A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Tenerife vs. Madrid for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Tenerife or Madrid?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife or Madrid, 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 beautiful, volcanic, and scenic island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Madrid

Madrid is a authentic, cultural, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Tenerife and Madrid: 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
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Tenerife or Madrid?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Madrid. Although Tenerife and Madrid are both popular with visitors, Madrid has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Madrid is more popular for its museums, food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Tenerife is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Tenerife is more touristy than Madrid and is known for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. Madrid is popular for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. It is also home to The Prado Museum.

How is Tenerife different from Madrid?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tenerife
Madrid

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

Madrid is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of cultural sights in the city including Museo Nacional del Prado, the Royal Palace and Gardens, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.

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 Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tenerife
Madrid

Madrid is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Madrid is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has a mix of flavors that come from all of Spain. There are amazing markets where you can grab a meal or snack. There are also many high quality restaurants around town where you're guaranteed a good meal. Local favorites include roast suckling pig, Spanish omelette, and meat and chickpea stew.

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 Madrid Better for Nightlife?

Tenerife
Madrid

Tenerife is renowned for nightlife. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Tenerife is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Madrid offers plenty to do in the evening. Many tourists and international students hang out in the Huertas area, while Malasaña has a bohemian, hipster vibe with small clubs that play indie music. Chueca is a fun area that's known for being gay-friendly with many good bars. Finally, you'll find that the area around Avenida de Brasil is where famous DJs often perform.

Is Tenerife or Madrid Better for Music?

Tenerife
Madrid

Madrid is very popular for live music. However, Tenerife is not a live music destination.

Madrid is known as a music capital around the world. Rock, jazz, and flamenco are all popular in the city. Some of the most well known music venues include Sala Caracol, Sala Clamores, and Costello Club.

Tenerife is not a live music destination.


Is Tenerife or Madrid Better for Resorts?

Tenerife
Madrid

Tenerife is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Madrid is not a resort destination.

In Tenerife, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Madrid is not a resort destination.

Is Tenerife or Madrid Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife
Madrid

Tenerife is a great island for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Tenerife is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tenerife or Madrid Better for Beaches?

Tenerife
Madrid

Tenerife is a great island for its beaches. However, Madrid is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Tenerife attract visitors from all over. 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.

Madrid is not a beach destination.


Is Tenerife or Madrid Better for Hiking?

Tenerife
Madrid

Tenerife is renowned for hiking. However, Madrid is not a hiking destination.

Around Tenerife visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Madrid is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Madrid?

Tenerife
Madrid

Madrid is very popular for shopping. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Madrid. Gran Vía is a main thoroughfare in Madrid that is also popular for shopping. Calle Fuencarral is where you'll find the fashion shops and Calle Preciados is a fun pedestrian area to explore.

Tenerife is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Tenerife or Madrid Better for Families?

Tenerife
Madrid

Tenerife is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Tenerife is an extremely popular island to visit for families. 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.

Madrid is a very kid-friendly island. Kids love splashing around at Madrid Río, taking a ride on the cable car (Teleférico), and exploring the city's many parks and playgrounds. There's even a maze at Sabatini Gardens. Restaurants around the city are also very kid-friendly.


Is Tenerife or Madrid Better for Couples?

Tenerife
Madrid

Tenerife and Madrid are both high quality 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 Madrid frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Fun and romantic activities around town include taking a boat ride at Casa de Campo, riding a bike in one of the many parks, and enjoy dinner and show in the evening.

Is Tenerife or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tenerife
Madrid

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

Madrid is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting 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 Madrid Better for Students?

Tenerife
Madrid

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

Madrid is a great destination for students. With several great universities, this city is popular with international and study abroad students. The city also has a diverse population and an active nightlife that appeals to students.

Tenerife is not popular with students.


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

Tenerife
Madrid

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

Madrid has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.

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 Madrid a more walkable city?

Tenerife
Madrid

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

It's very easy to get around on foot in Madrid. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.

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 Madrid Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Madrid or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Madrid?

In either Tenerife or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Tenerife than Madrid because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tenerife, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Madrid 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 Madrid.


  • How many days in Tenerife or Madrid? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tenerife 3-7 
    Madrid 2-5

One day in Tenerife or Madrid?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Tenerife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Madrid is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Madrid?

Tenerife is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Madrid 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Madrid, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Tenerife or Madrid?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tenerife. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Madrid is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Madrid, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Tenerife or Madrid?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Tenerife. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Madrid 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 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.


Which place is cheaper, Madrid 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 Madrid is €136. 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 Madrid in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tenerife 53
    Madrid 77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tenerife 106
    Madrid 154
Compare Hotels in Tenerife and Madrid

Looking for a hotel in Tenerife or Madrid? 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 Madrid


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 Madrid Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tenerife 60
    Madrid 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tenerife

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

  • Discover Scuba Diving with two dives in the Ocean in Tenerife with Transfers: $264
  • Tenerife Transfer from North Area Hotels to South Airport (Reina Sofia): $198
  • Tenerife Airport Transfer from South Airport (Reina Sofia) to North Area Hotels: $198
  • Private Transfer South Tenerife Airport to Guia de Isora Area: $132
  • Departure Private Transfer: Tenerife to Tenerife South Airport TFS by Minibus: $118
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Tenerife South Airport TFS to Tenerife by Minibus: $118
  • Arrival Private Transfer Tenerife South Airport TFS to Tenerife by Luxury Van: $104
  • Tenerife South Airport(TFS)to Tenerife hotels-Round Trip Transfer: $101
  • Loro Parque & Siam Park Entry Ticket with Transfer: $101
  • Adeje: Guided Bike Tour to Masca with Transfers and Drinks: $101
  • Departure Private Transfer: Tenerife to Tenerife South Airport TFS by Sedan Car: $88
  • Santa Cruz Tenerife Cruise Port to Tenerife hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $88

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid

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

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Madrid HTL-APT (MAD): $61
  • Transfer to Barajas Airport from Madrid: $77
  • Transfer in private minivan from Madrid Airport (MAD) - Madrid City: $75
  • Transfer from the Airport to Madrid: $110
  • Shuttle Transfer Arrivals: Madrid Airport to City Center: $141
  • Segovia: Full-Day Tour with Transfer to and from Madrid: $456
  • Round Trip Private Transfer from Madrid MAD to Madrid City by Minivan: $120
  • Private transfer: Barajas Airport (MAD) to Madrid City Center: $29
  • Private transfer from Atocha Station to Madrid city center: $22
  • Private transfer from Airport or Train Station to Madrid: $110
  • Private Transfer: Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Luxury Car: $119
  • Private Transfer to or from Madrid Airport: $121

Is it cheaper to fly into Tenerife or Madrid?

Prices for flights to both Madrid 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
    Madrid 34

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: $34
  • Tenerife : Horse Show Entry ticket with optional dinner: $49
  • Medieval Night With Dinner in Castillo San Miguel: $52
  • Music Hall Tavern Comedy Drag Show Ticket & Dinner: $53
  • Teide Sunset Night Tour with Dinner and Stargazing: $59
  • Teide National Park Night Sky Star Safari & Dinner: $60
  • Medieval Show and Dinner at Castillo San Miguel with Transfer: $68
  • Self Driving Sunset Tour with Dinner and Stargazing in Tenerife: $72
  • Teide National Park Stargazing Experience Without Dinner(NO Food): $72
  • Teide Night Experience with Dinner and Stargazing: $76
  • Teide National Park Sunset & Stargazing with Dinner (Star Safari): $83
  • Tenerife Sky At Night: Sunset, Stargazing and Dinner: $85

Typical Food Prices in Madrid

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:


  • Coffee
    2.00
  • Ice Cream
    3.00
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    16
  • Croissant
    1.50
  • Lunch at Airport (for 2)
    16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Madrid

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

  • Tipsy Tapas Food Tour with Drinks and Food: $28
  • Drunken Tapas Food Tour with Dinner in Madrid: $33
  • Tapas Dinner Party Food Tour with Guide: $34
  • Tapas Crawl Food Tour with 6 Tapas and 4 Drinks: $36
  • Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $37
  • San Miguel Market and Street Food Tour: $42
  • Madrid Tipsy Tapas Guided Food Tour with Dinner: $42
  • Madrid Tapas Dinner Party with Guide: $43
  • Skip the Line: Flamenco Show with Dinner and Workshop in Madrid Ticket: $50
  • The Authentic Morning Madrid's Food Tour: $60
  • Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner: $62
  • Madrid San Miguel Market and City Center Street Food Tour: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tenerife 27
    Madrid 34

Tours and Activities in Tenerife

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

  • Anaga Private Tour: The Lost World: $94
  • Chef Roberto Medda's Private BBQ Experience - At Your Doorstep!: $88
  • Tenerife Animal Farm Private Car Tour. Canarian Cheese and Wine: $157
  • 1 Hour and Half Mojo Sauce Workshop With Winery Tour: $61
  • 100% Pure Off-Road Quad Safari Experience: $163
  • 2h Viking Cruise Whales and Dolphins Watching: $19
  • 3-Hour Cetacean Watching and Snorkeling Tour in Tenerife: $83
  • 3-Hour Guided PADI Scuba Diving Experience in Tenerife: $105
  • 3-Hour Private Boat Tour in Tenerife with Tapas: $176
  • 3-hour Whale and Dolphin Watching and Listening Tour : $44
  • 3h Viking Cruise with Drinks, Live Show and Swimming Time: $42
  • 4 Hours Eco Safari Tour with Electric Car in Tenerife: $88

Tours and Activities in Madrid

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.

  • Private Combo Tour Prado Museum and Reina Sofia: $224
  • Skip the Line Guided Tour Royal Palace Madrid: $73
  • 1-Hour Madrid Segway Tour: $32
  • 1-Hour Private Flamenco Class in Madrid Experience: $45
  • 2-Hour Patisserie Experience for Dessert Lovers: $61
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour through the Beautiful Streets of Madrid: $50
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour on the History of Islamic Medieval the origins: $39
  • 2.5-Hour Evening Tapas Tour through Madrid: $38
  • 20 Minute Tandem Paragliding Flight Experience in Alicante: $94
  • 3 Hours Private Madrid City Tour Guide: $54
  • 3 Hours Walking Tour in Madrid: $271
  • 3-Hour Tapas Walking Tour of Madrid Food and Drink Included: $94

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tenerife 6.43
    Madrid 20

Sample the Local Flavors in Tenerife

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tenerife:

  • Tour of the senses through the South of Tenerife with Wine Tasting: $47
  • Gastro Wine Tour South Tenerife: $47
  • Bodegas Monje Winery Ticket w/Wine Tasting & Mojo Sauce Workshop: $48
  • Full-Day Gastronomy and Wine Tour: $83
  • Taste of Tenerife Tour With Wine Tasting: $91
  • Wine tasting with tapas, Teide at sunset (shared): $103
  • Volcano Teide Buggy Tour with Wine Tasting & Tapas: $228

Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:


  • Beer
    5.00
  • Drinks and Tapas (for 2)
    13

Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:

  • Pub Crawl with Tapas and VIP Club Entry: $9.77
  • Madrid Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entrance: $11
  • Pub crawl & Party Tour Madrid: $14
  • Guided Pub Crawl Madrid Experience and Club Entry: $16
  • Pub Crawl Madrid Running since 2005 Bar Exploration: $16
  • Madrid's Live Music Bar Crawl: $21
  • Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor: $22
  • Wine Tasting Experience with 4 Spanish Wines: $26
  • Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $39
  • Wine Tasting Experience: $50
  • Wine Tasting in Madrid Experience: $51
  • Toledo Day Trip with Winery Visit and Wine Tasting: $56


When comparing the travel costs between Tenerife and Madrid, we can see that Madrid 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 Madrid Expensive?.