Tenerife gets a lot of attention. And honestly, most of it is deserved. But if you’ve ever typed “Tenerife holiday ideas” into Google and ended up drowning in generic listicles telling you to “soak up the sun” and “enjoy the local culture,” you’ll know how unhelpful that can be when you’re actually trying to plan something.
So let’s do this properly. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, with kids in tow, or you just want to spend a week on a golf course with a cold beer in hand, Tenerife genuinely has something for you. And I mean that in the most non brochure way possible.
Here are five holiday ideas that work, with honest tips on each one.
A Proper Spa Break (Yes, You Deserve It)
There’s a reason so many people come to Tenerife specifically to do nothing. The island has a serious number of high quality spa hotels, particularly in the south around Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos, and they’re not just for the ultra wealthy.
Many of the five star hotels here have full spa facilities open to non guests too. You pay a day pass fee, which is usually very reasonable, and you get access to pools, steam rooms, massage treatments, and beauty therapies. It’s a good option if you’re staying somewhere more budget friendly but still want a day of proper pampering.
One worth knowing about is the Aqua Club Termal in Costa Adeje. It’s a thermal spa complex with multiple pools at different temperatures, and it’s genuinely relaxing in a way that feels more like a local wellness centre than a tourist trap.
One tip: don’t try to find price lists online. Most spas don’t publish them clearly. Just call ahead or email, and ask what’s included. Takes two minutes and saves a lot of confusion on arrival.
A Romantic Trip That Doesn’t Feel Forced
Tenerife works well for couples, and not just because of the weather. There’s something about the pace of life here, especially in the quieter parts of the island, that makes it easy to actually slow down and enjoy each other’s company.
The south has the big resort energy, which some couples love. But if you want something a bit more intimate, the north is worth considering. Puerto de la Cruz has a different feel entirely, older, more atmospheric, with proper restaurants and a seafront that’s genuinely lovely in the evenings.
For a meal to remember, look for restaurants in La Orotava or along the coast near Los Gigantes. Watching the sun go down over the cliffs there with a glass of local wine is one of those moments that doesn’t need any embellishment.
Adult only hotels are easy to find in Tenerife, particularly in the Adeje area. They tend to be quieter, better maintained, and the service is usually a step up. Worth the small extra cost if you’re going as a couple and want a bit of calm.
FAQ: Is Tenerife good for a romantic holiday? Yes, genuinely. The combination of warm evenings, good food, and easy access to quieter spots makes it a solid choice. You don’t need to spend a fortune either. A nice hotel, a few good meals, and a sunset walk along the coast will do the job.
A Family Holiday That Keeps Everyone Happy
This is where Tenerife really earns its reputation. Families have been coming here for decades, and the island has got very good at catering for children of all ages without making adults feel like they’ve wandered into a theme park.
The hotels in the south tend to have the best family setups: kids’ pools, clubs, evening entertainment, and children’s menus that go beyond chips and nuggets (though those are available too, let’s be honest). Some hotels even have crèches, which is a lifesaver if you’ve got a toddler and you’d quite like one afternoon to yourselves.
For beaches, Tenerife has a good number of Blue Flag awarded stretches of sand. Some of the best for families include:
- Playa de las Teresitas (north, calm water, golden sand)
- Playa Fañabé (south, sheltered, good facilities)
- Playa El Médano (southeast, great for older kids who like wind and waves)
- Playa Jardín in Puerto de la Cruz (beautiful setting, good for a change of scene)
Beyond the beach, Siam Park is consistently rated one of the best water parks in the world, and it lives up to that. Go on a weekday if you can, and get there early. The queues build up fast.
There are also boat trips, animal parks, and the Teide cable car, which kids tend to love far more than they expect to. Our guide to things to do in Tenerife with kids has more ideas if you’re building an itinerary.
FAQ: Is Tenerife suitable for toddlers? Very much so. The calm, warm weather, shallow hotel pools, and generally relaxed pace make it one of the easier long haul options for families with very young children. Just pack sun cream. Lots of it.
An Active, Outdoorsy Holiday
If the idea of lying on a sun lounger for a week makes you slightly anxious, Tenerife is a better fit than most people realise. The island has serious outdoor credentials, and the variety is genuinely impressive.
Walking and hiking are the obvious starting point. The trails in Teide National Park range from easy, well marked paths to more demanding routes that take you up towards the summit of Spain’s highest peak. The landscape up there is unlike anything else in Europe, volcanic, quiet, and a bit otherworldly. The Spanish National Parks website has trail maps and permit information for the summit route, which you’ll need to book in advance.
For something a bit wilder, the walk into Masca village is one of the most talked about hikes on the island. It’s steep, it’s dramatic, and the views are worth every step. Just wear proper shoes and bring water.
On the water, you’ve got windsurfing and kitesurfing at El Médano (it’s one of the best spots in Europe for both), scuba diving along the west coast, and boat trips from Los Cristianos and Los Gigantes that often include dolphin and whale watching. The waters around Tenerife are home to resident pods of pilot whales, and seeing them in the wild is genuinely special.
For something a bit more adrenaline fuelled, there are quad bike tours, paragliding, and coasteering options available through various local operators. Teno Activo in the northwest is a good starting point if you want guided outdoor activities with people who actually know the terrain.
FAQ: Is Tenerife good for hiking? Yes, and it’s underrated for it. The north and the Teide area especially offer proper walking country. You don’t need to be a serious hiker to enjoy it, but if you are, you’ll find routes that genuinely challenge you.
A Golf Trip Worth Planning Around
Tenerife has some excellent golf courses, and the year round good weather means you can play comfortably in any month. The courses are well maintained, the views on several of them are genuinely special (playing with Teide in the background never gets old), and the standard of facilities is high.
Most of the main courses are clustered in the south, near Adeje and Golf del Sur. If you’re planning a dedicated golf trip, it’s worth looking at hotels that are directly affiliated with a course. They often offer discounted green fees for guests, which can make a real difference over a week.
A few courses worth knowing:
- Golf Las Américas (south, good for all levels)
- Golf del Sur (hosted the Spanish Open, enough said)
- Abama Golf (west coast, spectacular setting, premium experience)
- Buenavista Golf (northwest, quieter, beautiful views)
Green fees vary quite a bit depending on the course and time of year, so it’s worth comparing before you book. Booking tee times in advance is a good idea in peak season.
FAQ: Is golf in Tenerife expensive? It depends on the course. Some are very affordable, especially if you’re staying nearby. Others, like Abama, are at the premium end. There’s a good range though, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to play well.
So, Which Type of Holiday Is Right for You?
Honestly, the best thing about Tenerife is that you don’t have to choose just one. A lot of people mix it up: a spa day here, a hike there, a long lunch somewhere with a view. The island is small enough to get around easily but varied enough that you never run out of things to do.
The Tenerife weather is one of the big reasons people keep coming back. It’s reliable in a way that very few destinations are, and that reliability makes it easy to plan around.
Whatever kind of trip you’re after, the main thing is to do a bit of research before you go. Not obsessively, just enough to know roughly where you want to stay and what you want to do. Tenerife rewards a little bit of planning, and it’s very forgiving of the rest.
If you’ve got a holiday idea that didn’t make this list, drop it in the comments. I’d genuinely love to hear what’s worked for you.
Have questions about planning your Tenerife trip? Join the conversation over on the Tenerife Forum Community on Facebook where locals and regular visitors share honest, up to date advice.
