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

Should you visit Tenerife or Split?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife or Split, 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 volcanic, scenic, and vibrant 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.

Split

Split is a budget-friendly, historic, and active city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Tenerife and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Split?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Split. Although Tenerife and Split are popular destinations, Split has more sights and attractions for tourists. Split is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and big city activities, while Tenerife attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Tenerife is famous for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. Split is famous for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. It is also well known for Diocletian's Palace.

How is Tenerife different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Split can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical sights, some of which were used in the shooting of the famed television series, Game of Thrones. Highlights include Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.

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 Split? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Split 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 Split. It's the second largest city in Croatia and the food scene reflects this. You'll find a mix of Dalmatian restaurants and international options. There's also everything from fine dining to local taverns, so whatever your budget or food preference, you won't be disappointed.

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 Split Better for Nightlife?

The world-class nightlife scene is relatively similar in Tenerife and Split.

Tenerife is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

People head to Split just to party. It has some of the best nightlife on mainland Croatia. Backpackers and students flock to this city for its parties and nightclubs. There's a great live music scene as well as DJs who keep the party going well into the early morning.

Is Tenerife or Split Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, great resorts can be found in both Tenerife and Split.

Tenerife is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

In Split, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find a mix of popular resort chains, local boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels. Whatever your budget or travel style there are options available.

Is Tenerife or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find great snorkeling or scuba diving in both Tenerife and Split.

Many visitors go to Tenerife to enjoy 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.

Split is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. Some of the best snorkeling is found around the Kornati Islands. There are many boat trips that take visitors to some of the best snorkeling spots near Split.

Is Tenerife or Split Better for Beaches?

Both Tenerife and Split have great 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 Split attract visitors from all over. There are many beaches in the area that are a mix of pebbly or sandy. Many have restaurants or bars nearby and the vibe is social and laid back. Some of the best beaches near town are Bacvice Beach, Žnjan Beach, and Kasjuni Beach.

Is Tenerife or Split Better for its Old Town?

Split is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Split is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town spreads out from Diocletian's Palace and People's Square. It's filled with cobblestone streets and restaurants that spill into the outdoors.

Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Is Tenerife or Split Better for Hiking?

Tenerife is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Split is not a hiking destination.

Tenerife is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Split is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Split?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Tenerife and Split.

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.

Split is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping and sightseeing are intermixed in town. Make sure you don't miss the Old Market, which is the city's main outdoor market. There are many shops all through the old town as well.

Is Tenerife or Split Better for Families?

Tenerife is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Tenerife is very family-friendly. 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.

Split is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. With its parks, beaches, and outdoor activities, kids will love this spot. Zvonac Park is one of the best in town for kids. Young kids will appreciate the Dinasour Playground. Also make sure you allow time to explore Diocletian's Palace and Klis Fortress. There are also beaches and other water activities that are fun for the whole family.

Is Tenerife or Split Better for Couples?

Split is very popular for romance. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Split has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's not uncommon for couples to choose Split as their honeymoon destination. The old town is filled with character and charm. There are also parks where you can enjoy a picnic and beaches where you can soak up the fun of the Adriatic Sea. Cafes serving local cuisine spill into the streets and the old world charm offers a romantic ambiance that can only be found in Croatia.

Couples visit Tenerife frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Tenerife or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Split. There's no shortage of hostels in town. This is a not-to-be-missed backpacker destination in Croatia and the social scene, beaches, water activities, and history all make Split a highlight for many backpackers.

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 Split Better for Students?

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

Split is a great city to visit as a student. It's easy to visit on a student's budget. There are plenty of hostels and a huge party scene that bring backpackers and students together.

Tenerife is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Tenerife and Split.

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 Split, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

Is Tenerife or Split a more walkable city?

Split 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.

Split is very walkable. The city is laid out in a pedestrian-friendly way so it's easy to explore on foot, particularly in the old town. It's also easy to get lost, but that's all part of the fun.

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 Split Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Split or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Split?

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

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

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

One day in Tenerife or Split?

In Tenerife, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this vibrant destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Split offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tenerife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Split 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. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Split, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Tenerife or Split?

Tenerife is a fun place to experience. In Tenerife, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Split is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife 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 Split?

In Tenerife, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this vibrant destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Split is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, 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 Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tenerife and Split, we can see that Tenerife is more expensive. And not only is Split much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Split would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Split 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 Split.

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

When is the best time to visit Tenerife or Split?

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 Split in the Summer?

Both Split and Tenerife are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tenerife for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Split in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tenerife is cooler than Split. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tenerife in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Split averages at about 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tenerife. Tenerife usually receives less sunshine than Split during summer. Tenerife gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Split. Tenerife gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tenerife or Split in the Autumn?

Both Split and Tenerife during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tenerife in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Split for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Tenerife is generally a little warmer than Split. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 22°C (72°F), and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Split, 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 Split. Tenerife gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in October than Split. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Split in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tenerife and Split. Most visitors come to Tenerife for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Split because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Tenerife is much warmer than Split in the winter. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Tenerife usually receives more sunshine than Split during winter. Tenerife gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Tenerife or Split in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tenerife as well as Split. The spring months attract visitors to Tenerife because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Split this time of year.

In the spring, Tenerife is a little warmer than Split. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tenerife in April average around 18°C (64°F), and Split averages at about 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. 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 Split. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in April than Split. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Split and Tenerife