FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TENERIFE
With its mild climate, sun soaked beaches, jaw dropping volcanoes, and world class golf courses, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Tenerife has become the go to holiday destination. Whether it is a relaxing beach break, a trip with the family or a romantic getaway, the affectionately named Island of a Thousand Experiences truly lives up to its name.
There are plenty of Tenerife Resorts you can stay at, and they offer you the chance to sample local delicacies and stay in award-winning locations. Like any holiday destination, many people have questions before they book a trip to Tenerife. In this guide, we answer the questions that people are asking the most.
Key takeaways
- About: Tenerife is Spain’s largest Canary Island; it has the same time zone as the UK, it uses Euros, and no visa is needed for UK visitors.
- Weather: Warm year round (avg. 22–28ºC). Best for sun: May–Sept; Less busy: Mar–Apr or Oct–Nov.
- Travel: Flights from the UK take 4–5 hrs; there are two airports (Tenerife South is the main airport).
- Costs: Generally affordable meals, cheaper than Ibiza/Mallorca.
- Stay: South Tenerife (Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos) for sun & resorts; North for a greener, traditional vibe.
- Top things to do: Siam Park, Mount Teide, whale watching, Masca Valley, Loro Parque.
- Accommodation: Stay in South Tenerife locations like Costa Adeje for the best Resorts.
About Tenerife (Location, Basics & Essentials)
Where is Tenerife?
Tenerife is part of Spain and is one of the seven Canary Islands. It is also the most visited of the Canary Islands.
How big is Tenerife?
Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, with an area of around 786 square miles (2036 sq km), which is roughly the same size as Greater London. It is also Spain’s most populated island.
What time is it in Tenerife & what is the time difference between the UK and Tenerife?
Another benefit of visiting the paradise island of Tenerife is that it belongs to the same time zone as the UK and Ireland. Together with Portugal (except the Azores), Iceland and the Faroe Islands, they are all part of the Western European Time Zone (WET).
So, if it is 8 am in the UK, it is also 8 am in Tenerife!
What is the currency in Tenerife?
Euros are the currency used in Tenerife. You can find the current exchange rate on the Post Office website.
What plugs are used in Tenerife?
People flying from the UK will need to bring an adapter, as plugs have two round prongs, the same as in continental Europe.
Do I need a visa to visit Tenerife?
No, you do not need a visa to visit Tenerife if you are from the UK. This is because Tenerife is part of Spain and the EU’s Schengen Area.
- UK passport holders: You do not need a visa for short holidays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Travellers from outside the UK or EU: Check the entry requirements for Spain for your nationality.
Make sure your passport is valid for the required time (usually at least three months beyond your intended departure date). Read the official UK Gov Spain travel advice for more information.
Can you drink the tap water in Tenerife?
Yes, tap water in Tenerife is generally safe to drink, but it may taste different due to the island’s desalination process. Many visitors to Tenerife prefer instead to drink bottled or filtered water, which is widely available and inexpensive. Most hotels and resorts also provide bottled water.
Are there mosquitoes in Tenerife?
Mosquitoes are present in Tenerife, but they are generally less common than in other warm destinations due to the island’s drier climate. This is why they are especially less common in the south of the island. You may notice more of them in greener or more humid areas, such as Tenerife’s northern areas. Using standard insect repellent in the evenings is usually enough to avoid bites.
Weather, Climate & Best Time to Visit
What’s the weather like in Tenerife?
Tenerife has a subtropical climate, with hot summers and very mild winters, plus year-round sunshine. The average annual temperature in Tenerife is around 22 – 28ºC.
If you want to sunbathe on one of the golden beaches, the highest temperatures in Tenerife are between June and September. The hottest month of the year is generally August, with an average daily maximum of 31ºC and an average daily low of 22ºC. From June to November, the average sea temperature is at its highest, around 23ºC or above.
The winter months are equally popular, as temperatures in Tenerife can range from lows of around 15ºC to highs of 22ºC.
What is the best month to visit Tenerife?
Tenerife is a destination that can be visited all year round. The best month to visit depends on what you want from your holiday. May to September is the best for guaranteed sunshine and perfect Beach weather, featuring long, warm days and minimal rain.
For slightly cooler temperatures and quieter resorts, it’s best to visit between March and April or October and November. Tenerife also receives lots of visitors seeking winter sun in December and January, when the temperatures are pleasantly warm compared to the rest of Europe.
Which is the warmest part of Tenerife?
The south of Tenerife is the warmest part of the island. Resorts such as Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos benefit from a sheltered microclimate that brings more sunshine, higher temperatures and fewer cloudy days than the north. This makes the south ideal for sunseekers and those visiting during the winter months.
For sunshine and warmth during your holiday, discover our Costa Adeje Resorts:
Travel, Costs & Practical Information
How long is the flight to Tenerife?
The average direct flight time between the UK and Tenerife is just over four hours. Obviously, this can slightly alter depending on where you are flying from in the UK. Below, we’ve listed some of the approximate flight times.
- London Gatwick to Tenerife: 4 hours, 30 minutes
- Luton to Tenerife: 4 hours, 20 minutes
- Manchester to Tenerife: 4 hours, 40 minutes
- Birmingham to Tenerife: 4 hours, 30 minutes
- Bristol to Tenerife: 4 hours, 10 minutes
- Edinburgh to Tenerife: 4 hours, 50 minutes
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How many airports are in Tenerife?
There are two international airports in Tenerife. Tenerife South Airport (TFS), also known as Tenerife South–Reina Sofía Airport, is the largest and busiest of the two international airports. Tenerife North Airport (TFN), also known as Los Rodeos, opened in 1946, and whilst it does have flights arriving from some international destinations, many of its flights are domestic to other islands in the Canaries or mainland Spain.
Is Tenerife safe?
Tenerife is considered extremely safe to visit and is generally regarded as one of the safest places in Europe, with particularly low crime rates. If you want to check for any safety and security advice regarding Tenerife or the rest of Spain, you can visit the Gov.uk website for regular updates.
Is Tenerife expensive?
Tenerife is not expensive, and the Canary Islands, in general, are not considered expensive destinations. Naturally, the cost of your trip depends on the type of accommodation you choose, the food you want to try, and the activities you want to do. However, Tenerife is considered cheaper than destinations like Ibiza and Mallorca.
Talking about food, the Travel Snippet blog says: “Generally speaking, food is not expensive in Tenerife. Restaurants here are by no means expensive. A meal at a reasonably priced eatery will usually cost you around €13 (around £11).”
Where to Stay & Which Areas Are Best
Where to stay in Tenerife?
With stunning beaches, turquoise sea water, fantastic nature, and mouthwatering foods waiting for you, a holiday to Tenerife is unsurprisingly a very popular choice for many people in the UK.
Here at IDILIQ Hotels and Resorts, we have some spectacular Resorts that you can stay at:
Wyndham Residences Golf del Sur: A welcoming, family friendly holiday Resort located on the island’s scenic south coast, which offers stunning views of Mount Teide. The self-catering apartments and villas are just a short distance away from magnificent golfing greens and sandy beaches. It is regarded as one of the best golf hotels in Tenerife.
Ramada Residences by Wyndham Tenerife Costa Adeje: Combining sub tropical gardens with mountain and ocean surrounds, these apartments in Costa Adeje are perfect for a family friendly holiday. Ramada Residences offers accommodation to suit all budgets, from bijou studios to generous three bedroom apartments.
Wyndham Residences Costa Adeje: Located on the sun-soaked south coast in Costa Adeje, these stylish apartments are near sandy beaches and the popular holiday Resort of Playa de las Americas. There is the option of one, two or three beds, and the accommodation has fully equipped kitchens, spacious living areas and terraces, all with sunning ocean views and some with al fresco hot tubs.
Is Tenerife good for families?
Tenerife has a well-deserved reputation as being a family-friendly destination. The balmy weather, miles of beaches and countless outdoor activities on offer are perfect for keeping kids entertained. There are fun-filled attractions and theme parks that offer you perfect days out with kids.
Which part of Tenerife is better – north or south?
Both sides of the island offer something different, but the south tends to be the most popular.
South Tenerife, including popular areas like Costa Adeje, Golf del Sur, Playa de las Américas, and Los Cristianos, enjoys more sunshine, warmer temperatures and modern Resorts, making it ideal for beach holidays and family breaks.
North Tenerife, around Puerto de la Cruz and La Orotava, is greener and cooler, with a more traditional Canarian feel and dramatic scenery.
If you’re looking for reliable sunshine and plenty of holiday facilities, the south is typically the best bet.
Where is the nicest part of Tenerife?
Tenerife has many beautiful areas, but Costa Adeje is often considered one of the nicest thanks to its stylish atmosphere, golden beaches, top hotels, and excellent restaurants.
Golf del Sur is another contender – a purpose-built Resort on the south known for its championship golf course, marina, and relaxed atmosphere. It attracts more than just golfers, however, with many enjoying its beautiful coastal paths and international restaurants.
Los Cristianos is also excellent, offering a relaxed seaside feel, while the north is home to charming historic towns like La Laguna and pretty coastal spots around Puerto de la Cruz.
What is Costa Adeje like?
Costa Adeje is one of Tenerife’s most desirable holiday destinations, perfect for families, couples and luxury travellers. Visitors can look forward to stylish promenade areas, golden beaches, excellent restaurants, and a relaxed yet upmarket atmosphere.
Costa Adeje is also home to major attractions like Siam Park and offers easy access to whale-watching trips, water sports and coastal walks. Thanks to its high-quality hotels and the beautiful surroundings, Costa Adeje makes a fantastic base for exploring south Tenerife.
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What is Puerto de la Cruz like?
Puerto de la Cruz, on Tenerife’s lush northern coast, has a charming, traditional feel. It’s known for its historic old town, botanical gardens, black-sand beaches and relaxed atmosphere. While South Tenerife is the best part of the island for a holiday, taking the time to explore its northern areas is well worth it.
The weather here is cooler and more changeable than in the south, making it popular with walkers, nature lovers and those who prefer a quieter, authentic Canarian experience. Puerto de la Cruz is also home to attractions like Loro Parque (a much-loved animal park) and several beautiful coastal viewpoints.
Things to See & Do
What is there to see in Tenerife?
There is a reason Tenerife is called ‘The Land of a Thousand Experiences’: it has got it all. From its unique history and natural wonders to whale watching and action-packed attractions, you can soak up every magical experience during a holiday to Tenerife.
Below are some of the most popular attractions you can visit and experiences you can enjoy in Tenerife:
- Siam Park
- Mount Teide
- Whale watching
- Masca Valley
- Loro Parque
- Playa del Duque
- Botanical Gardens in Puerto de la Cruz
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Where is Siam Park in Tenerife?
Siam Park has been voted the best waterpark in the world nine times in a row, and if you are taking the family to Tenerife, experiencing the thrills and spills of the attraction is a must. Siam Park is perfectly located, right next door to Wyndham Residences Costa Adeje and a short drive from Ramada Residences Costa Adeje here in Tenerife. The address for Siam Park: Av. Siam, s/n, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, España.
Where are the sandy beaches in Tenerife?
The south of Tenerife is home to many of the best beaches on the island, and despite it being home to black sand beaches, there are several golden sandy beaches you can enjoy. Playa del Duque in Costa Adeje is regarded by many as one of the best beaches in Tenerife.
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Does Tenerife have a volcano?
Yes. Mount Teide is the third-highest volcano in the world and the highest peak in the Canary Islands and in all of Spain. This cloud-poking volcano was formed more than 170,000 years ago following the giant collapse of the former volcanic edifice, which was even bigger than the one that stands today.
Find your perfect Tenerife Resort
Hopefully, this guide has answered any questions you have about visiting Tenerife. If you want to enjoy a holiday on the island, take a look at the Tenerife hotels and Resorts here at IDILIQ Hotels. We even offer amazing Tenerife family holidays so young and old can enjoy the delights of this beautiful part of the world.
For more tips, guides, and advice, visit our blog.
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