Tenerife

Airport transfer from Tenerife South (TFS) to Costa Adeje(25 minutes)

TFS is only ~20km from the southern resorts; a taxi runs ~€35-45, or a TITSA bus line 111/343 if you're travelling light. Hire-car desks are right at arrivals — grab the keys here if you've booked one.

Check in and stock up at a supermarket(1 hour)

Drop bags, then hit a Mercadona or HiperDino for water, sunscreen (the Atlantic sun is fierce) and breakfast supplies — far cheaper than resort cafés.

Sunset stroll on Playa del Duque(1.5 hours)

Costa Adeje's most upmarket golden-sand beach, backed by smart hotels. A caña (small beer) at a chiringuito runs ~€2.50-3.

Dinner along La Caleta seafront(2 hours)

Walk 15 min west to the old fishing hamlet of La Caleta for fresh fish and papas arrugadas con mojo (wrinkled potatoes with green and red sauce).

Drive the TF-21 up to Teide National Park(1.5 hours)

Leave Costa Adeje by 8AM via Vilaflor. The road climbs through pine forest into a Martian crater landscape; pull over at the Mirador de Chío for photos.

Teleférico cable car to 3,555m(1.5 hours)

The cable car climbs to near the summit in 8 minutes (~€40 return — book online to skip the queue). It's 15-20°C colder up top and often windy, so bring a proper jacket. Summiting the final 3,718m crater needs a free permit booked weeks ahead at reservasparquesnacionales.es.

Roques de García loop hike(1.5 hours)

An easy 3.6km loop from the Parador past the iconic Roque Cinchado rock formation, with sweeping views over the Llano de Ucanca plain — go anti-clockwise to save the steep bit for downhill.

Lunch at the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide(1 hour)

The only restaurant up here; reliable Canarian fare with crater views. Then drive back down for an early evening.

Drive to Los Gigantes marina(45 minutes)

Roughly 40km up the southwest coast. Park near the marina; the cliffs rear straight out of the Atlantic right beside you.

Whale-watching boat trip(3 hours)

Resident pilot whales and dolphins live in these waters year-round. Pick an operator flying the blue 'Barco Azul' flag (certified responsible distances) — ~€25-40. Morning departures usually mean calmer seas.

Swim at the black-sand cove below the cliffs(1.5 hours)

On calm days the small beach beside the marina is a fine, dramatic swim spot beneath the towering basalt walls.

Seafood lunch on the harbour(1.5 hours)

Grilled vieja (parrotfish) or sama with a chilled local Listán Blanco wine, watching the boats come in.

Lazy morning and pool/beach time(3 hours)

A genuine rest morning — sleep in, breakfast slowly, and read by the water. You've earned it after Teide and the cliffs.

Siam Park (optional thrill add-on)(4 hours)

Voted the world's best water park, this Thai-themed complex sits just above Costa Adeje. Day tickets ~€42 — buy online and arrive at opening to beat queues for the Tower of Power vertical slide.

Sunset drinks in Playa de Las Américas(1.5 hours)

Stroll the lively promenade; a cocktail at a beachfront terrace runs ~€7-9.

Drive north via the TF-1 and TF-5(1.25 hours)

About 90km up and over to the verdant north coast — the weather and scenery flip from sunny resort to green and misty.

Lago Martiánez & Playa Jardín, Puerto de la Cruz(2 hours)

The César Manrique-designed seawater lido (~€5.50) or the striking black volcanic sands of Playa Jardín. Puerto is the north's atmospheric historic resort town.

Loro Parque (optional)(3 hours)

A famous animal park on the edge of Puerto de la Cruz, strong on parrots, penguins and orcas (~€42). Skip if you prefer the town's quieter charms.

Explore La Orotava's historic centre(1.5 hours)

Drive 15 min uphill to one of the island's prettiest old towns — wooden Canarian balconies, the Casa de los Balcones, and the baroque Iglesia de la Concepción.

Wander San Cristóbal de La Laguna(2.5 hours)

The UNESCO-listed former capital is a grid of pastel colonial mansions, churches and buzzing student cafés. Free to roam — allow time for a coffee and tapas in the Plaza del Adelantado.

Tapas lunch in La Laguna(1.5 hours)

Student-town prices: a glass of wine ~€2, a plate of croquetas or chicharrones to share. This is the cultured antidote to the southern resorts.

Quick spin through Santa Cruz de Tenerife(1.5 hours)

The capital, a short tram ride or drive down the hill — see the sail-like Auditorio de Tenerife and the central market, Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África.

Relax at Playa de las Teresitas(2 hours)

A palm-lined crescent of imported golden Saharan sand with calm, sheltered water — a local favourite just north of Santa Cruz. Free; great for a final swim.

Morning beach walk and breakfast(1.5 hours)

One last barraquito (the local layered espresso with condensed milk and Licor 43) on a seafront terrace before you pack up.

Last-minute shopping(1 hour)

The Canaries sit outside the EU VAT zone (lower IGIC tax), so pick up local wine, gofio, or mojo sauces. The Siam Mall in Adeje is handy.

Checkout and transfer to TFS(1 hour)

Aim to leave 2.5-3 hours before your flight. Return the hire car at the airport, or pre-book a taxi (~€40).

Airport transfer from Tenerife South (TFS) to Costa Adeje(25 minutes)

TFS is only ~20km from the southern resorts; a taxi runs ~€35-45, or TITSA bus 111/343 if travelling light. Pick up your hire car at arrivals — you'll want one for the two weeks.

Check in and supermarket stock-up(1 hour)

Drop bags, then hit a Mercadona or HiperDino for water, high-SPF sunscreen and breakfast supplies.

Sunset on Playa del Duque(1.5 hours)

Costa Adeje's smartest golden-sand beach. A caña (small beer) at a chiringuito runs ~€2.50-3.

Dinner in La Caleta(2 hours)

Walk west to the old fishing hamlet for fresh fish and papas arrugadas con mojo.

Drive the TF-21 up to Teide National Park(1.5 hours)

Leave by 8AM via Vilaflor through pine forest into the crater. Stop at the Mirador de Chío for photos.

Teleférico cable car to 3,555m(1.5 hours)

8-minute ride to near the summit (~€40 return, book online). It's 15-20°C colder up top — bring a jacket. The final 3,718m crater needs a free permit booked weeks ahead at reservasparquesnacionales.es.

Roques de García loop hike(1.5 hours)

Easy 3.6km loop from the Parador past the iconic Roque Cinchado, overlooking the Llano de Ucanca plain.

Lunch at the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide(1 hour)

The only restaurant up here, with crater views, before the drive back down.

Drive to Los Gigantes marina(45 minutes)

About 40km up the southwest coast; the cliffs rear straight out of the Atlantic beside the marina.

Whale-watching boat trip(3 hours)

Pilot whales and dolphins live here year-round. Choose a 'Barco Azul' flagged operator (~€25-40); morning departures mean calmer seas.

Swim at the cove below the cliffs(1.5 hours)

On calm days the small black-sand beach by the marina is a dramatic swim spot.

Harbour seafood lunch(1.5 hours)

Grilled vieja or sama with a chilled local Listán Blanco.

Siam Park(5 hours)

Voted the world's best water park, just above Costa Adeje. Day tickets ~€42 — buy online and arrive at opening to beat the queue for the Tower of Power vertical slide and the wave pool.

Late lunch and beach lounging(2 hours)

Recover on Playa de Fañabé or Playa del Duque with an ice cream and a swim.

Evening promenade in Playa de Las Américas(1.5 hours)

Stroll the lively seafront; a cocktail on a terrace runs ~€7-9.

Drive north via the TF-1 and TF-5(1.25 hours)

About 90km over to the verdant north coast — weather and scenery flip from sunny to green and misty.

Lago Martiánez & Playa Jardín(2 hours)

The César Manrique-designed seawater lido (~€5.50) or the black volcanic sands of Playa Jardín in atmospheric Puerto de la Cruz.

Loro Parque(3 hours)

Famous animal park on the edge of Puerto, strong on parrots, penguins and orcas (~€42). Skip if you prefer the quieter town.

La Orotava historic centre(1.5 hours)

Drive 15 min uphill to wooden Canarian balconies, the Casa de los Balcones and the baroque Iglesia de la Concepción.

Wander San Cristóbal de La Laguna(2.5 hours)

UNESCO-listed grid of pastel colonial mansions, churches and student cafés. Coffee and tapas in the Plaza del Adelantado.

Tapas lunch in La Laguna(1.5 hours)

Student prices — wine ~€2, croquetas and chicharrones to share.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife highlights(2 hours)

The capital, a short drive or tram down the hill — the sail-like Auditorio de Tenerife and the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África.

Playa de las Teresitas(2 hours)

Palm-lined golden Saharan sand with calm sheltered water, just north of Santa Cruz — a local favourite for an evening swim.

Slow morning in Costa Adeje(2.5 hours)

Sleep in, long breakfast, a final southern swim, and a barraquito on the seafront.

Check out and drive to Puerto de la Cruz(1.25 hours)

Move your base to the north for week two — most northern day trips are then under an hour, instead of 1.5hr each way from the south.

Settle in and evening paseo(2 hours)

Wander Puerto's old harbour, Plaza del Charco and tapas streets at dusk; gentle and unhurried.

Drive to the Anaga ridge (Cruz del Carmen)(1 hour)

From Puerto, head to the Cruz del Carmen visitor centre high on the Anaga ridge — bring layers, it's often misty and cool up here.

Sendero de los Sentidos & a longer trail(2.5 hours)

Start with the easy signposted 'Path of the Senses' loop, then push on toward the Bosque Encantado / Pijaral ancient laurel forest (some sections need a free permit — check ahead).

Lunch at a rural Anaga guachinche(1.5 hours)

Stop at a tiny family-run guachinche for homemade Canarian stew (puchero), local wine straight from the barrel, and rock-bottom prices.

Descend to Taganana & Playa de Benijo(1.5 hours)

Wind down to the dramatic black-sand beach at Benijo, framed by sea stacks — a classic spot for a wild Atlantic sunset.

Drive west to Icod de los Vinos(45 minutes)

Home of the Drago Milenario — a vast Canary Islands dragon tree said to be up to 1,000 years old. View it free from the plaza or pay ~€5 for the park up close.

Garachico tidal pools (El Caletón)(2 hours)

This pretty stone town was buried by a 1706 lava flow that created natural seawater swimming pools — swim in the El Caletón rock pools (free) and wander the harbour.

Lunch in Garachico's old town(1.5 hours)

Cobbled plazas and seafood terraces; try fresh fish with mojo.

Wine tasting in the Orotava valley(2 hours)

On the way back, stop at a bodega in the volcanic-soil Tacoronte-Acentejo or Valle de la Orotava DO — tastings of distinctive volcanic reds and whites from ~€10-15.

Drive to Masca via the Teno mountains(1.25 hours)

A hair-raising switchback road climbs to the tiny hamlet clinging to a knife-edge ridge. Go early — the narrow road and small car park fill by mid-morning.

Explore Masca village(1.5 hours)

Free to wander the terraced lanes and viewpoints; soak up one of Spain's most photographed mountain settings with a coffee on a terrace.

Masca Gorge hike (optional, permit required)(4 hours)

The famous descent to the sea now needs a booked permit and helmet (~€28) and a boat shuttle out. Strenuous — only attempt with a half-day to spare and proper shoes.

Sunset at the Mirador de Cherfe(1 hour)

If you skip the full hike, stop at this Teno viewpoint for golden-hour views over the ridges toward La Gomera.

Botanical garden (Jardín Botánico)(1.5 hours)

An 18th-century garden of giant tropical trees and orchids near the centre (~€3) — calm and shady.

Beach and lido morning(2.5 hours)

Laze at Playa Jardín's black sand or the Lago Martiánez seawater pools — pure rest.

Coffee and people-watching on Plaza del Charco(1.5 hours)

The town's social heart under big Indian laurel trees; a relaxed afternoon barraquito.

Easy morning and drive up to the crater(2 hours)

Take it slow; mid-afternoon, drive up the TF-21 toward the high plateau to acclimatise before nightfall.

Sunset above the cloud sea(1.5 hours)

From the high crater you look down on a sea of clouds glowing pink — one of the island's signature sights. Bring serious warm layers.

Guided stargazing session(2 hours)

Join a certified astronomy tour (~€45-60, telescopes and guide) on the dark Teide plateau — the clear, high-altitude skies are world-class. Book in advance.

Late descent and supper(1.5 hours)

Wind back down carefully and grab a late tapas supper near your base.

Check out and drive south to El Médano(1.25 hours)

Relocate to a southern base for the flight; El Médano, near TFS, is Tenerife's windsurf and kitesurf capital with a long natural sandy beach.

Beach walk under Montaña Roja(1.5 hours)

Stroll to the red volcanic cone of Montaña Roja and watch the windsurfers; the bohemian seafront is full of cafés.

Windsurf or kitesurf taster (optional)(2 hours)

Reliable trade winds make this a top learning spot; a beginner lesson runs ~€40-50 with gear.

Farewell dinner on El Médano seafront(2 hours)

Fresh fish, papas arrugadas and a glass of Canarian wine watching the sun drop.

Morning swim and breakfast(1.5 hours)

A final barraquito on the terrace before packing up.

Last-minute shopping(1 hour)

The Canaries are outside the EU VAT zone (lower IGIC tax) — grab local wine, gofio and mojo. Siam Mall in Adeje is handy if you have time.

Checkout and transfer to TFS(45 minutes)

From El Médano the airport is barely 10-15 min away. Return the hire car at TFS; aim to arrive 2.5-3 hours before your flight.

Airport transfer from Tenerife South (TFS) to Costa Adeje(25 minutes)

TFS is ~20km from the southern resorts; a taxi runs ~€35-45, or TITSA bus 111/343 if light. Collect a hire car at arrivals — essential for three weeks of island breadth.

Check in and supermarket stock-up(1 hour)

Drop bags, then a Mercadona or HiperDino run for water, high-SPF sunscreen and breakfast supplies.

Sunset on Playa del Duque(1.5 hours)

Costa Adeje's smartest golden-sand beach; a caña runs ~€2.50-3.

Dinner in La Caleta(2 hours)

Fresh fish and papas arrugadas con mojo in the old fishing hamlet just west.

Drive the TF-21 up to Teide National Park(1.5 hours)

Leave by 8AM via Vilaflor through pine forest into the crater; stop at the Mirador de Chío.

Teleférico cable car to 3,555m(1.5 hours)

8-minute ride to near the summit (~€40 return, book online); 15-20°C colder up top, bring a jacket. The 3,718m crater needs a free permit booked weeks ahead at reservasparquesnacionales.es.

Roques de García loop hike(1.5 hours)

Easy 3.6km loop past the iconic Roque Cinchado over the Llano de Ucanca plain.

Lunch at the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide(1 hour)

The only restaurant up here, with crater views, before the descent.

Drive to Los Gigantes marina(45 minutes)

About 40km up the southwest coast; cliffs rise straight from the Atlantic beside the marina.

Whale-watching boat trip(3 hours)

Pilot whales and dolphins year-round; choose a 'Barco Azul' flagged operator (~€25-40); mornings mean calmer seas.

Swim at the cove below the cliffs(1.5 hours)

Dramatic black-sand swim spot by the marina on calm days.

Harbour seafood lunch(1.5 hours)

Grilled vieja or sama with a chilled Listán Blanco.

Siam Park(5 hours)

Voted the world's best water park, above Costa Adeje. Tickets ~€42 — buy online, arrive at opening for the Tower of Power slide and wave pool.

Late lunch and beach lounging(2 hours)

Recover on Playa de Fañabé or Playa del Duque.

Evening promenade in Playa de Las Américas(1.5 hours)

Lively seafront stroll; cocktails ~€7-9.

Drive to El Médano(30 minutes)

Tenerife's windsurf and kitesurf capital, just east of TFS, with a long natural sandy beach and reliable trade winds.

Surf or windsurf lesson (optional)(2 hours)

A top learning spot; a beginner lesson with gear runs ~€40-50, or just watch the kites from the sand.

Beach walk to Montaña Roja(1.5 hours)

Stroll to the red volcanic cone and the wild dune beach of La Tejita beyond it.

Bohemian lunch on the seafront(1.5 hours)

El Médano's plazas are full of laid-back cafés — a genuine restful afternoon.

Drive north via the TF-1 and TF-5(1.25 hours)

~90km over to the verdant north — weather and scenery flip from sunny to green and misty.

Lago Martiánez & Playa Jardín(2 hours)

César Manrique-designed seawater lido (~€5.50) or the black volcanic sands of Playa Jardín in Puerto de la Cruz.

Loro Parque(3 hours)

Famous animal park strong on parrots, penguins and orcas (~€42).

La Orotava historic centre(1.5 hours)

Wooden Canarian balconies, the Casa de los Balcones and the baroque Iglesia de la Concepción.

Wander San Cristóbal de La Laguna(2.5 hours)

UNESCO-listed pastel colonial mansions, churches and student cafés; coffee on the Plaza del Adelantado.

Tapas lunch in La Laguna(1.5 hours)

Student prices — wine ~€2, croquetas and chicharrones to share.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife highlights(1.5 hours)

The sail-like Auditorio de Tenerife and the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África.

Playa de las Teresitas(2 hours)

Palm-lined golden Saharan sand with calm sheltered water, just north of the capital.

Slow morning and final southern swim(2.5 hours)

Long breakfast, a last dip and a barraquito before packing the car.

Check out and drive to Puerto de la Cruz(1.25 hours)

Northern day trips become under an hour from this base, instead of 1.5hr each way from the south.

Evening paseo in Puerto(2 hours)

Wander the old harbour, Plaza del Charco and tapas streets at dusk — gentle and unhurried.

Drive to the Anaga ridge (Cruz del Carmen)(1 hour)

Head to the Cruz del Carmen visitor centre on the high ridge — bring layers, it's often misty and cool.

Sendero de los Sentidos & a longer trail(2.5 hours)

Start with the easy 'Path of the Senses' loop, then continue toward the Bosque Encantado / Pijaral ancient laurel forest (some sections need a free permit — check ahead).

Lunch at a rural Anaga guachinche(1.5 hours)

A tiny family-run guachinche for puchero stew and barrel wine at rock-bottom prices.

Descend to Playa de Benijo(1.5 hours)

Wind down to the dramatic black-sand beach framed by sea stacks for a wild Atlantic sunset.

Drive west to Icod de los Vinos(45 minutes)

The Drago Milenario, a vast dragon tree said to be up to 1,000 years old — free from the plaza or ~€5 up close.

Garachico tidal pools (El Caletón)(2 hours)

A stone town reshaped by a 1706 lava flow; swim in the natural El Caletón seawater rock pools (free).

Lunch in Garachico's old town(1.5 hours)

Cobbled plazas and seafood terraces; fresh fish with mojo.

Wine tasting in the Orotava valley(2 hours)

Stop at a Tacoronte-Acentejo or Valle de la Orotava DO bodega for volcanic reds and whites (tastings ~€10-15).

Drive to Masca via the Teno mountains(1.5 hours)

Switchback road to the hamlet on a knife-edge ridge — go early; the small car park fills by mid-morning.

Explore Masca village(1.5 hours)

Free to wander the terraced lanes and viewpoints of one of Spain's most photographed mountain settings.

Masca Gorge hike (optional, permit required)(4 hours)

The descent to the sea needs a booked permit and helmet (~€28) plus a boat shuttle out. Strenuous — proper shoes only.

Sunset at the Mirador de Cherfe(1 hour)

If skipping the full hike, take in golden-hour views over the ridges toward La Gomera.

Jardín Botánico(1.5 hours)

An 18th-century garden of giant tropical trees and orchids (~€3) — calm and shady.

Beach and lido morning(2.5 hours)

Laze at Playa Jardín or the Lago Martiánez seawater pools.

Coffee on Plaza del Charco(1.5 hours)

Under big Indian laurel trees; a relaxed afternoon barraquito.

Easy morning, then drive up the TF-21(2 hours)

Take it slow; mid-afternoon, climb toward the high plateau to acclimatise before nightfall.

Sunset above the cloud sea(1.5 hours)

Look down on clouds glowing pink from the crater rim — bring serious warm layers.

Guided stargazing session(2 hours)

A certified astronomy tour (~€45-60, telescopes and guide) on the dark Teide plateau; book ahead.

Late descent and supper(1.5 hours)

Wind back down carefully for a late tapas supper.

Drive south and check out of Puerto(1.25 hours)

Relocate to Los Cristianos in the south, the ferry port for the inter-island crossing (leave the bulk of your luggage if your hotel holds it, or take a light bag).

Fred Olsen ferry to San Sebastián de La Gomera(50 minutes)

Fast ferry from Los Cristianos (~€35-45 return; cars can be taken aboard for a fee). The crossing has fine views back to the Teide cone.

Explore San Sebastián de La Gomera(2 hours)

Columbus's last stop before the New World — wander the small colonial capital, the Torre del Conde and the harbourfront.

Dinner with island wine(1.5 hours)

Try almogrote (a punchy cured-cheese spread) and a glass of La Gomera's smoky local wine.

Drive up to Garajonay National Park(45 minutes)

The winding road climbs from the coast into the misty ancient laurel forest at the island's centre.

Hike to Alto de Garajonay(2 hours)

An easy trail to the island's 1,487m summit on clear days, with views across to Teide; the forest itself is the star — moss, ferns and twisting laurels.

Lunch in a mountain village(1.5 hours)

Stop in El Cedro or Las Hayas for watercress soup (potaje de berros) and almogrote.

Viewpoint over Valle Gran Rey(1.5 hours)

Descend to a mirador over the dramatic terraced ravine of Valle Gran Rey on the west coast.

Beach morning at La Playa / Vueltas(3 hours)

Relax on the black sand of Valle Gran Rey, a long-time bohemian hangout below towering palm-terraced cliffs.

Palm-honey (miel de palma) tasting(1 hour)

La Gomera's unique palm sap syrup — try it drizzled over local cheese or in a dessert at a village café.

Sunset boat or coastal stroll(2 hours)

An optional short dolphin-spotting boat from Vueltas, or simply a clifftop sunset walk.

Morning in San Sebastián(1.5 hours)

A last coffee and a wander before the ferry; pick up almogrote or palm honey to take home.

Fred Olsen ferry to Los Cristianos(50 minutes)

The return crossing (~50 min) back to the south of Tenerife.

Reclaim base and relax in Los Cristianos(2 hours)

Settle back into the south; a gentle swim and an easy harbourside evening.

Dinner on the Los Cristianos seafront(1.5 hours)

Fresh fish and a glass of Canarian white watching the ferries come in.

Slow beach morning(2.5 hours)

Lie out on Playa de las Vistas or Playa del Camisón — a true rest morning.

Canarian cooking class(3 hours)

Learn to make papas arrugadas con mojo, fresh local fish and gofio-based dishes (classes ~€55-75 in the resort area) — a tasty hands-on souvenir of the trip.

Evening tapas crawl(2 hours)

Put your new knowledge to the test comparing mojos across a few bars in La Caleta or Los Cristianos.

Drive to the Tacoronte-Acentejo hills(1.25 hours)

Head to the green wine-growing slopes above the north coast, the heartland of the guachinche.

Guachinche lunch(2 hours)

These rustic, often seasonal family eateries serve grilled meats, garbanzos and barrel wine for next to nothing — look for handwritten signs; cash only and gloriously informal.

Bodega visit and tasting(1.5 hours)

A more formal cellar tasting of Tacoronte-Acentejo DO reds from volcanic soils (~€12-18).

Viewpoint stop over the north coast(1 hour)

A mirador over the banana plantations and Atlantic before the drive back south.

Catamaran trip from Puerto Colón(4 hours)

A relaxed half-day sail (~€45-65 with lunch and drinks) along the Costa Adeje coast, with swim and snorkel stops and a good chance of dolphins — far more leisurely than the Los Gigantes whale boats.

Beach afternoon and ice cream(2 hours)

Wind down on Playa del Duque; soak up the last of the southern sun.

Farewell dinner in La Caleta(2 hours)

A final seafood feast with papas arrugadas and a toast to the trip.

Morning swim and breakfast(1.5 hours)

One last barraquito on a seafront terrace before packing.

Last-minute shopping(1 hour)

Outside the EU VAT zone (lower IGIC tax) — grab local wine, gofio, mojo and palm honey. Siam Mall in Adeje is convenient.

Checkout and transfer to TFS(1 hour)

Return the hire car at the airport, or pre-book a taxi (~€40). Aim to arrive 2.5-3 hours before your flight.