Honeymoon guide to Tenerife
Blessed with year-round sunshine, a great choice of beach resorts and plenty of restaurants and entertainment, Tenerife is a perfect year-round honeymoon destination.
Tenerife is the most well known of the Canary Islands and one of Europe's most famous holiday islands.
Best beaches in Tenerife
Discover a choice of black- and golden-sand beaches that indent the 342km-long coastline of Tenerife.
Head to the organised and mainly man-made resort beaches of Playa de Las Americas and Los Cristianos in the south.
Or discover the natural golden sands of Playa de las Teresitas in the north near Santa Cruz as well as the secluded clothing-optional beaches of Playa de la Tejita and Playa de las Gaviotas.
Tenerife's best beaches include the following…
Playa de las Teresitas
(Santa Cruz) – Pick your own spot to sunbathe and swim on this gorgeous 1.5km-long crescent of golden sand.
Playa de las Teresitas sits in a picture-perfect location beneath the towering peaks of the Anaga Mountains and the whitewashed fishing village of San Andrés, which sprawls across the mountain slopes.
Relax in the shade of Canary Island palms that dot the sand and swim in the calm turquoise waters of the lagoon, which is perfect for families and small children as it is protected by a long breakwater.
Facilities on this natural beach – much improved by the addition of golden sand imported from the Spanish Sahara – include parasols and sun loungers for hire, toilets, showers and lifeguards.
Beachfront food kiosks and a number of great seafood restaurants can be found in the nearby village of San Andrés.
Playa de las Teresitas is located on the northeast coast of Tenerife, just 7km north of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Playa de las Gaviotas
(Santa Cruz) – Unwind on this black-sand beach that nestles beneath soaring cliffs.
Facilities include food kiosks only.
The beach lies a few kilometres north of Las Teresitas and is accessed from a mountain road turn-off along the San Andrés to Igueste de San Andrés road. The beach is popular with naturalists.
Playa de Las Americas
Unwind beneath a parasol on this broad crescent of golden sand (imported from the Sahara Desert) that sits between a calm turquoise sea and a palm-fringed promenade lined with hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants.
The main beach is best for swimming and sunbathing in sight of the often snow-capped peaks of the southern mountains.
A string of smaller beaches, separated by long rocky breakwaters, offer better opportunities for surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing.
Facilities on this man-made beach include parasols and sun loungers for hire, toilets, showers and lifeguards.
Rated as one of Europe’s most famous holiday resorts, the purpose-built resort of Playa de Las Americas offers attractions galore for families, couples and singles.
Kids should love the water parks of Aqualand and the Thai-inspired Siam Park, with their array of flumes, pools, slides, waterfalls and dolphin shows.
Adults have a huge choice of after-dark treats with numerous bars, discos and nightclubs open for all-night action.
As part of a 16km-long stretch of beach resorts, Playa de Las Americas offers a wide range of accommodation, including the upmarket Hotel La Siesta and Hotel Gala.
Playa de Las Americas is located on the southwest coast of Tenerife, just north of Los Cristianos and south of Costa Adeje, around 15 minutes drive from Tenerife's main airport, Reina Sofia.
Playa de las Vistas
Unwind on this kilometre-long crescent of golden sand that shelves into a calm bay protected by low, man-made sea walls.
Facilities include parasols, sun loungers and pedalos for hire, as well as toilets, showers and lifeguards.
A range of cafes, bars and restaurants are just a short stroll away on a beachfront promenade that links Playa de las Vistas with Playa de las Americas to the north and Playa de Los Cristianos to the south.
Playa de Los Cristianos
Relax on this long crescent of golden sand that faces a small fishing harbour and the calm waters of a protected bay. Behind the beach lies a palm-fringed promenade lined with cafes, bars and restaurants.
Facilities include parasols, sun loungers and pedalos for hire, as well as toilets, showers and lifeguards.
Away from the shimmering sea, wander the picturesque streets of the Old Town, lined with quaint shops and restaurants serving tasty seafood dishes.
Check out the water parks of Aqualand and Siam Park for a choice of white-knuckle rides and the 3m-high artificial wave. Visit Jungle Park for tree-top walks and the chance to get close to lions, tigers and hippos, or climb the slopes of nearby Mount Teide for views overlooking Los Cristianos.
The resort of Los Cristianos is built around an old fishing village and is more laid-back than the bustling neighbouring resort of Playa de Las Américas. Choose from a range of accommodation that includes the seafront 5-star Hotel Arona Gran.
Los Cristianos is located on the southwest coast of Tenerife, just south of Playa de Las Americas, around 15 minutes drive from Tenerife's main airport, Reina Sofia.
Costa Adeje
Pick your own spot to sunbathe and swim on two beaches that sit either side of twin rocky promontories separated by a narrow sea-swept inlet; one promontory is topped by an ancient castle and the other by the 5-star Hotel La Plantacion Del Sur.
The 900m-long Playa Fanabe sits to the south and the smaller 400m-long Playa del Dugue lies to the north of the resort town. Facilities on both beaches include parasols, sun loungers and pedalos for hire, as well as toilets, showers and lifeguards.
The purpose-built resort of Costa Adeje offers a wide selection of 4-and 5-star hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants that sit close to the beach.
Splash out at the turreted 5-star Gran Hotel Melia Bahia del Duque, arranged in a village-like setting just metres from Playa del Dugue, or try the equally luxurious Hotel Riu Palace Tenerife.
Costa Adeje is located on the southwest coast of Tenerife, just north of Playa de Las Americas, around 15 minutes drive from Tenerife's main airport, Reina Sofia.
Playa de Abama
(Guia de Isora) – Unwind in comfort at this small golden-sand beach that lies almost hidden along the rugged Guia de Isora coastline on the southwest coast of Tenerife.
The cliff-framed beach faces a sheltered cove protected by rocky headlands and a small reef.
Facilities include parasols and sun loungers, with a range of creature comforts just a short stroll away at the luxurious Abama Golf and Spa Resort, set atop a cliff overlooking the beach.
Playa de Abama is located 34km north of Tenerife's main airport, Reina Sofia.
Playa Jardin
(Puerto de la Cruz) – Relax on this classic black-sand beach that sits beneath the whitewashed houses of the Old Town and stretches in front of a lush palm-fringed garden, just a short stroll from cafes, bars and restaurants.
The beach is popular with kite and windsurfers when the wind picks up, with the nearby Lago de Martianez, a protected man-made beach lagoon, an alternative for swimmers.
Facilities include parasols, sun loungers and pedalos for hire, as well as toilets, showers and lifeguards.
Away from the beach at the nearby Loro Parque wildlife park, see more than 1000 parrots as well as penguins, sharks and killer whales.
Puerto de la Cruz is located on the west coast of Tenerife, around 90km (or an hour's drive) from Tenerife's main airport, Reina Sofia.
Playa El Médano
Sunbathe on this 2km-long, off-white sand beach or join kite and windsurfers in the turquoise waters of this world-class windsurfing destination.
Playa El Médano is located on the east coast of Tenerife, around 5km from Tenerife's main airport, Reina Sofia.
What to do and see in Tenerife
With its warm weather and great beaches, Tenerife offers couples year round water sports including windsurfing, sea kayaking and surfing.
Unwind at Los Cristianos beach resort, with easy access to several theme parks, and party all night at Playa de Las Americas – Tenerife’s legendary resort renowned for its vibrant nightlife.
Wander the narrow streets and wide boulevards of Santa Cruz de Tenerife or the old town of Puerto de la Cruz located on Tenerife's north coast.
Explore Tenerife’s diverse landscape of lush green hills, rugged coastline and mountainous volcanic interior by car, mountain bike or on foot. Walkers will find a great choice of marked trails to explore the massive Teide National Park (photo).
Hike the green hills of the Anaga massif and wander across the surreal volcanic moonscape of Parque Nacionale del Teide, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit the summit of Pico del Teide – the world's third largest volcano and Spain’s largest mountain at 3718m above sea level.
See killer whales, penguins and more than 340 species of parrot at the family friendly Loro Parque marine and wildlife park.
While Tenerife is not known as a scuba diving destination, you can still dive among turtles, barracudas and manta rays.
Tenerife offers some of the best game fishing in the region: sign-up for a charter to hook white and blue marlin, sailfish, tuna, dorado and barracuda.
Visit in February and March to experience the colourful Carnival – one of the largest in the world and rated second only to Rio’s Carnival for fiesta fun.
Some of Tenerife's must-see attractions, include national parks as well as historic and authentic 'Canarian' towns, including…
San Cristóbal de la Laguna
Wander the narrow streets of the Old Town, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site lined with grand mansions and fine old pastel-coloured houses. Don't miss Calle San Agustín and the surrounding streets for the finest sights.
Located in the centre of Tenerife, San Cristóbal de la Laguna is an easy day trip from either Santa Cruz de Tenerife or from Puerto de la Cruz.
La Orotava
Discover one of Tenerife’s prettiest and most authentic ‘Canarian’ towns, which sits in a lush valley of vineyards and chestnut plantations just a short drive from Puerto de la Cruz.
Stroll narrow cobbled streets lined with pastel-shaded houses boasting ornate wooden doors and balconies. Visit the 17th century Casa de los Balcones with its interior and exterior balconies featuring ornate carvings.
Admire the baroque façade of the impressive Iglesia de la Conception and relax with a cerveca (beer) at the Casa Lercaro, a 17th century mansion and one of La Ortava’s 12 historic mansions –now an upmarket restaurant.
Then go hiking along a network of trails into the nearby hillside forests with magnificent vistas over the coastal plain.
Parque Nacional del Teide
Arrive by bus or hire car at this 18,990ha national park, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site since June 2007.
Explore a network of marked trails through a stunning volcanic landscape of unique rock formations including smooth pahoehoe lava and pebble-like lapilli, as well as nearly 1000 Guanche archaeological sites that lie unmarked to prevent ‘souvenirs’ being removed.
Ride the cable car to 300m beneath the summit of Pico del Teide – Spain’s largest mountain at 3718m above sea level. Climb the mountain’s arid slopes to the top for panoramic views below of the lunaresque landscape and the islands of La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro.
Admire 33 plants endemic to Teide National Park, such as the Teide bugloss plant with its 3m-high stalk of vivid red flowers. Nearby at Roques de García stand distinctive volcanic formed geological wonders of twisted lava pinnacles.
Puerto de la Cruz
Come on a day trip from the southern beach resorts or say longer at this classy old-style resort town located on the northwest coast of Tenerife.
Stroll narrow cobbled alleyways, stylish avenues and leafy squares lined with old Canary-style mansions and enjoy fine dining in traditional restaurants and terraced bars.
Visit the historic Torreon de Ventoso then pop into the 17th century Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia to admire the wooden mudéjar ceiling and three naves.
Stroll around the attractive walkways of the lush Jardin Botanico, established in 1788 and crammed with more than 3000 plants and flowers.
Then get an insight into the Guanche way of life at the Museo Arqueológico with its collection of Guanche pots and clay ornaments and a replica of a cave dwelling.
Should local beach conditions get too windy, head to the four swimming pools and massive central lagoon of Lago Martiánez, located on a rocky seafront promontory northeast of the town centre. Here you’ll also find a choice of bars and restaurants and a glittery casino located nearby.
Watch killer whales perform in spectacular shows at Loro Parque, a family friendly attraction located on the outskirts of Puerto de la Cruz at Punta Brava.
Discover more than 340 species of parrots along with penguins and more than 15,000 aquatic animals including sharks at the aquarium.
Where to stay
As one of Europe's most famous holiday islands, Tenerife offers an excellent choice of luxurious hotels and resorts, including the following…
Gran Hotel Bahia Del Duque Resort
Location: Costa Adeje, Tenerife
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD741 per room
Description: Overlooking Duque Beach in Tenerife, the luxurious Bahia Del Duque is surrounded by 6 hectares of subtropical gardens. It offers 5 outdoor pools, fitness centre and stylish accommodation with private balcony. At Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque Resort you can choose between modern rooms and chic villas. All accommodation comes with LCD satellite TV and a bathrobe and slippers. The Gran Bahia del Duque complex offers 8 restaurants, including Italian and Oriental options. There are also 7 bars, including a juice bar and a beach bar. The hotel offers a huge variety of leisure activities, including aerobics classes and whale watching. There are tennis courts, a table tennis table and a botanical walking route. Adeje Golf Course and Siam Water Park are around 5 minutes’ drive from the Bahía Duque. You can drive to Tenerife Sur Airport in around 15 minutes.
The Ritz-Carlton, Abama
Location: Guía de Isora, Tenerife
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD568 per room
Description: Set in Tenerife’s Guía de Isora, this complex overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and neighbouring island of Gomera. It has 7 outdoor pools and a spa, golf course, tennis courts and a beach. The Ritz-Carlton, Abama is made up of Moorish-inspired buildings housing guestrooms and villas. The resort is set in lush tropical gardens on a cliff top, with a funicular railway down to the exclusive beach. Each room and villa has an ethnic style, and most enjoy views over the gardens, and Atlantic Ocean. All come with luxury marble bathrooms, and interactive TVs with internet access. The Ritz-Carlton, Abama offers 10 restaurants. With 2 Michelin stars, MB serves dishes created by chef Martín Berasategui. Kabuki, with 1 Michelin star, offers innovative Japanese cuisine. There is a large spa, featuring 10 treatment rooms and a water circuit, as well as a gym.
Iberostar Grand Hotel El Mirador - Adults Only
Location: Costa Adeje, Tenerife
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD545 per room
Description: This luxurious, adults-only hotel is located just off Duque Beach on the Costa Adeje. It offers elegant junior suites with a furnished balcony or terrace, some with views of the Atlantic. Free high speed WiFi is available throughout. Decorated in a colonial style, the rooms at the Iberostar Grand Hotel El Mirador Adults Only are spacious and include a canopy bed. They come with a separate dressing room and a sofa bed. A heated freshwater pool surrounds the main building, and there is also a hot tub. The main buffet restaurant at Hotel El Mirador serves typical Canarian and international cuisine. There is a poolside restaurant, a gourmet restaurant El Cenador, and La Tosca Bar, which offers evenings of live piano music.
Red Level at Gran Melia Palacio de Isora
Location: Alcalá Guia de Isora, Tenerife
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD478 per room
Description: This adults-only oceanfront complex offers a personalised butler service in all rooms. The outdoor pool has Balinese beds and hydromassage loungers. Each room has a private terrace with ocean or garden views. Red Level at Gran Melia Tenerife is an exclusive private area of the Gran Melia Palacio de Isora & Spa. Guests have access to all hotel facilities, including a wide range of international restaurants, 8 bars, including a beach bar, a lagoon-style infinity pool and tennis courts. All guests at the Red Level receive free access to the gym, as well as one Ritual de Aguas spa circuit per stay. This includes hydromassage pools, flotation tanks, saunas, Turkish baths and chromotherapy in the Spa by Clarins. Each spacious, elegant room at the Red Level comes with a Nespresso coffee machine, an iPod dock and free WiFi. Bathrooms include a hydromassage shower and an over-sized bath tub. The exclusive Red Level lounge has a free bar in the early evening, and offers free tea and coffee all day. It also includes a poolside bar service and a business centre. There is direct access to Alcalà Beach from the hotel. 40 minutes’ drive from Las Cañadas del Teide National Park, and 35 minutes from Tenerife Reina Sofia Airport. The centre of Alcalá is a 10-minute walk away.
Best time to honeymoon in Tenerife
The best time to visit Tenerife is anytime. With constant good weather, Tenerife is a 365-day-a-year destination.
The best weather generally occurs during the months of July, August and September.
However, to avoid the summer, high-season crowds visit during spring and autumn when the climate is still pleasantly warm averaging 24°C (75°F).
A mountainous island, Tenerife offers a variety of climates depending on location.
For more climate info: Tenerife Islands Weather Guide…
Getting to Tenerife
Tenerife is the largest and most visited island in the Canary Islands.
The island archipelago comprises seven large and six smaller islands that sit in the Atlantic Ocean around 1100km (683mi) from the Spanish mainland and 100km (62mi) from the northwest coast of Africa.
Tenerife has two international airports that receive scheduled flights from major airlines as well as seasonal and charter flights from low-cost carriers. They are served by different airlines.
Tenerife South Airport (Aeropuerto de Tenerife Sur) (TFS), previously known as Tenerife South–Reina Sofia Airport, is the larger of the two international airports. It is located around 62km (38mi) from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and around 15km (9mi) from Playa de las Americas.
Tenerife North Airport (Aeropuerto de Tenerife Norte) (TFN), previously known as Los Rodeos Airport, is located in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, 12km (8mi) from Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The most convenient route to Tenerife is by air into Tenerife South Airport (TFS), which receives daily direct flights from several cities in Spain and the capital cities of Europe, as well as connecting flights from Asia, Australasia and North America. Interisland flights use the smaller Tenerife North Airport
By sea there are frequent interisland ferry, hydrofoil and jetfoil services to all the Canary Islands.
Information about how to get to Tenerife…
How to get around Tenerife
The best way to get around Tenerife is to hire a car. There are numerous local and international car-hire agencies located at the airports and in all major resort areas.
The established road network and clear signage makes Tenerife an easy island to get around by car and motorcycle.
Tenerife's motorway network is toll-free and connects the capital city and airports with most of the island's major resorts. Motorways and major roads are paved to a high standard. Mountain roads are often narrow and winding. There are also unpaved rural roads.
Tenerife is also excellent for cycling – many of the world's top cycle racing teams use the island to train.
Alternatively, a useful bus network links all the major towns and attractions. Taxis are generally expensive and are best for short distances only.
Information about how to get around Tenerife…
Latest update: Tenerife Honeymoon Guide: 14 January, 2023
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