Tenerife in 7 days: the perfect guide to discover the island
Index
Why discover Tenerife in 7 days
Tenerife is much more than a beach destination. This island, the largest of the Canary archipelago, condenses in a relatively small territory volcanic landscapes, ancestral forests, paradisiacal beaches, villages with history and a gastronomy that surprises at every step. Many visitors arrive attracted by the sun and the sea, but those who decide to dedicate at least a week find themselves with a complete experience.
To consider Tenerife in 7 days is to take on a trip full of contrasts. In just one hour on the road you can go from the golden sands of the south coast to the snow-capped peaks of Mount Teide; from the colonial towns of the north to the modern tourist complexes that set the rhythm of the south. This one-week itinerary is ideal for balancing leisure, culture and nature, achieving a real insight into the island’s diversity.
The right time to get to know Tenerife without haste is seven days. It is not a matter of seeing everything, which is impossible, but of creating a balanced route. With this plan you will visit vibrant cities, natural spaces of great value, unique beaches and authentic corners where tradition is breathed. In addition, you will have the opportunity to savour Canarian cuisine and discover the hospitable character of its people.
So pack your bags, because this itinerary is designed so that in seven days you can discover the most unforgettable corners of Tenerife and take home the memory of an island that always invites you to return.
Day 1: Exploring Santa Cruz and La Laguna, the urban heart
Starting your tour of Tenerife in 7 days in Santa Cruz is perfect for immersing yourself in the urban pulse of the island. The capital combines modernity with history, offering cultural spaces such as the Auditorio de Tenerife, an iconic work by Santiago Calatrava, or the Museum of Nature and Archaeology, where the Guanche legacy is explained. Strolling through the Plaza de España and Calle del Castillo will allow you to feel the local atmosphere and discover shops, cafes and terraces.
A short distance away is San Cristobal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its colonial layout is reminiscent of the first Latin American cities, and walking its cobbled streets is like traveling to the past. Churches, convents and colourful stately homes mark the route. Among the essential stops are the Cathedral of La Laguna, the church of La Concepción and the market, where the hustle and bustle reflects daily life.
Both cities are the ideal complement: Santa Cruz, more dynamic and cosmopolitan; La Laguna, more historic and university. Together they form the cultural heart of Tenerife and are a gateway to learn how tradition and modernity are intertwined on the island.
Day 2: North Coast and the charm of Puerto de la Cruz
The second day of your Tenerife tour in 7 days will take you to the north, a wetter, greener and more authentic area. Puerto de la Cruz is the most emblematic town, a place that combines fishing tradition with a deep-rooted tourist atmosphere. Its promenade, lined with restaurants and cafes, invites you to walk by the sea while enjoying the contrast between the Atlantic and the local architecture.
One of the most recommended spaces is Lake Martiánez, designed by the Lanzarote artist César Manrique. This natural pool complex overlooking the ocean is perfect for relaxing and enjoying a day in the sun. Another must-see is the Botanical Garden, a space founded in the eighteenth century that houses exotic species brought from all over the world, ideal for nature lovers.
The historic centre of Puerto de la Cruz also has its charm. Squares such as El Charco or the church of the Peña de Francia reflect the colonial past and the Canarian style in their architecture. In addition, the gastronomy of the north is a strong point: be sure to try the wrinkled potatoes with mojo or fresh fish in a local tavern.
Puerto de la Cruz and its surroundings are an example of the authenticity of the north of Tenerife, a place where the sea, culture and gastronomy combine in a welcoming atmosphere.
Day 3: Volcanic nature in Teide National Park
The third day of your Tenerife itinerary in 7 days is reserved for one of the island’s most impressive gems: the Teide National Park. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this volcanic environment offers a unique landscape in the world, with lava flows, craters and rock formations that seem to be from another planet.
Mount Teide, at 3,718 metres, is the highest peak in Spain and a symbol of Tenerife. You can walk its trails, visit viewpoints such as La Ruleta or Roques de García and, if you wish, ascend by cable car to the upper station, from where you can get unparalleled panoramic views of the entire island and, on clear days, of other neighboring islands.
This natural area not only impresses with its landscapes, but also with its biodiversity. Endemic species such as the Teide violet live here, which blooms in spring in extreme conditions. The experience of walking among lunar landscapes, observing the contrast between the blue sky and the dark soil of volcanic origin, is something that is difficult to forget.
Visiting Mount Teide means connecting with the geological essence of Tenerife and understanding how the island was formed over thousands of years. It is, without a doubt, an essential day for any traveler.
Day 4: Adventure in Anaga Rural Park
If you are looking for nature in its purest form, the fourth day of Tenerife in 7 days takes you to the Anaga Rural Park, an environment declared a Biosphere Reserve for its great natural value. Located on the northeastern tip of the island, Anaga offers a completely different landscape from Mount Teide: here the protagonists are the laurel forests, the constant humidity and the steep mountains that fall into the sea in the form of deep ravines.
Hiking trails are the best way to discover it. There are paths for all levels, from short family walks to demanding routes that connect remote villages. One of the most popular routes is the Path of the Senses, which allows you to experience the forest through smells, textures and sounds.
The viewpoints in the area, such as Cruz del Carmen, offer spectacular views of the green relief and the coast. In addition, villages such as Taganana maintain an authentic atmosphere, where traditions are still preserved and life goes by at a leisurely pace.
Anaga is an absolute contrast with the tourist south: here nature and authenticity take centre stage. It is a reminder of the diversity that Tenerife offers and how such different worlds coexist on the same island.
Day 5: Beaches and relaxation in the south of Tenerife
The fifth day of your route through Tenerife in 7 days is designed to enjoy the sun and the sea. The south coast of the island is famous for its beaches and lively atmosphere, with options for all tastes. One of the most iconic is Las Teresitas beach, with its golden sand brought from the Sahara and calm waters ideal for relaxing.
Another option is El Médano, a paradise for lovers of water sports, especially windsurfing and kitesurfing thanks to its constant winds. If you are looking for a more touristy atmosphere, Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos offer beaches equipped with all services, from hammocks and restaurants to promenades full of life.
The south is also perfect for combining beach with leisure. Shopping centres, restaurants serving international cuisine and nightclubs make the area an ideal point for those who want to enjoy a complete holiday.
Spending a day on the beaches of the south is a way to balance the intensity of the previous days and recharge your batteries to continue discovering the island. Here the Atlantic becomes the protagonist, offering crystal clear waters and unforgettable sunsets.
Day 6: Dolphins, Whales Coastal Villages
The sixth day of Tenerife in 7 days is dedicated to the sea and marine life. One of the most popular experiences is the sighting of dolphins and whales, which inhabit the strait that separates Tenerife from La Gomera. From ports such as Los Gigantes or Puerto Colón, boat trips depart that allow you to observe these species in their natural habitat, an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.
Los Gigantes is also famous for its imposing cliffs that fall steeply into the sea from more than 600 meters high. Sailing alongside them offers a breathtaking perspective and a visual memory that is forever etched.
After the tour, you can visit small coastal towns such as Alcalá or Playa San Juan, where you can breathe an authentic fishing atmosphere and it is possible to taste fresh fish in restaurants facing the sea. These corners show the quietest and most traditional part of the island, away from the tourist hustle and bustle.
The contact with marine fauna and coastal life make this day a very special experience, which combines adventure, emotion and serenity in the same itinerary.
Day 7: Gastronomy, markets and farewell to the island
The last day of your Tenerife in 7 days plan is reserved for gastronomy and the local atmosphere. One of the best ways to say goodbye to the island is to visit its traditional markets, such as Nuestra Señora de África in Santa Cruz or La Laguna, where you will find fresh products, cheeses, wines and typical pastries.
Canarian cuisine deserves a separate chapter. During this day you can visit guachinches, family places where homemade dishes are served accompanied by local wines. Among the specialties are gofio, grilled meats, artisanal cheeses and, of course, wrinkled potatoes with mojo.
In addition to eating well, this last day is ideal for buying authentic souvenirs: ceramics, palm crafts, honey and wines with designation of origin.
The seventh day closes your trip with a cultural and gastronomic immersion that sums up what Tenerife means: tradition, flavour and hospitality. It is time to reflect on everything we have experienced during the week and to start planning a future visit.
Conclusion: A week to fall in love with Tenerife
Touring Tenerife in 7 days is to live a journey full of contrasts and discoveries. In just one week you have strolled through historic cities, hiked among volcanoes, explored ancestral forests, rested on dreamy beaches and tasted a unique gastronomy. The island shows its diversity in every corner and always offers something new to discover.
This itinerary is just a sample of how much Tenerife can give. Best of all, there are always reasons to return: new hiking trails, hidden villages, secret corners and moments that make every trip different.
A week in Tenerife is not only enough to fall in love with the island, but also to understand why it has become a must-see destination in the Atlantic.