Whale-watching, hiking, sunbathing – whatever you’re into, Tenerife has you covered. All part and parcel of being the largest, most popular Canary Island.

Good to know for your Tenerife holidays 2026

• 🤩 Fun fact - Tenerife is home to the third-tallest volcano in the world, Mount Teide, and it's an absolute whopper!

• 🏖️ Best beach - Playa de Las Teresitas. Think golden sands (flown in from the Sahara, no less) and turquoise waters – proper good vibes!

• 🍺 Price of a pint - around €2-3 (that's basically pocket money, folks).

Tenerife highlights

• Perfect for couples and family holidays

• Year-round sunshine - making it a top pick for something last-minute!

• Home to the famous Veronica's Strip

• Golden sandy beaches

Where to stay on your holidays to Tenerife

Let’s break down the main resorts.

Playa de las Américas, Costa Adeje & Los Cristianos - The Golden Triangle -  📐 🏖️💃

These three interconnected resorts form one massive holiday playground along Tenerife's sunny south coast. 

Playa de las Americas is the party capital - think buzzing nightlife, brilliant beaches, and that proper "holiday in the sun" atmosphere. Costa Adeje is the sophisticated neighbour, with luxury hotels and classy restaurants. Los Cristianos was a fishing village before it became a resort, so it still has a working harbour area (now full of lovely restaurants), and it's also the best value option.

Puerto de la Cruz - Culture Meets Coastline 🏖️🏝️🖼️

Tenerife's cultural heart on the dramatic north coast - think stunning colonial architecture, botanical gardens, and that sophisticated Spanish town vibe! The beaches here are volcanic black sand (which sounds weird but is actually quite cool). Perfect if you want your beach jollie with a side order of urban chic.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife - The Real Deal - 🏖️🏙️💃

The island's actual capital. It's got excellent shopping, fantastic restaurants, cultural attractions like the stunning Auditorio de Tenerife, and some of the best nightlife on the island (the locals know where to party!) The city beaches are decent, but most people use it as a base for exploring the whole island. Perfect for culture vultures, foodies, and anyone who prefers cities to beach resorts.

Puerto de Santiago - Dramatic Cliffs Meet Perfect Beaches 🗻🏖️

This gorgeous spot on the west coast is famous for Los Gigantes - those mind-blowing cliffs that rise straight out of the sea like something from a fantasy movie. The resort itself is more relaxed and intimate than the big south coast destinations, with excellent restaurants, a lovely marina, and some brilliant beaches, including the stunning black sand Playa de la Arena.

Golf del Sur - Fore the Serious Players ⛳🏖️

This purpose-built resort on the South Coast is all about luxury accommodations, and that refined atmosphere where everyone appreciates a well-struck 7-iron. The beaches are lovely, but let's be honest, you're here for the golf! Perfect for serious golfers, groups doing golf holidays, and anyone who wants luxury accommodation with world-class golf on their doorstep.

Tenerife holidays 2026 - Best beaches

With over 40 beaches to choose from, snorkellers, sunbathers and sandcastle-makers can find their perfect spot of shore in sunny Tenerife - the perfect way to pass the time on one of our cheap holidays. 

• Playa del Duque - one of the golden oldies on the island, and famous throughout the Canary Islands. The well-kept stretch of shore is a mix of golden sands and pebbles, and features sun loungers that are perfect for keeping sand our your bits and bobs. If you’re one who likes a wander between sunbathing sessions, there are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby for you to explore.

• Mesa del Mar - located in the north of the island, this unspoilt slice of paradise is a real hidden gem and will never disappoint.

• Playa del Puertito - fancy escaping the crowds and getting back to nature? Then Playa del Puertito is 100% a must-visit. This unspoilt cove offers a peaceful day of relaxing and swimming. Top tip - if you grab your snorkel and take a swim just by the fishing boats, you’re likely to be greeted by friendly marine life, including turtles and butterfly rays!

• Playa de las Vistas - with a 1 km-long stretch of lovely blonde sands and beautiful waters. Beach bars are also located down the beach raring to serve up your beers, cocktails or Fanta Limon.

• Playa los Gigantes - sat at the base of giant cliff sides, this black sand beach offers a pretty special beach day. With calm waters and minimal breeze, it's made for those 'ahhhh' days.

• Playa de la Nea - peace and quiet, in beach form. This one’s a bit of an adventure to get to, but if you’re looking for something away from the crowds, then it’s worth it. This rustic stretch of coast offers lava sand and even a playground for the kids! Just be careful if you are travelling with little ones because the shoreline is known to deepen quite suddenly.

• Playa del Médano - This inviting bay is perfect for the whole fam, with a sheltered location, which means gentler waves and ramps for easy access. Plus, this beach flies the Blue Flag award, offers activities such as windsurfing and kitesurfing, has a dedicated swimming area AND a breezy promenade lined with bars and restaurants. Talk about the whole shebang!

• Playa Diego Hernández - for the more daring amongst you, Playa Diego Hernandez is an isolated and unspoiled nudist beach that’s a great spot for topping up your tan or having a lovely swim. Keep in mind there are no facilities here, so whilst you can leave your cozzy at the hotel, you might want to bring a drink and a bite to eat (sausage sarnie anyone?)

What are the top hotels to stay at on your holidays to Tenerife?

Our huge range of Tenerife hotels offers everything from all-inclusive resorts to budget-friendly breaks if you're looking for a cheap holiday to Tenerife.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

• Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife - A large, full-on family resort with a castle-themed area, mini aquapark, kids' club and entertainment for all ages. Set on a volcanic sand beach in Golf del Sur with heated pools and a la carte restaurants. The family suites are massive.

• Sol Tenerife - A reliable 4-star right in Playa de las Americas, just 200m from the beach. Pools, a mini club for ages 5-12, buffet restaurant with themed dinners and evening entertainment. Great location for families who want the buzz of the south coast on their doorstep.

• Iberostar Selection Anthelia - Very well reviewed 5-star ranked in the top 10 hotels in Tenerife. Direct access to Fanabe beach, a Star Camp kids' club, heated pools, four a la carte restaurants and watersports. A proper premium family option in Costa Adeje.

💑 Couples

• Melia Jardines del Teide - Very well reviewed adults-only 4-star. Built into the hillside in Costa Adeje with stunning coast views, a huge pool complex in tropical gardens and a Level upgrade with private pool and lounge. A 9-minute walk to Playa del Duque beach.

• Hotel KN Arenas del Mar Beach & Spa - An adults-only retreat in laid-back El Medano with a Thalasso Spa, sun-drenched pool and the beach right on the doorstep. Perfect for couples who want something more chilled and away from the main resort strip.

• H10 Costa Adeje Palace - A large 4-star seafront hotel in Costa Adeje. Eight pools (including a rooftop infinity pool), a la carte restaurants and a Privilege upgrade for access to adults-only areas. Lovely promenade location between La Caleta's restaurants and Playa del Duque's shops.

🎉 Groups

• Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife - Music-themed and buzzing with energy - multiple pools including an adults-only deck, live DJs, a la carte restaurants, spa and a free shuttle to Playa de las Americas. Properly good for groups who want everything under one roof and a bit of a party vibe.

• Gara Suites - A stylish spot in Playa de las Americas with a spa, games area, on-site golf course and easy access to Veronica's Strip for the nightlife. Good for groups who want daytime chill with big nights out on the doorstep.

• Sol Tenerife - Also works brilliantly for groups on a budget. Right in the middle of Playa de las Americas with everything within walking distance - bars, restaurants, beaches and Veronica's Strip a few minutes away. Pool by day, party by night.

✨ Luxury

• Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque - The real deal. A 5-star village-style resort on Playa del Duque beach with five pools, tropical gardens, a spa, tennis courts and an astronomical observatory. Multiple restaurants, direct beach access and that proper old-school luxury feel that the big resort hotels can't match.

• Iberostar Selection Anthelia - Direct beachfront in Costa Adeje, immaculate service, heated pools and a JOIA Salome boutique hotel within the complex for the ultimate upgrade. One of the highest-rated hotels on the island.

💰 Value

• Checkin Bungalows Atlantida - A budget-friendly 3-star in Los Cristianos with three pools, a games zone and a mini club. Available self-catering or all-inclusive, so you can keep costs right down. Walking distance to the harbour and the beach.

👉 See all Tenerife hotels | All-inclusive Tenerife holidays

Tenerife holidays 2026 travel guide

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

• 🎢 Siam Park is rated the world's best waterpark - over 30 rides including a wave pool with real sand, a lazy river and the Tower of Power slide that drops you through a shark tank. Aqualand in Costa Adeje is a great alternative for younger kids with gentler slides and a dolphin show.

• 🐒 Monkey Park lets the little ones feed and interact with lemurs and marmosets, and Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz is one of Europe's best zoos with orcas, penguins and a huge aquarium. Both are proper full-day outings.

• 🌋 The Mount Teide cable car takes you up to 3,555m for views across four islands - kids love the lunar landscape and the cable car ride itself. Book tickets in advance as it sells out, especially in peak season.

• 🚢 Whale and dolphin watching boat trips leave from Costa Adeje and Los Gigantes. Pilot whales live off the coast year-round, so you're almost guaranteed a sighting. Some tours include snorkelling and snacks.

💑 Couples

• ⭐ Stargazing on Mount Teide is a must - the night sky here is one of the clearest in the world thanks to low light pollution, and guided stargazing experiences run most evenings. Properly romantic.

• 🍷 Vineyard tours through the wine regions of Tacoronte-Acentejo or Abona let you taste crisp volcanic whites and local reds while soaking up the mountain scenery. Most include a tasting menu paired with local cheeses.

• 🌿 Anaga Rural Park on the north-east tip of the island is ancient laurel forest with dramatic ravines and coastal views. The walks here feel a million miles from the resort strip - perfect for a day exploring together.

• 🏖️ Playa de las Teresitas near Santa Cruz has golden sand imported from the Sahara, palm trees and calm turquoise water. It's quieter than the south coast beaches and gorgeous for a chilled-out couples' beach day.

• 🏛️ La Orotava is one of Tenerife's most beautiful towns - Canarian balconies, manicured gardens and the Casa de los Balcones museum. Stop for a barraquito (a layered coffee with condensed milk and Licor 43) in the old town square. Garachico on the north coast has natural lava rock pools and cobbled streets - both make for a proper romantic day out.

🎉 Groups

• 🎶 Veronica's Strip in Playa de las Americas is the nightlife epicentre - neon-lit bars, clubs and karaoke joints that go until the early hours. Papagayo Beach Club does daytime pool parties that roll straight into the evening.

• 🚙 Jeep safari tours take you off-road through Tenerife's rugged volcanic landscapes, pine forests and mountain villages. Most include a stop for local food and wine. Properly good fun for a group who want more than just the beach.

• 🏄 El Medano is the island's windsurfing and kitesurfing hub - the wind here is legendary and there are schools for all levels. Even if nobody in the group has tried it before, the conditions are perfect for beginners.

• 🛥️ Boat trips from Los Gigantes cruise along the base of the 800m cliffs with a good chance of spotting dolphins and whales. Some tours include swimming stops, snorkelling gear and drinks on board - ideal for a group day out.

• 🎭 If you're visiting in late Feb or March, Santa Cruz Carnival is one of the biggest in the world - second only to Rio. Parades, costumes, live music and street parties that last for days. Properly good group energy.

Other Canary Island holidays:

• ☀️ Lanzarote – volcanic landscapes, Timanfaya National Park and those iconic Manrique-designed attractions

• 🏖️ Gran Canaria – the Maspalomas dunes, buzzing Playa del Ingles and a properly varied island from desert to rainforest

• 🌬️ Fuerteventura – endless golden beaches, turquoise waters and the best surf conditions in the Canaries

• 🌿 La Palma – lush forests, stargazing and Tenerife's quieter, greener neighbour for proper nature lovers