Island in Canary Islands, Spain
Tenerife
Spring-like all year with volcanic scenery, mountains, a big remote-worker scene and cheap flights. The south is sunny and touristy, the north greener and quieter; a car helps.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,030–2,930Comfortable, one person · €1,800–2,600Details
- Value for money44/100Better value than 43% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJan–May, Oct–NovWarmest: Sep, 25°CDetails
- Air quality9 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet263 MbpsFixed broadband, Spain medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTreated and legally potable, but often brackish; most residents and visitors drink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+5/5Very welcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$56–113Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundCabifyYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work almost everywhere; markets, kiosks and small bars may prefer cash.Details
Where to stay in Tenerife
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Puerto de la Cruz | North-coast town with cafés, lava pools and a nomad scene |
| Santa Cruz and La Laguna | Local life, students, culture and cheaper rents |
| Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje | South resorts, nightlife, beaches and gay scene |
| Los Cristianos | Quieter southern resort with ferries and a harbour |
| El Médano | Wind and kite sports, relaxed surf village |
Apps that work in Tenerife
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Renfe: High-speed and regional train tickets
- ALSA: Long-distance bus tickets
- Taxis: Taxis are metered and reliable at ranks; outside towns book ahead. Airport taxis have posted fixed fares for popular routes.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Spain.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work almost everywhere; markets, kiosks and small bars may prefer cash.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Many Spanish ATMs charge foreign cards a few euros per withdrawal; Euronet machines cost more. Always decline the conversion.
- Tipping: Not expected. Round up at bars and leave 5–10% for good restaurant service; check whether service is already included.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work almost everywhere. Bizum, used to split bills, needs a Spanish bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across all Schengen countries; passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months past departure.
- The EU Entry/Exit System has replaced passport stamps since April 2026: fingerprints and photo at your first entry. Allow extra time.
- ETIAS, the planned €20 online authorisation, isn't required yet (October 2026); check travel-europe.europa.eu for its start date.
Emergency numbers
Police 091 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Phone shops and airport kiosks sell prepaid SIMs (Orange, Vodafone, Digi, Lebara); about €10–25 for 30–100 GB. Passport required to register. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Spain
Going to Tenerife solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.