Tenerife is one of those islands that has everything, but can also overwhelm you if you don't arrive with a plan.
Volcanoes, laurel forest ecosystems, black sand beaches, villages steeped in history, and one of the most spectacular night skies in the world. This guide is designed for travelers with rental cars who want to truly experience the island, at a leisurely pace and without missing any essential sights.
Itinerary summary:
| Day | Area | Outstanding |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Northwest: Garachico, Icod, Masca | Natural pools and ravine |
| Day 2 | Teide National Park | Volcano + stargazing |
| Day 3 | Anaga | Laurisilva and Benijo Beach |
| Day 4 | La Laguna and Santa Cruz | World Heritage Site |
| Day 5 | North: La Orotava and Puerto de la Cruz | Charming villages |
| Day 6 | South: Los Gigantes y Costa Adeje | Cliffs and beach |
| Day 7 | Free | La Gomera or pending |
Day 1 — The wild northwest: Garachico, Icod de los Vinos and Masca
Northwest Tenerife is largely unknown to many tourists, and that is precisely what makes it so special.
Start your day in Garachico, one of the most beautiful towns in all of the Canary Islands.
Its natural volcanic lava pools—El Caletón—are perfect for a morning swim. The historic architecture, the central plaza, and the tranquil atmosphere make it a stop that deserves more time than many give it.
From there, head up to Icod de los Vinos to see the Millennial Dragon Tree — a tree over 700 years old that has become a symbol of Tenerife — and sample the local wine if time allows.
In the afternoon, the road to Masca is an experience in itself: hairpin bends and unforgettable views. The viewpoint overlooking the ravine, with its deep valley surrounded by mountains sculpted by time, is one of the most photogenic landscapes on the island.
With children: Garachico, with its natural pools, is ideal—children can swim safely. The road to Masca can be tough for little ones, but the views are totally worth it.
Day 2 — Teide National Park (and the most spectacular sky in Europe)
Mount Teide deserves a whole day and a night.
Head up to the National Park in the morning and spend the midday hours exploring the viewpoints, the Roques de García, and the Llano de Ucanca. If you have a permit obtained in advance, the cable car ride and the climb to the peak is an unforgettable experience. If not, the caldera landscape alone is enough to leave anyone speechless.
You can also visit its visitor centers or explore one of its many trails, such as the Arenas Negras trail, the Roques de García trail, or the Fortaleza trail. If you're an astronomy enthusiast, you can also visit the observatory.
Stay until sunset. The golden light on the volcanic rocks as the sun sets is one of the most powerful sights in Tenerife.
✨ The most special experience of the trip: stargazing on Mount Teide
After sunset, instead of heading down, stay and discover the night sky. At 2,100 meters above sea level, with Starlight certification and far from any light pollution, Teide National Park is one of the best places in the world to see the Milky Way with the naked eye.
If you're traveling as a couple, the private tour for two, including an exclusive telescope, Starlight guide, and astrophotography, is the most memorable experience of your trip. If you're traveling in a group or with your family, group stargazing from Mount Teide is available from €35 and is suitable for ages 4 and up.
Book in advance, places are limited and in summer they sell out weeks before.
With children: Viewing Saturn with its rings or the Moon through a professional telescope is something children will remember forever. It's one of the most popular activities for families throughout Tenerife.
Day 3 — Anaga: Tenerife's green lung
The Anaga massif is the complete opposite of the volcanic landscape of the previous day. Ancient laurel forests—one of the oldest ecosystems on the planet—deep, mist-shrouded ravines, and viewpoints from which the island seems to stretch to infinity.
Arrive early. The Path of the Senses, near the Cruz del Carmen visitor center, is a short and easy route (just over a kilometer) perfect for venturing into the laurel forest without any hassle. The Camino Viejo al Pico del Inglés, with its moss-covered rock walls, looks like something out of a movie.
In the afternoon, head down towards Taganana and continue to Benijo Beach—black volcanic sand, rocky outcrops rising from the sea, and one of the most cinematic sunsets on the island. If you have time, Roque de las Bodegas is just a few minutes away and worth every step.
With children: The Path of the Senses is perfect for families with children of all ages. For the more adventurous, the longer trails in Anaga offer a memorable experience. Avoid weekends, when the park is crowded.
Day 4 — La Laguna and Santa Cruz: history, color and urban life
San Cristóbal de La Laguna is a World Heritage Site for a reason. Its cobbled streets, pastel-colored facades, and wooden balconies have a charm that few Spanish cities can match. Spend the morning getting lost in the historic center—the cathedral, the market, the narrow streets between Calle San Agustín and Plaza del Adelantado.
In the afternoon, head down to Santa Cruz, the capital. The Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África (Our Lady of Africa Market) is a must-see—a vibrant display of colors, aromas, and local produce at reasonable prices. The Santiago Calatrava Auditorium by the sea is one of the most iconic buildings in the Canary Islands, and the García Sanabria Park is the perfect place to relax.
With children: García Sanabria Park in Santa Cruz has a playground and space to run around. La Laguna is perfect for children to discover a historic city in a relaxed way.
Day 5 — North: La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz and the calm sea
La Orotava is one of those towns that never fails to surprise. Its stately homes, historic gardens, and the view of Mount Teide from the plaza's viewpoint create one of Tenerife's most iconic scenes. The House of the Balconies is well worth a visit, even a brief one.
Puerto de la Cruz, just ten minutes away, is the most cosmopolitan side of the north. Lago Martiánez—a seawater pool complex designed by César Manrique—is ideal for a relaxing afternoon. Playa del Bollullo, to the west of the town, is one of the wildest and most beautiful beaches in the north: black sand, cliffs, and very few people during the week.
If you have time, the Rambla de Castro is a beautiful hiking route. It's about a two-hour leisurely walk with sea views.
With children: Loro Parque is five minutes from Puerto de la Cruz — if you are traveling with young children, it is a solid option for this day.
Day 6 — South: Los Gigantes, Costa Adeje and beach
The south of Tenerife has its own microclimate: drier, sunnier and with some of the best-maintained beaches on the island.
Start your day at Los Gigantes — the cliffs, over 500 meters high and plunging vertically into the Atlantic, are one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Canary Islands. The viewpoint at sunset is spectacular, but if you can, book a boat tour from the port to see them from the water — it completely changes your perspective.
The afternoon is for the beach. Playa del Duque and Playa de Fañabé, in Costa Adeje, are the quietest and best-equipped beaches in the south. If you're looking for something more lively, Las Américas is just a few minutes away.
With children: The south is the most convenient destination for families with young children — calm beaches, gentle currents, and plenty of amenities. Siam Park, considered one of the best water parks in the world, is located in Costa Adeje and could be a perfect option for the day.
Day 7 — Free day or La Gomera island
We've left the last day open. If there's anything you haven't yet explored—Anaga in more depth, some of the northern beaches, the Charco de La Laja in San Juan de la Rambla—today's the day.
If you have energy for more, the ferry to La Gomera leaves from Los Cristianos and in just over 40 minutes you are on a completely different island. The Garajonay National Park, with its well-preserved laurel forest, is the main visit. You can go on your own with a rental car on the island or hire an organized excursion.
Route map
Where to stay in Tenerife?
The choice depends on what you're looking for. If you prioritize nature, hiking, and authenticity, the north is your area — Puerto de la Cruz and La Orotava are the best bases, with good accommodation options and quick access to Anaga and Teide.
If you're looking for guaranteed sun, beaches, and more tourist amenities, the south—Costa Adeje or El Médano—is more convenient. The ideal option for a week is to split your accommodation: the first few days in the north and the last few in the south, thus avoiding long journeys each day.
Practical tips for your week in Tenerife
- A rental car is essential—you won't be able to comfortably reach Anaga, Teide, or Masca without one. Book in advance, especially in summer.
- Book your Teide visit in advance — both the cable car if you want to go up to the peak and the stargazing, which gets especially crowded in summer.
- The north and south have distinct microclimates — it can rain in Anaga and be sunny in the south on the same day
- For families: spread the most demanding days (Anaga, Masca) across the middle of the trip when you're already used to hiking, and leave the beach days for the beginning and end.
- Avoid weekends in Teide and Anaga — these are the most visited places by the Canary Islanders themselves and the crowds are much higher.
