Tenerife is small on the map, but it doesn’t feel small once you start driving hairpin roads and chasing parking in popular spots.

The easiest way to enjoy both the North and the South in 7 days is to cluster your days geographically: base yourself in the South for the first half, dedicate one full day to Teide, then switch to the North for culture and greenery, finishing with an Anaga or North Coast day and one West Coast loop.

This plan does exactly that, with beach time, a water park slot, and rest breaks built in so you actually feel like you had a holiday.

Before you book anything: the simple 7-day structure (low backtracking)

Here’s the “shape” of the week. You can follow the daily plan below exactly, or swap days based on weather.

• Days 1–3: South base (Costa Adeje / Playa de las Américas / Los Cristianos).
• Day 4: Teide National Park day (sunrise-to-afternoon energy).
• Days 5–6: North base (La Laguna / Santa Cruz area) for culture + greener landscapes.
• Day 7: Choose your “big nature” finale: Anaga or North Coast, or a West Coast loop if you skipped it earlier.

If you only change one thing, change this: don’t do a North day trip from the South every day.

Where to stay (quick guide):

• South base: Costa Adeje (calmer), Playa de las Américas (livelier), Los Cristianos (walkable and practical).
• North base: La Laguna (beautiful evenings, easy for culture), Santa Cruz (city vibe, best transport links), Puerto de la Cruz (classic resort feel).

Transport note: A car makes this itinerary much easier, but you can still do parts by taxi, tours, and public transport. If you want to mix and match, AskTenerife is a simple way to post one request and compare multiple offers for airport transfers, day tours, and private drivers.

The 7-day Tenerife itinerary (North + South), day by day

This is a realistic, not exhausting schedule. Each day includes a recommended start time and “optional add-ons” if you’re fast.

• Early starts: 08:00–09:30 for Teide and Anaga days.
• Late starts: 10:00–11:00 for beach and water park days.

Day 1 — Arrive + easy South coastline

• Recommended start: whenever you land, keep it light.
• Check in and do a short walk along the Costa Adeje / Playa de las Américas promenade.
• Pick one beach: Playa del Duque (easy and polished) or Playa de Troya (central and lively).
• Sunset viewpoint: pick a simple one close to where you’re staying.

Why it works: You’ll be tempted to “use the day,” but Tenerife is better when you start fresh tomorrow.

Day 2 — West Coast loop (Los Gigantes + Masca viewpoint vibe)

• Recommended start: 09:00 (earlier if you want quiet viewpoints).
• Drive to Los Gigantes for cliff views and a coffee by the marina.
• Optional: boat trip (whales/dolphins) from Los Gigantes or nearby harbors.
• Scenic stops on the way back: short miradores rather than big detours.
• Finish with a calm dinner back in the South.

Keep it smooth: Don’t try to combine a long hike and a full boat trip on the same day unless you’re very energetic.

Day 3 — Water park + rest-of-day beach

• Recommended start: arrive close to opening for shorter lines.
• Siam Park is open daily, with seasonal hours: summer 10:00–18:00 (May 1 to Oct 29) and winter 10:00–17:00 (Oct 30 to Apr 30).
• Plan a slow afternoon after: beach, pool, or a nap.

Tip: Water park days are surprisingly tiring. Treat this as your built-in rest day.

Day 4 — Teide day (national park + cable car window)

• Recommended start: 08:00–08:30 departure from the South.
• Drive up through one side and down through another to avoid repeating the same road.
• Stop at 1–2 viewpoints inside the park, then choose a short walk you’ll actually enjoy.
• If you plan to take the cable car, book in advance and keep a weather backup.

Cable car timing (2026): The Teide cable car runs on seasonal timetables (for example, 09:00–17:00 in early-year periods, and extended hours in spring/summer windows), with a last ascent well before closing.

New access rules: As of January 19, 2026, Tenerife introduced an “ecotasa” (fee) and timed reservations for access to certain sensitive Teide trails, including the summit route (PNT 10 Telesforo Bravo) and Montaña Blanca–La Rambleta (PNT 07), managed via the Tenerife ON platform.

Reality check: You can still have an amazing Teide day without summit access. The landscapes in Las Cañadas are the star.

Day 5 — Move to the North + La Laguna evening

• Recommended start: late morning checkout.
• Drive to your North base and check in.
• Spend the late afternoon and evening in San Cristóbal de La Laguna (UNESCO old town feel).
• Keep dinner in La Laguna so you can stroll after.

Why this day matters: Switching bases turns “North culture” from a stressful day trip into something you can enjoy at walking pace.

Day 6 — Santa Cruz culture + beach slot (your flexible day)

• Recommended start: 10:00.
• Morning: Santa Cruz (markets, plazas, and city energy).
• Afternoon: choose a beach slot based on conditions (Las Teresitas is the classic choice).
• Evening: tapas-style dinner, early night if you’re hiking tomorrow.

Seasonal note: In summer, wind can pick up in the afternoon. Keep your beach time flexible and go earlier if it’s a breezy day.

Day 7 — Choose: Anaga day or North Coast day (finish strong)

• Recommended start: 08:30 (earlier for popular trails and parking).
• Option A (Anaga): laurel forest walks + dramatic viewpoints + a small beach cove if conditions are safe.
• Option B (North Coast): pick 2–3 stops max (one town, one viewpoint, one natural pool if the sea is calm).
• Finish with a relaxed final dinner back in your North base.

Safety note: Natural pools and North Coast swimming depend heavily on swell. If the sea looks rough, enjoy the views and choose a safer swimming spot.

Seasonal swaps (winter sea temps, summer wind) + best start times

Tenerife works year-round, but the “best version” of your day changes by season.

Winter (roughly Dec–Mar):

• Expect cooler sea temperatures around ~19–20°C; swimming is still possible, but many people prefer shorter dips or a wetsuit top.
• Prioritize sunny South beaches, especially if the North is cloudy.
• Teide can be cold and windy. Pack layers even if you had breakfast in shorts.
• Best start times: Teide 08:00; Anaga 09:00; city days 10:30.

Summer (roughly Jun–Sep):

• Plan outdoor hikes early, then use afternoons for beaches, long lunches, or museums.
• Trade winds can make some beaches feel breezy, especially later in the day.
• Best start times: Anaga 08:00–08:30; Teide 08:00–09:00; water park at opening.

All year:

• Start earlier than you think for parking in La Laguna, Santa Cruz, and popular nature spots.
• Keep one “flex day” (Day 6 in this plan) to swap if weather changes.

Practical checklist: what to pack and pre-book for this itinerary

Use this quick checklist to avoid the most common “we didn’t know” problems.

• Comfortable shoes that can handle volcanic gravel and uneven old-town streets.
• Light jacket or fleece for Teide (even on hot coastal days).
• Sunscreen and sunglasses (UV can be strong year-round).
• Reusable water bottle (Teide and Anaga days dehydrate you fast).
• Car essentials: phone holder, offline map backup, and parking change if you use meters.
• Pre-book: Teide cable car time slot if it’s a must-do.
• Check rules: Teide trail reservations/fees if you plan sensitive routes like the summit trail.

What drives the price (car hire, tours, and day activities)

Costs in Tenerife vary a lot by season, timing, and how independent you want to be.

• Season: summer and school holidays generally cost more.
• Start times: sunrise/sunset experiences and popular time slots are priced higher.
• Logistics: one-way trips (South to North) can cost more than round trips.
• Group size: private tours cost more but can be efficient and relaxed.
• Complexity: Teide + Anaga in one day usually increases price because it’s a long route.

Typical price ranges (as a guide only):

• Car hire: varies by season, transmission type, and insurance level.
• Private driver/day tour: varies by hours, pickup location, and route complexity.
• Teide cable car: ticket prices vary by residency and package type; check the official timetable and rates before booking.

If you want to compare transport options without endless messaging, you can post one request on AskTenerife and let local providers send you offers based on your exact itinerary.

What to ask before booking (tours, drivers, boats, and activities)

• What time do you recommend leaving for Teide or Anaga to avoid crowds?
• Is pickup included from my hotel area, and is it door-to-door?
• What happens if the Teide cable car closes due to wind or weather?
• Are there any additional fees (parking, permits, trail reservations, meals)?
• How much walking is involved, and is the route flexible on the day?
• Is the experience suitable for kids, older travelers, or anyone with mobility limits?
• What language(s) will the guide speak?
• Can you help with Teide trail reservation requirements if needed?

Good providers answer these clearly, without pressuring you to book immediately.

How AskTenerife can help you build this week without overplanning

This itinerary is designed to be self-driven, but you can also “outsource” the stressful parts: airport transfers, Teide day transport, or a private Anaga driver so nobody has to navigate tight roads.

AskTenerife works well when you want options. You post one request (dates, pickup area, group size, must-see stops), and you can compare multiple offers from local providers.

Final tip: Keep your mornings structured and your afternoons flexible. That’s the Tenerife rhythm that makes seven days feel like ten.

Plan your Tenerife week with local help—get the best offers within 1 hour