Tenerife is one of the largest Canarian Islands and there is a lot to do and see here including sun, sea, sand, hiking, history, culture, and natural beauty. It is actually not easy to choose the appropriate accommodations, the great roadways for traveling, and the sites to consider when a person is planning for a one week tour in this diversified island. To help you get started, here is a complete guide for this seven days itinerary on this beautiful island of Tenerife.
Picking the right time to go to Tenerife
Obviously, before elaborating our route, it would be important to know when is the best time of the year to visit Tenerife. Thus, when it comes to planning the itinerary and choosing the activities, it is important to know that some months are better for that on the way of island climate.
Spring and Autumn: For sun lovers and beach lovers the time between April and October can be very good since the temperature and sunny days is good in this period of the year in Tenerife.
Summer: However, the last month of summer i.e August is the warmest in Tenerife; you will find that it’s also the most crowded with tourists. Average turnout is likely very high during this time, and the prices will also be inflated.
Winter: In Tenerife and especially in the northern part of the island December, January and February are cold months. Thus, although they are not as hot as one might expect for such a latitude, evenings can get chilly and it may also rain at times.
Accommodation Recommendations in Tenerife for a One Week Trip
Thus, the choice of the accommodation base in Tenerife is rather relative and depends on personal pictures and the planned activities within the framework of a vacation.
South Tenerife vs. North Tenerife:
South Tenerife: Enjoying the subtropical climate and with breezy photographs covering popular resorts such as Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas, Tenerife is particularly popular with those who prefer the beach and a lively night life.
North Tenerife: The northern coast of the island is much more impressive and original Canarian – tropical gardens, beautiful towns, and cooler climate. As far as climate is concerned, the north may not be as stable as the south but for those who like nature and culture, the north is the best.
Recommended Areas to Stay:
San Cristobal de la Laguna: This city located in the north is another popular spot which is also a UNESCO world heritage site and has more beautiful surroundings and easy transport to most area of the island.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife: The capital of the island proves to be a city of culture, shopping facilities, and maritimes promenades making it a perfect place to start the tour both for the city and the island.
La Orotava: Surprisingly beautiful town located in the Orotava Valley that It is famous for colonial houses, beautiful gardens, and genuine Canarian food.
Los Gigantes: The area of Los Gigantes is on the west side of Tenerife and is actually characterized by a pretty impressive cliff, luxurious hotels and splendid conditions for whale and dolphin watching.
Los Cristianos: Location: This town has everything and it is ideal for families and lovers of the beach offering sun sea and entertainment.
Hiring a Car for Your Tenerife Vacation
If one wants to travel to most parts of Tenerife flexible car hire is the best method to undertake. Driving your own car, gives you freedom of time, authenticity and the ability to explore hidden and less frequented areas which the car and more so the public transport cannot reach.
While hiring a car in Tenerife some things to look at include insurance, size of the car, and the fuel economy. Local car rental service providers such as cicar also provide competitive price of renting cars and the insurance to be provided is comprehensive.
WebSites and Resources for Trip Planning
To help you start your Tenerife trip, you should use the internet to help you with the schedule, hotel and activity bookings amongst other things.
Here are some helpful websites to assist you in organizing your trip:
GetYourGuide: Choose the best tours and attractions in Tenerife for sightseeing by water or on land, wildlife and nature watching, and kill time with cultural tours.
Here is the daily schedule of things a tourist can do during a week’s stay in Tenerife.
This section flows naturally from having selected the best time to visit, the place to stay, and hiring a car by identifying your day-by-day trip plan.
Below is a suggested seven-day plan to help you make the most of your time on the island:
Day 1: Road Trip on the West Coast
Los Gigantes: Tenerife starts on its west coast, where Los Gigantes – the dramatic cliffs of multi-hued rock – are waiting to welcome you. Go for a boat ride to view marine animals such as whales and dolphins or take a sundowner trip to the beach to enjoy the sun.
Masca: Continue interior to Masca, a beautiful town set in stunning mountains and tropical greens. Stroll around the alleys, go up to Masca and enjoy the views and try out the local Canarian food at a restaurant.
Punta de Teno Lighthouse: Proceed along the coastal road of Garachico towards Punta de Teno with fine viewing points of a lighthouse that dates back to the 16th century and is situated at the cliffs’ edge. Step aside and watch the superb view and be dumbstruck with the might of the Atlantic Ocean against the massive rocks.
Garachico: Take a final stroll in the picturesque town of Garachico which boasts majestic volcanic bathing pools, a cobbled colonial core, and rich seafaring history. Take a walk through the steep alleys and climb up the Castilla de San Miguel castle, if you dare; the town is also well known for its local eatery called tasca.
Day 2: Discovering ‘Las Cañadas del Teide’
Mount Teide: Carry on early in the morning towards the Mount Teide; it is the tallest peak in Spain and the third largest volcano in the world. Take a cable car to the top to look down through the SKY view point on the island below, there are National parks to visit around and trail hiking.
Roques de Garcia: Admire the beauty of the rock formations of Roques de Garcia where one would find the Roque Cinchado this is a natural monument that represent the volcanic formation of Tenerife island. Take great pictures of these geographical formations and with Mount Teide as your backdrop.
El Portillo Visitor Center: El Portillo Information Centre is designed to acquaint the tourists with the galogy and geology, plant and animal life of the Teide National Park.
Tenerife Astronomical Observatory: Should you have time at your disposal, go to Tenerife Astronomical Observatory situated near the Mount Teide to take the tour and learn some interesting facts and possibilities of astronomy and astrophysics through the tour and observations.
Day 3: Northern Tenerife or the adventure to explore northern part of Tenerife.
La Orotava: Start the day from the beautiful town of La Orotava featured with colonial houses, beautiful gardens and endowed with a long history. Walking around the historic part of the town, take a look at the Casa de los Balcones and pay attention to the paintwork of some houses.
Puerto de la Cruz: Carry on to Puerto de la Cruz, another popular town with tourists that boasts beautiful black sand beaches, a botanical garden, and especially a party-like ambience. In the afternoon you can lie down at Playa Jardin or take a walk at Lago Martianez or go shopping along the Paseo Maritimo.
Loro Parque: One of the places that are exceptional that everybody should tour is Loro Parque especially for families and lovers of animals. This modern zoo and a centre that focuses on the preservation of species is a home to parrots, dolphins, penguins and gorillas, among others. Appreciate musicals, performances, ones which include audience participation, and informative programs or shows all day.
Day 4: Olvidando Eastern Tenerife
Anaga Rural Park: Set out for Anaga Rural Park that is on the list of UNESCO biosphere due to the magnificent features including the ancient laurel forests, Mountains and secluded beaches. But if you fancy a trek, you would go through scenic trails where you would find some of the best waterfalls and other features of this park that are unique to the area.
San Andres: Next on the list is San Andres, which is a coastal village offering beautiful and serene sun, sand and sea experience at the Las Teresitas Beach, delicious seafood at the restaurant constructed right next to the sea and the tranquil feel of the fishing village.
Candelaria: The final destination can be Candelaria – a town historically connected with the religious traditions and having cultural sites to offer. It will definitely be a must to pay a visit at the Basilica of the Royal Marian Shrine of Our Lady of Candelaria where the image of the Virgen de la Candelaria is enshrined; walk through the town visiting its several picturesque squares and a nice promenade along the waterfront.
Day 5: Beach Ride and Cultural Tour
Güímar Pyramids: The first day should ideally be dedicated to visiting the Güímar Pyramids – six-step pyramids of uncertain use and provenience. Visit the museum installed on the territory of the complex and find out more about the existing theories of the origin of these structures.
El Médano: In the afternoon, head to the town of El Médano where you can find Playa Grande and this is a beach with golden sand famous for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
San Miguel de Abona: Visit the historic town of San Miguel de Abona – famous for its old churches, Canarian architecture, and locally produced wines.
Day 6: Sport, rest and relaxation.
Siam Park: Soak up the pleasures of one of the best water parks in the world – Siam Park! Whether you want an adrenaline rush on the slides, relax in the lazy river, or simply soak up the surroundings, Siam Park has something for everyone.
Shopping and Dining: After enjoying the park, take a break for a while to shop at Siam Mall or Plaza del Duque and enjoy the local and international cuisine.
Beach Time: Enjoy the sun and the sea at Playa de las Teresitas, Playa de Benijo, or Playa de las Americas.
Day 7: Departure from Tenerife
Last Minute Explorations: Before you leave, make sure to visit any missed attractions or revisit your favorite spots.
Farewell: Take a moment to reflect on your Tenerife adventure, the breathtaking views, and the warm hospitality you received during your stay.