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Tenerife is one of the easiest sun holidays to organise from the UK. It has direct flights from many UK airports, a huge choice of resorts and hotels, and a mild climate that makes it a popular pick all year round. The short answer is that you can expect a flight of around four and a half hours, a wide range of prices depending on the resort and board basis, and good value if you are flexible on dates. This guide explains how to choose where to stay, when to go and how to keep the cost down.
How long is the flight to Tenerife from the UK?
Flights from the UK to Tenerife usually take roughly four to four and a half hours, although the exact time depends on your departure airport, the airline and the wind on the day. Most holidaymakers fly into Tenerife South, which is closest to the main resorts, while Tenerife North serves the northern half of the island and is used less often by package holidays.
From the South East of England, flights regularly operate from Gatwick, and there are options from other London airports and regional airports around the country. If you are based near Brighton, our holidays from Gatwick guide explains how to get to the airport and what to expect on the day. Departure times vary through the year, with more choice in the summer and winter peaks, so check the airline or tour operator for the current schedule.
What is the best resort in Tenerife for families or couples?
Tenerife is a bigger island than many people expect, and the resorts feel very different from one another. Choosing the right base matters more than almost anything else, so it is worth thinking about what you want from the trip before you book.
Costa Adeje and Playa de las Americas
This is the busiest and most developed part of the island, with a long run of hotels, restaurants, bars, shops and beaches. Costa Adeje tends to feel more upmarket and family friendly, with larger hotels and well-kept promenades. Playa de las Americas is livelier, with a stronger nightlife scene, which suits groups of friends but can be noisier for families with young children.
Los Cristianos
Los Cristianos is a working port town as well as a resort, with a relaxed feel, a sheltered beach and ferry connections to the neighbouring islands. It is often popular with couples and older travellers who want a lively town without the intensity of the larger resorts.
Los Gigantes
Los Gigantes sits beneath dramatic cliffs on the west coast and is generally quieter and more scenic. It suits couples and anyone who wants to relax, walk and enjoy sea views. Beaches here are smaller and often dark volcanic sand or pebbles, so check photos and reviews if the beach is a priority.
Puerto de la Cruz
Located in the north, Puerto de la Cruz has a more traditional Canarian character and a greener, cooler climate than the south. It is a good choice if you want culture, gardens and day trips rather than a classic beach resort.
Which should you choose?
- Families: look at Costa Adeje and parts of Los Cristianos for beaches, water parks and family hotels.
- Couples: Los Gigantes, quieter parts of Costa Adeje and Puerto de la Cruz are popular.
- Groups and nightlife: Playa de las Americas is the obvious base.
- Budget: apartments and self-catering in Los Cristianos or Playa de las Americas can be good value.
When is the best time to book a holiday to Tenerife?
There are two parts to this question: when to travel, and when to book. Tenerife has a mild climate all year, which is why it is a favourite for winter sun. Summer is hot and busy, with higher prices around school holidays, while spring and autumn often give a good balance of weather and value. Our best time to visit Tenerife guide goes through the seasons in more detail.
When it comes to booking, the general pattern is that prices are often best either well in advance, when there is plenty of choice, or at short notice, when operators are trying to fill remaining rooms. Peak weeks, such as school holidays and Christmas, rarely become cheap at the last minute, so book those early. If your dates are flexible, our last minute holidays guide explains how to look for late deals, and our cheap holidays guide covers ways to reduce the overall cost.
Do I need a visa or travel insurance for Tenerife?
Tenerife is part of Spain, so entry rules for UK passport holders are the same as for mainland Spain. Rules for visa-free stays and passport validity have changed since Brexit and may change again, so always check the official UK government travel advice for Spain before you travel. Make sure your passport meets the current requirements, as airlines can refuse boarding if it does not.
Travel insurance is not a legal requirement, but it is strongly recommended. A UK Global Health Insurance Card can help with state healthcare in some situations, but it does not replace travel insurance and does not cover repatriation, cancellation or lost belongings. Our travel insurance guide explains what to look for, including how to declare pre-existing medical conditions.
What does a Tenerife holiday cost?
Costs vary widely, so it is more useful to understand what drives the price than to rely on a single figure. The main factors are the time of year, the length of stay, the board basis and the standard of hotel. Prices for the same hotel can change dramatically between a quiet week in spring and a peak summer or Christmas week.
- Accommodation: apartments and self-catering are usually cheaper than hotels, especially for families.
- Board basis: bed and breakfast, half board and all inclusive suit different travellers. See our all inclusive holidays guide for how to decide.
- Flights and baggage: low-cost airlines can look cheap until you add bags and seat selection.
- Transfers: check whether airport transfers are included or whether you will need a taxi, bus or hire car.
- Food and drink: eating out can be good value, but resort-front restaurants are often more expensive than those a street or two back.
Getting around the island
Buses connect the main resorts and towns, and taxis are widely available. A hire car gives you freedom to explore Mount Teide, the northern towns and quieter beaches, but roads can be steep and winding in places. If you are comparing options, our car hire guide explains what to check before you book, from fuel policy to excess insurance.
Things to do on a Tenerife holiday
- Visit Teide National Park and take in the volcanic landscape. Check the official site for current rules on access and cable car bookings.
- Take a boat trip from the south coast to look for dolphins and whales, choosing an operator with a good reputation for responsible wildlife watching.
- Explore the old town of La Laguna and the northern coast for a different side of the island.
- Relax on the beaches of Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos.
- Walk the coastal paths and gorges, taking suitable footwear and plenty of water.
Tips for a better Tenerife holiday
- Read recent reviews for both the hotel and the surrounding area, since noise and building work can affect a stay.
- Check the hotel location carefully, as steep hills can make some places harder to get around than they appear on a map.
- Pack for changing conditions if you plan to visit Teide, where it can be much cooler than at the coast.
- Use sunscreen and stay hydrated, even in cooler months, as the sun is strong.
- Keep a copy of your travel documents and insurance details on your phone.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tenerife good for a family holiday?
Yes. The south of the island has a wide range of family hotels, beaches, water parks and attractions, and flights from the UK are relatively short. Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos are two of the most popular areas for families.
Is Tenerife hot all year?
Tenerife has a mild climate for most of the year, with warmer summers and gentler winters, but conditions vary between the south and the north and at higher altitudes. Check a current forecast before you pack.
Is all inclusive worth it in Tenerife?
It can be, especially for families who want to control costs. If you prefer to eat out, bed and breakfast or half board may suit you better. Compare the total cost, including drinks, before you decide.
Do I need to exchange money for Tenerife?
Spain uses the euro. Cards are widely accepted, but it is useful to carry a small amount of cash. Compare options for fees and exchange rates before you travel.
Can I visit Tenerife for a weekend?
It is possible, but with a flight of around four hours each way it suits a longer stay better. For a short trip, one of our city breaks may be a better fit.
Is Tenerife better than other Canary Islands?
It depends on what you want. Tenerife is the largest and most varied island, with a lively south and a quieter north. Other islands can feel quieter or more focused on particular activities.
Tenerife offers something for almost every kind of traveller, as long as you pick the right resort and travel at the right time. Compare a few options, read recent reviews and keep an eye on the total cost, and you should be able to find a holiday that suits you. For more ideas, browse our guides to UK holidays or explore other city breaks if you fancy a change.