Holiday in Tenerife – Tips, Experiences, and Recommended Activities

Choose Experiences Over Stars – Why a Longer Holiday in Tenerife Is Better Than a Luxury Stay

More than ten years ago, I took my first holiday in Tenerife. I arrived with just a backpack, flying on a budget airline, driven by curiosity and a hunger for discovery. From the very beginning, I knew I wasn’t here for luxury. I had worked behind the scenes in 4- and 5-star hotels and knew that world intimately – it never resonated with me.

What I truly craved was authentic adventure and meaningful experiences. For me, a holiday in Tenerife has never been about lounging by the pool with a cocktail – it’s about connecting with nature, people, and the spirit of the island. I’ve carried this passion forward by creating travel experiences that focus on the real value of Tenerife, guided by locals and rooted in the island’s stunning natural beauty.

Discovery First – The True Start of My Holiday in Tenerife

Before I ever recommended an activity, I made sure to experience it myself. One of my first adventures during my holiday in Tenerife was hiking alone above Caletillas. The trail was long and winding, but every step revealed new vegetation, rocky outcrops, and sweeping views of the Atlantic. I wasn’t following a map—I was following instinct.

Then came my mountain bike, shipped all the way from Europe. It unlocked an entirely new side of the island. I explored deep into Anaga, one of Tenerife’s greenest and most untouched areas. There, I witnessed wild goats climbing impossibly steep cliffs and found hidden lookout points where time seemed to pause. That was the moment when my Tenerife holiday shifted from being fun to being profoundly personal.

Water Adventures in Tenerife – Kayaking, Sailing, Diving, Canyoning, Surfing

No holiday in Tenerife is complete without a deep dive into the Atlantic.

• In 2016, I kayaked along the cliffs of Los Gigantes, where walls up to 600 meters rise straight out of the sea. We passed by dolphins and turtles, swimming freely—not in captivity, but in their natural home. Book this kayaking tour here ›

• Sailing in the channel between Tenerife and La Gomera gave me another kind of peace. I joined small-group trips with skippers who respected the ocean deeply. One captain explained how the seafloor drops thousands of meters—making it one of the best places in Europe for whale watching. See sailing tours here ›

• I also took on canyoning in the Carrizales gorge. Sliding down waterfalls and rappelling into deep ravines with a helmet and rope awakened something primal in me. Try the Carrizales tour ›

• Surfing, of course, humbled me. With a beginner’s board and zero experience, I got tossed around in the white foam like laundry. But with the help of a local instructor, I slowly learned the art of reading waves. Join a surf course here ›

Underwater and Above the Clouds – Diving & Teide

One of the most unforgettable parts of any holiday in Tenerife is experiencing both the depths and the heights.

• My first real scuba dive took me 20 meters below the surface before I even noticed. I swam alongside rays, wrasses, and even a turtle that glided past like a dream. Explore diving options ›

• And then there’s Mount Teide. Every trip to the summit is different. Sometimes I hike at sunrise, other times I catch the sunset as shadows stretch across the volcanic plains. At over 3,700 meters, it’s not just a peak—it’s a spiritual moment. Join a Teide sunrise or sunset hike ›

Why Renting a Car in Tenerife Is a Game-Changer

Here’s a tip I always share: rent a car. Public transport is decent, but a car gives you freedom. You can drive from the sunny beaches of the south to the lush, misty mountains of the north in under two hours.

During my own trips, I often found magical places by accident—like a tiny guachinche (local eatery) in the hills or a black sand beach with no one else around. Having a car in Tenerife lets you find hidden gems, scenic trails, and panoramic views that aren’t in any guidebook.

Pro tip: The south (like Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, El Médano) is almost always sunny, making it a perfect base. But don’t miss Garachico, Masca, Taganana, or Punta de Teno in the north for dramatic landscapes and authentic Canarian charm.

Weather in Tenerife – Why It’s Called the Island of Eternal Spring

Tenerife’s nickname says it all: “The Island of Eternal Spring.” Even in winter, temperatures hover around 20–24°C. The south is generally drier and sunnier, while the north gets more cloud and rain, making it ideal for lush forests and agriculture.

Planning a winter holiday in Tenerife? You can surf in the morning and hike in a jacket by the afternoon. It’s this diversity—both in weather and terrain—that makes the island so unique.

Other Holiday in Tenerife Tips & Experiences

• Hiking in Anaga Rural Park – You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a tropical forest. Bring layers, as it’s often cool and foggy.

• Visit La Laguna – A UNESCO World Heritage city with colonial streets, cozy cafés, and lively student vibes.

• Go to a local fiesta – Check local calendars. Whether it’s a carnival or a tiny village festival, you’ll dance, eat, and drink like a local.

• Try volcanic wine – The mineral-rich soil gives wines from Tenerife a bold, earthy taste. Look for vineyards around Tacoronte or Güímar.

Gastronomy and Culture – The Flavors and Soul of a Holiday in Tenerife

Whether it’s rabbit stew, papas arrugadas with mojo, or fried cheese with honey, Canarian food is rich, local, and made with love. Thanks to friends like Jonay and Meri, I discovered eateries that don’t appear online – only through word of mouth.

And the culture? It’s warm, welcoming, and deeply rooted in nature. In Tenerife, people don’t just live – they savor life. Even a gas station might surprise you with the best tortilla you’ve ever had.

Conclusion – A Holiday in Tenerife With Heart and Soul

Tenerife is not just a destination – it’s a feeling, a rhythm, a lifestyle. A holiday in Tenerife offers more than sunshine and sea. It gives you space to breathe, time to reconnect, and experiences that shape you long after you’ve left.

So next time you plan a getaway, skip the luxury suite. Rent a car, find a hidden beach, hike a volcanic trail, and share tapas with locals. Don’t just count the stars in your hotel – count the stars in the sky.

Live the island. Live Tenerife.