Seven days in paradise: The ultimate week-long itinerary for exploring Tenerife

Tenerife is one of the largest and most popular islands in Spain’s archipelago, known as the Canary Islands. Situated in the Atlantic Ocean, near the coast of Africa, the island has been known for ages as the place to go for a beach holiday as well as a popular destination for people looking for amazing nightlife, and while that’s true, Tenerife is a lot more than that. It also offers parks, forests, volcanoes, old towns, and top theme parks.

There’s a lot to explore; you can relax in luxury or get close to nature, but there’s no need to choose. This seven-day guide shows you the best of what a trip to Tenerife has to offer.

Day 1: Arriving in the north

Arrive in Tenerife and skip the busy resorts. To do this, you’re better off heading north, where it’s green and more peaceful than the south of the island.

I recommend that you settle in Puerto de la Cruz at Hotel Botanico & The Oriental Spa Garden, which is a Luxury 5-Star Hotel in Tenerife that’s known for its gardens and top-notch service.  

Once there, you can spend the afternoon exploring the grounds or relaxing at the spa. Enjoy dinner at the hotel and get ready for the week ahead.

Day 2: Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz

On day two, you will start your day with an early breakfast, then you can explore the old town in Puerto de la Cruz, where you will be able to walk past colourful fishermen’s houses and feel the Atlantic culture. You can visit Lago Martianez, which is an open-air pool complex by César Manrique that blends with the volcanic coast.

After you grab a coffee in the main plaza, you will be ready to head to Loro Parque to see exotic wildlife in well-kept habitats. There you can easily spend hours exploring, but remember to visit the botanical garden to see ancient fig trees and rare plants.

Then you can end the day with a memorable dinner at Brunelli’s, enjoying fresh seafood and ocean views near the harbour.

Day 3: Walking Mount Teide

There’s no trip to Tenerife without Mount Teide, and the best way to experience it is by driving up to the Teide National Park, where pine forests turn into a huge, rocky crater that looks surreal.

Even if you’re not familiar with hiking, I highly recommend that you do it here to fully appreciate the landscape as well as the flora of the area. There are many easy trails you can try, but keep in mind that some of those paths can be packed.   

If not, you can take the cable car up Mount Teide for amazing island and ocean views. Make sure you stay for sunset and remember to bring a jacket; it gets cold up there. 

Day 4: La Laguna and Santa Cruz

For day four, you will visit San Cristobal de La Laguna as soon as you can; mornings there are stunning. This is a historic university town with straight streets, old mansions, and stone churches.

Stroll around its centre, try some fresh pastry from a bakery, and enjoy its lively main square.

Later that day, take the tram to Santa Cruz de Tenerife and explore its streets, take in the modern buildings, and local shops. Have a late lunch on a terrace, order fresh fish, and relax with a glass of local white wine as you watch city life. 

Day 5: Best beaches

Tenerife is all about beaches; that’s why you need to spend a full day by the sea, and for that you should head to Las Teresitas beach, just north of Santa Cruz. It offers soft, golden sand and is bordered by the green Anaga Mountains.

The water there is crystal clear, calm, and shallow, making it perfect for swimming or snorkelling. 
But if you prefer the south, then you can drive to hidden coves with clear, warm water like Playa Abama. 

Day 6: Siam Park and Costa Adeje

On the sixth day, our destination is Costa Adeje to explore the famous Siam Park, recognized by Tripadvisor as the World’s N°1 Water Park for ten consecutive years. This large water park is themed around Thai culture and completely transports you there.

It offers something for every type of visitor: thrilling slides and high-adrenaline attractions for those looking for excitement, as well as more relaxed options such as the Mai Thai River or Siam Beach for guests who prefer to take it easy.

The park is clean, green, and great for both adults and families.

If you are visiting during the summer season, it is also worth considering Siam Night, available through the rest of July and during August, when the park opens in the evening with music, lights, and a different atmosphere after dark.
After your time at the water park, you can still explore Costa Adeje, with its shops, cafes, and seafront paths

Day 7: Guachinches and charming villages

The last day is for immersion, to take the time to truly feel the real Canarian culture and its delicious food. The best options here are to head north and visit La Orotava, Garachico, and Icod de los Vinos.

There you can just stroll around, check out its narrow streets, spot the ancient Dragon Tree in Icod, and check out the wooden balconies in La Orotava.

Later, for lunch, you can skip the tourist spots and try a local guachinche. Those are simple, family-run places to eat that serve truly homemade food. Try papas arrugadas, which are salty potatoes with mojo sauce, grilled meats, goat’s cheese, and local wine.

Conclusion

 

While seven days in Tenerife may seem like a lot, it can easily fly by really fast. The goal here is to try something new every single day, from gardens and city streets to quiet beaches and local food. There’s a lot to do and try in Tenerife, more than just party and nightclubs, but the best part is that this island is easy to enjoy at your own pace. 

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