Although often thought of as just a beach destination, this 3-day Tenerife itinerary will show you much more of what the island has to offer.
Tenerife is a beautiful Spanish island that has something for everyone to enjoy, from towering mountain peaks to lush green valleys, the island provides a variety of landscapes to explore.
With so much to see and do, this guide will help you make the most of your time on the island.
QUICK ANSWERS: TENERIFE ITINERARY
WHERE IS TENERIFE?
Tenerife is the largest of the seven Canary Islands, an autonomous community of Spain located in the Atlantic Ocean off the southwest coast of Morocco, Africa.
Tenerife is known for its black sand beaches, dramatic landscapes, and Teide National Park, which features Mount Teide, the highest point in Spain.
Click here for an interactive map of Tenerife.
BEST TIME TO VISIT TENERIFE?
The island has a subtropical climate with warm weather all year round, however, the best months to visit Tenerife are from April to June or from September to December when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists.
TENERIFE IN SUMMER
The average temperature in Tenerife in summer is 29°C, with highs of up to 44°C.
While it’s certainly hotter than the winter months, you will want to consider the crowds as Tenerife gets very busy in the summer.
Another reason to visit in the summer is to try surfing in Tenerife which is the best season for smaller waves if you’re a beginner.
TENERIFE IN WINTER
Tenerife and the Canary Islands have a mild climate and in fact, are the warmest places in Europe during the winter months.
In winter the islands experience average temperatures of around 20 degrees Celcius and it rarely rains.
It’s perfect weather for sightseeing and exploring the coastal towns and phenomenal volcanic landscapes.
CAN I VISIT TENERIFE ON A CRUISE?
Yes, you can! I personally visited Tenerife with P&O Cruises which offers many cruises to the Canary Islands and allows plenty of time to get off the ship and explore.
P&O Cruises has a shore experience program for the Canary Islands and Tenerife, from once-in-a-lifetime adventures to simple, convenient transfers, there is a huge range of experiences and fun-fuelled activities on offer for everyone to enjoy.
The brand new Fly-Canaries itineraries start in October 2022 and the ship Azura will be based in Tenerife for the full winter program.
In this guide, I’ll show you all the amazing things that Tenerife has to offer and which you’ll have the opportunity to experience when visiting Tenerife on one of the Canary Islands Fly-Cruises.
HOW TO GET AROUND TENERIFE?
The best way to get around Tenerife is by car. There are plenty of car rental agencies at the airport and in South Tenerife, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a vehicle that suits your needs.
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If you’re not comfortable driving in Tenerife, there are also plenty of taxis that can take you where you need to go. Just be sure to agree on a price with the driver before getting in, as taxi fares can be expensive.
Alternatively, a great option to get around is by joining a tour. Excursions are convenient and not as expensive as taxis and you’ll have a guide to show you the best parts of the island.
Last but not least, taking the bus (called “guaguas” by the locals) is a cheap and good option, but you won’t be able to reach more remote areas, which is surely what Tenerife is best known for.
To give you an idea, taking the bus from Adeje to El Portillo, which is about 1 hour away, will cost you 8 euros ($8) per person.
3-DAY TENERIFE ITINERARY
If you’re looking for an amazing European vacation destination that won’t break the bank, look no further than Tenerife.
Boasting an abundance of fun-fuelled adventures, stunning mountain scenery, and award-winning beaches, use this guide to plan your perfect 3-day Tenerife itinerary and experience it all.
DAY 1 IN TENERIFE
Start your trip by heading north to Los Gigantes, one of the most beautiful spots on the island, and go on a kayaking tour along the cliffs.
After spending some time paddling around, head over to Puerto Colón and jump on a catamaran cruise and whale-watching tour.
And lastly, enjoy a hearty dinner and show at the Hard Rock Cafe.
KAYAKING AT LOS GIGANTES
If you want to explore the stunning, dramatic coastline of Tenerife, then kayaking at Los Gigantes is a must.
The cliffs here tower over 600 meters above the water, making for an impressive sight.
Several companies offer kayaking tours from Los Gigantes, so you can easily find one that suits your needs and abilities.
The tours typically last for 2 hours, and you’ll paddle around the cliffs, stop for a swim, and even visit a nearby cave. It’s an amazing way to see this part of the island, and it’s also a great workout!
I took a tour with Teno Activo and, for only 30 Euros, you’ll get to paddle around for 2 hours in a double kayak with a friend or a new acquaintance.
Teno Activo also provides you with a drink, a photo book, and a life jacket if you’re not experienced.
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CATAMARAN CRUISE & WHALE WATCHING
A catamaran cruise is a perfect way to explore Tenerife’s coastline and see some of the island’s most beautiful beaches.
You can also go whale watching on a catamaran – an experience you won’t want to miss on your Tenerife itinerary!
I recommend Freebird Tenerife, which is the company I chose for the tour. They offer 3-hour tours to Costa Adeje and 4.5-hour tours to Los Gigantes and Masca.
This tour includes free pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, a specialized guide, and lunch and drinks on board. All this from 39 Euros per person!
HARD ROCK CAFE – DINNER & SHOW
After a hard day’s work kayaking and catamaran cruising, head on over to Hard Rock Cafe for dinner and a show.
The menu features a variety of burgers, sandwiches, ribs, and salads, as well as a wide selection of entrees.
But there’s more… Hard Rock Cafe offers Happy Hour events almost every day from 5 pm to 7 pm and you can get your favorite drink and cocktail for 50% off while enjoying the rock and roll show.
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DAY 2 IN TENERIFE
After a fun-fuelled first day going kayaking, whale watching, and indulging, start day 2 with a visit to La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage town on the north side of the island.
Then spend the afternoon checking out Anaga Rural Park and exploring the volcanic landscapes of Tiede National Park!
LA LAGUNA UNESCO WORLD-HERITAGE TOWN
San Cristóbal de La Laguna, also known as La Laguna, is a UNESCO World Heritage town located in the north of Tenerife.
This lovely Spanish town was once the capital of the Canary Islands and is now a popular tourist destination.
The historic center of La Laguna is well-preserved, and its architecture is a mix of Spanish colonial and Canarian styles.
The streets are lined with colorful houses, and there are several beautiful churches to explore.
You can also enjoy plenty of souvenir shopping and dining options in town while exploring the different squares.
The nicest things to do and see in La Laguna include:
- Wander around Conception Square
- Visit Catedral de la Laguna
- Visit the House of the Captains General
- Relax at the Adelantado Square
With such a picturesque setting and friendly locals, visiting La Laguna is simply one of the Tenerife attractions you can’t skip.
ANAGA RURAL PARK
Just a short car ride from La Laguna Tenerife, you can find yourself in a world of calm and natural beauty.
Anaga Rural Park is a protected area of mountains, forests, and coastline that covers a big part of the island of Tenerife and is 14,419 hectares.
With its dramatic scenery and diverse plant and animal life, the park is a popular destination for walkers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers.
Here, you’ll be able to hike, get to the different viewpoints, take in the amazing views of the sea, and even visit the terrace fields in El Batan.
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TIEDE NATIONAL PARK
Mount Teide, with its 3,715 meters and being one of Europe’s tallest volcanoes, is the highest point in Spain.
Climb to its peak or take the easier route and ride the cable car to the top. Either option, this is not to be missed on your Tenerife Itinerary.
The Teide National Park encompasses almost 200 square kilometers of land and offers diverse environments.
From pine forests to volcanic wasteland expanses, it’s sure to take your breath away.
There are a few hikes at the Teide National Park and, depending on which one you choose, you can easily spend the day here. The best hikes at Mount Teide are:
- Parador Nacional to Montaña Guajara Circuit Trail – Moderate/Difficult – 4.5 hours duration
- Roques de García Loop Trail – Easy – 1 to 1.5 hours duration
- Montaña de la Botija and Montaña Samara Circuit Trail – Easy – 2 hours duration
If hiking is not your thing, there are a few roadside viewpoints throughout the national park, and my personal favorite is the Valle de Ucanca viewpoint which overlooks a Mars-esque landscape!
To sum up, if you’re willing to spice up your Tenerife excursions, Tiede National Park is a must.
DAY 3 IN TENERIFE
For the last day of your 3-day itinerary, start the morning exploring Garachico Village, a quaint town on the north coast of the island known for its black lava beaches and colonial architecture.
Then for lunch, make your way to El Calderito de La Abuela, an unmissable dining experience in Tenerife.
And lastly, end the day on the golden shores of Playa de Las Teresitas.
For an alternate option on day 3, you could spend an entire day at Siam Park Water Kingdom, rated as the #1 waterpark in the world 8 consecutive times!
GARACHICO VILLAGE – TENERIFE ITINERARY
Founded in the 15th century by Cristobal de Ponte, a Genoese banker, Garachico is a lovely town located about 1 hour away from Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Costa Adeje.
The town is situated on a rocky coastline and is known for its black lava beaches and stunning naturally formed rock pools.
In addition, Garachico is home to several important historical sites, including the Fortress of San Miguel, a 16th-century fort, and Plaza de la Libertad where you can chill and sip on a drink.
The town is a popular tourist destination in Tenerife and is well-known for its relaxed atmosphere and stunning natural beauty.
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EL CALDERITO DE LA ABUELA
El Calderito de La Abuela is not just a restaurant, it’s an experience not to be missed in Tenerife!
Run by the Torres brothers Fabian and Mario, they enjoy their work as much as their customers enjoy their dishes and the atmosphere of their restaurant in the north of Tenerife.
Come and try the delicious Canarian cuisine dishes and specialties from the area, paired with a nice glass of wine and incredible views over Orotava Valley and the sea.
PLAYA DE LAS TERESITAS
The turquoise waters of Playa de Las Teresitas in Tenerife are a sight to behold.
The golden sand and palm trees create a postcard-perfect setting, and the gentle waves make it an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
The crescent-shaped beach has an awesome view and is a perfect place to take a dip and relax, not to mention it’s one of the most beautiful sand beaches in Spain.
You’ll also find numerous beach bars along the shoreline to grab a refreshing cocktail and something to nibble on.
SIAM PARK WATER KINGDOM
Siam Park is one of the most popular attractions in Tenerife, and it’s easy to see why.
With its theme inspired by Thailand (hence its name), sprawling grounds, dramatic slides, and lush landscaping, the park has something for everyone.
You can cool off in the lazy Mai Thai river, take a spin on the Mekong Rapids, or slide down the Tower of Power.
For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of sun loungers dotted around the park where you can soak up the Canary Island sun.
You’ll also find restaurants and bars inside the park.
All in all, whether you’re young and traveling with friends or a family with kids, Siam Park is one of the best places to visit in Tenerife.
WHERE TO STAY IN TENERIFE
Tenerife has hundreds of accommodations to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to suit the needs of budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers.
See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
LUXURY: GF VICTORIA
MID-RANGE: OLÉ TROPICAL TENERIFE
BUDGET: ENDLESS SUMMER HOUSE
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN TENERIFE, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
WHAT TO PACK FOR TENERIFE
When visiting Tenerife, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:
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FINAL THOUGHTS – 3 DAY TENERIFE ITINERARY
Tenerife is a beautiful island located in the Atlantic Ocean and, as you understood in this guide, it offers something for everyone, even for short holidays.
No matter if you’re looking for a quiet getaway, an adventure-filled holiday, or simply some time by the beach, Tenerife has it all!
If you have any questions, please leave a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.
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THANKS FOR READING
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