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Which part of Tenerife is better north or south?

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.



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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.

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Mount Teide is a dormant volcano in the middle of the island and divides the two halves. In the north, the climate is wetter and cooler, which means it attracts fewer tourists. The south has more sunshine and warmer temperatures. This southern half is also less windy with fewer clouds, which gives a hotter climate.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Travelling To and From Tenerife Once 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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If you're planning a trip to Tenerife, I recommend spending a minimum of three days on this magnificent island. During your stay, I suggest exploring the natural wonders of Tenerife, such as the awe-inspiring Mt. Teide. Then, make sure to set aside some time to soak up the sun on one of the island's stunning beaches.

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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.

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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.

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The smallest of the main Canary Islands, El Hierro is also the least touristy. If you want a chilled-out holiday in a small fishing village, with wild empty beaches that harbour some superb diving, then this is the place.

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Cheaper times The 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.

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To hit the low season then, and get the best value for your hard-earned cash, we recommend visiting May to July or September to mid-October. That way you'll avoid both the over-wintering sun-seekers and the school holidaying families.

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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.

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In the list of beaches, Torviscas beach is among those with the cleanest water. It is located in Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz and has calm waters and is perfect for swimming. With unique beach umbrellas, Torviscas is ideal for relaxation, especially during sunny weather.

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The sea is crystal clear and the Playa de Benijo is a beautiful beach on the north coast of Tenerife.

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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.

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