The south is more sunny, dryer and warmer than the north, which is why most holidaymakers opt for this part of the island. However, rainfall can also occur there, as the microclimate is still very different in the south.
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People who love the hot weather and atmosphere of a resort town will love southern Tenerife more. Don't forget – the southern part of Tenerife is more focused on commercial tourism. It has a higher concentration of all-inclusive and 5 star hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment complexes near the beaches.
There are a lot of places to visit in North Tenerife, from the main tourist centers to the beautiful natural landscapes. This part of the island is full of incredible scenery, impressive architecture, and delicious food, so you'll have a great time here.
Northern Tenerife is also better if you want to get the best in terms of activities as there are many more of them in the north than south. Also, if you are on a budget, choose Northern Tenerife as well. This part is a cheaper destination, especially in winter.
The south coast beaches like Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos thrum with beach-goers, but those in the know go north instead for a slice of proper coastal wilderness and fewer crowds. Some of the best northern beaches are terrifically secluded, so much so that you can only reach them on foot or by boat.
The south is more sunny, dryer and warmer than the north, which is why most holidaymakers opt for this part of the island. However, rainfall can also occur there, as the microclimate is still very different in the south.
Areas to AvoidBecause of its volcanic background, most beaches in Tenerife are volcanic with black sand which can be hot under the feet. If you're after a traditional sandy beach head to Los Cristianos and leave the southern resorts alone. Playa la Arena is also notorious for pickpockets.
Is it safe to swim in the ocean in Tenerife? Due to its position and exposed nature, Tenerife is often hit with strong trade winds. Coupled with the ferocity of the Atlantic Ocean, Tenerife can see very strong waves which can be incredibly dangerous to even the most advanced swimmer.
Each of the beaches that make up the entire north coast of Tenerife, have an unparalleled volcanic beauty, where the black sand blends perfectly with the blue of the Atlantic Ocean, with the cliffs that fall into the sea putting the icing on the cake to a great picture.
7 days is the minimum number of days we would recommend to book when traveling to Tenerife with the intention of visiting the island. We will continue our suggestions for itineraries from where we left off above when you only had 3 days on the island.
With a plethora of beautiful walks and breathtaking scenery, La Palma is certainly the prettiest Canary Island. Although less known for its beaches, the dramatic black sand beaches are a joy to uncover. The island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve protecting its natural heritage.
There are many reasons why you might decide to visit Tenerife. The lovely beaches, the year-round sunshine, the surreal volcanic landscapes, the infinite number of activities, the modern architecture, the delicious food, and the reasonable prices are all things that can easily convince you to visit Tenerife.
Travelling To and From TenerifeOnce arrived at your destination, you have basically two choices: using the very efficient network of public transportation or exploring the island by car. There is also the possibility to travel to the other Canary Island by ferry.
But also the many 5- and 6-star hotel complexes that are located on the island might be a good reason why especially the biggest Canary Island is a popular destination for prominent people. Puerto de la Cruz attracts the celebrities in Tenerife.
Cheaper timesThe cheapest months include March, April, May (excluding the Easter period), October and November. The temperature in Tenerife rarely dips below 18°C in these months, so sightseeing, hiking and other activities are all still possible – and there will be fewer people on the beaches.
Consequently, north Tenerife is more humid with heavier rainfall, while the south stays hot and sunny most of the time. Due to the trade winds, the climate in Tenerife is also relatively mild with lower average temperatures than what you'd normally expect at these latitudes.
The water on the coast of Tenerife is not particularly warm, but you can still swim, even during the winter months. On the other hand, the lower water temperature (due to cold currents) provides excellent natural protection from dangerous sea creatures.
The graph below shows the range of monthly Santa Cruz de Tenerife water temperature derived from many years of historical sea surface temperature data. The warmest water temperature is in September with an average around 74.7°F / 23.7°C. The coldest month is March with an average water temperature of 66.6°F / 19.2°C.
January is peak cold and wet time in Tenerife, if you want to avoid the wettest month but equally not suffer high temperatures or high prices the best time for you to go is between March and June.
It does rain more in the north, but after the hot summers, the rain is very welcome. The north is more cloudy too. Some days can be worse than others and usually clouds come and go. But, if you are really looking for a lot of sunshine, the north of Tenerife is a bit more unpredictable.
There are mosquitoes on Tenerife but not a lot.You will find them more in some areas than others, and importantly, they only appear at cer-tain times of the year. Tenerife fans often visit the island at the same time each year. If that happens to be at time when there aren't mossies, then they will never see one.
Calima, also known as haze, describes the effect of sand or dust when it is suspended in the atmosphere. Given the Canary Islands' proximity to northwestern Africa (Fuerteventura is only 100km from the Moroccan coastline), the Atlantic archipelago experiences by far the most common episodes of calima across Spain.
Can you drink the tap water in Tenerife? People in the Canary Islands tend to buy bottled water because much of the tap water here is desalinated sea water – it's safe to drink but not particularly pleasant taste-wise.
Safety Tips to Avoid Petty CrimeKeep your belongings secure at all times and avoid leaving them unattended, particularly on beaches or in public areas. Be cautious when using public transportation, as theft is common. Keep your bag containing valuables and identification on your lap.