Beaches
- Playa de Las Teresitas – Golden sand beach (sand imported from the Sahara), calm water, sunbeds, beachside food service
- Playa de Troya – Black sand beach in a livelier, touristy area with a promenade and oceanfront restaurants
Nature & Scenic Drives
- Mount Teide National Park – Volcanic landscape, scenic mountain drive that feels like Mars
- Teide Cable Car – Takes you near the summit of Mount Teide (book tickets in advance – often sells out 24+ hours ahead)
Cultural & Historic Sites
- Parque del Drago – Botanical garden featuring the ancient Drago Milenario tree (estimated to be over 800 years old) in Icod de los Vinos
Towns & Areas to Stay
- Puerto de la Cruz – Quieter town with a local feel; great base if you have a rental car
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife – Near Playa de Las Teresitas; good for a day visit and beach access
Restaurants
- Longo Steakhouse (Puerto de la Cruz) – Recommended for steaks and a cozy dinner atmosphere
- Promenade restaurants near Playa de Troya – Good casual options with ocean views (a bit touristy but convenient)
Itinerary
Day 1: North Coast Calm & Golden Sands
Morning
After landing and picking up our rental car (which we highly recommend — so worth it for exploring the island), we made our way to Puerto de la Cruz. The drive alone hinted at what was to come: dramatic cliffs, endless ocean views, and that laid-back island energy.
We stayed at a hostel tucked into the quieter part of town. It was simple and social, with just enough buzz without being loud at night. Since we had a car, the location worked perfectly — we weren’t trying to party, and it gave us a good launch point for both the north and central parts of the island.
Midday
Our first real stop: Playa de Las Teresitas. It’s a postcard-perfect beach near Santa Cruz that almost looks too perfect — and that’s because the sand isn’t originally from Tenerife. It’s actually imported from the Sahara Desert. The result? A wide stretch of soft golden sand lined with palm trees and backed by dramatic cliffs.
We posted up on rented sunbeds for the day, ordered food right to our spot (still dreaming about that grilled fish plate), and watched the waves roll in. The beach had a chill, local feel — no massive resorts or crowds — just sunshine, good food, and clear, swimmable water.
Afternoon
From there, we drove to Parque del Drago in Icod de los Vinos to see the legendary Drago Milenario — the ancient Dragon Tree that’s said to be over 800 years old. The tree itself is massive and wild-looking, with twisting branches that make it feel almost mythical. We walked through the park’s small trails and cactus gardens, then grabbed a quick coffee in town before heading back.
Evening
Back in Puerto de la Cruz, we had dinner at Longo Steakhouse, which ended up being one of our favorite meals of the trip. The service was friendly, the portions were generous, and the steak was honestly some of the best we’ve had in Spain. Definitely a hidden gem.
Day 2: Teide Magic & Black Sand Beaches
Morning
We set out early for Mount Teide, the island’s iconic volcano and Spain’s highest peak. The drive up through the national park was surreal — one minute you’re in dense pine forest, and the next you’re in a rocky, rust-colored landscape that looks like it belongs on another planet. It felt like we’d landed on Mars.
We tried to take the cable car to the summit, but tickets were completely sold out when we checked the day before — so book ahead if you want to go up. Even without it, the landscape was incredible. We stopped at pullouts along the way to take photos and walk around the strange lava formations.
Afternoon
After Teide, we drove down to the south coast and spent the afternoon at Playa de Troya, one of the island’s black sand beaches. The contrast between the volcanic black sand and the blue water was striking. It’s a livelier area — a bit more built up and touristy — but the energy was fun. There are lots of casual restaurants along the promenade, and we found a sunny spot to grab lunch and people-watch by the water.
Parking wasn’t a problem either — there are several garages nearby, which made it easy to pop in and out without circling the block for ages.
Evening
We drove back north after sunset. The island feels small enough to do a lot in a short time, but it’s packed with these little contrasts — old trees and volcanoes, golden and black sand, quiet towns and lively beach strips.
Tips for Tenerife
- Rent a car. Seriously, it gives you full freedom and turns the drives into part of the adventure.
- Book Teide cable car tickets at least 48 hours ahead — they will sell out.
- Pack layers — it’s warm at the beach but can get cold at higher elevations.
- Don’t skip the north side — it’s quieter, greener, and gives you a more local feel than the resort-heavy south.
