Familiar to many Finns and others, Tenerife is an island where the scenery changes in an instant. The north is filled with lush forests and misty mountains, while the south is dominated by dry volcanic landscapes and bright, sunny beaches. Even on a one-week trip, you can easily experience both sides of the island and that’s exactly what makes Tenerife such an intriguing destination.
We spent four nights of our week-long holiday in the north, in Puerto de la Cruz, and three nights in the south, in Los Cristianos, right next to Playa de las Américas. Hotels are generally more affordable in the north, and you can easily compare accommodation options in both Puerto de la Cruz and the Los Cristianos/Playa de las Américas area.
To get around, we had a rental car for the entire week and it turned out to be the best decision we could have made. The island is surprisingly small, the roads are in great condition and the scenery makes driving part of the adventure. With a car, you can stop freely at scenic viewpoints and explore the island at your own pace. You can rent a car with confidence through Rentalcars.com.
Northern Tenerife – Green Nature, Mountains, and Hiking
Northern Tenerife feels like a completely different world from the south: lush, cooler, and more tranquil. The climate is slightly milder and mist often lingers around the mountains, but that’s exactly what gives the landscapes their magical charm.
Puerto de la Cruz makes an excellent base for exploring the north. The town itself is cozy and just the right size, with plenty to see and do. It’s easy to take day trips around the island and return in the evenings to enjoy the town’s atmospheric restaurants and seaside promenade.
One of the north’s biggest highlights is Parque Rural de Anaga, the island’s greenest and oldest natural area. Located at the far northeastern tip, its ancient laurel forests are part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Walking its trails feels like stepping into another world. There are several easy hikes such as Sendero Parque Rural Anaga and Sendero de los Sentidos which are great for beginners and perfect for short nature walks.
As with any mountain area, the weather can change quickly here. Clouds and sunshine can alternate within the hour, so it’s wise to bring an extra layer.
Mirador Pico del Inglés offers one of the most spectacular views on the entire island. On clear days, you can see all the way to Mount Teide, while at other times, the clouds drift through the valleys like a white sea.
On the island’s northwestern edge lies the famous Masca Valley, part of the Parque Rural de Teno. The winding serpentine road leading to the village is an experience in itself, with breathtaking views, though it’s narrow and twisty, so take your time and drive carefully. During busy hours, you may need to pull over for oncoming cars or buses, so patience is key.
In Masca, you can stop for coffee, walk a short viewpoint trail, and admire the dramatic scenery between steep mountains and deep valleys. Often called “Europe’s Machu Picchu,” Masca is, for many travelers, the highlight of their Tenerife trip and based on our own experience, we’d call it the most beautiful place on the island.
The northern coastline is wilder and often rougher than the beaches in the south, but that’s part of its charm.
Garachico, one of the island’s most beautiful and oldest villages, dates back to the 15th century. It’s famous for its natural lava pools, where you can swim when the sea conditions allow.
Just west of Puerto de la Cruz lies Playa de Castro, a peaceful beach of dark sand and rocks, reached via a steep but scenic trail.
Nearby stands the impressive ruin of Elevador de Aguas de Gordejuela, an old water-pumping station clinging dramatically to the cliffside. A must-see photo spot!
The north is best suited for those who want to experience nature, go hiking, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. Towns are smaller, life moves at a calmer pace, and local restaurants serve authentic flavors without big tourist crowds. The weather doesn’t always guarantee sunshine, but the landscapes more than make up for it.
Southern Tenerife – Sunshine, Beaches, and Volcanic Landscapes
Southern Tenerife offers a completely different climate and vibe compared to the north. Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas are the island’s most famous beach destinations, with almost guaranteed sunshine all year round. Temperatures often stay above 25°C, even when the north is cloudy.
The beaches here are wide and golden, with every possible service from restaurants to surf schools. It’s easy to spend lazy days on the sand or wandering through the many shops. In the evenings, the area comes alive as seaside promenades fill with people, live music, and the scent of the ocean breeze.
The south also offers plenty of family-friendly hotels, and the sea tends to be calmer, making it an easy and convenient choice for families with children.
Some of the best shopping on the island can be found at Siam Mall, a large modern shopping center located near Playa de las Américas and the main highway. It features both international chains and Spanish brands, and right next door is Siam Park, one of Europe’s top water parks. A Perfect for a day trip if you want a break from the beach.
The seaside promenade in Las Américas is also lined with small boutiques, beach bars, and cafés, creating a laid-back holiday vibe from morning till night.
In the evenings, the southern towns host Tenerife’s liveliest nightlife, cocktail bars, live music, and terraces where you can enjoy a drink as the sun sets. For a quieter atmosphere, Los Cristianos is a slightly more relaxed alternative compared to the party scene of neighboring Las Américas.
Tenerife’s Icon – Mount Teide
Dominating Tenerife’s skyline is the island’s most famous landmark, Mount Teide. Standing at 3,718 meters, it’s Spain’s highest peak. Located in the center of the island, it’s visible from many parts of Tenerife and even from neighboring islands.
For nature lovers, Teide National Park is an absolute must-see and it’s easy to reach from either side of the island. The volcanic landscape feels otherworldly, rugged, red, and awe-inspiring. You can drive up to nearly 2,300 meters, and on clear days, the views stretch all the way to the other Canary Islands.
Popular stops include La Ruleta Viewpoint near the visitor center and Roques de García, a 3.5-kilometer circular trail known for its stunning scenery and fascinating rock formations, a perfect spot for photography.
Sunset Above the Clouds
One unforgettable experience in Tenerife is watching the sunset above the clouds. One of the best spots for this is Mirador de Chipeque, offering a breathtaking view of Teide rising above a sea of clouds. Thanks to Tenerife’s climate, this phenomenon happens frequently, so chances are good you’ll witness a magical sunset if you plan for it.
Exploring Tenerife by Car – Freedom at Your Own Pace
Distances in Tenerife are short, but the landscapes change quickly. Driving from north to south takes about an hour to an hour and a half, making it easy to explore both sides in one trip. Even by public transport, the journey between the two takes only about two hours.
The roads are well-maintained, traffic is calm, and driving is straightforward, though in mountain areas, be prepared for narrow roads, steep curves, and big elevation changes that call for a slower pace.
Having a rental car gives you the freedom to stop in small villages, scenic viewpoints, and hidden beaches that buses don’t reach. Many of the best viewpoints, such as Mirador de Chipeque and Pico del Inglés, are also easiest to access by car. Explore car rental options on Rentalcars.com.
Two Very Different Sides on One Island
Tenerife surprised us with its diversity. We never tired of the north’s stunning, green mountain scenery. For us, nature is often the highlight of travel, but we also enjoyed the lively atmosphere and beaches that the south complemented perfectly. Sunshine, sand, and a bit more buzz.
No matter what kind of holiday you prefer, we highly recommend taking at least a day trip to the other side of the island to experience its contrasting character. If you enjoy a mix of activities, like we do, it’s worth splitting your week between both sides to see and feel more of what Tenerife has to offer.
Though Tenerife is small, it contains multiple climates, landscapes, and moods within one island. That’s exactly why it suits so many types of travelers. Whether your goal is hiking through misty forests, driving to a volcano, or relaxing on the beach under the sun.
So which side is better? That naturally depends on what you’re looking for. For us, the north wins with its breathtaking nature, but if the goal were simply sunshine and beach days, then the south would be the choice.
One thing’s certain: Tenerife will definitely see us again, because there are still so many places left to discover.
