Photo: dronepicr, CC BY 2.0 on Wikimedia Commons
A week and a day on one island with a car. Five days from Puerto de la Cruz in the north: old towns, the Anaga forest, Mount Teide and the north west coast. Then three days in the south west: the Masca gorge, the Los Gigantes cliffs and a quiet cove. One big thing a day, and room to swap days when the weather turns.
A gentle arrival day in the north. A hill town above the coast, the old fishing square, a seawater lido and a black sand beach to end on.
A hill town with steep cobbled streets, carved wooden balconies and old stone houses. Walk down from the top rather than up from the bottom, and look into the courtyards.
Go when Morning, before the streets fill up.
Local tip Walk down the steep streets rather than up, and look for the carved wooden balconies. The slope is hard on the knees, so wear shoes with a grip.
The old square of Puerto de la Cruz, with trees, benches and café tables, close to the little fishing harbor. A good place to sit and watch the town.
Go when Midday, for a coffee in the shade.
Local tip Sit at a table on the edge, then walk the few steps down to the small harbor and look at the fishing boats.
Small potatoes boiled in salty water until the skins wrinkle, served with red and green mojo sauces. The classic Canarian side dish, and a good first taste of the island.
Local tip Dip each potato in the sauce, skin and all, and order a plate to share.
A seaside lido of salt water pools set into the black lava rock, designed by the Canarian artist César Manrique. A swim here is calmer than at the open beaches.
Go when Afternoon, when the pools are warm.
Local tip Bring a towel and a hat, because there is little shade. The pools are calmer than the sea, but follow any flags and signs posted at the entrance.
A black sand beach at the west end of Puerto de la Cruz, backed by gardens and a promenade. The Atlantic can be rough here, so swim only where the water looks calm and others are in it.
Go when Around sunset, when the sand turns dark gold.
Local tip Black sand is hot at midday, so wear sandals. The Atlantic here is rougher than it looks, so wade first and swim only where others are in the water.
Puerto de la Cruz has a long fishing tradition. Look for the fish of the day, grilled and served whole with potatoes, in the streets near the old harbor.
Local tip Ask what came in that day, and let the kitchen pick for you.
The first big day, in the green mountains of the north east. A cloud forest of old laurel trees, a ridge viewpoint, and a long road down to a quiet black sand cove.
A viewpoint and trail start in the heart of the Anaga mountains, where old laurel trees hang with moss and cloud drifts through. Take one of the short forest walks.
Go when Morning, when the cloud is thin.
Local tip Take one of the short loops through the laurel forest. The ground is wet and slippery, so wear shoes with a grip and carry a rain layer.
A rocky viewpoint on the ridge with a wide view over the mountains and, on a clear day, across to the peak of Teide. Check the sky before you drive up, because cloud can hide it.
Go when Early morning, before the cloud builds.
Local tip Look at the sky before you drive up, because the view is only as good as the cloud. If it is grey, skip it and come back another day.
A thick watercress and vegetable stew, a mountain dish of the Canary Islands, warming after a cold morning in the forest.
Local tip Ask for it in a village restaurant on the way down, and eat it with bread.
A small village tucked between the mountains and the sea, reached by a winding road. A quiet place to walk and have a late lunch.
Go when Afternoon, after the drive down.
Local tip The road is winding, so give yourself time and take a break at a viewpoint. Walk a few of the lanes and then sit down for a late lunch.
A wild, quiet black sand beach with rock stacks offshore, at the end of the road. Look from the shore, and go into the water only on a calm day and not far.
Go when Around sunset, when the rocks glow.
Local tip The waves can be strong and there are no easy exits, so enjoy the view from the sand and swim only in calm water. Ask a local if you are unsure.
The small coastal hamlets at the end of the road serve simple grilled fish, potatoes and salad, with the sound of the sea outside.
Local tip Book ahead on a busy evening, and allow time for the drive back in the dark.
A rest-your-legs day between the big ones. A walkable old colonial town, a market, a park and the white waves of the concert hall by the sea. A good day to choose if the mountains are in cloud.
The old colonial capital of the island, a grid of narrow streets and low painted houses with wooden balconies. Walk it slowly, with no plan.
Go when Morning, when the streets are quiet.
Local tip Walk the grid of old streets slowly, and look up at the carved wooden balconies. Duck into a courtyard if a door is open.
A calm, light church in the middle of the old town. Step inside and look at the vaulted ceiling.
Go when Morning, beside the old town.
Local tip Step inside and look up at the vaulted ceiling. It is a calm place to rest before the market.
The big covered market of Santa Cruz, with stalls of fruit, fish, cheese and flowers. An easy place to graze for lunch.
Go when Late morning, before the lunch rush.
Local tip Walk the stalls once before you choose. Local cheese, fresh fruit and fish are the strong points of the market.
A layered coffee from the islands, with condensed milk, a little liqueur, espresso, hot milk and a twist of lemon peel. Sweet and strong, and served in a glass.
Local tip Sip it slowly in a café on the plaza.
A large green city park of palms, sculptures and shaded paths, in the middle of Santa Cruz. A restful walk before the evening.
Go when Afternoon, in the shade of the palms.
Local tip Find the sculptures and the flower clock, then sit for a while. It is the green lung of the town.
A concert hall on the seafront with a white curved roof that looks like a wave. Walk around it and watch the light change over the water.
Go when Around sunset, when the white roof catches the light.
Local tip Walk around the whole building, then along the sea wall. The shape is best seen from the water side.
Shredded meat, usually beef or chicken, slow cooked with chickpeas and potatoes. A hearty home dish in the Canary Islands.
Local tip Order it as a plate to share with a salad on the side.
The headline day. A cable car into the crater country, an odd line of rock towers, the summit if you have planned for it, and a night sky to end on. Pick the clearest day you have, and expect cold and thin air.
A cable car climbs from the park floor high up the cone of the volcano. It is cold and breezy at the top, and the car can stop for wind or cloud. Check ahead for it before you plan the day around it.
Go when First thing, on a clear and calm morning.
Local tip The top is much colder than the base and the air is thin, so take a warm layer and go slowly. If you feel dizzy or sick, come back down.
The summit of the volcano is over 3,700 meters above the sea, the highest point in Spain. The last stretch up from the top of the cable car has its own entry rules and a permit, so check ahead.
Go when Early, and only on a clear day.
Local tip The path from the top of the cable car to the summit needs a permit that has its own rules, so check ahead and do not turn up hoping. Altitude affects people very differently.
A line of strange rock towers and spires on the floor of the old crater, with the volcano rising behind. A loop walk takes you right under them.
Go when Afternoon, when the light is low and warm.
Local tip Walk the loop slowly in good shoes, as the ground is rough and uneven. The most famous rock stands at the start of the path.
Food up on the mountain is scarce, so buy local goat cheese, bread and fruit in the morning and carry it up. Eat it by the rocks with a view.
Local tip Take more water than you think you need, since the air is dry.
A scientific observatory on the dry ridge above the clouds, a place known for clear, dark skies. Stargazing evenings here are guided visits that are booked ahead, so check ahead, and dress warmly.
Go when After dark, on a clear night.
Local tip Evenings of stargazing here are guided and booked ahead, so check ahead. It gets very cold at night at this height, so bring warm clothes and a hat.
A day along the north west coast. An ancient tree, a town rebuilt after a volcano, sea pools in black rock, and a lighthouse at the end of the road. This ends in the west, so move to your south west base tonight.
A very old dragon tree in Icod de los Vinos, with a wide umbrella of branches. The dragon tree is a symbol of the Canary Islands, and this one is the best known.
Go when Morning, before the tour buses arrive.
Local tip Take your time under the branches. Then walk down into the old town of Icod and look at the church and the square.
Icod de los Vinos is named for its wine, and the north coast makes red and white wines from grapes that grow in volcanic soil.
Local tip Ask for a small glass, and a plate of cheese and bread. Do not drink and drive on these roads.
A small harbor town whose port was largely destroyed by a lava flow in 1706, and which was rebuilt. Walk its old streets and the lava coast.
Go when Midday, then stay for a late lunch.
Local tip Walk to the lava coast and look at the black rock, which flowed over the harbor. The old streets around the square are the best part.
Queso asado is grilled local cheese, served hot with a spoonful of sauce. A simple starter that locals eat everywhere.
Local tip Share a plate, and follow it with the fish of the day.
Natural swimming pools formed in the black lava rock by the sea in Garachico. They are calmer than the open ocean, but the sea can still wash into them in a swell, so look at the water first.
Go when Afternoon, on a calm sea day.
Local tip Look at the sea before you get in, because waves can break over the rock into the pools. If the water is rough, enjoy it from the edge instead.
A dry, windy headland with a lighthouse at the north west tip. The road in is narrow and is sometimes closed to cars, so check ahead. Go for the evening light.
Go when Around sunset, if the road is open.
Local tip The road in is narrow and cut into a cliff, and it is sometimes closed to cars, so check ahead. It is a windy place, so bring a layer.
A mountain village day. A quiet church town, a deep green gorge and a narrow road with views. The gorge walk is a big commitment, so decide how far to go before you set off.
A quiet village with a white church at the foot of the mountains, a gentle start before the steep roads.
Go when Morning, before the mountain roads.
Local tip Park near the church and walk the main street, then fill your water bottle and take a snack for the day.
A viewpoint above the Masca valley on the road. You can see the village and the folds of the Teno mountains from here before you go down.
Go when Late morning, when the valley is lit.
Local tip The viewpoint is small and the road is busy, so park carefully. Take your photos before the drive down to the village.
A tiny mountain village hung on a ridge, reached by a very narrow road with sharp bends. Drive slowly, give way to buses and park where you are told.
Go when Afternoon, after the first tour buses have gone.
Local tip The road in is very narrow, with sharp bends and drops on one side. Drive slowly, let the buses pass and park only in the signed places.
Goat is a traditional meat of the Canary Islands, slow cooked in a stew with potatoes. Look for it in a village near the Teno mountains.
Local tip Order a small portion, because it is rich, and share it.
A deep gorge that runs down from the village to the sea. The walk is steep and rough, with loose stones, and the way back is long. Access and the rules for the walk change, so check ahead, and never go down without a plan to get back.
Go when Early in the day, if the walk is open.
Local tip The walk is steep and rough, and the way back is long, so plan how you return before you set off. Rules and access change, so check ahead, and turn back if the weather changes.
A coast day in the south west. Tall cliffs, a harbor, a boat out on the water and a black sand beach. The sea decides this day, so be ready to swap it with another.
A viewpoint on the cliff top above Puerto de Santiago, with a long view down the coast to the cliffs. A good first look.
Go when Morning, when the light is on the cliffs.
Local tip Take a first look at the cliffs from above, then drive down to the harbor. A short walk along the cliff top is enough.
A wall of dark cliffs that drops straight into the sea, with a small harbor at its foot. Walk the harbor and look up.
Go when Late morning, when the sun is on the rock.
Local tip Walk the harbor and look at the cliffs from below. From the sea they look even taller, which is the reason for the boat trips.
The small harbor serves fish and octopus, grilled or boiled in the Canarian way, with wrinkled potatoes. Sit near the water and watch the boats.
Local tip Ask what is fresh that day, and avoid ordering a lot at once.
Boats go out along the cliffs and into the channel toward La Gomera, where dolphins and pilot whales live. Sightings are never certain. Choose a small boat that keeps a calm distance from the animals.
Go when Morning or afternoon, in calm seas.
Local tip Sightings are never certain, and the boat may turn back for rough seas. Take a layer and a hat, and choose a smaller boat that keeps a respectful distance from the animals.
A broad black sand beach at the foot of the village, with a sea wall and cafés behind. Good for a sunset walk, but swim only where it looks calm.
Go when Around sunset, when the sand turns warm.
Local tip Wear sandals, since the dark sand is hot in the day. The sea can be strong here, so swim only where the water looks calm.
Bienmesabe is a sweet almond cream poured over cake or ice cream, a classic dessert of the Canary Islands.
Local tip Share a small portion, because it is very sweet.
A last day in the south. A ravine walk above Adeje that needs planning, an old town above the coast and a small cove away from the resorts. Keep the evening free.
A deep ravine walk that climbs toward a waterfall. Entry to the trail is limited and has its own rules, so check ahead before you plan the day around it.
Go when Morning, with your visit arranged ahead.
Local tip Entry is limited and the rules change, so check ahead before you plan around it. Take water and wear shoes with a grip, since the path is rocky.
The old town above the resorts, with a whitewashed church and a quiet square. A calm place to eat after the walk.
Go when Afternoon, after the walk.
Local tip Sit in the quiet square and look at the whitewashed church. The old town is calm compared with the resorts below.
Gofio is toasted flour of maize or wheat, eaten on the islands for centuries. Try it stirred into a stew or as a sweet dessert paste.
Local tip Ask for it in a traditional restaurant in the old town.
A small fishing cove with a short black sand and pebble shore, away from the big beaches. Swim only if the water looks calm, or just sit and watch the boats.
Go when Around sunset, when the boats come in.
Local tip The shore is stony in places, so wear sandals. Swim only if the water looks calm, and keep the evening free to sit.
It covers 8 days in Tenerife, planned for late October. Each day is built around a small number of stops, with room to rest.
It was planned for most travelers. The pace and the places reflect that, so check it fits how you travel.
No. Places marked "book ahead" need a reservation. Hours, prices and availability change, so confirm before you go.
Yes. Archie drafts a day by day plan for your dates and takes your pace, the weather and who is travelling into account. You can start one from the Archie app.
Yes. It is a starting point you can change to fit your own trip: swap a place, add a day or move the pace.
Each day has about 2.2 to 25.1 kilometers between its stops, and 110.3 kilometers in all across 8 days. A short hop is a walk and a longer one a ride. Distances are straight-line estimates, so allow extra for the streets.
Other guides with a page about Tenerife. Each one opens in a new tab.
Photo: Berthold Werner on Wikimedia Commons · Photo: BrainMaY, CC BY-SA 2.0 on Wikimedia Commons
Make it yours in a minute, then move days around and add what you want.
A trip idea · Updated October 2026
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