island.
From Bali to Bermuda — compare islands by vibe, season, language and cost.
Tenerife
Spain's highest mountain is on this island, and the last stretch to the top needs a permit.
Teide reaches 3,715 metres, the highest point in Spain and, measured from the ocean floor it grew out of, one of the largest volcanoes on Earth. A cable car climbs to 3,555 metres; going the remaining distance to the crater rim requires a free permit booked in advance, and the number issued each day is capped.
The mountain also divides the island's weather. Trade winds hit the northern slopes and drop their moisture there, leaving the north green and terraced with the old capital of La Laguna, while the south stays dry and is where the resorts and the airport for them were built. Whale and dolphin watching runs year-round off the south-west coast, where resident pilot whales live in the channel toward La Gomera.
Quick facts
Currency
EUR
Euro
Language
Spanish
+ English
Power
—
Driving
Right
US-style
Airport
TFS
TFN
Emergency
—
Police · Fire
When to go
Monthly breakdown
Storm risk: NoneJan
Best
Feb
Best
Mar
Best
Apr
Best
May
Best
Jun
Best
Jul
Best
Aug
Best
Sep
Best
Oct
Best
Nov
Best
Dec
Best
Major events
Carnaval de Santa Cruz
The largest carnival in Europe after Rio, with a Gala for the election of the Carnival Queen whose costumes weigh more than the women wearing them and roll on wheels.
Corpus Christi in La Orotava
Carpets made from coloured volcanic sand from the Teide crater are laid across the town square, then destroyed by the procession that walks over them.
Romeria de San Roque
Garachico's pilgrimage, with ox carts, traditional dress and food handed out from the carts along the route. One of the most attended romerias in the Canaries.
Hidden gems
Masca
A hamlet on a knife-edge ridge in the Teno massif, reached by a road of hairpins; the gorge walk down to the sea needs a permit.
Anaga
Laurel forest on the northeast peninsula, wet and moss-hung, a remnant of the forest that covered the Mediterranean before the ice ages.
Playa de Benijo
Black sand and sea stacks at the end of the Anaga road, with strong currents and no lifeguard.
Local food
Papas arrugadas con mojo
dietary_tags.veganSmall potatoes boiled in heavily salted water until the skins wrinkle and crust, served with red mojo (chilli) or green (coriander).
Gofio
dietary_tags.vegetarianToasted maize or wheat flour, a Guanche staple that predates the Spanish conquest; stirred into milk, broth or fish stock as a thickener.
Queso asado con miel de palma
dietary_tags.vegetarianGrilled goat cheese under palm syrup tapped from La Gomera across the channel.
Safety tips
Water-Safety
The north and west coasts face open Atlantic swell and many beaches have no lifeguard. Swim where a flag system is posted and treat a red flag as a closure, not a caution.
Nature
Teide's summit sits at 3,715 metres and the cable car top station is above 3,500. Altitude affects people who felt fine at sea level that morning, and temperatures can be 20C colder.
Transport
The TF-21 and the roads into the Anaga range are narrow, steep and popular with cyclists. Book a small car rather than the largest one available and allow far longer than the map suggests.
Sustainability
Eco rating
Reef: reef_status.not_applicableTeide summit access capped by free permit
Plan Your Trip
Curated tools to book your island getaway. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Best rates on resorts, villas & apartments
Snorkeling, island hopping, volcano hikes & more
Compare prices across 100+ airlines
Travel medical insurance from $45/month
Free trip budget calculator — plan lodging, food & activities
Free daily-budget tracker — protect every dollar
