Tenerife Solo Travel Guide

Types of Girl about the Globe (GatG) – Golf GatG, Hiking GatG, Nature GatG, Ocean GatG, Party GatG

Are you planning a solo trip to Tenerife?

Tenerife is a fantastic island to explore, especially for solos. If you're planning a trip to Tenerife, I've put together an article with recommendations from myself and members of our solo travel community to help you plan your Tenerife holidays.

Just click on the relevant section below or read the complete Tenerife solo travel guide. Happy planning!

Things to do in Tenerife

Contents 

Things To Do in Tenerife

Solo Travel in Tenerife

With its perfectly sun-soaked beaches, as well as being steeped in Spanish culture with plenty of attractions to visit, the island offers a lot more than sun, sea and sand for the solo traveller.

It is the largest and most well-known of the Canary Islands. Tenerife is geared up for tourism and is a mecca for partygoers. If you don’t want to party, avoid Playa de las Américas or Costa Adeje and head for Puerto de la Cruz, with botanical gardens and historic centres instead. The island’s biggest attraction is Mount Teide, the third highest volcano in the world, with a great viewpoint.

Climb mountains, wander through a cobbled old town, or just sunbathe on a beach before taking advantage of the nightlife. If you like golf, the island has plenty of golf courses to practice your swing on. With water sports, mountains and art galleries, Tenerife offers you a choice of experiences no matter how much or how little you want to do.

Local's Tip “You have to see the haunted mansion (The Museo de Historia y Antropologia) where the legend of Catherine Lercaro has been seen walking through the halls.”

Solo's tip – “Visit the Cathedral of La Laguna where Alonso Fernandez de Lugo, the founder of La Laguna is buried.”

The Best Places to Visit in Tenerife for Solo Travellers

Mount Teide, Tenerife

Mount Teide

Mount Teide

Mount Teide is the third-highest volcano on a volcanic ocean island in the world. At 3,718 metres tall, it is the highest peak in Spain, and one of the best things to do in Tenerife is to take the Mount Teide cable car to Spain’s highest peak and fly over an array of colours of volcanic formations and lava flows.

Teide National Park (dominated by the volcano that gave it its name) is a natural World Heritage Site with over 700 species of invertebrates, including the Tizon lizard, native to the Canary Islands. 

The lower cable car station is 2,346 metres above sea level and has spectacular views of the peaks. The upper station sits at 3,555 metres altitude, and when it’s clear, you can see some of the nearby islands too. 

If you’re feeling energetic and very fit, you can do the Mount Teide hike along trail number 10, but you do need a permit, so it's best to take a local guide who can also teach you about its ecosystem and surrounding nature. If you don't feel comfortable going alone, you can take a tour to experience the park and all its viewpoints. * Check prices and availability: Mount Teide

Teno Rural Park

For bird lovers, Teno Rural Park (known as Parque Rural de Teno) is a Tenerife forest and natural sanctuary for birdlife on the island. Explore the high cliffs and volcanic ecological landscape whilst spotting wild birds such as the osprey and booted eagle.

Anaga Rural Park

Escape the crowds at Anaga Rural Park (Rural de Anaga Park), a mountainous area of primate forest located in the northwest of the island. The Anaga Range special climate is home to an abundance of native flora and fauna, with spectacular rock formations.

Its beautiful landscapes and natural gardens are the perfect getaway from it all, and with no entrance, it's one of the free things to do in Tenerife. 

Puerto de la Cruz in Tenerife

Puerto de la Cruz in Tenerife

Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz is a cool little coastal town that's got something for everyone. It does have a touristy vibe but with a mix of old-school charm and modern fun. Nestled in the lush Orotava Valley, you'll find yourself surrounded by fruit plantations and lush greenery.

You'll love the lively atmosphere and friendly locals who make you feel right at home. The vibrant cultural scene, with events and festivals happening year-round and even flamenco shows in the evening! * Check prices and availability: Flamenco Show 

Whether you're up for some wild water slide action at the water park, want to soak up the sun on a beautiful sandy beach, or just fancy a stroll through the old fishing port's cobblestone streets and cute plazas, Puerto de la Cruz is a happening spot with tons of things to do. 

La Laguna Tenerife 

Visit the ancient town of La Laguna (called San Cristobal de La Laguna), the island's second largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This unfortified colonial town has typical Spanish architecture with wooden Canarian balconies, parks and charming squares. The Cathedral of La laguna is one of the sites to visit here. 

La Orotava

La Orotava is a charming colonial town, set in a valley of banana plantations. It is one of the most well-preserved and dates back to the 16th century. With many cultural points of interest, La Orotava has been declared a Monument of National Artistic and Historical Interest. Even just walking through the streets are a historical experience.

An aerial view of Garachico, one of the best places to stay in Tenerife for solo travellers

Garachico

Garachico Rock Pools

Garachio is said to be one of the prettiest towns on the island. The streets and squares here just ooze history, and you can discover monasteries and old convents such as San Francisco and Santo Domingo as you explore its quiet old town. The best thing to do here is to go swimming at the sea and rock pools at Garachico, (Garachico piscinas naturales).

These natural pools at La Culata cliffs are a result of the volcanic eruption in 1706 that created the unusual pools. With views of the northern coastline, the salt water will entice you in for a long soak. There is a lifeguard on duty too. 

Things To Do in Tenerife Alone

Get Cultural in Santa Cruz

For the music Girl about the Globe, Spanish culture is prevalent on the Island and spending an evening with the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra is a great activity to do. Based in the Auditorio de Tenerife in Santa Cruz (a spectacular building), the orchestra performs an annual programme of events running from October through June, giving you the opportunity to hear the sound of Tenerife.

Spend Time at a Beach!

Tenerife is known for its black volcanic beaches, but if it's golden sandy beaches that you're after, stick to the south of the island, where you'll find both deserted and busy beaches with plenty of water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing. 

For black sand beaches, head to the north near Anaga Rural Park or soak in one of the natural pools that have been formed by lava at Bajamar, Charco La Laja, or El Caleton. The natural pool at Punta del Hidalgo is also good for swimming.

Explore The Ocean 

Tenerife has some attractive coves to explore, and the seabed around Tenerife is rich and diverse with rays, turtles, and conger eels. If you love being in the ocean, you can snorkel alongside turtles (in a non-intrusive way). * Check prices and availability: snorkel with turtles 

A large part of the island is steep, so take good walking shoes with you if you choose to hike around the coastal cliffs. Los Gigantes in Santiago del Teide is the most breathtaking at 600 metres in height.

But if you prefer to sip a cocktail and watch the ocean from a bar instead, there are seven marinas to choose from Radazul, Candelaria, San Miguel de Abona, Puerto Colon, Los Gigantes, and Santa Cruz. 

Las Teresitas Beach, Tenerife

Playa las Teresitas

Whale Watching Los Cristianos

If whale-watching Tenerife is on your travel wish list, you can experience whale watching at Los Cristianos, one of the things to do in Los Cristianos. Jump onboard a boat to the channel between Tenerife and La Gomera, the best place for spotting minke and sperm whales. More than 20 species are found off the coast, and you may even see a killer whale! * Check prices & availability: Whale watching

Siam Water Park

Do the touristy thing at Siam Water Park. You don't need to be with others to experience Europe's largest water park. Called “Siam” due to its Thay style, it has gorgeous tropical vegetation and plenty of Siam Park rides to help you cool off from the heat, including water slides nearly 30 metres high.

It's definitely a place to cool off and have some fun. Siam Park opening hours are from 10:00 to 18:00 between May to October and close at 17:00 in the winter months. * Buy Siam Water Park tickets

Relax and unwind on one of the many beautiful beaches that surround Tenerife, with many offering water sports and whale and dolphin watching excursions. But if you prefer to just take in the glorious surroundings, read a book or listen to music, then Tenerife is a great place to do it.

Things to do in Tenerife

The Teide Observatory

Things To Do in Tenerife at Night

If you're a party Girl about the Globe, the island attracts big named DJs, so get glammed up and party with the rest of the revellers at Playa de las Americas, especially at Flannigans, or Veronicas, where you are guaranteed to meet others.

If you're on the island between the months of July of August, you can spend the night at Siam Water Park dancing to a DJ on the weekend night by the wave pool. Very cool!

For something quieter and more reflective, gaze at the stars at the Izana Observatory, or book a buggy to drive to Mt Teide National Park by day and watch the sunset and constellations by night. * Check dates, price and availability for Tenerife Stargazing 

Things to do in Tenerife

Tenerife Tours 

G Adventures – If you feel more comfortable in a group for either part of your trip or the whole duration, G Adventures is a responsible tour company which mainly caters towards budget travellers. Their new tours include a hiking the Canary Islands tour, a 6 day tour from Puerto de la Cruz to Costa Adeje, and seeing Anaga and beyond. I have personally used G Adventures and recommend them as a solo female-friendly company. 

Click here for itineraries, prices, and start dates

Get Your Guide Tenerife – Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated Tenerife Day Trips and activities in Tenerife. Choose from a La Gomera island tour, a catamaran whale watching experience and plenty of other Tenerife excursions to get your heart racing, such as a jet ski safari around southern Tenerife or a top buggy adventure Tenerife on a quad bike in Teide National Park.

Some of the tours require a minimum of 2 people, but there are several to book as a solo, and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability, then book online.

* Check all tours, prices and availability: Get Your Guide Tenerife

Accommodation for solo travellers in Tenerife

Places To Stay in Tenerife

There are plenty of areas to stay on the island, depending on what region you prefer to base yourself in. The best area to stay in Tenerife if you're looking to meet others is Playa de las Americas. Other good areas are Costa de Adeje or Los Cristianos.

As well as international hotels and apartments, you'll also find rural tourism in the south, where you can stay in countryside cottages in picturesque villages or the mountains.

If you're unsure where to stay on a solo trip to Tenerife, I've included the best areas below with recommended accommodations from our solo travel community. For all other accommodations in Tenerife, click the link below. * Check prices, dates and availability for all accommodation in Tenerife

Costa Adeje

Located on the southwestern coast, Costa Adeje is known for its upscale resorts, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife. This area offers a range of amenities, including golf courses, water parks, and shopping centres.

$ – Endless Summer House – For the party solo, this hostel is ideal to meet others and venture into the party area together. They have female-only dorms too. Prices from €50 for 2 nights. * Check prices and availability: Endless Summer House

$$ – Paraiso Villas – If you prefer to stay in a villa, these villas have a kitchen, a terrace and a shared pool. There’s even a little dog to greet you. Prices from €106. * Check prices and availability: Paraiso Villas

$$$ – Sunset Bay Club – Just a 5 minute walk to the beach, this 3-star resort has 2 pools, bars and a cafe and all the kitchen amenities you need. Prices from €125. * Check prices and availability: Sunset Bay Club

Playa de las Américas

Situated adjacent to Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas is another lively resort area with stunning beaches, bustling streets lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as vibrant nightlife options. This is where I stayed in Tenerife and it was perfect for nightlife. 

$ – Catalonia Oro Negro – This 3-star hotel is located 10 minutes away from the beach and is perfect for the party solo. Prices from €83. * Check prices and availability: Catalonia Oro Negro

$$ – Servatur Caribe – Close to the beach and Siam Park, these 3-star apartments have a private balcony and a shared outdoor pool. Prices from €131. * Check prices and availability: Servatur Caribe

$$$ – Green Garden Eco Resort & Villas – This 4-star eco resort is set in tropical gardens with 3 pools to choose from and a free shuttle to the beach. Prices from €187. * Check prices and availability: Green Garden Eco Resort

Puerto de la Cruz

Situated on the northern coast, Puerto de la Cruz is a charming town with a rich history and a more traditional Canarian atmosphere. It features beautiful colonial architecture, picturesque plazas, and the famous Lago Martianez, a stunning seawater swimming pool complex.

$ – Atypicap Capsule Hostel – Sleep in your own pod and meet others in the shared lounge, restaurant and bar in this funky hostel. Prices from €36. * Check prices and availability: Atypicap Capsule Hostel

$$ – Apartamentos Los Dragos del Norte – If you’re looking for a quiet location, this 3-star property with gorgeous gardens has its own pool and restaurant. Prices from €60. * Check prices and availability: Apartamentos Los Dragos 

$$$ – Centrico Apartmento con Balcon Cerca de la Playa – If you prefer to stay in an apartment, this city apartment has city views an the use of free bikes. Prices from €111. * Check prices and availability: Centrico Apartmento

Los Cristianos

Located near Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos offers a more relaxed atmosphere. It has lovely beaches, a scenic harbour, and a range of restaurants and shops.

$ – Ocean Nomads Coworking – If you’re planning to work on your trip, this budget coworking hostel is ideal to meet others and party but it can get noisy at night. Prices from €25. * Check prices and availability: Ocean Nomads Coworking

$$ – THE CLUB – This 3-star property offers accommodation, dining and events with cocktails, high tea and a stunning pool. Prices from €74. * Check prices and availability: The Club

$$$ – Boutique Hotel H10 Big Sur – This 4-star adults-only hotel has gorgeous views of La Gomera and comes with breakfast and a dinner buffet for half board. Prices from €138. * Check prices and availability: Boutique Hotel H10

La Laguna

If you prefer a more cultural experience, consider staying in La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic town showcases colonial architecture, narrow streets, and a lively atmosphere with numerous shops, cafes, and bars.

$ – Patio Hostel – To meet others the Patio Hostel is a sociable hostel in Laguna with a shared patio and a good breakfast. Prices from €25. * Check prices and availability: Patio Hostel

$$ – Il Sogno di Gio della Laguna – This 4-star bed and breakfast has mountain views and a sun terrace as well as an Italian restaurant and bar. Prices from €84. * Check prices and availability: Il Sogno di Gio della Laguna

$$$ – La Laguna Gran Hotel – This historic 4-star hotel has an outdoor pool, restaurant and gym and offers convenient half-board or full-board options. Prices from €111. * Check prices and availability: La Laguna Gran Hotel

A plate of paella, a Spanish rice dish

Restaurants in Tenerife

Heading back into the popular resorts, there is a huge variety of places to eat and drink and to get a taste of the Spanish cuisine. There are steak, paella and churro cafés, and restaurants that serve typical Spanish food.

KV Bar Gourmet – If you like seafood, this harbour-side restaurant is one of the best dinners you may have in Tenerife. The food is top quality, and you’ll find dishes such as streak fillets, oven-baked bream or salmon cannelloni, all served with a harbour view. Outstanding French and Belgian food with the nicest staff. Find at 5, Calle Poblado Marinero.

Visiting El Teide, one of the best things to do on a solo trip to Tenerife

Getting Around Tenerife

Tenerife has a good road infrastructure with two motorways that link the north and south of the island, making it easy to navigate your way around. 

The island's bus company is called Titsa, and if you plan to take a few journeys, it’s worth buying a Bono Bus card which you can buy on the bus or at the bus station. Buses are air-conditioned. Check here for fares and routes

It’s easy to take a taxi on the island as they have taxi ranks in every resort. Flag down ones with a green light on the roof, and the driver will turn on the metre. If you want more freedom, then look at hiring a car instead. I have personally used Discover Cars and recommend them. * Check car hire prices

Tenerife Airports

Tenerife has two airports: Tenerife North Airport and Tenerife South Airport – Reina Sofia Airport – which is the main tourist airport. Buses run every 30 minutes from Reina Sofia, or you can take a taxi from the terminal, which will take at least 30 minutes to Los Cristianos and further to other places on the island. Buses and flights also run from Tenerife North. Click here for details for both airports. 

* Feel more confident travelling to Tenerife alone with someone waiting for you at the airport when you pre-book a transfer with Hoppa, a reliable and safe service for solos.

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