Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Tenerife?

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Tenerife?

Many visitors spend at least 3 or as many as 7 days in Tenerife during their trip. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because your journey calls for making the most of every moment. The island offers the chance to go hiking, grab some drinks at a bar, explore the underwater world, and lounge on the beach.

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands. It's just off the coast of West Africa, and it has many beautiful beaches, volcanic landscapes, and the famous Mt. Teide, which is the highest peak in Spain. The island is a popular winter destination for Brits, who come for the many resorts.

Do you have one or two days to visit Tenerife? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.


Is one day enough time in Tenerife?

Tenerife is a small island that is extremely popular with tourists due to the many sights and attractions. One day is probably not enough time on the vibrant island. You might feel rushed to see the main attractions of Tenerife such as the hiking, the nightlife scene, scuba diving and snorkeling, and the beaches. To thoroughly enjoy the whole island, you'll probably want more time, as most travelers schedule at least 3 or as many as 7 days here. Nevertheless, we have some nice suggestions for your visit below.

How to spend a day in Tenerife

Known for it's hiking, Tenerife sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. 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.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Hiking in Tenerife's Great Outdoors ($63)
  • Tenerife: Hiking through Enchanted laurel forest Above Masca ($76)
  • Small Group Guided Hiking in Anaga Rural Park in Tenerife ($45)

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. 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 public transit in Tenerife is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the island quite easily and affordably. The island has a decent bus service that is operated by a company called "TITSA".

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Tenerife?

A weekend is usually not enough time to experience the vibrant island of Tenerife, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the main attractions such as the hiking, the nightlife scene, scuba diving and snorkeling, and the beaches, as well as Mount Teide. You'll likely want more than a weekend, as many tourists set aside around three to seven days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey below.

Tenerife Coastline, Spain Tenerife Coastline, Spain

How to spend 2 days in Tenerife

If you have more than a weekend (two to three days) in Tenerife, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the island has to offer.

Don't miss Mount Teide during your trip to Tenerife, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

Tenerife is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The island's volcanic scenery makes for a dramatic and beautiful setting.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Los Gigantes Whale Watching Charter by Sail Boat ($77)
  • Teide Sunset Quad trip ($154)
  • 3-Hour Teide Sunset Quad Trip in Tenerife ($154)

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Tenerife, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

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