Tenerife
Tenerife is a year-round Canary Island favourite where golden beaches, volcanic scenery, lively resorts and dramatic mountain landscapes create a holiday full of variety.
Excellent
4.7
Tenerife
Tenerife is one of those destinations that can be as easy or as adventurous as you want it to be. For many travellers, it is the promise of reliable sunshine, comfortable hotels and long beach days that makes the island so appealing, but Tenerife has far more depth than its resort reputation sometimes suggests. The south coast is warm, bright and full of holiday energy, with beaches, promenades, restaurants, beach clubs and family attractions all within easy reach.
Travel inland or north, and the island changes completely, with pine forests, historic towns, banana plantations, dramatic cliffs and the mighty Mount Teide rising above it all. This contrast is what makes Tenerife so rewarding. You can spend one day relaxing beside the sea in Costa Adeje, the next exploring volcanic landscapes in Teide National Park, then wander through the old streets of La Laguna or watch the Atlantic crash against the cliffs of Los Gigantes.
It is a destination that works brilliantly for families, couples, groups, winter sun seekers and returning travellers, offering sunshine, scenery, comfort and character in one island escape.
Tenerife's Most Popular Resorts
Tenerife has a wide choice of resorts, each with its own atmosphere, pace and holiday style. Some are lively and entertainment-led, others are polished and relaxed, while a few offer a more traditional island feel with dramatic scenery and quieter evenings.
Costa Adeje is one of Tenerife’s most polished and popular resort areas, known for its stylish hotels, smart restaurants, sandy beaches and relaxed but upmarket feel. It is a strong choice for couples, families and travellers who want comfort, good service and easy access to some of the island’s best beaches and attractions.
Playa de las Américas is Tenerife’s liveliest resort, best known for its nightlife, beach clubs, bars, restaurants and energetic holiday atmosphere. It suits travellers who want plenty going on day and night, with beaches, shopping, live music and entertainment all close together.
Los Cristianos has a more established and traditional feel, with a working harbour, seafront promenade, sandy beaches and a good mix of restaurants and cafés. It is popular with families, couples and older travellers who want convenience, a relaxed pace and easy access to boat trips and neighbouring resorts.
Golf del Sur is a quieter resort area on the south coast, known for its golf courses, coastal walks and calmer holiday feel. It is ideal for travellers who prefer a more laid-back base, with good access to the airport and the busier resorts only a short journey away.
Puerto de la Cruz sits on Tenerife’s greener north coast and offers a more traditional Canarian atmosphere than the main southern resorts. It is best known for its old town, botanical gardens, sea pools, black-sand beaches and easy access to the lush Orotava Valley.
Los Gigantes is one of Tenerife’s most scenic coastal resorts, famous for its towering cliffs that rise dramatically from the Atlantic. It is a great choice for travellers who want views, boat trips, a slower pace and a setting that feels more dramatic than a typical beach resort.
Latest Offers
Discover the latest Tenerife holiday offers with Dawson Travel, from winter sun escapes and family beach breaks to all-inclusive hotels, couples’ getaways and flexible Canary Island packages.
Irish citizens travelling from the Republic of Ireland do not need a visa to visit Tenerife, as the island is part of Spain and Spain is a member of the European Union. Travellers should have a valid Irish passport or passport card for the duration of their stay, and it is always sensible to check passport expiry dates before booking, especially for children’s passports.
Entry requirements can change, so Irish travellers should check the latest Department of Foreign Affairs advice before departure and make sure they have suitable travel insurance in place.
Tenerife is one of Europe’s most dependable year-round sunshine destinations, with warm temperatures, mild winters and very little rainfall in the main southern resorts. The south of the island is generally warmer and drier, making it especially popular for beach holidays, winter sun and relaxed resort stays. Summer is hot and lively, with long days suited to swimming, boat trips and evenings outdoors, while spring and autumn offer warm weather with a slightly calmer feel.
Winter is one of Tenerife’s strongest seasons, as the island remains pleasantly warm when much of Europe is cold, although the north and higher mountain areas can feel cooler and greener than the south coast. If you plan to visit Mount Teide, pack a warmer layer, as temperatures can be noticeably lower at altitude.
Available Transport Options in Tenerife
Tenerife is easy to explore, and Dawson Travel can help make your journey even smoother. Flights, transfers and car hire can be arranged as part of your holiday package, helping you book more of your trip in one simple place.
Flights
Tenerife is served by two airports: Tenerife South Airport, which handles many international holiday flights and is the most convenient airport for Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos and Golf del Sur, and Tenerife North-Ciudad de La Laguna Airport, which is useful for northern areas such as Puerto de la Cruz, La Laguna and Santa Cruz. For most sun holidays from Ireland and the UK, Tenerife South is usually the main arrival point.
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are one of the easiest ways to reach Tenerife’s main resorts, especially when travelling as a family, couple or group with luggage. Shared transfers can be a good-value option for popular resort areas, while pre-booking helps make arrival smoother and avoids having to arrange transport after landing.
Private Transfers
Private transfers are ideal for travellers who want a direct, comfortable journey straight to their accommodation. They are especially useful for late arrivals, families with young children, larger groups, or anyone staying outside the main resort centres where a direct transfer can save time and hassle.
Car Hire
Car hire is a very useful option in Tenerife, particularly for travellers who want to explore beyond the southern resorts. Having a car makes it easier to visit Mount Teide, Masca, La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz, Anaga Rural Park and smaller coastal villages, giving the holiday a much richer sense of the island.
Our Top Destinations in Tenerife
Tenerife is an island of contrasts, and the best holidays often combine beach time with a few memorable days exploring its volcanic landscapes, historic towns and dramatic coastlines. These are some of the top places worth including in a Tenerife itinerary.
Teide National Park
Teide National Park
Teide National Park is Tenerife’s most spectacular natural attraction, home to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak and the island’s defining landmark. The landscape feels almost lunar, with volcanic rock, lava fields, wide skies and viewpoints that make the journey just as memorable as the destination itself.
Costa Adeje
Costa Adeje
Costa Adeje is one of Tenerife’s most desirable holiday areas, with quality hotels, sandy beaches, seafront restaurants and a relaxed, stylish atmosphere. It is an excellent base for travellers who want comfort and sunshine, with easy access to beach days, boat trips, shopping and family attractions.
Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz offers a different side of Tenerife, with a more traditional feel, greener surroundings and a charming old town atmosphere. It is a great place to experience the island beyond the southern resorts, with sea pools, gardens, restaurants and nearby cultural towns all within easy reach.
Los Gigantes
Los Gigantes
Los Gigantes is one of Tenerife’s most dramatic coastal locations, known for its immense cliffs that drop into the Atlantic. It is a wonderful place for boat trips, coastal views, relaxed dining and sunset moments, especially for travellers who enjoy scenery as much as sunshine.
Travel Tips for Visitors in Tenerife
Even when the beach resorts are warm, Mount Teide and the higher roads can feel much cooler, so take a jumper or light jacket if you are heading into the national park.
The south is warmer, drier and more resort-focused, while the north is greener, more traditional and often cooler, so choose your base based on the style of holiday you actually want.
Popular experiences such as Siam Park, whale watching trips and Mount Teide excursions can get busy during peak school holiday periods, so booking ahead can save time and avoid disappointment.
Tenerife is far more interesting when you leave the main resort strip for at least a day, whether that means visiting La Laguna, driving to Masca, exploring Puerto de la Cruz or heading up to Teide National Park.
Some beaches and natural pools can have stronger Atlantic currents than expected, so always pay attention to local flags, lifeguard advice and sea conditions before swimming.
Mountain roads to places such as Masca and Teide are scenic but winding, so allow more time than the distance suggests and avoid rushing the journey, especially if you are not used to driving on narrow roads.
Things To Do in Majorca
Majorca is much more than a beach destination. From scenic coastal drives and pretty mountain villages to historic landmarks, local markets, boat trips and family attractions, the island offers plenty to enjoy between relaxing days in the sun.
Things to Do
Cultural Highlights
Things to do in Tenerife
Tenerife is packed with things to do, from famous family attractions and boat trips to volcanic scenery, historic towns and dramatic coastal viewpoints. The island is at its best when you balance relaxed resort days with a few standout experiences that show its scale and character.
Visit Teide National Park
Teide National Park is the essential Tenerife experience and one of the most impressive landscapes in the Canary Islands. Whether you take an organised excursion, drive through the park or use the cable car area as part of your visit, the views, volcanic formations and sense of altitude make it a memorable day away from the coast.
Enjoy Siam Park in Costa Adeje
Siam Park is one of Tenerife’s most famous family attractions, known for its Thai-inspired design, wave pool, lazy river and water rides. It is a brilliant choice for families, groups and anyone who wants a high-energy day away from the beach, especially when staying in Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas or Los Cristianos.
Take a Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip
The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are one of the island’s best areas for whale and dolphin watching, with boat trips departing from ports such as Los Cristianos and Puerto Colón. It is one of the most memorable ways to experience Tenerife’s coastline, combining sea views, wildlife and a fresh perspective on the island from the water.
Explore Masca Village
Masca is one of Tenerife’s most striking mountain villages, set among steep ravines and dramatic scenery in the Teno Mountains. The road is winding and the setting feels wonderfully remote, making it a rewarding day trip for travellers who enjoy views, photography and a slower glimpse of traditional island life.
Relax at Playa del Duque
Playa del Duque in Costa Adeje is one of Tenerife’s most elegant beaches, known for its pale sand, clear water, smart surroundings and polished seafront feel. It is ideal for travellers who want a more refined beach day, with good restaurants, quality hotels and a relaxed atmosphere close by.
Cultural Highlights
Tenerife’s culture is shaped by its volcanic landscape, Atlantic position, historic towns, religious traditions and Canarian identity. Taking time to explore its cultural highlights gives a holiday more depth and shows that the island is much more than beaches and resort life.
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
San Cristóbal de La Laguna is one of Tenerife’s most important historic towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its colourful streets, colonial architecture and elegant old quarter. It is a must-visit for travellers who want to see the island’s cultural side, with cafés, churches, courtyards and a lively local atmosphere.
La Orotava
La Orotava is a beautiful historic town set in the north of the island, with traditional Canarian balconies, old mansions, gardens and views across the valley. It is an excellent stop for visitors staying in or travelling through the north, offering a slower, more authentic side of Tenerife.
Basilica of Candelaria
The Basilica of Candelaria is one of Tenerife’s most important religious sites and a major place of pilgrimage in the Canary Islands. Its seafront setting, open square and statues of the Guanche kings make it a meaningful cultural visit, even for travellers who simply want to understand more about the island’s identity.
Auditorio de Tenerife, Santa Cruz
The Auditorio de Tenerife in Santa Cruz is one of the island’s most striking modern landmarks, known for its bold white curves and waterfront position. It is worth seeing for its architecture alone, and it also gives visitors a reason to spend time in the capital, where shopping, restaurants and cultural spaces offer a different pace from the resorts.
Casa de los Balcones, La Orotava
Casa de los Balcones is one of La Orotava’s best-known historic buildings, famous for its traditional wooden balconies and Canarian architecture. It is a worthwhile visit for travellers interested in local craft, heritage and the details that make Tenerife’s old towns so distinctive.
What are the best things to do in Majorca?
Popular things to do include visiting Palma’s old town, exploring the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, taking a boat trip along the coast, visiting traditional villages and spending time at the island’s beaches and coves.
Is Majorca good for families?
Yes, Majorca is a great family destination, with sandy beaches, shallow waters, family-friendly resorts, waterparks, boat trips and plenty of relaxed places to eat.
Can you explore Majorca without hiring a car?
Yes, many resorts have good local facilities, and buses, taxis and organised excursions make it possible to explore without driving. A car can be useful for visiting quieter beaches, villages and mountain viewpoints.
What is Majorca best known for?
Majorca is best known for its beaches, sunshine, scenic coastline, relaxed resorts, historic Palma, pretty villages and the dramatic Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.
Is Majorca only for beach holidays?
No, Majorca is also great for sightseeing, cycling, walking, food, shopping, culture, romantic escapes and luxury hotel stays.
Why Tenerife Is a Must-Visit Destination
Year-round sunshine, volcanic drama and holidays for every traveller
Tenerife is a must-visit because it offers the comfort of a well-established holiday island with the scenery and variety of somewhere far more adventurous. You can keep things simple with beach days, hotel pools and seafront dining, or fill the holiday with mountain drives, volcanic landscapes, historic towns, boat trips, waterparks and coastal walks. It is easy to reach, easy to enjoy and full of experiences that suit different ages, budgets and travel styles.
For families, Tenerife offers reliable sunshine, good hotels, waterparks, beaches and easy resort facilities. For couples, it brings stylish stays, sunset views, scenic drives and quieter corners away from the busiest areas. For groups, there is nightlife, watersports, beach clubs and plenty of choice in the southern resorts. For returning travellers, the island still has more to reveal, from the forests of Anaga to the streets of La Laguna and the cliffs of Los Gigantes. Tenerife is popular for good reason: it delivers sunshine almost all year, but it also has the landscapes, culture and energy to make the holiday feel genuinely memorable.
Thank you for contacting us.
We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
We got it.
Tell Us About Your Tenerife Plans
Ready to plan your Tenerife escape? Send us your travel details and the Dawson Travel team will help you find the right holiday options, from beach resorts and family-friendly stays to luxury hotels, transfers and car hire that can be added to your package.
