This magical island in the Atlantic Ocean has got the power to enchant and enthral its visitors with its natural and unpretentious charm, beautiful beaches and sunny warm climate.
Although most holidaymakers usually visit Tenerife on one/two week package type holidays, possibly you are visiting on a cruise ship, or just have a quick trip and are short of time so only have one day free for sightseeing.
This essential 24 hour travel guide to Tenerife will provide you with all the important information you need in order to plan a visit with limited time effectively including what to do, how to get around and where to go.
Getting Around Tenerife
There are several ways to navigate Tenerife, these are the best options to consider.
Car
One of the easiest and most popular ways to discover the highlights of Tenerife and also go off the beaten track is by choosing to hire a car. This is a clever move because Tenerife is a large island and you can save time and experience the island like a local by getting a hire car at the moment you land there.
There are a selection of cars available at the Tenerife Airport when you land. You can find affordable modern cars, compare deals and book the best one for you online before you arrive. Expect excellent customer service whilst the absence of hidden fees make the whole booking process easy.
With a rentral car, you will be able to go where you want when you want, without having to wait for buses or tour groups.
Sightseeing Bus
As a tourist, one of the quickest ways to see the top rated locations is by a sightseeing bus tour. The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour offers visitors one 40-minute route with 15 stops.
Climb on board a double-decker open-top bus and enjoy pre-recorded commentary in English or in 13 other languages about the landmarks you drive past.
If you really want to see as much as possible, and not have the hassle of driving then this option is recommended. It is also perfect if you are travelling by cruise and want to spend your hours seeing more of the island.
Taxi
If money isn't an issue you can consider hiring a taxi driver to show you the island and best places. Prices vary, and will be a lot more expensive than sightseeing buses but the advantage is you have a local driver showing you around and sharing their knowledge. You might want to learn some basic Spanish travel phrases to interact with drivers although many are fluent in English.
Local Bus
People who want to keep costs down and also experience the local side to Tenerife you can opt for bus rides. There is an extensive bus network, offering scenic routes to major towns, important tourist attractions, and popular beaches across Tenerife.
Canarian people call buses "guaguas." The bus service on Tenerife is run by the company TITSA and covers every corner of the island. They operate a modern fleet of bright green buses. You can either pay for each individual trip or buy a day bus pass.
5 Must-See Attractions in Tenerife
You could spend weeks exploring Tenerife but if you are just here for 24 hours or less, these are some of the best places you can pack into a morning/afternoon or day trip itinerary.
1. Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The capital of the island, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is the first place that most visitors choose to explore. The vibrant and sophisticated character of the city makes it stand out. You should definitely admire the modern Auditorio de Tenerife, visit the 16th-century church Iglesia de la Concepción, learn the history of the Canary Islands at the Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre, taste local delicacies at the African Market, and buy souvenirs at the Rambla.
2. Playa de las Teresitas
Tenerife is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain and one of our top picks is a day trip to Playa de las Teresitas. This beach is located in the village of San Andrés close to the capital Santa Cruz and has a really relaxed vibe with white sand, beautiful clear ocean and also the picturesq Anaga mountains in the background.
3. Teide National Park
This park has to be the most popular attraction in Tenerife. The fact that it is a UNESCO World Heritage site contributes to its fame. But how did it receive this great honour?
Teide is the highest mountain (and peak) in Spain. In addition to that, it is a dormant volcano with a rich flora and fauna in its surrounding area. If you are keen on an outdoor adventure view our tips for climbing Mount Teide.
4. Masca Village
If you want a quiet and relaxing day excursion, then Masca is the perfect place for you. Masca is a village in the Teno mountains offers outstanding views and a really local experience away from the tourist resorts.
If you like the great outdoors you could go on a hike at the Masca Gorge to see majestic mountains and the lush vegetation. At the end of the hike, you can swim at the gorgeous Masca beach.
Although there are less than 100 people living in the village there are some restaurants and bars catering for visitors. Chat with locals and you might hear the legends about the pirates who used to come and hide in the village.
5. Siam Park
Do you like adventure? Or are you travelling with family? Consider a trip to Siam Park which has been voted one of the best water parks in the world by Trip Advisor. Expect stunning Thai architecture and amazing adrenaline inspiring rides. This is possibly the best day excursion in Tenerife if you have children.
Plan the Perfect 24 Hours in Tenerife
Although just a day isn't much time, hopefully we have highlighted some of the ways you can maximise your time in Tenerife. This really is one of the best Spanish islands and somewhere you have to visit. Where you go and what you do really comes down to your interests, from city sightseeing, to nature, to adventure, the choice is yours.
Final tip - be sure to pack suncream as the sun here is intense all year round, even in winter!
Do you have any recommendations for a short visit to Tenerife? Let us know in the comments section below.
