There are countless ways to spend short 5-day holidays in Tenerife, varying in length, starting points, and interests. Because believe it or not, Tenerife Island is not that small and there are just really a ton of things to do.

I want to give you a somewhat unique Tenerife itinerary for five days that begins at the northern airport and is designed for those who wish to explore the natural beauty of Tenerife’s north while getting to know its historical heritage. This journey will take you through beautiful towns that played a significant role in shaping Tenerife’s identity.

Throughout this route, you will stay in delightful hotels that transport you back in time to the colonial era of Tenerife. You’ll have the chance to walk along some scenic coastal trails, sip on a traditional coffee drink of the Canaries in one of the island’s historic estates, and witness the breathtaking cliffs that are the hallmark of northern Tenerife.

Of course, you’ll also have the option to relax on beaches with either volcanic black sand or sand from the Sahara, allowing you to choose your preferred coastal experience.

Are 5 Days in Tenerife Enough?

No, this time is not enough. I mean… physically, you can drive around the island in a car when having only 5 days on hand, quickly checking out some sights along these scenic routes, or making a full loop around the island.

But this will be a very superficial trip that will only give a slight idea of what Tenerife is like.

It might seem like less than a week in Tenerife is ample time since, on a map, the island looks like a big village in the middle of the ocean. But this duration will not be sufficient for even a tenth of Tenerife’s activities.

Five days might be enough for Gran Canaria (although not really even for this island), but certainly not for Tenerife. It is far too limited to make a meaningful exploration.

My Main Tip For a Short Trip to Tenerife

However, if 5 days to the Canary Islands is all you have and there is no possibility of making a trip longer, then here is the number one thing to remember:

For a quality experience, do not spread yourself too thin (unless, of course, this trip is just for reels on Instagram or TikTok to create the impression that you’ve seen the entire island in 5 days).

This means – do not plan to visit too many places in different parts of the island. It’s better to concentrate on one region (either north or south). Otherwise, you won’t see a lot and instead just end up spending time in a car.

If you want to explore both, choose hotels along your travel route instead of staying in one location and having to commute back and forth.

Helpful read: Unique places to stay for couples around the island

Detailed 5-Day Route for Northern Tenerife

Here is my sample itinerary that allows you to see and do more within a short timeframe.

Day 1 – Arrival & Exploration of Two Capitals

After arriving and picking up your rental car, head to La Laguna, Tenerife’s first capital, where the island’s colonial era began. Be sure to visit Plaza del Adelantado, Cathedral of San Cristobal de La Laguna, and Casa de los Capitanes to get a true sense of Tenerife’s past.

After spending a few hours exploring La Laguna (and checking in at your accommodation), make your way to Santa Cruz, the current capital and a port city with a small yet architecturally rich old town.

If you arrive around midday, consider heading straight to Playa de Las Teresitas before exploring the city itself. Dip your feet in the inviting water (or maybe even go for a swim!) and take in the golden sands against a massive backdrop of mountains that roll right down to the sea.

Interestingly, the sand on this beach was transported from Morocco by ferry, sourced straight from the Sahara Desert. So here, you have the chance to experience two worlds in one place, where the sand from the Sahara meets the shores of volcanic Canary Isle.

After the beach, enjoy a stroll through Santa Cruz’s old town, and grab a bite (or an early dinner) around Plaza del Principe de Asturias, where you’ll find plenty of traditional restaurants and tapas bars.

Santa Cruz and La Laguna are fascinating cities with plenty to see, so expect to spend the whole day soaking them in.

TIP: If you happen to visit on Wednesday in the morning (if arriving early or switching the days of this itinerary around), there is a chance to join one interesting free tour of Santa Cruz that covers all the important sites.

Day 2 – Go Searching for Forest Nymphs in Anaga Forest

Well, okay, seeing forest nymphs here may be unrealistic, but the atmosphere feels as if they truly inhabit this forest, especially when you arrive in the mist and clouds – there’s a haunting beauty in the air, with laurel trees cloaked in moss and the soft rustling of leaves creating a mysterious symphony.

That’s why I suggest spending the second day in Tenerife here, in Anaga Forest, the most mystical place on the island, especially considering how short a drive from La Laguna is.

If you are a hiker, you should try to hike at least one of the trails (some are easy and quick, leading you through the mystical forest while others are more challenging, going through the lush, misty landscapes and revealing vistas of cliffs).

One of the easier hikes (through dense laurel forest) which is also one of the most accessible ones with impressive vistas throughout is Cruz del Carmen which starts in the Sendero Bosque hiking area (here). You can explore this path with kids and it takes around 3 hours in total including photography and snack stops.

I love this trail as it is a great starting point for first-time visitors to Anaga who want to see those magical-looking trees that are the staple of this park and show up on different postcards and books about this area. Another great thing about it – you don’t need a permit here and parking nearby is easy.

Alternative Way to Spend Second Day of Tenerife 5-Day Holiday

• Hiking Tour Through Anaga With a Guide – explore the depth of the forest without a worry of getting lost.
• Expedition Through Hidden Canyon in Barranco Valley – No previous experience needed, equipment included
• Advanced Introduction to Diving – 5-hour long experience in Santa Cruz (in the best spot for diving and snorkeling!)
• Private Tour of North Coast – avoid the crowds and discover hidden places of the north

Day 3 – Relax in Puntillo del Sol & El Sauzal

Since the previous day is packed with activities, including hiking, I suggest taking it a bit easier on your third day. I’ve chosen a charming settlement for you to stay in, where there’s a unique accommodation option with a pool and a relaxing view (this one in Puntillo del Sol if you haven’t seen it yet), perfect for soaking in the slower pace of local life.

By “taking it easy,” I don’t mean a completely passive day – just a more relaxed pace. Puntillo del Sol and nearby El Puertito as well as El Sauzal are three scenic locations perfect for a slower pace of life and relaxed vacation.

You could spend some time at Playa de Rojas (in summer, it’s great for swimming in a sea cave, and if visiting from December to February, you can enjoy a scenic hike there). Walk along the trails to see the ancient caves once inhabited by the Guanche people, and continue along the path nearly all the way to El Sauzal.

If you’re not in the mood to stay near the ocean, I recommend strolling through the streets of El Puertito instead and then going to the colorful center of El Sauzal. Some of the streets there offer beautiful panoramic views and follow a canyon with fascinating landscapes.

Day 4 – Exploration of Puerto de la Cruz City & Suburbs

Puerto de la Cruz deserves a longer visit because it resembles a continuous botanical garden on a cascade of hills, featuring a multitude of subtropical plants, intriguing casas, and Manrique’s sculptures.

I have a very detailed one day in Puerto de la Cruz itinerary which will be super helpful on your trip to Tenerife.

Otherwise, if you would love something very unique and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, then visit Loro Park with my tips on it.

Day 5 – Traditional Breakfast, Fishing Village & Departure

I recommend ending your 5-day Tenerife trip uniquely (if your flight is later in the day).

Don’t sleep in, wake up early and enjoy a traditional Tenerife breakfast by going to Omelete Meeting Point cafe which is less than 10-min drive from the accommodation I suggested in Puntillo del Sol.

There, try their tortilla de patata sandwiches, filled with various meats, fish, and vegetables (for vegetarians), alongside breakfast sandwiches and burgers. We love this spot for breakfast because it’s affordable and offers a genuine local experience!

Afterward, make a stop in La Giganta to walk on the cliff by the Bunker of Santa Ursula and towards the Quinta viewing platform to soak in another view of Puerto de la Cruz in the distance and its coast.

If there is still time left, on the way back, you can also go to the tiny fishing village of Caleton, on the other side of Puntillo del Sol. There, experience how fishermen lived in this area, get lost in the narrow streets between the houses, and breathe in the refreshing breeze of the Atlantic Ocean before saying goodbye to the island.

Do You Have More Than Five Days in Tenerife?

Then you should explore more of the island and visit these places as well:

• Do Other Things in Tenerife North – a more complete list of experiences
• Go Stargazing – and read my recommendations on it
• Southern Tenerife Guide – activities & tips for visiting
• Visiting Guimar – land of pyramids, aloe, and hidden beaches
• Cheap All-Inclusive Hotels – nice options for longer stays