Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, and it packs a lot into a small space: in a single day you can go from a beach to the foot of a volcano over 3,700 metres high. With five days and a rental car you see the essentials at an easy pace, alternating cities, mountains, northern towns and coast.
This itinerary splits the island into five logical days so you don't backtrack. And to explore its cities and corners on your own terms, you'll find local guides' audio tours at the end.
At a glance
- Length
- 5 days
- Getting around
- Rental car (recommended)
- Base
- North or south, depending on your plan
- Must-do
- Mount Teide (book in advance)
- Best time
- All year, eternal spring
- Don't miss
- La Laguna, Masca and the Icod dragon tree
The itinerary, day by day
Five days to travel the island from end to end without detours.
Day 1 · Santa Cruz and La Laguna
Start with the two north-eastern cities, ten minutes apart by tram. Santa Cruz, the capital, lives facing the sea: the Auditorio de Tenerife (Calatrava's white sail), Plaza de España, the shops and the Nuestra Señora de África market. A stone's throw away is Las Teresitas beach, with golden sand.
In the afternoon, head up to San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: its old town, with streets of colourful houses and Canarian courtyards, was the model for many cities founded later in the Americas. It's pedestrian, full of students and a pleasure to wander.
- Santa Cruz: Calatrava's Auditorio, Plaza de España, the market and Las Teresitas beach.
- La Laguna: UNESCO old town, cathedral and university buzz; explored on foot.
- The tram: Links the two cities in minutes; you can park and get around without the car.
Tip: If you have time to spare, the Anaga rural park (laurel forest) is very close to La Laguna.
Explore both cities with an audio tourDay 2 · Mount Teide
Give a full day to Teide, the highest mountain in Spain (3,715 m) and a UNESCO World Heritage national park. A cable car climbs to 3,555 metres; to set foot on the summit you need a free permit, requested online in advance. Book both as early as you can, as they sell out.
Even if you don't go right to the top, the drive across Las Cañadas — the huge caldera — is spectacular: lava fields, mineral colours and the Roques de García, next to the Parador. Wrap up warm: at 3,500 metres it's cold even when it's hot on the coast.
- Cable car and permit: The cable car reaches 3,555 m; for the summit (3,715 m), a free permit in advance.
- Roques de García: Rock formations by the Parador, with an easy loop trail.
- Wrap up: High mountain: cold, intense sun and, in winter, possible snow.
Tip: Go early: in the morning there are fewer people, shorter queues and the sky tends to be clearer.
Explore Teide with an audio tourDay 3 · The green north: Icod, Garachico and Puerto de la Cruz
The north is the island's greenest, most historic side. In Icod de los Vinos stands the Drago Milenario, the most famous dragon tree in the Canaries and a symbol of the archipelago. A few kilometres away, Garachico was the island's great port until the 1706 eruption buried it; that lava formed the natural pools of El Caletón, where you can still take a dip.
Finish in Puerto de la Cruz, the classic northern resort town, with its old quarter, its seawater pools (Lago Martiánez) and beaches of black volcanic sand.
- Icod de los Vinos: The thousand-year dragon tree, a symbol of the Canaries, next to the old town.
- Garachico: A former port buried by lava in 1706; the natural pools of El Caletón.
- Puerto de la Cruz: Old quarter, Lago Martiánez and black-sand beaches.
Tip: The north is cloudier and more humid than the south; don't be surprised by the change in weather as you cross the island.
Day 4 · The Teno massif: Masca and Los Gigantes
In the far north-west, the Teno massif holds some of the island's most spectacular scenery. Masca is a village of houses clinging above an impressive ravine; the mountain road that leads there, narrow and full of bends, is a sight in itself.
Nearby are the Los Gigantes cliffs, walls of rock that plunge straight into the sea. Boats leave from its harbour to see whales and dolphins, which live in these waters all year round.
- Masca: A mountain village above a ravine; go early, as parking is very limited.
- The Teno road: Vertiginous bends and viewpoints; drive calmly and pull into the lay-bys.
- Los Gigantes: Cliffs over the sea and boat trips to spot cetaceans.
Tip: The Masca ravine is a demanding hike that needs booking; the village and the viewpoints can be enjoyed without going down it.
Get to know Masca with an audio tourDay 5 · The south: beaches and sea
Round off the trip in the south, the sunniest, driest area, with the best-equipped beaches: Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje are home to the big resorts, beach bars and promenades. It's the ideal spot for a relaxed beach day.
If you fancy more, boat trips leave Los Cristianos or Costa Adeje to see whales and dolphins, and in El Médano, with its steady wind, you have one of the best places in Europe for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
- Southern beaches: Los Cristianos, Las Américas and Costa Adeje: almost guaranteed sun and services.
- Whales and dolphins: Boat trips from the south; seen all year round.
- El Médano: Steady wind: a paradise for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Tip: If you prefer nature to a resort, swap the beach day for the Anaga rural park, at the other end of the island.
Explore Tenerife at your own pace
With self-guided audio tours you explore Teide, La Laguna, Santa Cruz, Masca, Garachico or Icod whenever you like and at your own pace, with a local guide's commentary in your ear. You buy them once and listen in the app whenever it suits you, without depending on schedules or groups.
Frequently asked questions
Is 5 days enough to see Tenerife?+
Yes. Five days let you see the essentials without rushing: the two cities (Santa Cruz and La Laguna), Teide, the north (Icod and Garachico), Masca and a beach day in the south. With more days you can add Anaga and more coast.
Do you need a car to tour Tenerife in 5 days?+
It's highly recommended. Teide, Masca and the north are far away and take a lot of time by public transport. There are guaguas (TITSA) and a tram between Santa Cruz and La Laguna, but a car gives you much more freedom for this itinerary.
Is it better to stay in the north or the south of Tenerife?+
The south is drier and sunnier, with the best beaches and resorts; the north is greener, with more local atmosphere and culture. For this itinerary either works, as the island isn't big; choose depending on whether you prioritise the beach (south) or nature and towns (north).
When is the best time to travel to Tenerife?+
All year round, thanks to its eternal-spring climate. The south almost always has sun; the north is greener and more humid. In February, the Santa Cruz Carnival fills the island.
What can't you miss in Tenerife in 5 days?+
Mount Teide and its national park, La Laguna (a World Heritage Site), the Icod dragon tree, Garachico, the village of Masca and the southern beaches.
