Tenerife in 4 Days: Itineraries, suggestions and tips to discover the island
- Manuela Lenoci
- Mar 25
- 11 min read
Updated: Mar 26
Discovering Tenerife. Must-See Attractions and Tips for Your Trip to the Canaries
Tenerife is an island that really offers something for everyone, in every season of the year. I decided to spend four days discovering its different faces , combining nature, culture, relaxation and of course the sea. My trip began in Puerto de la Cruz , a lively city that mixes modernity and tradition. Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, the mild climate reigns all year round. Here you will find a variety of landscapes ranging from golden beaches to volcanic mountains, and equally microclimates that can suddenly transform a few kilometers away. This island is an ideal destination for all types of travelers. In addition to its natural beauty, it offers a fascinating local culture, warm hospitality and a cuisine that deserves to be discovered
4 Day Itinerary in Tenerife
Photo swimming pool hotel Coral Teide Mar
Day 1: Arrival in the evening and immediately a taste of Paella Tenerifiana
We arrived in the late afternoon and immediately took advantage of the last light of day to walk around Puerto de la Cruz, between the natural pools and the lively centre overlooking the sea . We stayed at the Coral Teide Mar in one of the most famous residential areas of Puerto de La Cruz, just 15 minutes walk from the picturesque centre of Puerto de la Cruz ,
To toast the beginning of this holiday, we stop to sip the first sangria in a restaurant with terrace Aquanama Cocktail Bar Even though there wasn't much light left to fully appreciate the view, the terrace overlooked one of the most beautiful beaches in the heart of the city, Playa Sant Elmo , and the adjacent Lago Martianez.
The air was crisp—ok, let's just say it, freezing! And of course I was totally unprepared. But no worries: the blankets on the chairs in the club were our salvation, enveloping us like a warm hug while the waves seemed to chase each other a step away from us, almost as if they wanted to join the evening.
I recommend you come back during the day because this beach is fabulous and is an integral part of the town center.
Spiaggia di San Telmo
Si trova proprio nel cuore del Porto di Santa Cruz, un'area vivace e ricca di fascino. La Spiaggia di San Telmo, sull’isola di Tenerife, è una piccola insenatura di sabbia nera e ciottoli, incorniciata da suggestive rocce vulcaniche. Situata accanto all’Eremo di San Telmo e a pochi passi dal lungomare, offre un’atmosfera intima e rilassante. Nonostante le dimensioni contenute, il contrasto tra la sabbia scura e le formazioni rocciose crea un paesaggio unico. La vicinanza a caffè e ristoranti sulla Promenade la rende perfetta per una pausa rigenerante prima o dopo il bagno, in un ambiente protetto e ben attrezzato.
As we continue our walk, the music captivates us and, without even realizing it, we find ourselves in front of a small bar with an irresistible name: La Griferia Paella & Cocktails. The atmosphere is cheerful, the place is full of locals—a clear sign that they really eat here! We can't resist and, in a moment, we are seated with a table full of tapas. But the real star of the evening is our first paella of the holiday: we choose the Tenerife one , a dish overflowing with shellfish with a lemony scent that, as I write, makes me want to book the next flight back.
Breakfast at El Molino de la Paz
Day 2: Los Cristianos, Daikiri on the beach and fresh fish for dinner
Wake up slowly and have breakfast at the little bar in front of our hotel El Molino de la Paz
If you happen to be in the area, try their tostadas , sweet or savory: simple, but perfect to start the day. The staff is so friendly and welcoming that we went back twice… and on the last day we couldn't leave without stopping by to say hello. While we were there, we had a sandwich made for us for the journey home: I had the Italian style, with jamón, mozzarella and tomato; my partner, with his iron stomach, opted for tuna and onion!
Then off we go! We take the car and head south, destination Los Cristianos.
Finally the sea! After an endless winter in penguin mode, putting my feet in the water was a beautiful moment. I swear, I felt it all the way to my soul. And of course, I couldn't resist: off with the swimsuit, topless without regrets, because a half-tan is not an option. The water? Fresh . After all, the Atlantic Ocean , not a spa. But after the first shiver of " am I really doing this crazy thing? ", the magic happened: a liberating dive and that irresistible desire to stay there, cradled by the sea and then stretch out in the sun like a happy lizard . We also took a walk on the seafront, which turned out to be a real treat: palm trees, tropical flowers and that holiday atmosphere that makes you feel like you're in a beautiful movie.
Los Cristianos
Questa località ha una storia che precede il boom turistico degli anni '70 e '80. Per molti anni questo centro turistico è stato un tranquillo villaggio di pescatori e la prova delle sue umili origini è ancora visibile nella tipica architettura delle Canarie degli edifici più antichi. Los Cristianos accoglie con la sua anima turistica: hotel, ristoranti, negozi e una vivacità che non si spegne mai, oggi uno dei centri più dinamici di Tenerife, pieno di servizi che al rendono godibile tutto l'anno. E le spiagge? Uno spettacolo! Quelle di Los Cristianos e Las Vistas, con la loro sabbia dorata e tutti i servizi, sono perfette per godersi il sole dell’isola in pieno relax.
And then… the grand finale: mango daiquiri at the lido bar. First sip, heavenly freshness. Second sip, sweet euphoria. Third sip… and poof, the afternoon transformed into a golden bubble of lightness, where everything was more beautiful, brighter . The sun seemed warmer, the sea sang a perfect melody and, let’s face it, life had that extra touch of magic.
In the evening we went to dinner at a fish restaurant in the hinterland of Tenerife Marisquería Agua y Sal in San Miguel de Tajao that, if you are in these parts, you absolutely must try. A true hidden gem, far from the tourist circuits, frequented mainly by locals. The fish? Very fresh. The atmosphere? Authentic. And the bill? More than honest. An experience not to be missed!
If you are staying in Puerto de la Cruz in the morning you should warm up your muscles every morning before breakfast by walking:
"Paseo San maro" - Le scale di Agatha Christie a La Paz
Ogni giorno, dal Mirador a La Paz, salivamo le scale per tornare in hotel, sempre a salire per mantenerci in forma e ammirare le frasi artistiche sui gradini. Le colorate scale di Agatha Christie nel quartiere La Paz sono un must a Puerto de la Cruz, un’ottima palestra per i glutei e un viaggio tra i romanzi del celebre autore. Imperdibili, anche per chi non è un fan dei gialli! Sui gradini, i romanzi del famoso autore sono elencati in diversi colori.Per chi non legge molto o comunque non è un fan delle donne britanniche sono cmq imperdibili
Passeggiata al Mirador La Paz
A soli 5 minuti a piedi dal nostro hotel, si trovava il bellissimo Mirador con vista sull'oceano. Ogni mattina, da lì iniziava la nostra passeggiata, che passava accanto alla scalinata artistica. Il mirador dava accesso al lungo Paseo San Maro, un piacevole cammino che costeggia il mare e attraversa gli hotel e gli appartamenti più esclusivi della zona alta di Puerto de la Cruz. Sotto di noi, Playa de Martiánez si affacciava sull'oceano, regalando una vista spettacolare. Di fronte, la deliziosa Ermita San Amaro, che merita sicuramente una visita.Day 3: Breakfast with a view, Las Teresitas by the sea, UNESCO site San Cristobal de La Laguna
Today is one of those days that make you smile without even realizing it. It's my birthday, and guess what? I celebrated it right here, in Tenerife with breakfast in one of the hotels on the Paseo de la Costa with one of the most beautiful terraces on the island Atlantic Mirage Suites And on top of that, it happens to be Sunday. I mean, it's like the universe is saying, "Here, take a moment to really enjoy life!"
Today we decide to stay in the North, because, as we know, the North of Tenerife has something magical. And so, off we go to one of the most famous beaches in the area: La Teresitas. The name itself seems to promise an unforgettable day, and it does not disappoint. The golden sand, the crystalline waters... it is the place where every thought dissolves in the sound of the sea. A perfect birthday, I would say.
Las Teresitas
Se c’è una spiaggia che sorprende a Tenerife, è proprio Las Teresitas.
A prima vista sembra un angolo di Caraibi, con la sua sabbia dorata e le palme che fanno da cornice, ma la sua storia è tutta diversa: fino agli anni ‘70, qui c’era solo sabbia nera vulcanica, poi sostituita nel 1973 con quella chiara portata direttamente dal Sahara.
Il risultato?
Un contrasto spettacolare con il mare turchese e la cornice selvaggia delle montagne. Protetta da un frangiflutti, una barriera di grandi sassi che sono stati posti ad alcune decine di metri dalla riva su tutta la lunghezza dell’arenile, per evitare che le onde arrivassero fino alla spiaggia. L’acqua è sempre calma (ma fredda) perfetta per chi vuole rilassarsi o per i bambini che possono giocare in sicurezza sulla riva.
La spiaggia è libera, ma ci sono lettini e ombrelloni a noleggio, oltre a tutti i servizi gratuiti: docce, cabine, bagni, passerelle per disabili e un grande parcheggio. 
If you want the perfect view, go up to the " Mirador Las Teresitas" : from here the view of the beach and the village of San Andrés is priceless, especially at sunset. The beach can be reached from every part of the island by car, as I already told you there is a large free parking lot adjacent to the beach. Also right next to the beach there is the bus stop (line 910) an excellent public service, efficient and frequent. Convenient especially if you are in Santa Cruz. Our afternoon was very lively.
Since I didn't want to spend the day without any energy, we decided to rent a two-seater kayak, convinced that it would be a calm paddle. And in fact it was... more or less. Which, let's face it, was more of a competition with my partner to see who could paddle better and establish the direction than a relaxing paddle. In any case, the bay was spectacular, with calm and crystalline water. Obviously we went for a swim. First impact? A sudden chill. But a few seconds are enough and everything changes: the water becomes perfect, so pleasant that you don't want to get out anymore. And in fact, I didn't want to get out anymore.
And after a day at the beach? Before dinner we went for a walk in the nearby San Cristóbal de La Laguna. When we arrived in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, after a day of sun and sea, the cold hit us like a punch in the face. It seemed like we had gone from the tropics to the Arctic in just a few kilometers! But then we entered the bars: warm, lively, full of people laughing and drinking. In an instant, the cold was just a distant memory
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
E' stata la prima città delle isole Canarie, e finora l'unica ad essere dichiarata Patrimonio dell'Umanità dell'Unesco. E' stata la prima capitale delle Canari. Nel 1927, la Laguna ha dato il benvenuto alla prima università delle Canarie, trasformando per sempre l'atmosfera della città con un'energia giovane e vivace. Anche se nel 1833 la capitale è stata spostata a Santa Cruz, La Laguna ha continuato a crescere senza sosta. Oggi è una città dinamica, con negozi, ristoranti e l’aeroporto Tenerife Nord, che la rendono ancora più viva e affascinante.
Vi consiglio di visitare l'Ex-Convento de San Agustin (attualmente un museo, gratuito) per scoprire l’architettura tipica delle residenze dell’800 della Laguna.
And finally we went to dinner in a typical Canarian place in the northwest of the island La Hierbita and here I blew out my candle on a homemade chocolate mousse. Happy Birthday to me!
Day 4: Trekking in the Anaga Rural Park and QUAD to discover Teide, waiting for the sunset
You can't say you've experienced Tenerife without exploring the Teide National Park , home to the highest volcano in Spain (3,715 m), the "roof" of Spain , the park's real attraction.
To visit it, remember that only 200 permits are granted per day, so if you really want to visit Teide and climb to the highest point in Spain, you should book in advance. (Info and prices for going up by CABLE CAR) there are also more than 41 marked trails for trekking and enjoying the view alone. Every step you take in Teide is a discovery and arouses immense amazement.
We were won over by the Quad Tour in Teide, an engaging, exciting and, yes, absolutely fantastic experience.
We relied on Quad Excursions , among other things the only ones authorized to do quad tours in Teide . 3 hours of adventure and pure fun in safety. The perfect climate, the truly expert organizers and the landscapes that revealed themselves one after the other, with centuries-old trees and colors that seemed painted, made it all truly magical. An adventure that I would recommend to anyone!
IMPORTANTE PARCO DEL TEIDE
Non è possibile richiedere autonomamente il permesso per visitare direttamente il Parco Nazionale del Teide. È possibile richiedere l'autorizzazione per il Teide solo online, sul sito web dei Parchi Nazionali o nelle agenzie che lavorano con le guide del Parco Nazionale del Teide, come Volcano Teide Experience
È impossibile non rimanere sorpresi: l’ecosistema nato dalle eruzioni è una meraviglia, con una fauna rarissima e una flora che ha trovato il suo posto sulle alte vette, tra formazioni geologiche che sembrano uscite da un altro mondo. 
Although we didn't spend much time in the northeast of the island, there is the Parque Rural de Anaga , a lush forest that reminds us of Irish landscapes. We were only here for an hour but we promised ourselves to return more calmly next time. There are several panoramic trails that pass through thick forests.
Great for walking, regenerating in nature and discovering the nature of the North of the island. For many it is considered a magical forest. I recommend you park here , to do routes of different lengths (from 30min to 2h) and avoid fines due to tight controls.
The evening ended with an excellent dinner in a very minimal restaurant but that you can't miss, quality grilled meat immediately after the Quad tour from El Guachinjero Restaurante with the flavours of the past in a spartan but highly professional environment
TIPS If you have more than 4 days you can also see these characteristic villages Tenerife in 4 Days: Itineraries, suggestions and tips to discover the island
Masca - Incredible little village nestled in the mountains, I recommend you visit it for a few hours and possibly stop for lunch at the Restaurante "El Guanche " Alte Schule one of its characteristic restaurants. Possibly after visit Vulcano.
Icod of the Wines - Fantastic historic center rich in history and culture. Don't miss its famous thousand-year-old dragon tree, symbol of the place!
Guarachico - A beautiful historic center overlooking the sea, famous for its natural pools.
Candelaria - The most important Cathedral in the Canaries. Spend a maximum of 2 hours to admire the beauty of the place and its religious significance.
La Caleta - Enjoy the beautiful villas and quiet beach. Take a walk of about two hours from La Caleta to Los Cristianos, along the sea. This area is very touristy, perfect for a relaxing walk.
Teno Point Lighthouse It is a unique and uncontaminated place. During the week, you can reach it comfortably by car. On weekends, there is a shuttle bus service Buenavista del Norte which takes you directly to the lighthouse. Take advantage of the cute little beach nearby to relax and enjoy the breathtaking view. Ideal for taking unforgettable photos!
Did you like this itinerary? If you're planning a vacation to Tenerife, follow our tips: find out where to go, what to see, and how to plan your perfect trip among recommended beaches and activities. And after your experience, leave us a review on the blog below! If you relive these moments, share them with us: tag #apugliesearoundtheworld and let us know what you liked best! ☀️🌊✨
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