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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Tenerife?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Tenerife? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a high energy, bustling, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

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.

Thessaloniki and Tenerife: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Tenerife?

Both Tenerife and Thessaloniki have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Thessaloniki is very popular for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Tenerife attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Tenerife is more touristy than Thessaloniki and is known for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. Thessaloniki is famous for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections.

How is Thessaloniki different from Tenerife?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

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 Thessaloniki or Tenerife? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

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 Thessaloniki or Tenerife Better for Nightlife?

Tenerife is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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 Thessaloniki know how to have a good time. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

Is Thessaloniki or Tenerife Better for Resorts?

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

Thessaloniki is not a resort destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Tenerife Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Thessaloniki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Tenerife Better for Beaches?

Tenerife is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Thessaloniki is lacking in options for the beach.

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.

The beach in Thessaloniki is worth checking out. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Is Thessaloniki or Tenerife Better for Hiking?

Tenerife is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Tenerife?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Thessaloniki and Tenerife.

Thessaloniki is well-known for its shopping. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

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.

Is Thessaloniki or Tenerife Better for Families?

Tenerife is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

Is Thessaloniki or Tenerife Better for Couples?

Tenerife is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Thessaloniki is a good city for couples to visit. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

Is Thessaloniki or Tenerife Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Thessaloniki is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Tenerife is a good city 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 Thessaloniki or Tenerife Better for Students?

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

Thessaloniki is a great city to visit as a student. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

Tenerife is not popular with students.

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

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

Thessaloniki has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

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 Thessaloniki or Tenerife a more walkable city?

Thessaloniki and Tenerife are nice when it comes to walkability.

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable place. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

Tenerife is a somewhat walkable city. 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 Thessaloniki Worth Visiting? and Is Tenerife Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tenerife or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Tenerife?

Both Thessaloniki and Tenerife have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tenerife than in Thessaloniki. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Thessaloniki, and 3-7 days is enough time in Tenerife.

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

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

One day in Thessaloniki or Tenerife?

The city of Thessaloniki offers food and shopping. 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.

In Tenerife, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this vibrant island offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Tenerife?

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Tenerife is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Tenerife?

Thessaloniki 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.

In Tenerife, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this scenic destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Thessaloniki or Tenerife?

Thessaloniki 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.

Tenerife is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.

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

When is the best time to visit Thessaloniki or Tenerife?

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 Thessaloniki or Tenerife in the Summer?

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

In July, Thessaloniki is generally around the same temperature as Tenerife. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 25°C (77°F), and Tenerife fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Tenerife. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Tenerife during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Tenerife receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives more rain than Tenerife. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Tenerife receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Tenerife in the Autumn?

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

Thessaloniki is cooler than Tenerife in the autumn. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Tenerife fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Tenerife, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets less sunshine than Tenerife. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tenerife receives 200 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets more rain in October than Tenerife. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Tenerife receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Tenerife in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Thessaloniki is much colder than Tenerife. Typically, the winter temperatures in Thessaloniki in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Tenerife averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Tenerife during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Tenerife receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Tenerife. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Tenerife receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Tenerife in the Spring?

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

In April, Thessaloniki is generally cooler than Tenerife. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 13°C (56°F), and Tenerife fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tenerife. In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tenerife. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tenerife receives 205 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets more rain in April than Tenerife. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Tenerife receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Tenerife and Thessaloniki