A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tenerife vs. Imperia for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Tenerife or Imperia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife or Imperia, 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Imperia

Imperia is a authentic, charming, and undiscovered town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Tenerife and Imperia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Tenerife or Imperia?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tenerife than Imperia, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tenerife is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Imperia is more popular for its museums. Tenerife is more touristy than Imperia and is popular for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. Also, Tenerife is famous for Mount Teide. Imperia is well known for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

How is Tenerife different from Imperia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Imperia 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 Imperia?

Tenerife
Imperia

Imperia is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Tenerife is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Imperia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.

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 Imperia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tenerife
Imperia

Both Tenerife and Imperia offer notable 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 Imperia. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is Tenerife or Imperia Better for Nightlife?

Tenerife
Imperia

Tenerife is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Tenerife is a world class party destination. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Imperia. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

Is Tenerife or Imperia Better for Resorts?

Tenerife
Imperia

Tenerife is notable for its resorts. However, Imperia 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.

Imperia is not a resort destination.


Is Tenerife or Imperia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife
Imperia

Tenerife is notable for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Imperia 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.

Imperia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tenerife or Imperia Better for Beaches?

Tenerife
Imperia

Tenerife is notable for the beach. However, Imperia 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.

Imperia is not a beach destination.

Is Tenerife or Imperia Better for Hiking?

Tenerife
Imperia

Tenerife is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Imperia is not a hiking destination.

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.

Imperia is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Imperia?

Tenerife
Imperia

Tenerife is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Imperia. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Is Tenerife or Imperia Better for Families?

Tenerife
Imperia

Tenerife is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-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.

Imperia is a family-friendly island. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.

Is Tenerife or Imperia Better for Couples?

Tenerife
Imperia

Tenerife is notable for couples. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Tenerife is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Imperia is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.


Is Tenerife or Imperia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tenerife
Imperia

Tenerife and Imperia are both notable destinations for backpackers.

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

Imperia is a good island to visit for backpackers. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

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

Tenerife
Imperia

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Tenerife and Imperia.

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 Imperia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

Is Tenerife or Imperia a more walkable city?

Tenerife
Imperia

Tenerife and Imperia are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Imperia is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.


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

Should I spend more time in Imperia or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Imperia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tenerife or Imperia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tenerife than Imperia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tenerife, and 1-2 days is enough time in Imperia.

Families should spend more time in Tenerife than Imperia. 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 Imperia. 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 Tenerife than Imperia 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 Tenerife.


  • How many days in Tenerife or Imperia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tenerife 3-7 
    Imperia 1-2

One day in Tenerife or Imperia?

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 town of Imperia offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Tenerife or Imperia?

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.

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

Five days in Tenerife or Imperia?

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.

Imperia is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Imperia?

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.

Imperia is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town 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 Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Imperia or Tenerife?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tenerife is €128, while the average daily cost in Imperia is €108. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Tenerife and Imperia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tenerife 53
    Imperia 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tenerife 106
    Imperia 102
Compare Hotels in Tenerife and Imperia

Looking for a hotel in Tenerife or Imperia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Tenerife


Hotels in Imperia


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Tenerife Hotel Prices and Imperia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tenerife 60
    Imperia 36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tenerife

Also for Tenerife, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Puerto de la Cruz City Tour with Transfers: $21
  • Roundtrip Transfer Caldera de Taburiente and Guaguas Station: $22
  • Transfer Tenerife South Airport (TFS) to Santa Cruz Tenerife Port: $44
  • Private Transfer from Tenerife to Santa Cruz Tenerife Cruise Port: $44
  • Private Transfer from Santa Cruz Tenerife Cruise Port to Tenerife: $44
  • Transfer- Santa Cruz Tenerife Port to Tenerife South Airport(TFS): $44
  • Tenerife hotels to Santa Cruz Tenerife Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Santa Cruz Tenerife Cruise Port to Tenerife hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
  • Tenerife Cruise Port to Tenerife South Airport (TFS) -Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Tenerife to Tenerife South Airport (TFS) - Departure Transfer : $50
  • Canary Islands : Gran Canaria - Tenerife ferry transfer: $59
  • Marine-Life Tour with Transfer, Buffet and Drinks: $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Tenerife or Imperia?

Prices for flights to both Imperia and Tenerife change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Tenerife 39
    Imperia 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tenerife

For Tenerife, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe Set Menu Lunch or Dinner & Drink: $33
  • Tenerife : Horse Show Entry ticket with optional dinner: $48
  • Castillo San Miguel Medieval Show with Dinner: $51
  • Medieval San Miguel castle with dinner-Show in South Tenerife : $52
  • Music Hall Tavern Comedy Drag Show Ticket & Dinner: $52
  • Teide Sunset Night Tour with Dinner and Stargazing: $58
  • Teide National Park Night Sky Star Safari & Dinner: $59
  • Medieval Show and Dinner at Castillo San Miguel with Transfer: $67
  • Self Driving Sunset Tour with Dinner and Stargazing in Tenerife: $71
  • Teide Night Experience with Dinner and Stargazing: $75
  • Teide National Park Sunset & Stargazing with Dinner (Star Safari): $82
  • Tenerife Sky At Night: Sunset, Stargazing and Dinner: $83

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tenerife 27
    Imperia 13

Tours and Activities in Tenerife

For Tenerife, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Teide Legends Exhibition Entry Ticket: $3.21
  • Santa Cruz: Parque Maritimo Cesar Manrique Entry ticket: $5.35
  • Icod de los Vinos: Dragon Tree & Botanical Garden Ticket: $5.35
  • Icod de los Vinos: Casa del Plátano Entry Ticket: $5.35
  • Santa Cruz de Palmetum Entry Ticket: $6.42
  • La Casa de Los Balcones Entrance Ticket: $6.42
  • La Caleta Self-Guided Walking Tour: $7.38
  • San Cristobal de La Laguna : Cathedral ticket w/ audioguide: $7.49
  • Icod de los Vinos: ARTlandya Doll World Entry Ticket & Tour: $11
  • Finca Las Margaritas Banana Plantation Experience: $11
  • Guïmar: Pyramids of Güímar Ethnographic Park Entry Ticket: $13
  • Los Cristianos: Eco-Yacht Whale Watching Cruise with Swim: $16

Tours and Activities in Imperia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Imperia are as follows:

  • Imperia - Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour: $428

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tenerife 6.43
    Imperia 7.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Tenerife

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tenerife:

  • Wine tasting and Canarian products in La Orotava: $19
  • Wine Tour & Taste surrounded by Anaga Forest: $25
  • Half Day Southern Rural Tenerife Tour with Wine Tasting: $63
  • Tour of the senses through the South of Tenerife with Wine Tasting: $64
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Tenerife: $66
  • Full-Day Gastronomy and Wine Tour: $81
  • Taste of Tenerife Tour With Wine Tasting: $93
  • Wine tasting with tapas, Teide at sunset (shared): $102
  • Volcano Teide Buggy Tour with Wine Tasting & Tapas: $225


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tenerife and Imperia, we can see that Tenerife is more expensive. And not only is Imperia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Imperia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Imperia and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Tenerife would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tenerife than you might in Imperia.

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



When is the best time to visit Tenerife or Imperia?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tenerife or Imperia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tenerife as well as Imperia. Many visitors come to Tenerife in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Imperia for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Tenerife is generally around the same temperature as Imperia. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 23°C (73°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Imperia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tenerife this time of the year. In the summer, Tenerife often gets less sunshine than Imperia. Tenerife gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 295 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in July than Imperia. Tenerife gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tenerife 23°C (73°F) 
    Imperia 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Tenerife or Imperia in the Autumn?

Both Imperia and Tenerife are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tenerife for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Imperia because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Tenerife is a little warmer than Imperia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 22°C (72°F) in October, and Imperia fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tenerife. Tenerife usually receives more sunshine than Imperia during autumn. Tenerife gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Imperia. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tenerife 22°C (72°F) 
    Imperia 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Tenerife or Imperia in the Winter?

Both Imperia and Tenerife during the winter are popular places to visit. 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 Imperia this time of year.

In the winter, Tenerife is much warmer than Imperia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tenerife in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Imperia averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Tenerife often gets more sunshine than Imperia. Tenerife gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 127 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in January than Imperia. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tenerife 17°C (63°F) 
    Imperia 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Tenerife or Imperia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tenerife and Imperia. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tenerife this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Imperia for the natural beauty.

In April, Tenerife is generally a little warmer than Imperia. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 18°C (64°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In Tenerife, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tenerife usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Imperia during spring. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Imperia. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tenerife 18°C (64°F) 
    Imperia 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Imperia and Tenerife

Tenerife Imperia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 17°C (63°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 18°C (64°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 18°C (64°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 17°C (63°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)


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