Why It’s Worth Visiting Tenerife in Winter

Winter is often associated with cozy fires and bundling up, but Tenerife offers a unique alternative: sunshine, diverse landscapes, and countless adventures. Known as the “Island of Eternal Spring,” Tenerife enjoys mild temperatures year-round, making it a fantastic winter escape. For active travelers, check out our week-long Tenerife itinerary. Here’s why it’s worth visiting Tenerife in winter, along with top activities that showcase Tenerife’s natural beauty and vibrant culture.

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Why Winter is a Great Time to Visit Tenerife

While much of Europe is deep in winter, Tenerife remains a sunny oasis, drawing visitors with its warm days and cool, pleasant nights. Winter is Tenerife’s off-season, which brings fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere than the summer high season. Enjoy the island’s popular spots without the summer rush. Hike the trails without the summer heat.

Tenerife Winter Weather: Can You Sunbathe and Swim in Tenerife in Winter?

Tenerife’s winter weather is mild and welcoming, with average daytime high temperatures between 18°C and 23°C (64°F to 73°F), and nighttime temperatures rarely dropping below 15°C (59°F). Tenerife sees plenty of sunshine, especially in the south. Expect occasional rain, with more on the north side of the island.

Playa de Las Teresitas, with its golden sands and sheltered bay, is particularly popular for winter sunbathing. Swimming is also possible, as the Atlantic Ocean remains relatively mild. Water temperatures remain around 19°C to 21°C (66°F to 70°F). While that may be a bit too chilly for some, others find it quite refreshing! For a more protected swim, some resorts and hotels also have heated pools, or enjoy one of the natural pools mentioned below.

Where to Stay in Tenerife?

Tenerife offers a wide range of accommodations, ranging from luxury resorts to charming boutique hotels and budget-friendly hostels and camping. Before looking for the lodging itself, determine which part of the island you’d like to stay in. Our guide on Where to Stay in Tenerife provides details on which part of the island to stay, and top lodging in each area, though we’ve included a quick summary below.

For a lively experience with easy beach access, consider the southern town of Playa de las Americas, where you’ll find numerous resorts, restaurants, and nightlife. Costa Adeje is another popular area, known for its upscale hotels and being family-friendly. In the north, Puerto de la Cruz offers a more tranquil vibe on the north shore, with boutique hotels and proximity to natural pools and lush landscapes. For a history and nature-lovers, San Cristóbal La Laguna provides easy access to Anaga Rural Park. The best place to get away from the crowds on the west coast is Los Gigantes, with quick access to Teide, Masca, and incredible hiking above Tamaimo.

Top Winter Activities to Enjoy in Tenerife

1. Hiking in Teide National Park

Home to Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit. The volcanic landscape is otherworldly, with rugged terrain, unique flora, and sweeping views. One thing that we appreciated was the diversity of terrain as you travel through the park. You’ll see new growth forests, lunar-like landscapes, and of course the high peaks including Mount Teide. Winter is an excellent time to explore Teide’s hiking trails, as the cooler temperatures make for a comfortable adventure.

One of the most popular routes is the route to the summit for panoramic views, then hike to the summit. Most visitors take the cable car up Teide, which requires an advanced permit reservation. Permits can be hard to come by, which is many people sign up for tour that include permits. A few other great hiking options in Teide are the challenging 6.9 mile (11.1 km) Monte Guajara Loop Trail or the more moderate Fortaleza Trail (6.4 miles roundtrip (10.3 km)).

2. Biking Adventures Around Tenerife

Tenerife is a paradise for cycling enthusiasts, offering diverse routes with dramatic scenery, from coastal roads to challenging mountain climbs. The weather in winter is perfect for biking. The routes around Teide National Park are popular with serious cyclists, offering steep ascents and rewarding views. For those looking for a more leisurely ride, the scenic coastal roads between Adeje, Playa de las Americas, and Los Cristianos provide both beautiful views and convenient stops. Many rental shops cater to cyclists, offering bikes and e-bikes suited for all levels, as well as guided tours for an immersive experience.

We enjoyed a downhill bike tour from Teide down to Los Cristianos, with a stop at a winery for a wine tasting. You can read more about our experience here.

There were also a few e-bike tours that looked like fun, but we couldn’t do them all this trip:

• E-MTB TOUR. Orotava valley + it’s historic villages + local traditions
• Electric Bike Tour of Teide National Park

3. Explore Anaga Rural Park

Located in the island’s northeast, Anaga Rural Park offers lush, verdant landscapes and dramatic coastal views. This park is known for its ancient laurel forests, a rare ecosystem that feels almost mystical. Winter brings a fresh green vibrance to the park, and the cooler temperatures make hiking through the dense trails more enjoyable. You can explore routes that lead to hidden villages and viewpoints overlooking the rugged coastlines.

One of our favorite hikes in Anaga Rural Park are the Sendero de los Sentidos (Path of the Senses): The shortest path is fully accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the beauty of Anaga’s ancient laurel forest. Try the easy La Ensillada – Cabeza de Tejo Loop If you’re able to reserve a permit. For a more moderate option, try Sendero El Bosque de los Enigmas. A quite challenging option is the Benijo to Cruz Draguillo hike, which runs from the stunning Playa de Benijo up to Cruz Draguillo.

4. Discover the Historic Charms of La Laguna

La Laguna, a UNESCO-listed city and Tenerife’s former capital, is known for its colorful colonial architecture, cobbled streets, and lively atmosphere. During winter, the city’s traditional markets and cozy cafes are particularly inviting. Wander the historic center, visit the local art galleries, and stop by the Iglesia de la Concepción for stunning views over the city.

5. Relax at Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos

Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos are located in Tenerife’s popular sunny southern region. Known for their vibrant beach scenes, nightlife, and wide range of restaurants, these areas remain lively even in winter. Here you’ll find plenty of beach activities, sunbathing spots, and waterfront promenades.

For those seeking a lively day at the beach and vibrant night-life, Playa de las Americas is an ideal base for exploring Tenerife. Los Cristianos offers a more relaxed family-friendly vibe, with its sandy beaches and inviting cafes. It’s easier to enjoy these bustling spots in winter without the typical summer crowds, though we personally prefer quieter areas for our vacation.

6. Visit the Picturesque Village of Masca

Masca is often called Tenerife’s most beautiful village. Nestled in a mountainous valley, it’s easy to see why. The town and hiking trails around it is a haven for nature lovers and photographers. The narrow, winding roads leading to the village are an adventure themselves, offering breathtaking views along the way. Unless you are comfortable driving on very windy mountain roads, we’d recommend taking a tour to visit Masca.

From Masca, you can hike down to the coast, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning seaside views. The best way to do this (in our opinion) is to hike down to the coast and take a boat back to Los Gigantes. Not only does this save you the difficult hike back up to Masca, but you also can take in the views of the cliffs and possibly see dolphin on the boat ride back to town.

7. Marvel at the Cliffs of Los Gigantes

The towering cliffs of Los Gigantes rise dramatically from the sea, creating a spectacular coastal landscape. In winter, the area around Los Gigantes is a bit quieter, allowing you to take in the views peacefully.

Some of the top things to do in Los Gigantes are:

• Take an eco-friendly boat tour to see dolphins or whales, also giving you a unique perspective of the cliffs;
• Visit the Piscina Natural Acantilado de Los Gigantes, or natural pools (be sure to read posted signs to ensure your safety while swimming);
• Go snorkeling or diving off the coast of Los Gigantes;
• Visit the black sand beach at Playa de los Guios;
• Take in the sunset views from the marina, natural pools, or from the Wine Bar and Terrace.

Hiking around Los Gigantes is incredible, though some trails are quite challenging. To get a different perspective of Los Gigantes, experienced hikers can take a challenging hike from Tamaimo to the top of the cliffs, at El Agujero.

8. Relax at Playa de Las Teresitas

While winter may not be beach weather elsewhere, Tenerife’s Playa de Las Teresitas is on the warm southern shore. This golden-sand beach is located just outside Santa Cruz and is sheltered from the wind by the barriers you can see in the photo below. This is perfect to enjoy the sun, take a stroll along the shore, go stand-up paddleboarding, or dive into the cool Atlantic waters for a refreshing swim.

9. Discover Santa Cruz and La Orotava

Tenerife’s capital of Santa Cruz is lively year-round, though it has a more laid-back vibe in winter. This gives visitors a chance to explore the city without the crowds, getting a better feel for the local culture. Explore the markets, visit the cultural center Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (TEA), or take a relaxing walk in the palm-filled García Sanabria Park. One notable exception to this laid-back vibe is the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which is held in February-March, depending on the year. Dates in 2025 will be Fri, Jan 31, 2025 – Sun, Mar 9, 2025. This is the most important carnival in Europe, second in the world only to Brazil.

Take a side trip to nearby, La Orotava, with its beautiful gardens and historic mansions, is a great spot for a winter stroll and a taste of local culture.

10. Explore Tenerife’s Natural Pools

Tenerife’s natural pools, shaped by volcanic rock and filled by ocean waves, offer a unique coastal experience. Winter’s quieter atmosphere makes these pools even more enjoyable. The water may be a bit cooler, but we found them swimmable in winter.

• Garachico Natural Pools: Located in the historic town of Garachico, these pools are popular for their clear waters and striking lava-rock formations.
• Charco del Viento: Near La Guancha, this pool offers clear waters and a mix of sandy and rocky spots, ideal for both swimming and sunbathing.
• Piscinas de Bajamar: Found in Bajamar, there are 3 pools set against a dramatic ocean backdrop, which are family friendly and easily accessible.
• Piscina Natural Acantilado de Los Gigantes: Nestled near the towering cliffs of Los Gigantes, this pool offers an awe-inspiring setting with panoramic ocean views.

Each pool provides a unique way to enjoy Tenerife’s coastline, but always check local conditions and posted signs as tides can affect accessibility and safety.

Final Thoughts: Why Tenerife in Winter is a Hidden Gem

Winter in Tenerife offers the best of both worlds—beautiful, temperate weather and fewer visitors, giving you more freedom to explore. Some struggle with the decision of whether to visit Tenerife or Madeira–check out our side-by-side comparison here.

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