Tenerife hosts millions of visitors yearly who appreciate natural beauty and services. Tenerife enjoys mild temperatures throughout the year, so it is also an excellent destination in autumn, winter, and spring.
In fact, Tenerife is chosen as a tourist destination not only by those who want to appreciate its natural beauty but also by those who simply want to escape the cold and take a dip out of season.
It is not for nothing that the high season in Tenerife does not occur in the summer but in the winter. On the contrary, summer is considered a low season period, as temperatures reach higher heat peaks and many tourists prefer to visit other places they could not visit in winter.
Tenerife is an island of volcanic origin, and its highest mountain is a volcano: Teide. Teide is respected by the inhabitants of the island, who call it Lady Teide. Teide is not only the highest mountain in Tenerife but also in Spain and is among the highest peaks in the world.
The landscape in some areas of Teide is very particular, and it almost looks like Mars. It is not for nothing that this volcano has been chosen as the set of numerous film productions, such as Clash of the Titans.
As you can see, Tenerife is an island with much to offer. Now we wonder: what are the TOP Things to do in South Tenerife? Let’s see it together in this post!
Table of Contents
FAQ: Useful information about Tenerife
Here is the answer to some questions about Tenerife
How is the ocean in Tenerife, and what is the ocean temperature in Tenerife?
The sea in Tenerife is ocean and therefore, the water temperature is generally colder than the water temperature in more closed seas such as the Mediterranean Sea. After an initial sensation of freshness, it is still pleasant to bathe in the waters that bathe Tenerife. So the ocean water in Tenerife is not warm like in Miami, but it is not cold like in Portugal, where you enter the water with your feet, and you can’t do more because the water is cold even in summer.
The ocean water is transparent and especially in some places it is very inviting, it makes you want to enter. If you want to see the sea in Tenerife watch this short video: https://youtube.com/shorts/axUdnIXfn-c.
Tenerife south where to stay?
An excellent place to stay in Tenerife South is in Costa Adeje near Playa de Fañabé. In this area you will find beautiful beaches within walking distance, there is a tourist port nearby where whale and dolphin watching tours leave and there are also several restaurants where you can dine in the evening even with a sea view.
Costa Adeje is only 15 minutes by car from Tenerife South airport. You land by plane and shortly after you can already be on the beach!
Tenerife how to get around?
In South Tenerife, we have a good road network, and driving in South Tenerife is not a problem. To get around South Tenerife, I recommend renting a car. You can use organized tours to visit some places in Tenerife, but the car allows you to move more freely.
You can see more beaches, characteristic places and also if you are in Costa Adeje an excellent idea in the evening, for example, is to go to Playa de las Américas to eat by the sea, watching the sunset and then dedicating yourself a bit to shopping in the various shops located along the seafront. (See the following short video: https://youtube.com/shorts/UN3jq36tBKw?si=d3GgF9oemgzP4Fbr)
Car rental
If you want to rent a car, I recommend you make your reservation in advance to find an advantageous rate and choose the car you prefer. Among many car rental sites, Discovercars.com is recommended as using the site is simple and intuitive, the prices are very competitive, and there is a wide choice of cars. If you use the filters, you can choose the type of car and the options you prefer.
TOP Things to do in South Tenerife
Tenerife is an extraordinary island for various reasons and, above all, from a naturalistic point of view. Even if it is true that some stretches of the south coast of Tenerife are very touristy and not very authentic as they seem designed specifically for tourism, in Tenerife, it is possible to see whales and dolphins and observe the stars as in a few other places in the world.
Furthermore, since Tenerife is an island, we cannot talk about the south of Tenerife without mentioning its beautiful beaches where it is pleasant to relax, swim or practice various water sports.
There is much to tell about southern Tenerife and what to see or do. So we list below the things to do in South Tenerife, and then continuing this post, we also go to deepen the discussion related to every single point.
TOP Things to do in South Tenerife. Here’s the list:
- Boat tour to see whales and dolphins
- Stargazing tour
- Relax on one of the beaches
- Hike along the ocean
Boat tour to see whales and dolphins
One of the most beautiful and exciting activities for those who come to Tenerife is to see the whales and dolphins that populate the waters south of Tenerife, not too far from the coast.
This area of the ocean is particularly rich in food, and whales find an ideal habitat here. The presence of several species of whales is recorded, although the most numerous and easiest to see here in Tenerife are the pilot whales.
Pilot whales are whales that reach a maximum size of about 8 meters, although perhaps you will more often see pilot whales of a few meters in size.
Despite their small size compared to the size of the whales that are probably in your imagination, it is always a great emotion to admire them in freedom and observe their behavior.
As we said at the beginning of this paragraph, whales are not the only inhabitants to be admired in the waters of Tenerife. There are also many dolphins here that delight you with their games.
On an evening catamaran ride, we happened to have a dozen dolphins play with us by placing themselves in front of the moving boat and making their way for more than ten minutes. Truly a beautiful emotion.
During the boat tours to admire the whales and dolphins, you may also happen to see flying fish that come out of the water and, like missiles, fly tens of meters before diving back into the ocean.
Even if you have not chosen Tenerife as your destination specifically to see whales and dolphins but to enjoy and relax on the beach, it is worth dedicating a half day or a few hours to one of these tours.
Where to take the boat to see all this? Different types of boats leave Puerto Colón every day and several times a day. The offer is therefore very wide, and you can choose what you prefer.
These boat tours not only allow you to watch whales and dolphins but also allow you to relax on the boat and admire the beauty of the south coast of Tenerife.
However, if you love relaxation, I suggest you choose a boat tour that includes a limited number of people to escape the chaos as much as possible.
Video: What is one of the best things to do in Tenerife?
What is one of the best things to do in Tenerife? Tenerife offers visitors a remarkable and thrilling experience: witnessing the majestic whales and playful dolphins that inhabit the waters just off its southern coast. This region boasts a bountiful food supply, creating an ideal environment for these magnificent creatures. While various species of whales grace these oceanic depths, the pilot whales take center stage as the most abundant and accessible residents of Tenerife.
So, choose your favorite boat tour and embark on this fantastic adventure!
Boat tours links
Below, for your convenience, I leave you the links to some companies that carry out this type of tour. These are just a few examples of tours we’ve tried; they aren’t sponsored links and aren’t necessarily the best.
Tenerife Dolphin
Tenerife Dolphin is a boat that can prune many people. The nice thing about this boat is that it has a transparent bottom; therefore, you can see the whales moving under the water even without diving into it.
Tenerife Dolphin offers different types of tours, and in particular, the 4.5-hour tour takes you to Los Gigantes in front of Masca Beach for lunch and swimming.
However, the approach of this company is very touristic and commercial. When you get on board, they take some photos of you, they make a video of the trip, and at the end of the tour, they ask you if you want to buy, and then during the navigation, they remind you several times what you can buy on the boat.
All this can also be positive because a souvenir photo and a video of the trip can be appreciated.
However, this is not the right choice if you prefer a more peaceful journey with fewer people.
Link: https://www.tenerifedolphin.com/en/index.html
MonteCristo Catamaran
In contrast to the approach of the Tenerife Dolphin, we mention the MonteCristo catamaran. We took an evening tour with this catamaran.
Pickup and transport from your hotel are included in the price, so you don’t have to drive and pay for parking at the marina.
The number of people for each tour is limited, making it more peaceful. There are no photo or video sales.
We stopped in front of La Caleta beach for an aperitif and a swim break during the evening tour. In this way, we saw this beach that cannot be reached by car and requires a long walk via paths on foot.
Link: https://montecristocatamaran.com/tickets/
Stargazing
The best place to observe the stars in Tenerife is Teide National Park. Teide National Park has not only been defined by NASA as a “window to the universe”, but it is also the 3rd best place in the world for stargazing.
In fact, the pristine conditions of the Canary Skies offer astronomy lovers and those who simply want to live a different and unique experience: it can well be defined as a spectacular spectacle.
Los Gigantes
One of the wonders of Tenerife is represented by Los Gigantes. Los Gigantes is a tourist resort characterized by an imposing and magnificent cliff overlooking the sea. The dark color makes it even more scenographic and unique. The best way to admire it is from the sea, which is possible thanks to the many whale and dolphin watching boat tours.
Los Gigantes has located quite a distance from Adeje and Puerto Colón, and not all boat tours that depart from this marina go as far as Los Gigantes. In any case, usually, the 4-hour tours manage to get up to here and also stop for a swim break right in front of these cliffs and Playa de Masca.
Hike along the ocean.
South Tenerife boasts breathtaking landscapes, offering an exquisite backdrop for coastal hiking adventures. Countless scenic trails seamlessly connect different localities along the ocean, allowing you to embark on an unforgettable journey of exploration and discovery.
Tenerife Coastal Hike: Playa de Duque to Playa de La Caleta
Embark on a scenic coastal hike in Tenerife! This video captures the stunning journey from Playa de Duque to Playa de La Caleta in Adeje. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views, discover hidden coves, and experience the beauty of Tenerife’s coastline. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers!
South Tenerife beaches
South Tenerife boasts an enchanting collection of beaches that are sure to captivate any beach lover. From the luxurious shores of Playa del Duque to the pristine sands of Playa Abama, and the vibrant atmosphere of Playa Fanabe, these beaches offer an idyllic paradise for sun-seekers. Each beach has its own unique charm, inviting visitors to indulge in the warm embrace of the sun, the shimmering turquoise waters, and the gentle lull of the waves. Discover the magic of South Tenerife beaches and embark on a blissful seaside escape.
South Tenerife Beaches: Dive into Blissful Beachfront Bliss and Beyond
South Tenerife beaches
South Tenerife weather
Here are some data and indications of Tenerife at various times of the year.
South Tenerife weather March
Here are some examples of temperatures in southern Tenerife in March. I have to specify that the temperatures perceived are generally much higher during the central hours of the day.
Tenerife in April
I personally think that April and May are the ideal 2 months to go to Tenerife. Especially in April, when elsewhere the temperatures are still cool in Tenerife, you can enjoy a glimpse of summer in the early way and enjoy the beaches of South Tenerife.
Then, as I said at the beginning of this post, the high season in Tenerife is winter, and the low season is summer. Spring is considered mid-season, so hotel prices are more than affordable. Even flights to Tenerife in spring generally have good prices and are much more affordable than in December/January.
In summer, however, despite the fact that there are good offers in terms of prices, high-temperature peaks are reached.
Therefore April is an excellent month both in terms of temperatures and prices. So if someone were to ask me if I would gladly go to Tenerife next April, I would certainly answer yes.
South Tenerife weather April
Here are some examples of temperatures in Tenerife South in April. However, I must say that the perceived temperature in Tenerife is higher than what is reported in the weather. During the day in southern Tenerife in April at the beach, we happened to feel slightly cool and put on a shirt, but most of the time, we were quiet on the beach in our swimsuits, as was everyone else.
In the evening, the temperatures drop slightly; therefore, it is better to bring a light sweater or a long-sleeved shirt to cover up. If there is a little more wind, it is also better to bring a light jacket.
Can you swim in Tenerife in April?
Yes, of course in Tenerife in April you can swim! The water is cold at first impact, but when you enter, after a few seconds, you no longer feel the cold, and being in the water becomes pleasant.
It takes a little courage to dive in at first, but it’s worth it. And someone who generally suffers from the cold says it 😉
This is true in our experience, but you have also heard many others in the water calling their relatives or friends to convince them to enter, saying something like: “Come, enter, then you won’t feel the cold anymore, it’s fine, it’s beautiful!”.
Tenerife in May
April and May mark the beginning of the low season, ushering in pleasant temperatures that beckon for a refreshing dip. Finding an open spot on the beach becomes effortlessly easy, even if one arrives in the late morning. Basking in the reassuring shade of an umbrella, one can surrender to pure relaxation, reclining comfortably on a sunbed without a care in the world. In short, this is the perfect time to fully savor the wonders of Tenerife.
Do you want to know more about Tenerife in may? Go to the following post:
Tenerife in summer: July, August and September
Tenerife is a beautiful island in all seasons, but if you think of going to Tenerife in the summer perhaps attracted by the very affordable prices, you must consider the temperatures of this period.
The temperatures in Tenerife in the summer are very high and those who can’t stand the heat could suffer as a result. If you choose a hotel or accommodation, make sure there is air conditioning.
People who live in Tenerife all year round do not recommend going in the summer. However, many tourists who visit Tenerife in the summer complain a little about the heat but are still happy with this beautiful island.
Tenerife in winter
Tenerife is a paradise for all lovers of heat, even during the winter. In Tenerife you can swim all year round even in winter and this is a fantastic thing, especially for those who live in cold places in winter.
The only difference between Tenerife in winter and the spring months of April and May is that in the evening the temperatures drop more and therefore it is necessary to wear slightly heavier clothing.
If you want to do the excursion to see the stars on Mount Teide, perhaps winter is not the ideal time. To observe the stars you have to spend about an hour outside and the temperatures at night at the top are quite low or at least not pleasant. Better to choose spring when it’s cool at night on Teide but a jacket is enough to feel more than comfortable.
Tenerife in November and December
The peak season in Tenerife falls during November and December. As an illustration, while we were inside a little shop, the shopkeeper revealed to us that in November, especially on Sundays, the store could accommodate up to twenty people at once. We dare not fathom the multitude of individuals on the beach…
Where to stay in South Tenerife?
Adeje is the perfect choice to explore and find the ideal place to stay in South Tenerife. Nestled along the coastline, this captivating destination offers a wide range of services and attractions. Immerse yourself in the marvelous marina, where you can embark on boat trips to spot whales and dolphins gracefully dancing in the crystal-clear waters. But what makes Adeje even more special are its beaches, renowned as some of the most beautiful in all of Tenerife. The picturesque shores and turquoise waters create a heavenly backdrop for relaxation and sunbathing. So, if you’re seeking a place to stay in South Tenerife, look no further: Adeje is the ultimate choice for an unforgettable stay.
Which part of Tenerife is best for nightlife?
Looking for the liveliest nightlife spot in Tenerife? Want to dive deeper into the vibrant nocturnal scene and discover the top after-dark activities? Check out the following article for a thrilling glimpse into Tenerife’s pulsating nightlife!
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