Tenerife holidays from the UK: a practical guide

Tenerife is one of the most popular holiday destinations for UK travellers, and for good reason: it is warm all year, flights are direct from many UK airports, and there is a wide choice of hotels from budget to luxury.

Getting there

Direct flights to Tenerife leave from most large UK airports. The flight takes around four to four and a half hours, depending on where you fly from. Most holiday flights land at Tenerife South (TFS), which is close to the main resorts. Tenerife North (TFN) mainly serves flights from Spain and the other Canary Islands.

The Canary Islands use the same time zone as the UK, so there is no jet lag and no time difference to think about.

When to go

Tenerife is often called the island of eternal spring.

• Winter (November to March) is the main reason people choose Tenerife: it is usually much warmer and sunnier than the UK, though evenings can be cool and the sea is fresher.
• Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, and often good value outside school holidays.
• Summer is hot and busy, especially during the UK school holidays, when prices are at their highest.

The south of the island is generally drier and sunnier than the greener north.

Where to stay

• Costa Adeje: a large, popular area with many family and higher-end hotels, beaches and restaurants.
• Playa de las Américas: lively, with plenty of bars and nightlife, close to Costa Adeje.
• Los Cristianos: a former fishing town with a sandy beach and ferries to La Gomera; a little calmer.
• Puerto de la Cruz (north): a traditional resort town with gardens and a more Spanish feel; greener and cooler than the south.

Things to do

• Mount Teide National Park: Spain's highest mountain, with a cable car towards the summit (book ahead and check weather and altitude advice).
• Whale and dolphin watching trips from the south coast.
• Water parks and family attractions in the south.
• Los Gigantes: dramatic sea cliffs on the west coast.

Money and practical tips

• The currency is the euro.
• UK travellers need a valid passport; check the latest entry rules for Spain before you travel.
• Take travel insurance that covers your activities.
• Many hotels charge for extras such as sun lounger upgrades or air conditioning; check what is included.

Getting a good deal

Tenerife prices rise sharply in school holidays and around Christmas and New Year. If your dates are flexible, look at late spring, early summer before the schools break up, and autumn. Compare the total price including luggage and transfers, and see our guide on how to spot a real holiday deal.