A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Tenerife vs. Granada for Nightlife, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Tenerife or Granada?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife or Granada, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Tenerife

Tenerife is a scenic, vibrant, and adventure-filled island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Granada

Granada is a beautiful, charming, and cultural city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Tenerife and Granada: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Granada?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tenerife. Although Tenerife and Granada are both popular with visitors, Tenerife has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tenerife is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Granada is known for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Tenerife is more touristy than Granada and is known for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. It is also home to Mount Teide. Granada is popular for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra.

How is Tenerife different from Granada?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Granada and Tenerife. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tenerife or Granada?

Granada is very popular for its museums and history. However, Tenerife is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Granada from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

Tenerife offers a few options for museum-goers. The island is filled with national parks, beautiful landscapes, and stunning beaches, but if you're not into outdoor activities, then you won't find many museums or other historical sights to visit.

Is the Food Better in Tenerife or Granada? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Tenerife and Granada offer good local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Tenerife. Many visitors stick to the major touristy areas, eating in their resorts or other nearby restaurants. If you want to try a bit of the island's authentic Canarian cuisine, you'll need to do a little research. Head into the local areas near the markets for the best chance of finding something a little more authentic. Local dishes often include fish and seafood as well as local meats, but you'll rarely find beef as there isn't a lot of land for cows to graze on the island.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Is Tenerife or Granada Better for Nightlife?

Tenerife is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

People head to Tenerife just to party. The island has a variety of nightclubs that range in style and personality. There are all night wild beach parties as well as laid back beach clubs and hole-in-the-wall pubs. Many bars have happy hours where you can relax with a drink and many nightclubs host famous DJs that keep the party going into the early morning hours.

The people in Granada know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

Is Tenerife or Granada Better for Resorts?

Tenerife is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Granada is not a resort destination.

Tenerife is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find everything from world-class resorts like the Ritz to more budget-friendly hotels and even some hostels around the island. You'll find most of the resorts on the south side of the island, which is also where you'll find the best weather.

Granada is not a resort destination.

Is Tenerife or Granada Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Granada is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Tenerife. A highlight of snorkeling in this area is the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. Some of the best snorkeling is in El Puertito, which is known for its many turtles and there is no shortage of organized snorkeling trips to the area. The island also has excellent scuba diving trips with a variety of shipwrecks and marine species.

Granada is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tenerife or Granada Better for Beaches?

Tenerife is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Granada is not a beach destination.

Tenerife is considered a top beach destination. The island has a large number of beaches that attract tourists, particularly during the peak winter months. The island's volcanic nature means that many of its natural beaches have black sand. The golden sand from the more developed beaches typically comes from the Sahara Desert. A favorite beach on the island is the 2 kilometer long Playa de las Teresitas.

Granada is not a beach destination.

Is Tenerife or Granada Better for its Old Town?

Granada is very popular for its historic old town. However, Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Granada has a world-famous historical area. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Is Tenerife or Granada Better for Hiking?

Tenerife is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

People visit Tenerife specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The island's volcanic landscapes mean that there are dramatic and breathtaking hikes throughout the island. Some of the best hikes are found in the Anaga Rural Park, Teide National Park, and the Teno Mountains.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Granada. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Granada?

Tenerife is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Tenerife. The island's low tax rates make it a popular shopping destination for tourists. The are shopping streets, local markets, and luxury malls that you can explore.

Granada offers some nice shopping areas. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Is Tenerife or Granada Better for Families?

Tenerife is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Tenerife is a very family-friendly destination. The island has many great waterparks for kids, with one of the best being Siam Park. Other family-friendly destinations include Aqualand, Loro Parque, Jungle Park, and Monkey Park. There are whale watching trips, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly beaches as well.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Granada. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

Is Tenerife or Granada Better for Couples?

Tenerife and Granada are both very good to visit as a couple.

Tenerife makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The natural beauty, great landscapes, and lively beaches make this a great island for a romantic getaway. There's hiking and outdoor adventures as well as swimming, boat rides, and even whale watching.

Couples visit Granada frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

Is Tenerife or Granada Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Granada is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

Tenerife is a good island to visit for backpackers. The island is large enough that there are a decent number of hostels and budget-friendly places to stay for backpackers.

Is Tenerife or Granada Better for Students?

Granada is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Tenerife is not popular with students.

Granada is a great city to visit as a student. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

Tenerife is not popular with students.

Is Tenerife or Granada Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Tenerife and Granada.

Tenerife has some public transit options. The island has a decent bus service that is operated by a company called "TITSA".

You'll find some public transit in Granada, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

Is Tenerife or Granada a more walkable city?

Granada is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Granada is very walkable. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

Tenerife is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walks on the island that make for a fun way to explore the setting.

For even more information, also check out Is Tenerife Worth Visiting? and Is Granada Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Granada or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Granada?

It's fun to spend time in either Tenerife or Granada. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Tenerife due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tenerife, and 2-4 days is enough time in Granada.

Families should spend more time in Tenerife than Granada. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Tenerife, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Tenerife than Granada. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Tenerife that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Granada than Tenerife if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Granada.

One day in Tenerife or Granada?

In Tenerife, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful city of Granada offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Tenerife or Granada?

In Tenerife, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Granada is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Granada, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Tenerife or Granada?

Tenerife is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tenerife has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Granada is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Tenerife or Granada?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tenerife. In Tenerife, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Granada is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Tenerife and Granada, we can see that Tenerife is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tenerife Expensive? and Is Granada Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Tenerife or Granada?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tenerife or Granada in the Summer?

Both Granada and Tenerife are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tenerife in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Granada for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Tenerife is around the same temperature as Granada in the summer. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Granada fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Granada. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tenerife. Tenerife usually receives less sunshine than Granada during summer. Tenerife gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Granada receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tenerife usually receives around the same amount of rain as Granada. Tenerife gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Granada receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tenerife or Granada in the Autumn?

Both Granada and Tenerife during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tenerife for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Granada because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Tenerife is a little warmer than Granada. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tenerife in October average around 22°C (72°F), and Granada averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tenerife. In the autumn, Tenerife often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Granada. Tenerife gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Granada receives 213 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in October than Granada. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Granada receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Granada in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tenerife and Granada. The winter months attract visitors to Tenerife because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Granada this time of year.

In January, Tenerife is generally a little warmer than Granada. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 17°C (63°F), and Granada fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Tenerife usually receives more sunshine than Granada during winter. Tenerife gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Granada receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Granada. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Granada receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tenerife or Granada in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tenerife as well as Granada. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tenerife this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Granada for the natural beauty.

Tenerife is a little warmer than Granada in the spring. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 18°C (64°F) in April, and Granada fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tenerife this time of the year. In the spring, Tenerife often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Granada. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Granada receives 220 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in April than Granada. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Granada receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Granada and Tenerife