Itineraries for Your Trip to Tenerife
3 Days in Tenerife for First Timers
Tenerife is my favorite of the Canary Islands because it’s large and offers so much to do and see. Thanks to year-round sunshine and mild winters and summers, it’s my favored escape no matter the season—I’ll visit to cool off from the heat of mainland Spain in summer and warm up under the sunshine in winter.
From the north’s verdant coastal hikes and black-sand beaches to the south’s arid, golden sands, I love exploring Tenerife’s distinct coastal landscapes and connecting with its unique natural wonders in distinct ways. Whether you want to whale watch and scuba dive or contemplate life from the top of Mt. Teide (El Teide) volcano, these are some of the top spots to visit with three days in Tenerife.
If you only have time for one thing, visit Mt. Teide, Spain’s highest peak.
Tenerife is breezy and sunny, so pack accordingly—don’t forget sunblock.
Tenerife is an island, so having those beach moments is a must. Although some of its northern black-sand beaches feel the most otherworldly, the southern beaches are usually the sunniest and warmest. Enjoy a morning of kayaking and snorkeling through the calm waters at Los Cristianos Beach near the west coast and Costa Adeje you may even spot a dolphin.
Then, in the afternoon, you can relax on the warm sands of Playa de las Americas—just a 10-minute drive away—or, if you’d prefer something more adventurous, catch stunning views of the coast of Tenerife from up above with a paragliding flight.
On day two, check out Mt. Teide, one of Tenerife’s most famous attractions—it’s the highest point on the Canary Islands and in all of Spain. See Teide National Park by riding the Teide Cable Car (Teleférico del Teide), assuming you’re not afraid of heights. Another way to explore the volcanic landscape is by all-terrain vehicle (ATV), riding on dirt roads and pavement to protect the area that includes rock formations, forests, and volcanic craters.
The island of Tenerife is known for its wine and Canarian cuisine, which includes locally made cheeses and mojo picon sauce, a savory salsa that often tops boiled potatoes. To get a taste of the island, spend your third day sampling food and wines at local wineries and restaurants (many of which are called guachinches after the Indigenous population, Guanches).
This afternoon, end your 3-day Tenerife experience with whale watching. Look for a no-chase experience that respects these gentle giants and doesn’t disrupt their natural habitat or behaviors.
