Tenerife Holidays

Irish holidaymakers love Tenerife, and have done for many years. Part of that appeal is being able to swap the unpredictable Irish summers and dark dismal winters for a world of year-round sunshine in just over four hours.

With an average of three flights per day from the main Irish airports, you can say goodbye to the rain and hello to a stunning island getaway where you can sunbathe on a golden beach in the morning and stand in awe atop a volcanic peak in the afternoon.

Tenerife is an island of huge contrasts. The south, including popular resorts like Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas, is your hub for sunshine, non-stop nightlife, and family-friendly beaches. For a more refined stay, Costa Adeje draws its visitors with luxurious resorts, a chic marina, and world-class golf courses. In contrast, the lush, green north reveals Tenerife’s green heart, with historic towns like La Laguna, dramatic coastlines like Garachico’s natural pools, and the hiking trails of the Anaga laurasilva forests.

One thing Irish holidaymakers love about the island is that Tenerife’s climate is reliable. While your friends are watching the rain back home, you could be enjoying warm sunshine all-year-round - winter temperatures are similar to a good Irish summer. The south coast is famously sunnier and drier than the north, making sure that you're guaranteed a much-needed top-up of vitamin D at any time of year.

If you like your holiday a little more active, you'll never get bored in Tenerife. From whale-watching in the morning, an afternoon hike through a Lunar landscape or exploring the island's volcanic black-sand beaches, you can top off your day with dinner in a UNESCO World Heritage town like San Cristóbal de La Laguna. And if you still have some energy left, Playa de las Américas is waiting for you to party the night away.

If you're still not convinced that Tenerife is the right holiday choice for you, at Cassidy Travel we can answer any of your questions and give you all the right recommendations. Whether you're escaping for a romantic weekend, a golf holiday with friends, or a fun-filled family break, Cassidy Travel have all the inside knowledge to you help you plan the getaway that's just right for you

First off, forget any idea that Tenerife is just beaches and pubs (but if that's your thing, you'll have a blast) there really is so much more to do in Tenerife. Your first stop has to be Mount Teide. Take the cable car for views that you'll never forget (it can be expensive if you want to take the whole family). If you’re feeling brave, book a permit to hike to the very peak of the volcano, but remember, it's not for first time hikers.

For families, you’re spoiled for choice. Siam Park is simply the best water park in Europe (some say, in the whole world). Right next door, Loro Parque isn't just a zoo; it’s an amazing conservation park with incredible orca and dolphin shows. Both are worth every penny for a full day of family fun.

Couples, should try to set aside at least one full day for a trip to the Island's north. You can step back in time by simply wandering the cobbled streets of La Laguna or by visiting the gorgeous town of La Orotava. For something really special, book a romantic sunset whale-watching trip from Los Gigantes (keep the ring in a safe place), the cliffs are epic, and seeing dolphins in the wild is pure magic.

For groups of friends, you’ve got a lot of options. Hire a car and explore the Anaga Forest - it feels like a jungle, with crazy hiking routes and hidden beaches. Or, if you want action, the south coast is your playground: try paragliding in El Médano, hit the shops and clubs in Playa de las Américas, or just tour the local guachinches (rustic restaurants) for cheap wine and authentic tapas. If golf is your thing, choose from some of Europe's best courses, like Golf del Sur, Golf Costa Adeje, Real Club de Golf de Tenerife, and at least a dozen others.

As Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, you might want to stay in a couple of different places, and not just one resort - Cassidy Travel can advise you on that. The island’s unique beauty is in its contrasts - from lunar volcanoes and laurel forests to vibrant towns and perfect coasts, wild nightlife, great food, and lots more. If you want to see as much as possible, why not rent a car for a couple of days and go discover the island for yourself.

The island's beaches are pretty varied; from secret golden bays sheltered by breakwaters to incredible volcanic coves with their unique black sands, each one has its own unique characteristics. Just to give you a taste of what to expect, here's an overview of some of the most popular.

• Playa de Las Teresitas - Located near Santa Cruz (in the North), this iconic beach has golden sands imported from the Sahara Desert. Sheltered by a long breakwater, its calm turquoise waters are perfect for families and swimmers seeking a super pretty but safe coastal day out
• Playa del Duque - This is probably Costa Adeje’s most sophisticated strand, featuring soft golden sand and clear, calm waters. Surrounded by luxury hotels and upmarket boutiques, the beach offers sun bed services, excellent amenities, and a refined atmosphere. The perfect beach experience if you're looking to get away from the busier resorts.
• Playa de los Gigantes - Come for the location, stay for the experience. This is an intimate, family-friendly beach defined by its incredible backdrop: the sheer, 600-metre-high Los Gigantes cliffs. Its calm sheltered waters, and amazing location, is a family day you won't forget.
• Playa de la Arena - Nestled in Puerto Santiago, this unique beach is famous for its striking extra-black volcanic sands. The natural cove setting offers (usually) gentle waves, fantastic views of Los Gigantes cliffs, and a more local, laid-back vibe.
• Playa Jardín - Designed by César Manrique in Puerto de la Cruz this artistic black-sand beach is surrounded by subtropical gardens, waterfalls, and palm groves. It’s a visually stunning space where the northern landscape meets a modern and creative design experience.
• Playa de Los Cristianos - The heart of the bustling (non-stop) resort town, this sandy beach curves around the once-traditional fishing harbour. A hub of activity with calm waters, plentiful water sports set around a long promenade full of cafes and bars.
• El Médano Beach - A long, natural stretch of golden sand that's famous as Tenerife’s top windsurfing and kitesurfing destination. The local village offers a relaxed, hippy vibe and is a magic spot for swimmers, walkers, and lovers of great sunsets.

That's just a few of the hundreds of great beaches and swimming places on the island, but, as you can imagine, there's way too many to mention. A good tip is to ask the locals where they go (if they're willing to share, and they usually are), but you're sure to find a beach that suits your location, your company, and your mood.

Let's start with some food advice first - you simply have to try the local dishes if you want to get the real flavour of Tenerife. Start with papas arrugadas - those salty, wrinkled potatoes served with delicious mojo sauces (the red one has a real kick to it). If you're visiting the north, look out for a traditional guachinche (a traditional rustic eating place) for hearty, home-cooked stews and local wines, cheeses, and meats direct from the farmer - and cheap too. If you've got a sweet tooth, try quesillo (the famous Canarian flan) - trust me, you'll be looking for the recipe to take home with you.

Tenerife’s culture is a unique blend of the modern and the historic. You’ll see it in the colourful colonial architecture of UNESCO La Laguna and feel it during lively village fiestas (which often seem to pop up spontaneously. While a visit to a town like La Orotava or Garachico will give you a peaceful and authentic view of the real pace of Island life.

Take time to learn a little about the Guanche (look up Museo Guanche), the island’s original inhabitants - their history is deeply woven into the island's heritage, landscape, and stories.

For the best general experience of Tenerife, experience the island’s diversity. Rent a car for at least a couple of days and learn for yourself the contrast between the sunny, resort-filled south and the lush, historic north. And, it's a great way to impress your friends back home.

Here's a couple of small tips. It's a good idea to always carry a light jacket; the weather can change pretty quickly when you drive into the mountains or up towards Teide. Finally, be open and chat with the locals. Canarians are famously warm and will happily point you to their favourite hidden beach or family-run restaurant - this can often turn out to be the highlight of your holiday.

A little bit of smart planning can make your Tenerife holiday even better - and cheaper too. First, book your flights and accommodation well in advance, especially if you’re travelling during school holidays, Christmas, or Easter. Not only do prices soar closer to these date, but the best family apartments and hotels get snapped up early. Cassidy Travel can help you with all of that.

Next, don’t be shy to ask for advice from friends and family who’ve been before. Check trusted online forums, or speak to a reputable travel agent like Cassidy Travel. Getting personal tips on the best family-friendly resorts, the most scenic drives, great bars and Irish hangouts, or authentic restaurants can transform a good holiday into a great one.

For the practicalities, remember your valid passport (you’re entering Spain) and consider travel insurance as a must. While the Euro is the currency, card payments are widely accepted - although it’s always wise to have some cash for smaller markets and rural towns.

Renting a car is highly recommended to explore beyond your resort; once again, book early for the best rates and the best options. Finally, pack for all possibilities: your swimming costume and sunscreen are essential, but throw in a light jacket or jumper for cooler evenings and trips into the mountains. And remember, flip flops and hiking a volcanic national park don't go well together.

And one last thing. If you want to take a cable car ride to the summit of Teide - and who doesn't - book your ticket well in advance or prepare to wait for hours.

If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to contact the experts at Cassidy Travel.