Tenerife was never really on my radar.
When people think of a winter sun escape from the UK, Tenerife in the Canary Islands is usually one of the first destinations that comes up. Cheap flights, year-round sunshine, beaches, resorts. But if I’m honest, I always had this idea in my head that it wasn’t really for me.
When I travel, I want to experience different cultures. I want to step outside of my everyday surroundings. I don’t want to go somewhere and feel like I never left home.
But just before Christmas, after browsing flight tickets and seeing how affordable it was to fly from the UK, it became a bit of a no-brainer. I needed winter sun. I needed palm trees. I needed warmth after weeks of grey skies.
And I’m genuinely so grateful that I get to travel and see different places. That alone is always a privilege.
So here’s my honest Tenerife experience.
Winter Sun in Tenerife: First Impressions
The flight from the UK was about four and a half hours, not glamorous in economy, but manageable. The moment we landed and stepped outside to warm air and palm trees, something shifted. You instantly feel more relaxed.
We stayed about 15 minutes from the airport, by the coast, slightly outside the main tourist areas. It wasn’t luxury, but it had a quiet, local village feel, which I really appreciated.
We were there for around eight to ten days, and what I didn’t expect was how unpredictable the weather would be.
Mount Teide & Snow in Tenerife
One of the biggest surprises of the trip? Snow on Mount Teide.
Apparently it was the most snowfall in decades.
You can still drive up Mount Teide National Park, but the gondola at the very top was closed for safety reasons. Even so, the drive up was one of the highlights of my entire Tenerife trip.
As you climb higher, the landscape completely transforms. The greenery disappears. Volcanic rock takes over. It starts to feel like you’re driving on another planet.
Then suddenly, you’re above the clouds. The sun comes back out. I honestly can’t fully explain how surreal that moment feels.
If you’re visiting Tenerife, driving up Mount Teide is something I would absolutely recommend.
Renting a Car in Tenerife: Is It Worth It?
If you’re planning a Tenerife holiday, rent a car.
Especially if you want to explore beyond the resorts.
Mountain roads are narrow, winding and not always easy, especially when the weather changes quickly. But having a car gives you complete freedom to explore Teide, Masca village, Los Gigantes and the rainforest region.
Just be prepared for sharp turns and dramatic elevation changes.
Stargazing in Tenerife: My Experience at Teide
Tenerife is famous for stargazing tours on Mount Teide. We booked an evening experience from 7pm to 10pm.
Important tip: layer up. Even in summer, it gets cold and windy at high altitude.
Unfortunately, our tour didn’t go as planned. Clouds rolled in, and while other groups drove higher above the clouds, our group stayed at the meeting point for quite a while in the rain.
We ended up requesting a refund and driving higher ourselves. And honestly? That turned out to be perfect.
We parked at a public car park above the clouds and watched the stars for free, surrounded by other cars doing the same. It was peaceful, simple, and beautiful.
So if you’re confident driving in the mountains, self-driving for stargazing in Tenerife is definitely an option.
Masca Village: Beautiful but Weather Dependent
Masca is one of Tenerife’s most famous mountain villages
When we arrived, it was pouring rain. The viewpoint involves steep stes, and visibility was limited. This became a recurring theme during our trip, weather changing constantly depending on altitude.
We left our apartment in sunshine wearing T-shirts. By the time we reached the mountains, even a jumper wasn’t enough.
But even in the rain, Masca felt special. The dramatic cliffs, the narrow roads, the tiny village atmosphere, it’s worth seeing, just check the forecast first.
It was originally a Guanche settlement before the Spanish conquest in 1496. The village is now home to around 90 inhabitants. The village lies at an altitude of 650 m in the Macizo de Teno mountains, which extend up to the northwesternmost point of Tenerife.
Los Gigantes & The South Coast
When we drove to Los Gigantes, it felt like entering a completely different climate zone.
The sun was out. It was warm. People were dressed for summer while we were still layered up.
Tenerife’s microclimates are very real. The weather can shift dramatically depending on where you are on the island.
Los Gigantes is also known for dolphin and whale watching tours. We chose a smaller boat experience, which felt calm and not overcrowded.
Seeing dolphins in their natural habitat was beautiful. The engine was turned off when we approached them, which I appreciated.
Since then, I’ve learned more about marine noise and wildlife impact. I don’t have enough expertise to make strong claims, but I do believe that seeing animals in the wild is far more ethical than visiting a waterpark.
It’s always worth researching and making informed decisions.
Tenerife’s “Mini Amazon” Rainforest
On the other side of the island, Tenerife has a lush rainforest region often referred to as the “mini Amazon.”
Mist, greenery, winding mountain roads with trees arching overhead, it’s completely different from the volcanic landscapes of Teide.
However, after the storms, many hiking trails were closed due to fallen branches and damage. So we experienced part of it, but not fully.
Still, the drive through that misty forest was something I won’t forget.
Surfing in Tenerife
One of my personal highlights was getting back on a surfboard.
I didn’t realise Tenerife was such a strong surf destination. There are schools, rentals and consistent waves, especially in the south.
If you’re into surfing or water sports, Tenerife absolutely delivers.
The Side of Tenerife I Loved Most
The true highlights of my Tenerife trip weren’t the big attractions.
It was sitting in small villages.
Watching parents collect their kids from school.
Seeing local life unfold naturally.
Those everyday moments, that’s why I travel.
When we drove through areas dominated by large hotel chains and golf resorts, it just didn’t resonate with me personally. That doesn’t mean it’s wrong. It just depends what you’re looking for.
For me, travelling is about stepping outside my comfort zone. Observing how different generations interact. Appreciating how daily life looks in another culture.
And Tenerife has that side, you just have to look beyond the obvious.
Final Thoughts: Is Tenerife Worth Visiting?
Yes.
But it depends on how you travel.
If you stay only in the resort areas, you might experience one version of Tenerife. If you rent a car and explore Mount Teide, Masca, Los Gigantes, the rainforest and small villages, you’ll experience something very different.
And above all, I’m incredibly grateful that I get to travel, explore and form my own opinions about places.
Tenerife surprised me.
Not because it was perfect.
But because it was layered.
And sometimes that’s exactly what makes a destination interesting.
