Tenerife in 7 days: complete itinerary

A week in Tenerife lets you cover the essentials of the island without rushing: the volcano, at least one big hike, south and north beaches, and a bit of culture. Here's a day-by-day itinerary, kept realistic — each day links to our detailed guides if you want to dig deeper.

Day 1 — Arrival and first taste

Settle into your accommodation (south for guaranteed sun, north for a more local feel) and take it easy on day one: a beach in the south to unwind after the flight, or a stroll through the nearest historic center depending on your area. Check the weather by zone before locking in plans for the rest of the week.

Day 2 — The Teide

A day dedicated to the volcano: The Teide in one day combines the Roques de García, the cable car (book online in advance), and the lunar landscapes of Las Cañadas. Bring a jacket — the temperature drops sharply at altitude, even in summer.

Day 3 — The authentic North

Head to Puerto de la Cruz and its surroundings: the authentic North in one day combines villages, natural pools and black sand beaches. If you're hungry, try a guachinche around La Orotava or Tacoronte.

Day 4 — Masca and Los Gigantes

One of the highlight days of the trip: Masca and the Los Gigantes cliffs. If you want to do the barranco hike down to the beach (booking required), check our dedicated Masca guide first — otherwise, the village and viewpoints alone make for a great day.

Day 5 — Anaga

The Anaga massif, at the island's far north-east, has the wildest scenery on the island: laurel forest, isolated coves and ocean views. Anaga in one day suits moderately fit hikers. On a clear day at the summit, you might even spot the sea of clouds blanketing the coast below.

Day 6 — Beach or downtime

A day with no tight schedule: a south beach if the sea is calm (check where to swim today), or natural pools if the swell is stronger. With kids, this is also a good day for Siam Park or Loro Parque — see our Tenerife with kids guide.

Day 7 — Santa Cruz and La Laguna

A last cultural day: Santa Cruz for modern architecture and markets, then La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site 20 minutes away by tram. A good way to close out the trip before heading to the airport.

Is it possible without a car?

This itinerary is easier by car, especially for the Teide and Masca. If you prefer public transport, check our Tenerife without a car guide: it covers the relevant TITSA bus lines and the adjustments to plan for (some days will then take longer to get around).

Adjusting to your budget

To estimate the real cost of the week (accommodation, meals, activities), check our Tenerife travel budget guide.