Date of publication 17/11/2025
7 days in the Canary paradise: the ultimate route through Tenerife
After a week exploring Tenerife’s top hotels, we can say with certainty what’s long been known: the Canary Islands are the ultimate paradise, a destination where every season feels just right. This guide is about returning to what’s essential—pure nature, real presence, and authentic connection with the local way of life. Because the best way to discover a place is to get involved. Here’s how to experience Tenerife in seven days, so you can go beyond the surface and truly connect with the island.
Day 1 – Welcome to Tenerife: first impressions of the island
Arrival in Santa Cruz and a stroll through its historic center
Beyond its world-famous Carnival, Santa Cruz—the vibrant capital of Tenerife—stands out as a welcoming, multifaceted starting point. Our journey began with an inspiring walk through the old quarter, pausing often to take in the architecture and atmosphere. The port and bay, grand churches, the lively tascas of La Noria Street, the Toscal neighborhood and its hidden corners… every detail in this 15th-century city drew us in.
Our base was Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey, a five-star hotel with over 70 years of history in the heart of Santa Cruz. Its storied halls have welcomed a host of notable guests over the decades.
Tasting local cuisine at a nearby guachinche
Staying at an All-Inclusive hotel in Tenerife doesn’t mean missing out on an authentic culinary tour. If you haven’t heard of guachinches, these are family-run eateries serving up traditional Canarian dishes like gofio, papas con mojo, or arepas, always at fair prices and paired with regional wines.
Sunset at Playa de Las Teresitas: a moment to unwind
We were advised to catch the sunset at one of Tenerife’s standout beaches, Las Teresitas. Located just outside Santa Cruz, it’s one of the island’s few stretches of golden sand, bordered by striking volcanic rocks and lush tropical greenery. As the sky shifted through a palette of colors and the clear turquoise water remained calm—perfect for a swim without waves—it was easy to see why this place leaves such a lasting impression.
Day 2 – Volcanic landscapes and the wonders of Teide
Excursion to Teide National Park
On our second day, we moved to Iberostar Selection Anthelia, a top-rated resort in Costa Adeje, right in front of Playa de Fañabé. With its distinct All-Inclusive concept and a full slate of activities from morning to night, boredom isn’t on the agenda here.
We kicked things off with an excursion to Teide National Park. The drive up the volcano’s slopes included stops at scenic viewpoints like La Tarta and Montaña Limón, as well as the El Portillo Visitor Center. Along the way, our local guide spoke about regenerative tourism and how even small actions—like avoiding single-use plastics—help protect these unique natural spaces.
Cable car ride and hiking among volcanic flows
Then, it was time for adventure. We took the Teide Cable Car almost all the way to the summit, where hiking trails wind through dramatic volcanic landscapes. Although we were traveling without children, we shared the cable car with families staying at nearby family-friendly hotels. Up at the top, we joined other adult travelers for a short hike, and the sheer scale of the scenery had us feeling almost meditative.
Stargazing under some of the world’s clearest skies
The Canary Islands are internationally renowned for their exceptionally clear night skies. The region is home to three Starlight Reserves, recognized for their minimal light pollution, and the astronomical quality of the night sky is protected by law. Whether you’re observing the stars from the slopes of the volcano or down by the ocean (and doing so sustainably), the sheer brilliance overhead is unforgettable.
Every five-star hotel we stayed at in Tenerife—including the next on our journey—was truly worthy of the star-filled skies above.
Day 3 – Southern beaches and coastal atmosphere
A sun-soaked morning at Playa de las Américas or Playa del Duque
After breakfast, without even leaving the resort, we checked in at one of the island’s most exclusive adults-only hotels: JOIA Salomé by Iberostar. This boutique property pairs refined luxury with a genuinecommitment to sustainability. With a private jacuzzi, ocean views, and butler service, our suite was tempting enough to make us want to move in permanently. The day’s plan? Pure relaxation—sunbathing without glancing at the clock. We spent the morning by the pool, and then set out to explore Las Américas and El Duque beaches, both just two kilometers away.
Water sports: surfing, paddleboarding, or snorkeling
Costa Adeje is ideal if you’re looking to enjoy water sports like surfing, paddleboarding, or snorkeling. Playa de las Américas offers several great surf spots—La Piscina, El Búnker, and El Medio—all catering to different skill levels and seasons. And if you’re wondering when’s the best time to visit the Canaries for ocean activities, the truth is, with average temperatures between 22 and 24°C year-round, any season is a good choice.
Dinner by the sea at a coastal restaurant
That evening, we booked a table at one of JOIA Salomé by Iberostar’s gourmet venues. Our choice: Poseidón, led by chef José Miguel Barrera, a stylish restaurant where every dish is crafted with top-quality local ingredients. We sampled classic Canary Island recipes reimagined with a creative twist. Other tempting options include the Italian restaurant Portofino and the Sea Soul Restaurant & Lounge, known for responsibly sourced seafood, cocktails, and sunset views.
Day 4 – Tradition and culture in La Laguna
Exploring the historic center of San Cristóbal de La Laguna
On our fourth day, we rented a car and left Costa Adeje—home to standout four-star hotels like Iberostar Waves Bouganville Playa, especially great for families—and made our way to San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Locals had told us it boasts one of Spain’s most beautiful historic centers, and they weren’t exaggerating. The entire city, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, is a living testament to its remarkable past.
Visiting local markets and sampling regional specialties
We wandered through bustling markets and tasted a variety of traditional products—goat cheese, honey, different types of mojo, and of course, the Canary Islands’ famous bananas. Enjoying locally sourced ingredients is a delicious way to lower your holiday’s carbon footprint. To get ready for an active afternoon, we stopped for a barraquito: a signature island coffee with condensed milk, liqueur, cinnamon, and lemon peel.
An afternoon in the Anaga forest: trails and viewpoints
A week in Tenerife’s hotels gives you time for more than you might expect—including getting wonderfully lost in the tropical forest of Anaga Rural Park, about 25 kilometers from San Cristóbal de La Laguna. The lush trails and scenic viewpoints overlooking the mountain range were truly a highlight.
Day 5 – Northern adventure: Puerto de la Cruz and surroundings
Strolling through the Botanical Garden and Puerto de la Cruz old town
We spent our last few days at JOIA El Mirador by Iberostar, a luxurious resort near Playa del Duque that feels straight out of a storybook. From there, we ventured north to Puerto de la Cruz to explore its old town and the La Orotava Acclimatization Garden, an oasis of native plants and hidden corners.
A relaxing afternoon at the natural pools of Lago Martiánez
We were eager to try out Tenerife’s famous natural pools, so we spent the afternoon unwinding at Lago Martiánez. Formed by volcanic rock, this complex features four pools for adults and three for children, each more inviting than the last. Designed in the 1970s by César Manrique, the park offers terraces, kiosks, restaurants, and even a casino.
Enjoying the local nightlife
Adults-only hotels in Tenerife are an excellent choice for a couple’s getaway. Before heading back to our suite at JOIA El Mirador by Iberostar, we took in the lively nighttime atmosphere of Puerto de la Cruz. After dinner, we explored the bars around Plaza del Charco—a top spot for a fun night out.
Day 6 – Scenic drives and charming villages
A road trip to Icod de los Vinos and its legendary Drago Milenario
Hotel staff in Tenerife often share the island’s best-kept secrets—like the fact that the Canary dragon tree is now endangered. On our sixth day, we visited the Drago Milenario in Icod de los Vinos, declared a National Monument in 1917. Standing 18 meters tall, its most astonishing feature is its age: thought to be up to 700 years old (although it was once believed to be 3,000, which earned it its nickname).
Visiting Garachico and its natural pools
No trip would be complete without a stop in the village of Garachico and a dip in the Caletón Natural Pools—yes, we never get tired of swimming here. These pools are open to the ocean, surrounded by volcanic lava flows and stone staircases built directly into the rocks.
We spent our last night at Iberostar Selection Sábila, afive-star hotel with its own gourmet market. But before dinner and turning in for the night, we stopped at a local winery for a tasting of regional wines and cheeses.
Sampling wines and cheeses at traditional bodegas
Back in the area known for its All-Inclusive hotels—and daydreaming among landscapes that once inspired Camilo José Cela—we stopped at a traditional bodega to sample local specialties. At last, we tried the renowned queso majorero, paired with a glass of Listán Negro, a volcanic wine as distinctive as the island itself.
Day 7 – Farewell by nature and the sea
Boat excursion for dolphin and whale watching
On our final day, while staying at one of Tenerife’s best family-friendly hotels, the reception team suggested the perfect activity for guests of all ages—especially those with a passion for the environment: an ethical boat tour to spot dolphins and whales. It turned out to be one of the trip’s most memorable experiences.
Last-minute shopping at artisan markets
We couldn’t leave the Canaries without a tangible memory to take home—beyond those we’d already collected. To support community-based tourism and the local circular economy, we did our last shopping at artisan markets, picking up handmade pieces directly from their creators.
Sunset and a farewell toast overlooking the Atlantic
Our farewell to this incredible journey throughTenerife’s finest hotels couldn’t have been more moving. As we watched one of the world’s most stunning sunsets and raised a cocktail to the Atlantic, we made a promise to return.
