Visit Tenerife in 4 days: North and South itineraries (+ photos)

If you have 4 days in Tenerife, you’ll have to make some choices, but you’ll be able to see some majestic landscapes! Between the Teide volcano, impressive cliffs, historic villages and unique experiences at sea, the island offers incredible diversity. We’ll take you to the best sites and experiences on the island with our two itineraries ideal for visiting Tenerife in 4 days, with accommodation in the north or south.

This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.

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Visit Tenerife in 4 days: what you need to know + map

General advice

Tenerife is a good-sized island, so allow plenty of time for travel between north and south. Organize your visits by geographical area. And make choices!
With only 4 days available, we recommend you choose between the north and the south. You’ll see two itineraries below. The north for more exploration, the south for more relaxation.
The weather varies greatly in different parts of Tenerife, creating different microclimates. Don’t forget to bring appropriate clothing, especially when visiting the Teide.
Sites like Teide, Masca and many others are best explored early in the morning, before the crowds arrive and when conditions are better.
To suit your own tastes, take a look at our list of favorite Tenerife attractions.

Do you need a car?

For a 4-day stay, we recommend renting a car if you want to see as much as possible. It will give you the autonomy you need to explore the island at your own pace: visiting the tourist sites at the quietest times, accessing Teide National Park, discovering traditional villages and taking the scenic routes.

Traffic on the island is generally easy, with the exception of some steep mountain roads, notably to Masca and Icod de los Vinos.

If driving isn’t for you, other transport options are detailed in the itineraries.

OUR TIPS TO RENT A CAR IN Tenerife

Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.

See available cars >>

Read our tips

4-day itinerary in Tenerife: exploring the north

Here’s our first itinerary, if you’re looking to explore as much as possible.
In that case, opt for accommodation to the north. See our selections:

For this itinerary, we strongly recommend renting a car.

North Day 1 – La Orotava and Puerto de la Cruz

Stop 1 – Historic center of La Orotava

Start your exploration of Tenerife with the charming historic town of La Orotava. Take a stroll through the cobbled streets and you’ll discover a colonial architectural gem. Don’t miss La Casa de los Balcones, with its finely crafted wooden balconies typical of Canarian architecture. Then admire the Concepción church, an example of local religious architecture. And above all, make it all Victoria Gardens. They offer a refreshing break with their manicured plantings, soothing fountains and sea views.
Allow 1 to 2 hours.
Find out more about attractions in La Orotava.

Stop 2 – Puerto de la Cruz Botanical Gardens

remarkable tree at the Puerto de la Cruz Botanical Garden

Afterwards, head to the heights of Puerto de la Cruz to visit the Jardin Botanique de la Orotava, created in the 18th century. We fell in love with this garden, which focuses on trees. As you stroll along its shady avenues, you’ll discover majestic century-old trees and an impressive collection of palms from all over the world. The garden is also home to rare exotic plants that you won’t see anywhere else in Europe. The giant water lily pond is a stunning sight, especially when these aquatic plants are in bloom.
Allow 1h to 1h30.
Find out more about the garden.

Stop 3 – Puerto de la Cruz

End your day exploring the old town of Puerto de la Cruz. The waterfront invites you for a pleasant stroll, where you can observe the activity of the traditional fishing port. For a refreshing dip, head for the natural pools of Lago Martiánez, a unique complex designed by artist César Manrique.
Find out more about Puerto de la Cruz attractions.

North Day 2 – Teide National Park

Your day begins early in Teide National Park. The road to Las Cañadas is an experience in itself, as you cross the sea of clouds into a breathtaking lunar landscape. The first light of day sublimates the colors of the volcanic rocks, creating an almost unreal atmosphere.
See our complete park guide to choose your stops.
But here are our 3 recommendations:

Stop 1 – Mirador Llano de Ucanca

Our favourite viewpoint Mirador Llano de Ucanca, with the vast desert plain, the Roques de Garcia in the middle ground and the volcano in the background. The ochre and reddish colors of the plain vary according to the light of day, creating different moods at every hour.

Stop 2 – Roques de García

The Roques de García are a spectacular group of rock formations. The most famous, El Roque Cinchado, stands proudly with Mount Teide in the background. This is one of the island’s most emblematic views.
You can just walk a little flat, or take a 3.5 km circular hike around these formations, and enjoy the different perspectives.
Duration: 1h-1h30 for the complete loop, but you can walk just part of the way.

Stop 3 – Minas de San José

Minas de San José is a former mining area that bears witness to the region’s intense volcanic activity. We were surprised by the lunar atmosphere of the landscapes, with smooth or stony surfaces and lots of color.
Traces of mining operations blend harmoniously with the natural landscape. It’s sure to be a favorite stop for geology enthusiasts.
Between 15 minutes and 1 hour, depending on how long you want to explore the area.

North Day 3 – Masca and Garachico

Stop 1 – Route de Masca

The route to Masca is one of the most spectacular in the Canary Islands. As you wind your way around the hairpin bends, you’ll discover breathtaking panoramas of mountains and valleys. Every turn offers a new perspective on this landscape, with the ocean sometimes looming on the horizon.
This road is steep, winding and sometimes narrow. We advise you to come early in the morning to avoid stress and to have room to park.

Stop 2 – Village of Masca

Masca is a tiny village perched in the Teno mountains. Its location is truly spectacular, nestled in a landscape of vertiginous gorges.
As well as the scenery, the traditional stone houses, clinging to the mountainside, are charming.
Find out more about Masca.

Stop 3 – Garachico

Garachico is a beautiful historic town that rose from the ashes after the devastating eruption of 1706. The natural pools of El Caleton, formed by lava, offer a unique bathing experience in pools of crystal-clear water at low tide. But the view is just as nice at high tide, with the waves crashing. The historic center of Tenerife’s former main port is well preserved, with churches, charming buildings, forts and monasteries.
See our article on Gararicho.

Stop 4 – Icod de los Vinos

You can also make a short stop at Icod de los Vinos to discover the Drago Milenario. This thousand-year-old tree, symbol of Tenerife, is a natural wonder.
Find out more about attractions in Icod de los Vinos.

North Day 4 – Anaga Rural Park and La Laguna

Stop 1 – Enjoy the forest road

Your discovery of the Anaga massif begins at Mirador Cruz del Carmen. The information center helps you understand the unique ecological wealth of this primeval forest. Hiking trails from the mirador allow you to immerse yourself in this unique ecosystem, with its mosses and ferns creating an almost mystical atmosphere.

Stop 2 – Rolling and stopping for a walk

Then enjoy the scenery from the road, stopping occasionally to admire the viewpoints or walk through the forest.
See our guide to Anaga Park.

Stop 3 – San Cristóbal de La Laguna

On your last day, relax in the historic town of La Laguna.
San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an architectural gem. We were charmed by the harmony and beauty of this historic city. Strolling along its streets, we particularly enjoyed the colorful facades and religious buildings.
See our article on San Cristobal attractions.

North Alternative day – Santa Cruz, the capital

Explore the capital of Tenerife. Here are our 4 recommended stops, but you can also check out our article on all the Santa Cruz attractions.

Stop 1 – Palmetum

The Palmetum is an exceptional botanical garden housing one of the world’s largest collections of palms. We loved strolling through this lush park, which also offers stunning views of the ocean, Santa Cruz and the Anaga massif. Built on a former landfill site, this vast open-air museum has also awakened our environmental conscience.
Plan your visit.

Stop 2 – Tenerife Auditorium

The Tenerife Auditorium is much more than a concert hall, it’s a true work of architectural art. We were captivated by its futuristic lines, majestically cut out against the ocean. Its unique shape, often compared to a wave or a crescent moon, makes it an emblematic monument of the city. If you don’t have the opportunity to see a show there, opt for a guided tour that reveals what goes on behind the scenes at this major cultural venue. You’ll discover the monument from the inside, and learn more about its history.

Stop 3 – Casa del Carnaval

Declared a “Festival of International Tourist Interest” since 1980, the Santa Cruz Carnival is one of the most famous in the world. It could even become a World Heritage Site in the very near future. Often compared to the Rio Carnival, it attracts tourists from all over the world every year. The festivities include parades, contests, galas, dances, Carnival Queen elections, and other colorful activities! If, like us, you don’t plan to visit the city during the celebrations, head for the Carnival Museum which continues the event throughout the year. This cheerful place entertained us with its crazy costumes!

Stop 4 – stroll through the old town

The historic heart of Santa Cruz will charm you with its cobbled streets and lively atmosphere. We particularly liked the Plaza de España, the focal point of the city center. We were fascinated by the history of this emblematic square. It was built on the remains of the Castillo de San Cristóbal, an ancient fortress now open to visitors. You can also admire its magnificent water mirror, the work of Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron. On one side, you’ll see the reflection of the Anaga mountain range across the water, and on the other, the buildings that surround the square.

It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.

4-day itinerary in Tenerife: relaxing in the South

Here’s our first itinerary, if you’re looking to relax, have fun and explore.
In this case, choose a south-facing apartment. See our selections:

For this itinerary, you can either rent a car or take advantage of the many guided excursions available.

South Day 1 – Beach and amusement park

Enjoy your destination’s beach before or after a bit of fun at an amusement park.

Siam Park, recognized as Europe’s best water park, promises a day full of thrills and spills. Its spectacular slides, artificial wave beach and Thai ambience create a unique experience. Book your ticket now!

See our list of the best theme parks in Tenerife.