3 Days in Tenerife, Canary Islands: The Perfect First-Timer’s Itinerary

Tenerife is one of those destinations that manages to surprise you at every turn. I recently visited the island on a three-day press trip with Touring Canarias, and in a short amount of time we experienced so many different sides of Tenerife, from coastal cities and historic towns to lush forests and dramatic landscapes.

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The entire itinerary was planned by Touring Canarias, including transportation and daily activities, which made the experience feel effortless. Our days were filled with exploring the island, enjoying incredible local food, tasting Tenerife’s local wines, and moving through each stop at a pace that allowed us to fully take it in.

One of the highlights of the trip was witnessing Fiestas de San Andrés, one of Tenerife’s annual traditions where locals race down the streets on wooden boards. Seeing this celebration firsthand added a deeper cultural layer to the experience and made the trip feel especially memorable.

If you are planning a short trip to the Canary Islands and want a well-paced itinerary that lets you see a lot of Tenerife without feeling rushed, this 3-day Tenerife itinerary will walk you through exactly how to do it.

Where I Stayed in Tenerife

For this trip, I stayed at Euphoria Suites in Los Silos, a quiet and charming area in northern Tenerife. My room was apartment-style with plenty of space to settle in, and I loved starting and ending the day with mountain views and glimpses of the ocean.

The property also has a pool and terrace, making it a lovely place to unwind in the evenings. Los Silos itself is peaceful and less touristy, which made it feel like a true local escape.

Alternative Places to Stay in Tenerife

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Day 1: Santa Cruz, La Laguna and Anaga Rural Park

Our first day started in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the lively capital filled with local shops, palm-lined streets, and a relaxed coastal feel. It is the kind of place where you can roam around without a plan and quickly settle into the rhythm of the island.

From there, we headed to San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic old town is lined with colorful colonial buildings, charming streets, and small cafes. We also stopped by the local market, which is a great way to see the island’s produce and traditional foods all in one place.

Lunch at La Gula was a nice surprise. The food was fresh and modern, satisfying without being heavy, and it made for a great break before heading into the more scenic part of the afternoon.

For our next stop, we traded the city for the lush landscapes of Anaga Rural Park, one of the greenest corners of Tenerife. The landscape changes quickly here, with misty forests, winding roads, and panoramic viewpoints. We stopped at Cruz del Carmen for the views and took a short walk through the forest. It can get chilly here, so bring layers.

We ended the day with dinner at Como En Casa, a traditional guachinche serving flavorful, local dishes in a relaxed setting. It is exactly the kind of place to enjoy a hearty meal and unwind after a full day of exploring.

Tour Recommendations

Day 2: Wineries and North Tenerife

Day two had a slower, easygoing feel to it, and it ended up being one of my favorite days on the island. We started the morning at Bodegas Tajinaste, a winery set in a volcanic landscape surrounded by greenery. The vineyard was a great place to explore, and the tasting offered a simple, enjoyable introduction to wines from this part of the island.

From there, we made our way to La Orotava, a charming town known for its historic center, traditional balconies, and cobblestone streets. It is the perfect place to wander and take in all the details.

By lunchtime, we were ready for a good meal, and El Calderito de la Abuela really delivered. Traditional Canarian dishes, a welcoming setting, and a beautiful view made it a great midday stop.

In the afternoon, we visited Icod de los Vinos, home to the famous Drago Milenario, an ancient dragon tree that is even more impressive in person. It is one of those sights you have probably seen in photos, but standing there gives you a real sense of its presence.

We continued along the north and reached Garachico in time for sunset. The natural lava pools were beautiful at this hour, with the light reflecting off the water. Before dinner, we also made a quick stop at Charco del Viento, another lovely coastal viewpoint.

Dinner at El Rebojo, a Michelin guide restaurant offering a refined dining experience, was such a treat. Amazing food and a comfortable atmosphere always make for an ideal end to any day.

Tour Recommendations

Day 3: Whale Watching and Teide National Park

Our final day began out on the water with a whale watching tour with Picarus Sailing near Los Gigantes. Seeing whales with the dramatic cliffs in the background was one of the most unforgettable parts of the trip.

For lunch, we stopped at Casa Edu, a relaxed spot with generous portions and local flavors.

Later on, we made our way into Teide National Park, home to Spain’s highest peak. The scenery here feels otherworldly, with vast volcanic landscapes and dramatic rock formations. We explored Roques de García, walked along volcanic trails, and stayed for sunset, which made the whole place feel even more impressive.

Once it got dark, we joined a stargazing experience. Tenerife is known for its clear, starry night skies, and standing there taking it all in felt like such a special way to end the trip.

Tour Recommendations

Final Thoughts

Tenerife is an island with a surprising amount of variety, all within easy reach. In just three days, we experienced ocean adventures, forest walks, volcanic landscapes, historic towns, and unforgettable food and wine. It is the kind of place that leaves you wanting to come back and explore even more.

If you are planning a trip to the Canary Islands, I hope this guide helps you make the most of your time in Tenerife.

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You can also watch my Tenerife experience on Instagram here:
🔗 https://www.instagram.com/p/DR4lCnDjI5r/