For my next visit to Tenerife, I’ve already marked a few hotels I’d love to stay in (I love that Tenerife offers so many affordable luxury options): Hotel Hacienda del Conde Meliá, Europe Villa Cortes GL, Rural House Agua Blanca, Hotel Botanico y Oriental Spa, and H10 Atlantic Sunset Horizons. You can check out the best current deals on the map below.

Is Tenerife worth visiting?

Tenerife stands out as one of the most stunning and versatile islands in Spain, easily surpassing even the more heavily-visited Mallorca in its charm and variety. As the largest of the Canary Islands, it offers a unique combination of year-round mild weather, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse experiences.

Whether you’re a beach lover, an avid hiker, or traveling with family, Tenerife has something for everyone. Even if you’re simply planning a resort stay with waterparks and occasional day trips, the island still offers a remarkable experience. While comparing Tenerife to the other Canary Islands in this post, I do acknowledge that it may not top every category, but I truly believe it’s one of those rare, once-in-a-lifetime destinations you won’t want to miss.

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)
• Ultimate 4-Day South Tenerife Itinerary (read it)
• Ultimate 5-Day Gran Canaria Itinerary: Top Places to Visit on the Island (read it)
• Gran Canaria or Lanzarote: The Canary Island I Liked More and Why (read it)
• What to Eat in Gran Canaria: Best Foods + Restaurants (read it)
• Where to Stay in Gran Canaria: Best Areas for First-Timers (read it)
• Gran Canaria with Kids: Best Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do (read it)
• Tenerife or Gran Canaria: Where Would I Return? (read it)
• Best Hikes in Fuerteventura (read it)

Pin it:

For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.

• Accommodation: For short stays, I usually book via Agoda and Booking
• Tours&excursions: My favorites for guided tours are GetYourGuide and Viator
• Museums&attractions: Get mobile tickets for attractions via Tiqets (use ATC5 code for a 5% discount via this link)
• Semi-private & private tours: LivTours is my favorite place for unique & crafted experiences in Europe
• For Foodies: Eatwith is a unique platform for finding culinary experiences with locals around the world
• Audio guides: Book audio excursions & tours in 35+ countries via WeGoTrip
• Flights: Find the best deals with Skyscanner and Kiwi
• Driving in a new country? – Check out Tripiamo guides (do not miss Tripiamo Driving in Spain Guide)
• Train&bus tickets: Currently, I book via Omio (10% off with code ATC10 for first-time customers)
• Car rental: To find the best deals, I use Discover Cars
• Top E-Sim: To avoid roaming fees, I like Holafly (use ATLIFESTYLECROSSROADS for for a 5% discount)
• Shop My Level8 Suitcase: get 15% off with the code ATC15 here
• Internet Security on the road: Connect safely to public Wi-Fi and bypass censorship with NordVPN
• Transfers: For individual transfer services, I like GetTransfer and Kiwitaxi
• Suitcases&Luggage: Discover where to store your luggage on the go with Radical Storage
• Travel Insurance: Find the best trip insurance plans via VisitorsCoverage and EKTA
• Compensation for delayed/canceled flights: Check out AirHelp and Compensair
• Renting Bikes: To find motorcycles, scooters, quads, and bicycles, I use BikesBooking
• Package Tours: Head to CheapOair and Expedia
• For Bloggers: To monetize my blog, I work with Travelpayouts and Stay22
• Website Owners: For hosting services, I work with and recommend Lyrical Host (get 10% off with my code ATC10)