What is the best time of year to visit Tenerife?+
Tenerife works year-round thanks to its subtropical climate. November to March for carnival and mild temperatures, April to June for a good balance of crowds and weather, September to October for warmer seas.
Tenerife north or south: where should I stay?+
The south offers more stable sun and developed beaches, suited to a classic beach holiday. The north is greener and more cultural, with more variable weather and sometimes lower prices.
Do I need a car in Tenerife?+
A car is useful for exploring Anaga, Teno and Teide. It's not essential if you stick to the main southern tourist zones, which are well served by the TITSA bus network.
Which beaches are good for children?+
Los Cristianos, Playa del Duque and Las Teresitas have a calm swim-risk rating, with sheltered bays and nearby facilities.
Why is the sand black in some parts of Tenerife?+
Black sand is volcanic (basalt) in origin, naturally occurring on beaches in the north and west. The golden sand on several tourist beaches is usually imported or man-made.
Is El Médano good for regular swimming?+
El Médano is mainly a wind spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Its swim-risk rating is `rough`: classic swimming is often uncomfortable there, even though the site is safe for wind sports.
Can you swim at Benijo?+
Benijo is a spectacular spot with a `rough` swim-risk rating. Swimming isn't recommended, and access has occasionally been closed due to rockfall risk — check current access status before heading there.
What is a guachinche?+
A guachinche is a winegrower's table serving their own wine and simple local food at affordable prices. A genuine guachinche has no cocktail menu or tourist-style decor.
What is the best way to see Mount Teide?+
Morning is generally the best time, before afternoon cloud cover moves in. The cable car and the summit access permit should be booked in advance during high season.
Do I need to book for the Masca hike?+
Yes, an access permit is required, and you need to arrange the return trip (shuttle or boat from Los Gigantes). It's best to check the day's conditions before setting off.
How often is the weather data on TenerifePulse updated?+
AEMET data is refreshed several times a day for all 7 zones. The dynamic swim-risk rating (`calm` / `moderate` / `rough`) reflects the day's actual sea conditions, separate from each beach's static profile.
Does the TenerifePulse app work offline?+
Only in a limited way on the free plan. Full offline saving of listings is a premium feature.
What is the difference between the free and premium AI Guide?+
The free plan has a limited daily question quota that decreases after your first few days of use. The premium plan allows more questions per day.
How are events validated on the calendar?+
Collected events start with a `pending` status. They are manually reviewed to become `active` and publicly visible on the calendar, or set to `rejected` if not relevant.
Are local tips free to read?+
On beach listings, local tips are freely accessible to everyone. On place listings under the Discover tab, some detailed local tips are reserved for premium subscribers.
Are the natural rock pools (charcos) safe?+
They're often more sheltered than the open ocean, but still subject to tides and swell. Water shoes and caution are recommended, especially when swell is forecast.
How much does a week in Tenerife cost?+
Budget varies a lot depending on your travel style. Accommodation, car rental and restaurant meals are the main expenses; beaches and many hikes remain free.
Where can you see dolphins and whales in Tenerife?+
The most reliable area for sightings is off Los Gigantes, on the west coast. Choose an operator that respects the legal distance from the animals.
How do you follow the Tenerife carnival?+
The main event takes place in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Puerto de la Cruz, La Laguna and Los Cristianos also hold their own celebrations. Exact dates are published in the TenerifePulse calendar.
How is TenerifePulse different from a regular travel blog about Tenerife?+
A blog informs once, at a fixed point in time. TenerifePulse continuously combines weather by zone, a beach catalogue with swim-risk profiles, a calendar of verified events and an AI Guide, to help you decide where to go today rather than archiving general advice.