A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tenerife vs. Lake Garda for Nightlife, Hiking, Families, and Food

Should you visit Tenerife or Lake Garda?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife or Lake Garda, 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a playful, fun, and energetic lake. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Tenerife and Lake Garda: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Lake Garda?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tenerife. Although Tenerife and Lake Garda are popular destinations, Tenerife has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tenerife is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and shopping, while Lake Garda attracts visitors for its museums and food. Tenerife is more touristy than Lake Garda and is known for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. It is also well known for Mount Teide. Lake Garda is famous for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks.

How is Tenerife different from Lake Garda?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lake Garda is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.

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 Lake Garda? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lake Garda is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Lake Garda. You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Is Tenerife or Lake Garda Better for Nightlife?

Tenerife is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Tenerife is a must-see 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.

The people in Lake Garda know how to have a good time. You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.

Is Tenerife or Lake Garda Better for Resorts?

Tenerife is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Lake Garda 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.

Lake Garda is not a resort destination.

Is Tenerife or Lake Garda Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife is an excellent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Lake Garda 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.

Lake Garda is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tenerife or Lake Garda Better for Beaches?

Both Tenerife and Lake Garda have very good beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Tenerife. 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.

The beaches at Lake Garda attract visitors from all over. Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.

Is Tenerife or Lake Garda Better for Hiking?

Tenerife is terrific for its hiking trails. Also, Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda. There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Lake Garda?

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

Tenerife is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Lake Garda to go shopping. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.

Is Tenerife or Lake Garda Better for Families?

Tenerife and Lake Garda are both fantastic destinations for the whole family.

Tenerife is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. 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.

Lake Garda is an extremely popular island to visit for families. The nearby amusement parks, including Gardaland, make this a popular destination for families. The area also has many places to swim, trails to explore, and castles to experience. Kids and adults alike will love this amazing kid-friendly area.

Is Tenerife or Lake Garda Better for Couples?

Tenerife and Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. You'll find a lot of families in the area because of the amusement parks, but that doesn't mean that this isn't a romantic and beautiful spot for couples. There are many charming towns to explore and scenic viewpoints to check out. There are also excellent romantic restaurants that you should try.

Is Tenerife or Lake Garda Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tenerife and Lake Garda are both nice 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.

Lake Garda is a good island to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels around the lake that are affordable and fun. The area also see enough backpackers to keep the atmosphere fun and social.

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

Lake Garda is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Lake Garda is fairly effecient and thorough. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

You'll find some public transit in Tenerife, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The island has a decent bus service that is operated by a company called "TITSA".

Is Tenerife or Lake Garda a more walkable city?

Lake Garda 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.

Lake Garda is very walkable. There are walking trails that connect the villages around the lake and this how many people choose to get around.

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 Lake Garda Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake Garda or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Lake Garda?

It's fun to spend time in either Tenerife or Lake Garda. 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 Lake Garda.

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

Couples should spend more time in Tenerife than Lake Garda. 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.

One day in Tenerife or Lake Garda?

With shopping and nightlife around the adventure-filled island of Tenerife, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful lake of Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Tenerife, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Lake Garda is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this lake makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lake Garda, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Tenerife or Lake Garda?

Tenerife, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda?

Tenerife is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Lake Garda is a great place to explore. 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 lake 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 Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tenerife and Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda is more expensive. And not only is Tenerife much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tenerife would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tenerife 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 Lake Garda would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lake Garda than you might in Tenerife.

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

When is the best time to visit Tenerife or Lake Garda?

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 Lake Garda in the Summer?

Both Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Tenerife is around the same temperature as Lake Garda. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tenerife in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Lake Garda. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tenerife. Tenerife usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lake Garda during summer. Tenerife gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Tenerife gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tenerife or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

Both Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Tenerife is generally much warmer than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 22°C (72°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Tenerife. In the autumn, Tenerife often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Tenerife gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in October than Lake Garda. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Lake Garda in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tenerife and Lake Garda. 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 Lake Garda this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lake Garda in the winter. Tenerife is much warmer than Lake Garda in the winter. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Tenerife usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during winter. Tenerife gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tenerife or Lake Garda in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Tenerife is a little warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tenerife in April average around 18°C (64°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tenerife this time of the year. In the spring, Tenerife often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in April than Lake Garda. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Tenerife