Tenerife in 8 days: complete itinerary (what to see + useful tips)

At the beginning of February, we had only one thought in mind: escape the Italian winter and recharge a bit in the sun. And since (little by little) we want to visit all the Canary Islands, we started looking for the smartest island for winter. Tenerife seemed to be the perfect destination: in winter it is one of the mildest options, with temperatures often around 19–22°C and bright days, especially in the lower areas and in the south (while the north can be more variable and humid due to the trade winds).

Then came the final sign: a €40 Ryanair flight, and within a few days we were there, with the ocean in front of us and a strong desire to explore. We didn’t have a return ticket because we also had to work while traveling, so we went back after two weeks when we had accumulated a few too many commitments at home.

In this article, I’m sharing our itinerary designed for 8 days in Tenerife, to see a bit of everything without rushing. You can use it as a base and adapt it to your own schedule!

Getting Around Tenerife

Getting around Tenerife is quite easy: public transport works well and, especially between the main towns and areas, you often find direct connections or routes with just one transfer. The company that operates the buses on the island is Titsa, and on their website/app you can find updated timetables, routes, and fares.

That said, if you want to visit beaches, viewpoints, and small villages with total freedom (and without having to plan around bus schedules), renting a car remains the most convenient choice.

We chose to rent a car and, honestly, for an 8-day itinerary (or longer) I find it the most practical solution. Very important advice: book online as early as possible. In Tenerife (especially during certain periods) prices can rise and availability drops quickly.

Which car rental company should you choose?

We chose Goldcar because, at the time we booked, it had the best price. However, the rule that I think always applies is:

➡️ Get full insurance and then compare the total price (car + insurance). With full coverage, you avoid the stress of scratches or small damages.

I noticed many different rental companies being used, so my advice is: find the cheapest option and choose full insurance. At that point, no matter which company you pick, they cannot cause you issues over minor damages.

Scooter/Motorbike question

When we were in the southern area (Los Cristianos – Costa Adeje – Las Américas), we decided to rent a scooter. Since I received many questions about it on Instagram, I’ll explain it properly here: at certain times of the day, traffic can become quite heavy, and with a scooter you can move around more easily. That said: we do not recommend a scooter for exploring the entire island.

With a category B driving license, you can ride an A1 motorbike (up to 125cc) only if you have held your license for at least 3 years (and in any case, many rental companies have their own rules, so always check in advance). However, a 125cc is not ideal for highways and long distances; on uphill roads and more challenging routes it can become uncomfortable (and sometimes less safe).

If you have a motorcycle license, then with a more suitable engine size you can explore the island much more comfortably.

8-Day Tenerife Itinerary

Day 1 + Day 2 – Two Days of Sea, South Coast and Beaches

Let’s start with the question: where to stay? I wrote a full article about this, you can find it here: Where to stay in Tenerife: north or south? A guide to the best areas.

We intentionally kept the first two days “simple” and focused on the sea, because after the Italian winter we truly needed this: sunshine, seaside walks, and beaches where we could lay down our towel and think about nothing else. I think this applies to 90% of people flying to Tenerife: you want sea and relaxation to begin with! 🙂

During these two days, I recommend moving between the three most famous southern areas, so you can also understand which one suits you best.

Let’s start with the southernmost area, closest to the airport: Los Cristianos. It immediately gave us the feeling of a “seaside village.” Nice promenades, small shops, lively but not chaotic atmosphere. In my opinion, it is perfect to start with because you instantly feel that calm holiday vibe.

Then move on to Playa de las Américas, which is the more “lively” area. If you enjoy going out in the evening, bars and nightlife, this is the right place for you. Personally, I did not like it simply because, if you know me from social media, you know I love waking up early for quiet walks and I have not been to clubs since I was 18. In this blog, you will not find nightlife recommendations, unfortunately. A positive point for this area (Fabio, for example, really enjoyed it): if you are interested in surfing, this is the perfect area.

Finally, during these two days, heading up after Las Américas, you can explore Costa Adeje, which is definitely my favorite. Yes, I know, it is very touristy and crowded, but I found it more relaxing thanks to the large sandy beaches, more family-friendly vibe, and less nightlife.

Evening tip: watch the sunset in La Caleta, one of the most famous spots in the area.

Day 3 – Teide

Today you are heading to see Mount Teide, which is not “just a mountain,” it is truly the symbol of Tenerife. It is a volcano (still active, although dormant) that dominates the island and is located within Teide National Park, a landscape that feels almost lunar, full of volcanic rocks and views that seem to belong to another planet.

In my opinion, it is one of those places you simply have to see, because within a few hours you go from wearing a swimsuit by the ocean to standing at high altitude, with cooler air and an incredible view over the entire island.

We chose to experience it with a quad tour and booked it HERE on GetYourGuide (I remind you that the discount code ANGELAISAI5 is always active for any booking) We really enjoyed it and the guides spoke perfect Italian! There is also parking available for your car, so no stress at all. Alternatively, HERE you can find all the other experiences available on Teide.. If you prefer something slower and more focused on nature, you can also go hiking by choosing one of the park’s trails. Whatever option you choose, bring at least a sweatshirt or jacket, because the temperature at higher altitude changes significantly.

Day 4 – Playa Paraíso, Playa San Juan and Los Gigantes

Heading up from Costa Adeje, you can discover Playa Paraíso, which is quieter and has a slower pace. Then move on to Playa San Juan, which I personally loved because it feels more local and authentic. Here you will also find the famous restaurant Agua y Sal which so many of you recommended to me on Instagram!

Then end the day in Los Gigantes. The cliffs are truly impressive in person, one of those sights that never look as powerful in photos. The little town itself is also worth a visit!

Day 5 – Masca, Icod de los Vinos and Garachico

Today involves a bit more driving. First stop: Masca. I will be honest with you (because I do not like pretending to be enthusiastic about everything): I did not love Masca that much. It is very famous, yes, but mostly because it has gone viral everywhere. In reality, it is a tiny village with very limited parking and a very narrow, winding road to get there. Personally, I would not do it again.

That said, if you still want to see it (which is completely understandable!), my advice is to go early in the morning, so you can avoid the crowds and the endless search for a parking spot.

Then head towards Icod de los Vinos to see the famous Drago Milenario, one of the symbols of Tenerife. It is a huge and very unique tree (the “Dragon Tree”). You do not necessarily have to buy a ticket: you can see it very well from outside!

Last stop of the day: Garachico, which was a wonderful surprise for us. It is one of those villages that makes you want to slow down and enjoy the moment: a walk through the center, charming little streets, sea views and that slightly “historic” atmosphere that makes you stop every two minutes to take photos. If they are open (they were closed when we visited), you can also see the famous natural pools, El Caletón.

Day 6 – Puerto de la Cruz + Mirador

Today we completely change the mood and head north: Puerto de la Cruz feels like a totally different Tenerife. Greener, more like a “real town.”

We really liked it, and in my opinion it is absolutely worth the detour even if you are staying in the south. It is perfect to explore on foot: seaside promenade, charming town center, and a different atmosphere compared to the typical tourist areas in the south.

If you have extra time (and feel like enjoying a panoramic view), here are two options:

Mirador de Chipeque: a spectacular view of Mount Teide (if the day is clear, I promise it looks like a postcard).

Mirador of the “500 steps”: if you enjoy a short walk to earn your view, it is a nice option.

Here I would say: choose based on your energy level. Puerto de la Cruz alone is already worth it, so do not feel guilty if you just want to enjoy it slowly without rushing.

Day 7 – Santa Cruz + Playa de Las Teresitas + La Laguna

Last “full” day and we start in Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife. Take a walk in the city center, definitely have a quick lunch at Mercado Nuestra Señora de África and try the empanadas from le empanadas di Micaela Empanadas. Then a coffee in the center, a few small shops, a walk in Parque García Sanabria and then head straight to Playa de Las Teresitas.

On the way, we stopped for lunch at a very simple place at the port. There were only locals and port workers, but I promise we ate incredibly fresh and delicious fish at a great price! It is better if you manage to book; the place is called “Yanfi Marina”.

When you arrive at Las Teresitas, you will find light-colored sand, palm trees and water that is often calmer compared to other areas of the island.

And if you still have time, stop by San Cristóbal de La Laguna, which is said to be a lovely town to explore on foot (that is what I have been told, because unfortunately we did not manage to visit it).

Day 8 – Candelaria + El Médano

This is the extra day that I always recommend if you have time, or if you want to make the most of your last day before flying home (also because it is convenient if you are flying from the south airport).

Candelaria is different from the usual stops: there is the Basilica and the seaside promenade, and in my opinion it is worth visiting to see a side of Tenerife that is often overlooked.

Then head to El Médano, which has a completely different energy: younger, more sporty, more “wild.” Here the wind is often the main character (so windblown hair is guaranteed 😂), but that is exactly the charm of it: a surf and kite atmosphere, wide beach and a very relaxed vibe.

If you enjoy walking, you can also explore the Montaña Roja area, one of the most iconic spots in El Médano.

After these two weeks in Tenerife, I realized one thing: Tenerife truly has so much more to offer. This article does not include absolutely everything and, honestly, to see every corner of the island you would need much more time.

But I think that is also the beauty of it: Tenerife is an island where you can relax without ever getting bored. This itinerary was created exactly with that in mind: not to “check off” every single place, but to help you enjoy your week (or your 8 days) in the simplest way possible, covering the main highlights between beaches, villages and stunning views.

If you like, you can use it as a base and adapt it to your own pace: more beach, more nature, more road trips. Tenerife is very easy to tailor to your style!

All that is left for me to say is enjoy your trip! ✨