Looking for an incredible Tenerife itinerary for 7 days? I’ve got you covered! We visited this beautiful island together with our baby César when he was 3 months old. It was his very first holiday abroad and the best decision we made!
A lot of people think that if you’re traveling with a baby your adventurous days are over but that’s really not the case! This Tenerife itinerary is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. It will take you through the lush forests and mountains of Anaga Rural Park, to the moonlike landscape of Teide National Park and end with some luxurious relaxation.
If you’ve read any of my previous travel guides you know that we absolutely love hiking and that we like a full schedule. And while we weren’t able to simply take off on any hike as we did before we did manage to complete some of the most beautiful hikes on Tenerife.
So if you’re looking for a Tenerife itinerary that offers the best of the best, keep on reading! Baby or no baby, these 7 days in Tenerife will be amazing.
How to reach Tenerife
Reaching the beautiful island of Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, is a straightforward and accessible journey, no matter where you’re coming from. The island boasts two main airports: Tenerife South Airport (Reina Sofia) and Tenerife North Airport (Los Rodeos).
Tenerife South, located near the popular resort areas, is the larger of the two and handles the majority of international flights, including many budget airlines from across Europe.
Tenerife North, closer to the capital city of Santa Cruz, primarily serves domestic flights from mainland Spain and other Canary Islands, but also has some international connections.
Once you land, getting to your destination on the island is easy, thanks to a well-connected network of buses (called guaguas locally), taxis, and car rental services available at both airports.
For those preferring sea travel, ferries are available from mainland Spain and other Canary Islands, docking at the ports of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Los Cristianos.
Where to stay on Tenerife
RITZ CARLTON ABAMA – Tenerife
Staying at the Ritz Carlton Abama is what made our trip absolutely unforgettable. It’s only a short drive away from most hiking trails and you won’t have to deal with the daily traffic jams in the south of Tenerife.
We stayed at their Villa Club Deluxe which comes with a semi private heated pool, exclusive access to El Mirador for breakfast and includes complimentary drinks and snacks by the pool.
The best time to visit Tenerife
Visiting Tenerife is a delightful experience year-round, but depending on what you’re looking for, some seasons might suit your plans better. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in each season:
- Spring (March to May): This is a fantastic time to visit if you enjoy mild weather and fewer crowds. The island blooms beautifully in spring, making it perfect for hiking and exploring nature. The average temperature hovers around a comfortable 20°C (68°F).
- Summer (June to August): Expect warm, sunny days with temperatures around 25°C (77°F). It’s the peak tourist season, so popular spots can be crowded, but it’s perfect for beach-goers and water sports enthusiasts.
- Autumn (September to November): Similar to spring, autumn in Tenerife is less crowded and offers pleasant temperatures, typically around 23°C (73°F). It’s a great time for outdoor activities and experiencing local festivals.
- Winter (December to February): With temperatures averaging 17°C (63°F), winter is mild compared to most of Europe. It’s a popular season for those escaping colder climates, and while it’s cooler, it’s still suitable for beach days and exploring.
Each season in Tenerife has its charm, whether you’re after sunny beach days, serene nature hikes, or lively cultural festivals. Just pack accordingly and you’re set for a great time on this versatile island!
We visited Tenerife at the end of November and it was perfect for what we had planned!
How to get around Tenerife
Getting around Tenerife is quite straightforward, thanks to the variety of transportation options available on the island.
For those who prefer public transport, Tenerife offers a reliable bus service, known locally as ‘guaguas,’ operated by TITSA. These buses cover most of the island, including major tourist destinations, and are a budget-friendly option.
There’s also a tram service in the metropolitan area of Santa Cruz and La Laguna, which is efficient for exploring these cities.
Taxis are readily available and can be a convenient option for shorter trips or if you’re traveling in a group.
However, to truly make the most of your Tenerife adventure, renting a car is often considered the best choice. A rental car offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the island at your own pace, reach remote beaches, hidden villages, and mountainous areas that public transport might not cover.
The roads in Tenerife are well-maintained and offer some spectacular scenic drives, especially in the rural parts of the island. With a car, you can spontaneously stop at viewpoints, find your own secluded spots, and experience the diverse landscapes Tenerife is renowned for.
While other transportation options are available and functional, a rental car unlocks the full potential of a Tenerife journey, offering an unmatched blend of convenience, adventure, and autonomy.
🚗 Rent a car by using SunnyCars. There’s never any hidden costs with them and free cancellation up to 1 hour before rental start. Their price is transparent and everything is included.
The perfect 7 days Tenerife travel itinerary
Day 1 – Anaga Rural Park
During our days in Anaga Rural Park we stayed at San Cristobal La Laguna. This way we were close to the entrance and most of the hikes. Especially when you’re traveling with a young baby you try to limit your travel time.
La Laguna Gran Hotel provides express check-in and check-out, non-smoking rooms, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi and a garden.
Mirador de Jardina
When driving up to Anaga Rural Park you have to make a stop at Mirador de Jardina. It’s one of the most beautiful viewpoints over the island of Tenerife and on a clear sunrise you will see Mount Teide in all its glory.
A big plus on stopping here first is that you’ll pretty much get to enjoy the viewpoint all to yourself.
Roque de Taborno Hike
The trail to Roque de Taborno is a moderately challenging one, spanning about 3 kilometers, and it takes around 2 hours to complete.
The hike starts in Taborno, a very small town in the heart of Anaga Rural Park. The biggest tip I can give you is to start hiking as early as possible. Parking is extremely limited and otherwise you might have to wait a long time to find a spot.
It’s also wise to bring along water, snacks, and sun protection, as most parts of the trail are quite exposed.
📖 READ MORE – The Spectacular Roque de Taborno Hike In Tenerife
Day 2 – Anaga Rural Park
Playa de Benijo
Playa de Benijo is a black sand beach all the way in the northern tip of Anaga Rural Park. As anywhere else in Anaga, parking spaces are limited so best to start your day as early as possible. In our case that was always when César had his first feeding of the day.
You can reach Playa de Benijo with the help of a wooden staircase but keep in mind that swimming here can be challenging due to strong currents and waves. It’s definitely not suitable to go swimming here with children.
Hike the Path of the Senses
The Path of the Senses, or ‘Sendero de los Sentidos’, in Tenerife is a unique and enchanting hiking experience that truly lives up to its name.
The path is split into three routes of varying lengths, with the shortest being just 340 meters, making it accessible to hikers of all abilities, including those with limited mobility.
Camino Viejo al Pico del Inglés
As you set foot on the Camino Viejo, you’ll be instantly captivated by the dense canopy of laurel forests, a unique ecosystem that dates back millions of years.
Parking can simply be done on the side of the road and once you’re done admiring these ancient walls, make sure to walk towards Mirador Pico del Inglés for an incredible view over Anaga Rural Park.
Day 3 – Anaga Rural Park
Punta del Hidalgo – Chinamada hike
The Punta de Hidalgo to Chinamada hike in Tenerife is a hidden gem for those who love coastal trails with a mix of cultural insights. This moderately challenging hike starts in the small, picturesque coastal village of Punta de Hidalgo, located in the northeastern part of the island.
The hiking trail starts at Punta del Hidalgo and is an out and back hike up and down the Anaga mountains. This was definitely one of the more difficult hikes that we did in Tenerife. But mostly because the sun was shining and the way up I was carrying César, who already weighs nearly 6kg.
To say that I was red and sweaty is an understatement.
For us the hike took around the house 4.5 hours to complete but that includes taking photos and a feeding for César when hiking back down.
Afterwards it was time to drive South and towards our accommodation for the next couple of days. If you’ve watched my stories on Tenerife you know that I was absolutely not amused with this property. They promised a laundry machine (not there), a heated pool (turns out he means solar heated…), running hot water (should be pretty standard but gone after a 5 minute shower). Oh and from the downstairs bathroom there came a sewage smell…
Needless to say I will not be mentioning or even recommending this place. It doesn’t deserve any attention in my opinion.
If I had to do it all over again I wouldn’t doubt for a second and just spend the rest of our days at The Ritz Carlton Abama.
can’t recommend The Ritz Carlton Abama enough but staying here is what made our trip absolutely unforgettable. It’s only a short drive away from most hiking trails and you won’t have to deal with the daily traffic jams in the south of Tenerife.
We stayed at their Villa Club Deluxe which comes with a semi private heated pool, exclusive access to El Mirador for breakfast and includes complimentary drinks and snacks by the pool.
All in all it was the perfect hotel to stay in Tenerife with our baby.
Day 4 – Puerto de la Cruz
La Rambla de Castro
This beautiful town is located in the north western part of Tenerife and right behind it you’ll find a beautiful palm grove.
The hike La Rambla de Castro is about 4 kilometers long and takes roughly two hours to complete, meandering through banana plantations, rustic bridges, and alongside cliffs offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Along the way, you’ll encounter charming historical landmarks, including the 18th-century Hacienda de Castro and the Fortín de San Fernando, a small fortification that once guarded the coast from pirates.
The path also leads to the beautiful Playa de los Roques, a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the sea breeze. The trail is well-marked and suitable for all ages, making it a great option for a family outing.
💡 TIP – Grab lunch at Restaurante Cafetería Mirador San Pedro afterwards.
Garachico
This quaint town was once the island’s most important port until a volcanic eruption in 1706 reshaped its landscape. Today, one of Garachico’s main attractions is its natural swimming pools, formed from volcanic lava flows, offering a unique and refreshing swimming experience.
Los Gigantes
Los Gigantes in Tenerife is truly a sight to behold, famed for its imposing cliffs, known as ‘The Giants’, which dramatically drop into the Atlantic Ocean.
The town itself has a charming selection of shops, bars, and restaurants, perfect for leisurely afternoons or evening strolls. The nearby black sand beaches, like Playa de la Arena, are great for sunbathing and swimming.
Day 5 – Masca
Santiago del Teide to Masca hike
The first part of the trail is actually pretty boring. But I promise you, once you’ve reached the first top, the views only get better!
Make sure to make a quick detour to Risco Verde, from where you’ll have an incredible panoramic view over the Teno mountains.
Spanning approximately 10 kilometers, the trail takes you through a variety of terrains, from rocky paths to lush valleys, showcasing the diverse natural beauty of the island. As you trek, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the rugged Teno mountains and the deep gorges that carve through them.
The path descends into the Masca Gorge, revealing breathtaking scenery and the opportunity to explore the village of Masca, known for its traditional Canarian architecture and stunning mountain setting.
Despite what AllTrails says I really don’t recommend completing this hike as a loop. After reaching Masca the trail indicator tells you to follow the road back to Santiago del Teide. But this is a main road that winds through the Teno mountains with cars passing by the entire time. So very dangerous if you ask me.
It’s best to take bus 355 from Masca to Santiago del Teide. It doesn’t run that frequently so it’s best to check their timetable from before.
📖 READ MORE – The Incredible Santiago del Teide to Masca Hike In Tenerife
Day 6 – Teide National Park
Roques de Garcia Trail
This relatively easy and accessible trail, located in the heart of Teide National Park, offers some of the most iconic views of Tenerife, including the famous Roque Cinchado and the imposing Mount Teide.
The looped trail is approximately 3.5 kilometers long and takes around an hour and a half to complete, making it a great option for families and those looking for a less strenuous hike.
As you meander through the path, you’ll be treated to a stunning array of geological formations, contrasting landscapes, and unique flora that thrive in this otherworldly environment. The trail is well-marked and offers various vantage points for capturing the perfect photo of the park’s rugged beauty.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and layer up, as the weather can change rapidly at this altitude. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely walk with incredible views, the Roques de Garcia trail is a Tenerife hiking highlight not to be missed.
📖 READ MORE – The Spectacular Roques de Garcia Hike In Tenerife
Other beautiful viewpoints in Teide National Park
- Queen’s Shoe
- Mirador Azulejos II
- Boca Tauce
- Mirador La Tarta
- Mirador de Chipeque
Day 7 – Relaxing at The Ritz Carlton Abama
From the moment you step into the lush, palm-lined grounds of the Ritz-Carlton Abama, you’ll feel the warm, family-oriented atmosphere that makes it an ideal choice for those vacationing with a baby.
The resort understands the needs of parents and goes the extra mile to ensure that even their youngest guests are well taken care of.
With amenities like child-friendly menus, and spacious, comfortable accommodations, you can enjoy a stress-free holiday knowing that everything your baby needs is at hand. Plus, the serene surroundings and beautiful views are just as enjoyable for parents in need of some relaxation.
We opted to stay at the Villa Club Deluxe with a garden view. These villa’s are separated from the main hotel building, called the citadel, and offer a more tranquil experience.
They also come with their own semi-private pool where you can get complimentary drinks and snacks during the day. Including beer, cava, wine and their cocktail of the day. I mean, is there anything better than sipping some cava while laying by the pool with your baby sound asleep on top of you?
If you have any questions regarding our Tenerife itinerary feel free to drop a comment below. Or if you want to know anything specific about traveling to Tenerife with a baby. :)
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Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!
Armed with our cameras & drone we’re always on the lookout for the next adventure!
We’ve been traveling together since 2020 and the best adventures are yet to come!
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