Book flights to Tenerife

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, and is a central hub for travellers seeking a diverse volcanic landscape in the Atlantic. The island has a unique geographic profile, dominated by the massive Mount Teide, which is the highest peak in Spain.

The historic fabric of the island is visible in the colourful streets of San Cristóbal de la Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the traditional architecture of La Orotava. Cultural discovery continues in the capital at the Auditorio de Tenerife, a modern architectural landmark, and within the ancient laurel forests of Anaga Rural Park.

Visitors find an atmosphere that balances high-altitude exploration with coastal relaxation. The destination has a distinct character shaped by its subtropical climate and dramatic terrain, making it a frequent choice for those interested in natural history and outdoor discovery.

High season in Tenerife

Tenerife experiences its primary peak during the winter months, as travellers from northern latitudes arrive at Tenerife South Airport to escape the cold. From December to March, daily temperatures hover around 21°C, creating a spring-like atmosphere that is perfect for coastal relaxation. The southern resorts stay busy with a lively social energy, while the outdoor cafes and beach promenades are full of life throughout the day.

The cultural highlight of this period is the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which takes place in February. This world-famous event transforms the capital into a sea of colour and music, second only to the celebrations in Rio de Janeiro. Visitors landing during this time find an island in high spirits, where the pace of life is dictated by outdoor festivals and the clear, sunny skies of the south.

Low season in Tenerife

The low season in Tenerife typically falls during the late spring and autumn months, specifically in May, June, and September. During these periods, the island is much quieter, and the intense heat of the summer has either not yet arrived or is beginning to fade. The landscape is often at its most beautiful, with the Mount Teide National Park offering crisp air and unobstructed views for those hiking the volcanic trails.

Landing at Tenerife North Airport during the low season reveals a more local side of the island. The pace is slower, allowing for a more tranquil exploration of the historic streets in San Cristóbal de La Laguna or the lush, green forests of Anaga. This time of year is ideal for travellers seeking a peaceful retreat, as the popular sights are less crowded and the natural beauty of the island becomes the primary focus of the experience.

Two distinct air gateways are on the island of Tenerife, strategically positioned at opposite ends of the territory to manage the high volume of international and domestic traffic. Depending on your choice of flights to Tenerife, you will arrive either in the lush, northern region or the sun-drenched southern coast, both of which offer efficient connections to the main urban hubs.

Tenerife South Airport (TFS)

Tenerife South Airport, also known as Aeropuerto de Tenerife Sur Reina Sofía (TFS), is the primary international gateway to the island, located about 60 km southwest of the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Situated in the municipality of Granadilla de Abona, it handles the majority of long-haul and European traffic, and is a major hub for low-cost carriers and charter airlines. The facility consists of a large, single terminal building that efficiently processes millions of travellers seeking the popular resort areas nearby.

Upon exiting the arrivals hall, you can board the AeroExpress bus (specifically Line 111 or Line 711) for a journey of approximately 45 to 60 minutes to the Intercambiador de Santa Cruz. For those heading to the southern tourist districts, frequent bus services like Line 40 reach Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos in roughly 30 minutes. Taxis are readily available at the designated ranks outside the terminal, providing a direct door-to-door service to any destination on the island, while several car rental agencies operate directly from the arrivals level.

Tenerife North Airport (TFN)

Tenerife North Airport, formerly called Los Rodeos (TFN), is located in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, just 11 km from the capital city. This airport primarily manages inter-island traffic between the other Canary Islands and scheduled domestic flights to Tenerife originating from mainland Spain. The terminal is well-organized and is a key base for regional airlines, offering a quieter alternative to the busier southern hub for those visiting the northern parts of the island.

The transfer into the city centre is exceptionally quick due to the airport's proximity to the main urban area. Public bus Line 20 connects the terminal to the Intercambiador de Santa Cruz in about 15 to 20 minutes, providing a reliable and frequent link for passengers. If your destination is the northern resort of Puerto de la Cruz, Line 30 offers a direct route with a travel time of approximately 30 minutes. Taxis located at the terminal entrance offer the fastest way to reach nearby La Laguna or the capital, typically arriving in less than 15 minutes depending on traffic.

As your aircraft descends toward the dramatic volcanic coastlines of Tenerife, the sight of Mount Teide rising above the clouds signals the start of a diverse Atlantic adventure. Stepping off the plane, the warm trade winds carry the scent of salt and pine, welcoming you to an island where prehistoric forests and modern coastal energy exist side by side.

Mount Teide is the highest peak in Spain and the focal point of the island, offering a lunar landscape of hardened lava flows and colourful mineral deposits. Exploring this high-altitude crater reveals a silent, majestic world that feels entirely removed from the beaches below.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the bustling capital, where the avant-garde curves of the Auditorio de Tenerife sit against the backdrop of the deep blue ocean. The city is a hub of contemporary culture, filled with open-air sculptures and historic plazas that come alive during the world-renowned Carnival season.

San Cristóbal de La Laguna provides a walk through history with its pastel-coloured colonial architecture and narrow, organized streets. This UNESCO World Heritage site preserves a scholarly, peaceful atmosphere, housing ancient courtyards and traditional Canarian wooden balconies.

Anaga Rural Park contains ancient laurel forests that have survived since the tertiary period, draped in mist and lush green moss. Hiking through these damp, enchanted woods offers a glimpse into the island’s rugged botanical past and provides stunning views of secluded northern coves.

Cueva del Viento is one of the largest volcanic tubes in the world, formed by the cooling of lava flows thousands of years ago. Walking through these underground labyrinths allows you to witness the intricate geological force that shaped the very foundation of the island.

Los Gigantes are massive basalt cliffs that rise up to 600 metres straight out of the sea on the western coast. Best viewed from the water, these sheer rock faces create a humbling sense of scale and protect a rich marine ecosystem where dolphins and whales are frequently spotted.

Finding your way to Tenerife is easy when you use the search filters to compare different airlines and departure times for your next island getaway. Consider joining eDreams Prime to unlock additional savings on your flights, making it even simpler to plan frequent escapes to this beautiful destination. With your booking confirmed, you can look forward to the excitement of boarding your plane and finally touching down on this sunny island.