The 7 Mistakes That'll Ruin Your Tenerife Trip (And How to Avoid Them)

Look, I've watched enough visitors arrive in Tenerife with big plans and leave feeling a bit disappointed. Not because Tenerife isn't worth the trip, but because they've made some pretty common mistakes that could've been avoided with a bit of forethought. I'm not trying to be preachy here, just honest. Let me walk you through what I've noticed, so you don't end up being one of those people.

Thinking You Can See Everything in a Week

This is the big one. People arrive with this mental checklist: Mount Teide, the beaches, the old towns, maybe a bit of hiking. They reckon they'll tick it all off in seven days and leave feeling accomplished.

Here's the thing though. Tenerife is bigger than you think. It's not just a small island you can blitz through. The north and south are genuinely different places, with different vibes, different weather, and different things worth doing. If you're staying in the south and you want to see the north, that's a solid three-hour drive each way. Add in time to actually enjoy where you're going, and suddenly your day's gone.

My advice? Pick a region and really get to know it. Spend three or four days in one area, take your time, chat to locals, find the small cafés that aren't in guidebooks. You'll have a much better time than rushing around ticking boxes.

Underestimating the Sun (Seriously)

People come from the UK and think, "Oh, I'll just use the same sunscreen I use at home." Then they're burnt to a crisp by day two and spending the rest of their holiday looking like a lobster.

The sun here is no joke. It's stronger than you're used to, especially if you're fair-skinned. You need SPF 50 minimum, and you need to reapply it. Honestly, buy it here if you forget; it's not that expensive, and you'll thank yourself. Also, the UV is intense even when it doesn't feel hot, so don't be fooled by a cloudy morning.

Wear a hat. Wear sunglasses. Drink water constantly. I know it sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people ignore this and end up miserable.

Booking Everything in Advance (Including Restaurants)

There's this idea that you need to book everything ahead of time, and it makes people anxious. They're planning their meals weeks in advance, booking tours they're not even sure about, locking themselves into rigid schedules.

Tenerife's actually better when you're a bit flexible. Some of the best meals I've had have been at small restaurants I stumbled into without a reservation. The tourist spots are fine, but they're often pricey and a bit soulless. Wander around, ask locals where they eat, and just turn up. Most places will fit you in, especially if you go at odd times.

That said, if there's something specific you really want to do, like a particular tour or a restaurant that's genuinely hard to get into, then yes, book ahead. But don't book your entire holiday. Leave room for spontaneity. That's where the good stuff happens.

Ignoring the Weather Patterns

Tenerife's got microclimates. The south is hot and dry. The north is cooler and can be quite wet, especially in winter. The mountains have their own thing going on entirely.

If you're visiting in winter and you're staying in the south, you might think it's always sunny. Then you drive north and it's grey and drizzly. Or you head up to Teide and it's actually cold. People show up in summer clothes and get a shock.

Check the weather for the specific area you're visiting, not just "Tenerife weather". Pack layers. Bring a light jacket. You'll be glad you did.

Sticking Only to Tourist Areas

This is where people miss out on the real Tenerife. They stay in Playa de las Américas or Los Cristianos, which are fine, but they're also quite touristy and a bit samey. They eat at chain restaurants, drink at bars full of other tourists, and leave thinking they've seen the island.

The real magic is in the smaller towns and villages. Places like Icod de los Vinos, Garachico, or La Orotava have actual character. You'll find local restaurants, proper shops, and people who actually live there. It's worth getting out of the resort bubble.

Check out the Tenerife community online to get recommendations from people who actually live here. They'll point you towards the good stuff that tourists usually miss.

Not Renting a Car (When You Should)

If you're planning to explore beyond your resort, not having a car is a real limitation. Buses exist and they're decent, but they're not always convenient, and you'll spend a lot of time waiting around.

A rental car gives you freedom. You can drive up to Teide whenever you fancy, explore the coast, visit small villages, stop for lunch wherever looks good. It's not expensive, and it opens up the island in a way that public transport just doesn't.

That said, if you're happy staying put and relaxing, then fair enough. But if you want to actually see Tenerife, a car makes a massive difference.

Forgetting That Locals Have Routines Too

This might sound odd, but people sometimes treat Tenerife like it's a theme park that exists purely for their entertainment. They get frustrated when shops close for lunch, or when things move at a slower pace, or when locals aren't constantly available to help them.

Tenerife is a real place where real people live and work. Things operate on a different rhythm than the UK. Shops close between 1 and 4 p.m. for lunch. People take their time. It's not inefficiency; it's just how life works here.

Embrace it rather than fighting it. Use the lunch break to rest, eat something good, and slow down. You're on holiday. The pace is actually one of the best things about being here.

Frequently Asked Questions

When's the best time to visit Tenerife?

Winter if you want guaranteed sunshine and warmth. Summer if you don't mind crowds and heat. Spring and autumn are lovely, quieter, and the weather's still good. Honestly, there's no bad time; it just depends what you're after.

Is Tenerife expensive?

It's cheaper than the UK for food and drink if you eat where locals eat. Tourist restaurants and resorts are pricey, like anywhere. Budget accordingly, but you can eat well without spending a fortune.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

Not really. English is widely spoken in tourist areas. That said, learning a few basic phrases is nice and locals appreciate the effort. Plus, it's useful when you venture away from the main areas.

How long should I stay?

At least five days if you want to actually relax and see a bit of the island. A week is ideal. Two weeks and you'll feel like you've really got to know the place.

Final Thoughts

Tenerife's a brilliant place to visit, and honestly, most people have a great time. The mistakes I've mentioned aren't deal-breakers; they're just things that can make the difference between a good trip and a really good one.

The key is to go in with realistic expectations, be flexible, and actually engage with the place rather than just passing through. Talk to people. Wander around. Try things. Get a bit lost. That's where the best memories come from.

Also read the latest Tenerife news to stay updated on what's happening on the island while you're planning your trip. It's a good way to get a feel for what's actually going on here, not just what the tourist guides tell you.