Self catering accommodation and holiday homes in Tenerife.

It depends on the holiday you want. The south (Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos) is drier and sunnier, purpose-built for beach holidays, with the widest choice of resorts, pools and boat excursions and the closest access to the island's main airport, Tenerife South. The north (Puerto de la Cruz, La Laguna) is greener, cooler and more authentically Spanish, with historic towns, local culture and easier access to Teide's northern approach — but it sees more cloud and passing showers. Many visitors base themselves in the south and take day trips north.

A car is very useful, though not essential if you plan to stay within one resort area. Tenerife is a large island and the most rewarding parts — the two contrasting coasts, Mount Teide, the mountain roads and quieter villages — are spread out. A rental car lets you cross the island at your own pace and stop at viewpoints. The public bus network (TITSA) is extensive and cheap and does reach Teide, but journeys can be long with connections. If you only want beach, pool and a few organised trips, you can manage without driving.

Tenerife is a genuine year-round destination thanks to its mild climate, which is why it is popular even in winter. Spring and autumn generally offer the most comfortable mix of warmth and clearer skies. Summer is hot and busy, especially in the south. Winter stays mild and sunny in the southern resorts while the north can be greener and wetter. Note that conditions on Mount Teide are very different from the coast — much colder, and the cable car or summit paths can close in high wind, ice or snow, so check ahead before heading up. Confirm current seasonal details before travel.

You can reach most of the way up by cable car, and from the upper station short walking trails lead to viewpoints. To stand on the very summit (Pico del Teide) you need a free permit, which is issued in limited daily numbers and should be reserved well in advance through the official national park system. Without a summit permit you can still enjoy the cable car and the surrounding lunar landscape. The park itself and the cable car do not require a permit. Because rules, numbers and opening times change, always check the official Teide National Park and cable car websites before you go.

The sheltered waters off the southwest coast, between Tenerife and neighbouring La Gomera, are home to resident pods of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, making sightings possible all year. Boat trips depart from ports including Los Gigantes, Puerto Colón (Costa Adeje) and Los Cristianos, ranging from quick outings to half-day sails with a swim stop. Look for licensed operators that follow responsible viewing rules to protect the animals. Exact species, prices and success rates vary by operator and season, so confirm details when booking.

Tenerife's beaches vary a lot. In the south, many resort beaches such as those in Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos have pale imported sand and calmer, family-friendly water, several holding Blue Flag status. Elsewhere you'll find the island's natural volcanic black sand, for example around Puerto de la Cruz in the north and at El Médano in the southeast, which is also a well-known windsurfing and kitesurfing spot thanks to steady trade winds. Some coastlines are rocky with sea pools rather than long sandy stretches, so it's worth checking the specific beach near your accommodation.