Santa Ursula Holidays

Ready to discover a properly sophisticated slice of Tenerife that most tourists miss? Santa Ursula, located in the lush, green north, is where it’s at for a genuinely swanky and serene escape.

Why do people love going on holidays to Santa Ursula?

• Views for days: The town’s high position offers the most breathtaking, gorge vistas of the Atlantic, the Orotava Valley, and the towering Mount Teide backdrop.

• Proximity to Puerto de la Cruz: You’re just a short, breezy drive from the historic capital of the north, offering great shops, Loro Parque, and delish dining options.

• Authentic Local Vibe: This area maintains a genuine Canarian feel, offering an escape from mass tourism and providing proper top-tier local eateries and bars.

• Perfect for Explorers: Santa Ursula is the gateway to the stunner, lush, green landscape of the Orotava Valley and the Teide National Park above.

What is the best time to visit Santa Ursula?

Choosing the moment for your Santa Ursula holidays is less about avoiding bad weather and more about matching the climate to your activity level. Tenerife’s north coast climate is consistently kind, but you need to decide if you want the warmer, drier months for splashing around or the slightly cooler, calmer periods for hiking and seeing the natural beauty on offer.

Spring

• Weather Vibe: The air is fresh and comfortably warm, with average daily temperatures sitting around 20-22°C, absolutely spot-on for sightseeing and walking the coastal trails.

• Holiday Vibe: The island is looking its most beautiful, with everything in bloom; the atmosphere is peaceful and sophisticated, ideal for a quiet swanky break.

• Jolly Focus: Perfect for exploring the local vineyards and gardens, enjoying the gentle sunshine, and taking advantage of the monster views in clear air.

• Foodie Focus: Be the first to try the fresh seasonal grub and enjoy delish traditional Canarian dishes in local restaurants before the summer heat arrives.

Summer

• Weather Vibe: Expect warm, sweltering days with temperatures swinging around 25-28°C; the heat is solid, but the coastal breezes help keep it breathable for sunbathing.

• Holiday Vibe: The area is booming but never overwhelmingly busy; the atmosphere is popping off with holidaymakers, though still far calmer than the island's south.

• Jolly Focus: Primarily dedicated to enjoying the snazzy hotel pools and terraces, sipping cool drinks, and taking short trips to the nearby ocean pools.

• Foodie Focus: Embracing late-night, fancy meals on open terraces, enjoying the sea air and a cold beer or jug of Sangria after a warm, long day.

Autumn

• Weather Vibe: The peak heat subsides, settling into a comfortable 22-25°C; the ocean stays wonderfully warm, making it just right for swimming in the natural pools.

• Holiday Vibe: A glorious time for a boujee escape; the summer crowds have vanished like a magic trick, but the top-class weather is still perfect for relaxing and exploring the beaut surrounding area.

• Jolly Focus: Ideal for those who want proper sunshine without the intensity, perfect for walking the gorge coastal paths and enjoying the serene environment.

• Foodie Focus: Finding a cosy, intimate restaurant for a late dinner, enjoying the local red wines, and savouring the peaceful, swanky atmosphere that you can't find at home.

Winter

• Weather Vibe: Mild and often very sunny, with average daily highs around 18-20°C; it’s a perfect escape from the northern cold, though you might need a jacket for the evenings.

• Holiday Vibe: Very quiet and chilled out, attracting golfers and long-stay visitors looking for a dose of winter sun; the atmosphere is cultured and calm.

• Jolly Focus: Perfect for taking the cable car up Mount Teide to see the spectacular snow-capped peak, or exploring the cultural centre of nearby La Orotava.

• Foodie Focus: Finding a snug, local spot for a restorative coffee and pastry, or enjoying a whopper Canarian stew to experience a proper local dinner.

What are the best beaches/areas to visit on your Santa Ursula holidays?

Santa Ursula doesn't have a huge, sweeping beach right in the town, but it offers immediate access to the wild coastline of the north, famous for its dramatic sea views and beautiful natural pools. Ditch the golden sand for a minute and embrace the stunning, dark volcanic coastline on your jollies.

• El Pris Natural Pools: A spectacular area where natural rock formations create safe, ocean-fed swimming pools-a proper unique swimming spot that just feels right.

• Playa Bollullo: An inviting black sand beach accessed via a short walk through a banana plantation, perfect for those seeking a slice of raw Canary life.

• Playa de San Telmo (Puerto de la Cruz): A small, popular beach right in the heart of Puerto de la Cruz, great for easy swimming and watching the sunset.

• Mesa del Mar: Another collection of stylish natural seawater pools, offering a relaxed and picturesque spot for a much-needed dip in the ocean.

Things to do on your Santa Ursula holidays?

While the hotels are a massive slay, your Santa Ursula holidays are all about getting out and immersing yourself in the rich, natural and cultural landscape of Tenerife's north. There's a whopping list of snazzy activities beyond the typical sunbathing.

• Wine Tasting on the Slopes: Visit a local bodega in the Orotava Valley to sample the unique wines grown in the volcanic soil.

• Explore La Orotava: Take a short trip to this gorge historic town, known for its beautiful colonial architecture and ornate wooden balconies.

• Hike the Anaga Rural Park: Head east to the lush, ancient laurel forests for stunning walks and incredible views of the wild coast.

• Visit Loro Parque: Drive down to Puerto de la Cruz for a day at one of Europe's most famous and well-regarded animal parks. Who doesn't love seeing animals in the sun?

• Enjoy the Miradors: Drive the high roads around Santa Ursula, stopping at the many viewpoints (miradors) for 10/10 panoramic snaps of the valley.

• Discover the Local Cuisine: Skip the tourist traps and find a genuine, traditional guachinche-a local, simple eatery serving authentic Canarian food and local wine. It'd be rude not to!