You have decided to come to Tenerife in the Canary Islands. And of course why not? With a nickname like “Island of Eternal Spring“, you’re about to enter paradise. It’s a perfect destination for travelers but you can have very different experiences depending on what side of the island you wish to stay in and explore.

So we want to help you make the best decision by reviewing the differences you will find on either side. From climate, culture, food, and activities, North and South Tenerife are unique and contrast with each other elegantly to make your time here worthwhile.

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Climate

The Tenerife climate is what draws the crowds to the island all year round. All year the weather is mild, with the average temperature ranging from 15°C to 24°C (59°F to 75°F) in the North to 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) in the South. However, there are subtle differences due to the geography which results in distinct microclimates on either side.

On the north side of Tenerife, you will discover that the climate here is cooler, but still very humid because of the trade winds. It’s also much greener here. It’s because, during the winter season, there is more rainfall on this side of the island compared to the south. You’re going to see a lot of vegetation, especially up in the mountain areas. It all culminates in these beautiful panoramic landscapes when you stop at overlooking viewpoints. For nature lovers and outdoor trail enthusiasts, plan your itinerary to spend long parts of the day here.

The opposite can be said of the south side of Tenerife. Here is your classic tropical getaway. It’s much warmer here and less chance of rain, resulting in this being a drier location. This tends to make it the preferred location for most beachgoers and those looking to enjoy the sun and coastal views.

We recommend loose-fitting comfortable clothing and decent walking shoes for your entire stay on the island. Stay consistently hydrated with plenty of sunscreen for all the time you will be outside.

Culture and Local Life

Tenerife has a long history and enriched culture with many Spanish influences. Many of the Canary Islanders you might meet are very proud of their heritage and are polite, respectful, and humorous people. The Spanish way of time is also very present here. In the canaries, it’s a more slow-paced schedule with a later start to the day so you will feel more restful, and an emphasis is placed on being stress-free and enjoying the results of your hard work.

Most of the extensive culture you will experience will be in the North side. Its focus is more on the agriculture and community of Tenerife, especially the banana plantations that play a very important role in the island landscape and economy as a major export to Spain.

Tip: Take a banana plantation tour and sample banana liquor, snacks, and other products.

Here you will find more traditional roots in smaller towns such as Garachico and Puerto de la Cruz. They even have named the northern city of La Laguna as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In each place, the colonial-era architecture gives the old-town historic charm as you walk down cobblestone streets, see wooden balconies, and enjoy the beautiful town plazas and colorful public parks.

You will find the south more cosmopolitan and modern, with this part of Tenerife focused on accommodating visitors from Europe, the United Kingdom, and other international destinations. Towns like Costa Adeje and Santa Cruz are filled with luxury beach resorts, upscale boutique stores, shopping centers, expat communities, and a focus on nightlife and entertainment. At night you will see the streets and boardwalks filled with people looking for adventure.

It’s the center of tourism for Tenerife with a focus on the essential pristine sun-shine-filled beach life the Canary Islands are world famous for, with little emphasis on the local culture unless you go inland to the smaller towns and villages. This is part of the reason there have been complaints and several protests concerning over-tourism in Tenerife as prices have increased, putting a strain on locals.

Attractions and Activities

Tenerife does not lack in this category. There are many attractions and activities in Tenerife to make it worth visiting as a holiday destination.

North Tenerife attractions focus more on nature and the outdoors. It’s a more relaxed atmosphere where you can take time to soak it all in without fear of being rushed off. Thanks to the wet and cool climate we discussed earlier, places like Anaga Rural Park in the mountains give you some unparalleled hiking trails through deep green forests of laurel, and taking the scenic routes through the natural mist and above the clouds to magnificent viewpoints is encouraged. These are extremely popular for hiking enthusiasts and you can spend hours just wandering around.

Don’t forget the floral and fauna either with several impressive botanical gardens. There are no natural predators on the island. This has resulted in an ecological system with larger plants and trees. Dragon trees are especially popular here and an iconic symbol of Tenerife. Some of the other plants you will see are only native to the island due to its perfect conditions while others are from an exotic collection around the world that have found a place here.

Top attractions in South Tenerife will cater more towards water sports and enjoying the pristine golden beaches. You can spend part of your day kayaking along the towering Los Gigantes cliffs, where you can see the deep blue waters and impressive backdrops. There is Siam Park, one of the world’s best and largest water parks perfect for family and large group outings. Plan on coming early as lines do form quickly at the entrance.

Costa Adeje is filled with things to do. A must-do activity is a dolphin and whale-watching tour. These are year-round thanks to the warm ocean waters off the coast. Even if you don’t see any you can still enjoy the feel of the waves and take in some sunbathing. Or if you prefer, there is jet skiing, windsurfing, and scuba diving. Or peruse along the boardwalk to the boutique stores and shopping center.

Lodging

Solo travelers, couples, and budget travelers should focus on the North side of Tenerife. It offers more authentic and intimate experiences than being in the South which caters to tourists and larger groups.

What’s great about the North is that there are boutique hotels combining older restored historic buildings with modern amenities while keeping the charm and unique designs. It’s a more personalized experience due to its smaller size Smaller towns like Garachico have Hotel San Roque and Hotel La Quinta Roja a restored villa and mansions right in the heart of town.

There are high-end luxury hotels such as the Hotel Botanico & The Oriental Spa Garden in Puerto de la Cruz that have top spa amenities, fine dining options, spacious rooms, and panoramic views to die for. Hostels are also more readily available here if you are not looking to empty your wallet.

In South Tenerife, it is the epitome of luxury. You will see just a line of 5-star luxury resorts like Tivoli La Caleta Resort all next to each other. Most are family friendly though there are some exceptions to the rule. Others are all-inclusive which makes them a more popular choice sometimes. You have villas and apartments that are comfortable and afford a level of privacy to the occupants. Almost all of these will give you direct access to the beaches, modern designs, and Atlantic Ocean views.

Cuisine

The cuisine you are going to find in Tenerife is just delectable. It’s a blended mix of the native Guanche and Spanish colonists, focused on a variety of seafood with lean meats and vegetables to sate your foodie obsession.

North Tenerife focuses on traditional Canary Island flair and flavors. Its ingredients are more locally sourced and everything tastes fresh as if it was just brought out from the ocean or farmland. It’s the volcanic soil that enriches the farmland and of course, that taste is reflected in the dishes. Classic dishes include papas arrugadas, ropa vieja, and pulpo a la gallega.

Tip: Make sure to get a plentiful helping of Mojo sauce. This standard condiment is an addictive sauce that compliments every dish you will have. We recommend the red spicy sauce over its green herb-like companion but there is no wrong choice.

South Tenerife caters to the European and United Kingdom tourists. So you will find plenty of international cuisine choices here. There are Italian restaurants, British pubs, and even some Latin American choices. Mainland Spanish dishes such as paella and tapas are very popular here. A lot of these places blend their recipes with the local ingredients to give it a unique taste of fusion.

Don’t forget the wine pairing with your meal either. There is a long history of wine making here and Tenerife has small vineyards throughout the area. The heavy minerals in the volcanic soil and various climates give these wines a distinctive flavor. You have crisp whites and spicy reds from a variety of grape flavors that also showcase fruity, tropical, rich, and aromatic characteristics.

Which Should You Choose?

North Tenerife should be your choice if you are looking to spend your time enjoying a more scenic and quieter vacation on the island. You will find things are more authentic here. There is more culture to explore and learn about from the locals and will be more serene with the cooler weather.

South Tenerife is perfect for those who want a luxury island experience. Time spent just enjoying the beaches and water activities will not be wasted. The nightlife is more exciting if you are looking to go out every evening and you can enjoy more cuisine options.