Tenerife for First-Timers: 9 Unexpected Surprises & How to Prepare for Your Visit

Tenerife is one of those destinations you think you know before you go — sun-soaked beaches, a towering volcano, and plenty of resorts. That’s what I expected, too, before my first visit.

But the reality of the island turned out to be so much more. From unexpected cultural quirks to landscapes that blew me away, this part of the Canaries surprised me in ways I never saw coming.

If you’re planning your first trip to Tenerife, this post will help you uncover some of the things I didn’t know before visiting Tenerife for the first time myself. Consider it a guide to what might surprise you and a little inspiration to explore beyond the usual.

Things That May Surprise You on a First Trip to Tenerife

1. The Weather Can Be Wildly Different Depending on Where You Are

I knew Tenerife was warm year-round, but I didn’t expect to experience a few seasons in a single day. In the north of the island (like La Orotava, Los Realejos or Icod de los Vinos) from fall to spring (and even many times in summer), it can be chilly and misty with a cool breeze.

Then if you drive towards Bajamar village or nearby Punto del Hidalgo, it gets incredibly windy. But when you go south to Costa Adeje, suddenly, it can be scorching sunshine without a cloud in sight (especially from June to August).

Wanting to climb up Mount Teide? Well, let’s just say that you have to be prepared for cold winds (and even snow from December to February) while standing in shorts. While it’s not guaranteed, yet still quite possible that this part of Tenerife for Christmas will see some snow!

Lesson to remember: pack layers, even for “sunny” Tenerife and even in summer if you plan to visit Anaga Mountains, go hiking in Las Palomas forests, or visit Teide for stargazing.

Read my post on seasons and weather in Tenerife to know what each month brings.

2. Guachinches – The Hidden Local Dining Spots

Forget beachside tourist restaurants — guachinches are something you definitely don’t anticipate.

These family-run eateries, often set up in someone’s garage or garden, serve hearty Canarian food paired with local wine. There’s no fancy decor or printed menus, just dishes like carne de fiesta (marinated pork) or grilled goat cheese with palm honey.

Eating here feels like stepping into someone’s home — awkward at first, but you will end up loving the experience.

In most guachinches, the owners who cook and serve the food often don’t speak English. But that’s part of the experience. Don’t worry though. They’re incredibly friendly and with a little creativity, you’ll manage just fine.

NOTE: If you don’t speak Spanish, bring a translator app where you can type your requests and show them to people who work in guachinche – it works like a charm. Just don’t expect them to know English.

TIP: Most authentic guachinches are located away from the main tourist routes, making them even more special. I’m working on a separate post highlighting the best guachinches I’ve tried, but for now, my advice is simple: type “guachinche” into your map, look for the ones with the best reviews nearby, and go for it. Keep in mind that different guachinches have slightly varying opening hours, so check beforehand to see what works for you.

3. The Volcanic Beaches Aren’t What You Imagine

When I thought of Tenerife, I pictured golden sands and turquoise waters. And what’s the reality turned out to be?

Many of the beaches in the north are covered in jet-black volcanic sand — a striking, otherworldly contrast to the dark blue ocean. And waves on them are also quite intense.

Walking on Playa Jardin or Playa de Benijo was so exciting but also a bit odd at first (cool black sand feels different under your feet). It’s not your typical “tropical island” look, and that’s what makes it unforgettable.

4. The Roads Are an Adventure in Themselves

I didn’t expect driving around Tenerife to feel like such a wild adventure. Narrow, winding roads snake up mountains and hug cliffs with hairpin turns that test your nerves.

Driving through Masca Valley was both breathtaking and terrifying with steep drops and barely enough room for two cars to pass.

It took me out of my comfort zone, but the views made every tense moment worth it.

Even the coastal roads have their surprises. Driving to Anaga Rural Park in the northeast feels like entering another world. Misty clouds roll through the hills, and the road winds past ancient laurel forests so dense that they look almost surreal.

In contrast, heading to the south reveals long, open stretches with volcanic plains that seem to go on forever, giving you the sense of driving across another planet.

While these roads might push you out of your comfort zone (especially if you’re not used to mountain driving) they’re part of what makes exploring Tenerife so unforgettable.

Thinking of driving in Tenerife? Then don’t miss my tips on car hire and how to find deals on a budget during the high season. You don’t want to miss my tips!

Also, read my post with the most scenic drives in Tenerife, if you haven’t yet.

5. The Food Is Surprisingly Simple, Yet Full of Flavor

When I visited Tenerife for the first time (and this was when together with my husband we realised that we wanted to live on the island) food caught me off guard because it was so unpretentious but incredibly tasty.

Take potatoes, for example – I often boil them at home, but who knew they could taste this good with just the perfect amount of salt? The famous papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) are boiled in seawater, served with mojo rojo and mojo verde sauces, and somehow became my go-to snack.

Another unexpected favorite? Gofio, a roasted grain flour, often added to soups or served as a dessert with honey. It’s a taste of Canarian tradition I didn’t see coming.

And the best part – food prices in Tenerife are very affordable, so you can enjoy delicious meals outside your accommodation, try a variety of dishes, and still have money left for your next adventure.

Read more about my favorite cafes and restaurants in Puerto de la Cruz where to try Canarian food with different flavors.

6. The Stargazing Feels Unreal

Tenerife’s Mount Teide isn’t just for hiking, it’s one of the best spots in the world for stargazing. Before my visit, I didn’t expect the sky to look so crystal-clear and crowded with stars. And until this day, every time we go to that area at night, it feels like standing inside a planetarium.

The altitude, lack of light pollution, and the Teide Observatory make this experience absolutely surreal. If you’re not usually into astronomy, Tenerife might just change that.

If you would like to go stargazing in Tenerife on your trip, book a tour you are most interested in early in your trip. In winter, things may get canceled because of the weather (which is rare but it happens).

For the best experience, choose a full immersion into the stars which will include a stargazing tour with a telescope and expert guidance to help you identify constellations and planets.

Read my post with tips on stargazing around Tenerife to discover the top locations and ensure an unforgettable night under the stars.

7. It’s Not Just for Sunbathers – Hiking Is Next-Level

Tenerife is a paradise for hikers, which might surprise many people, as the island is often seen as just a beach destination before you visit. I expected beaches and found some of the most dramatic landscapes I’d ever seen.

Hiking through Anaga Rural Park for example, with its dense laurel forests and mist-covered trails, feels like wandering through a forgotten, untouched landscape. Then there’s Teide National Park, where you’re surrounded by volcanic rock formations that look like a sci-fi movie set.

If you’re a hiker, definitely set aside some time for trekking, as there are plenty of trails to choose from. If you’re not much of a hiker, I still recommend exploring the island on foot, even just a little.

Don’t limit yourself to seeing Tenerife from a car or bus tour – try a short walk along one of the trails along the coast or in the forest. A bit of “mini-hiking”, so to speak, can make your experience so much richer.

Walking Experiences on Tenerife for First-Timers

8. The Culture Will Surprise You

But to notice it, you need to get out of your hotel.

Before visiting Tenerife, I had no idea how much its history and culture would stand out. The island’s roots come from a mix of Spanish settlers and the indigenous Guanche people, and as a first-timer, you’ll start noticing these influences everywhere.

Head to La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and walk through streets lined with colonial houses (look for the beautifully carved wooden balconies and colorful facades that make the town feel like a few centuries back in time). Then visit Garachico, a town that was destroyed by lava centuries ago and rebuilt with charm – you’ll see how the island’s history shaped the places people call home.

Keep an eye out for local art, festivals, and food that still carry traces of the island’s heritage. If you get the chance, stop by a small town or local celebration; it’s an easy way to experience Tenerife’s unique traditions that most visitors miss.

9. Sunset Watching Becomes an Obsession

Before Tenerife, I didn’t consider myself someone who cared much about sunsets. That changed fast. Because sunsets in Tenerife are unforgettable – be it from the summit of Teide, the black sands of Playa Benijo, or a beach bar in Los Cristianos.

Watching the sky explode in pinks and oranges as the sun sinks into the Atlantic became a ritual I didn’t know I needed.

If you’re planning your first trip to Tenerife, don’t miss these moments.

Head to Playa Benijo in the north for a dramatic setting with waves crashing against volcanic rock. For a completely different vibe, enjoy a relaxed drink at a beach bar in Los Cristianos, where the sun dips into the calm waters of the south. And if you’re up for an adventure, make your way to the top of Mount Teide, the sunset from above the clouds is worth every bit of the effort.

Final Word for First-Timers to Tenerife

Tenerife is full of surprises, and your first visit will likely shatter any preconceived notions you had about the island. It’s more than just beaches and resorts, it’s a place where landscapes, culture, and lots of experiences come together.

The key to truly enjoying and understanding Tenerife is to step out of your hotel (or airbnb), even if it is a very unique type of accommodation. Don’t just stick to the popular spots or stay within the walls of your resort. Explore the mountain roads, try the local food in unassuming guachinches, and take the time to hike even a small trail.

These are the moments that define Tenerife.

Here Is What to Read Next

Gain insights and inspiration from the following posts. They’ll also help you figure out where to start your journey and what you simply can’t miss on the island:

• North or South Tenerife – which one to choose?
• Must-Do Things in Northern Tenerife – for nature, culture and history
• Unique Things to Do in Tenerife South – that should be on everyone’s list
• How to Find Cheap Flights to Tenerife – tips and personal experience