| Day | Area | Main stops | Book ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South coast | Beach, promenade, a whale and dolphin boat | Boat trip |
| 2 | Teide National Park | Cable car, Roques de García | Cable car; summit permit if wanted |
| 3 | North-west | Icod de los Vinos, Garachico | Cueva del Viento if wanted |
| 4 | Puerto de la Cruz | Botanical Garden, Lago Martiánez, old quarter | Loro Parque if wanted |
| 5 | Santa Cruz | Las Teresitas, the market, the capital | Nothing required |
Days 1 to 3: the 4-day plan's stops
- Day 1, south coast: a whale and dolphin boat with a swim stop, the Travelin' Lady eco-yacht safari, from 28.98 euros and rated 4.6 out of 5 from 19,574 reviews (GetYourGuide, read 26 October 2026). The beaches and the costs of the other boat options are in Day 1 of the 4-day plan and Tenerife boat trips.
- Day 2, Teide: the official return fare for the cable car is 43 euros for a non-resident adult (read 6 November 2026). The summit permit, the bus numbers and the Roques de García walk are in Day 2 of the 4-day plan, and the Teide cable car has the booking rules.
- Day 3, Icod and Garachico: the Drago Milenario park, the Cueva del Viento and the Castle of San Miguel are in Day 3 of the 4-day plan. For a coach version of the day, see the Tenerife island tour.
Day 4: Puerto de la Cruz
This is the day the 4-day plan does not have. La Orotava Botanical Garden is open 9:00 to 18:00 and costs 3 euros; it is closed on 1 January, Good Friday and Christmas Day. Lago Martiánez has eight seawater pools, and the historic quarter has more than 140 protected buildings. Loro Parque is on its own page: Loro Parque tickets, with a free mini-train from Plaza de los Reyes Católicos in town. A flamenco show is the evening option. See Puerto de la Cruz.
Day 5: Las Teresitas and the capital
Start in Santa Cruz: the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África has more than 200 traders, and the Palmetum and MUNA opening times are in Day 4 of the 4-day plan. Then end on Las Teresitas, 1,300 m of pale sand, reached by bus 910 from the Santa Cruz interchange. See Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Palmetum and Playa de Las Teresitas.
Where to base yourself
The south coast cuts the airport transfer, and Days 3 to 5 need 45 to 60 minutes of driving each way. Compare areas in where to stay in Tenerife.
Mistakes to avoid
- Leaving Puerto de la Cruz out of the north-west day: it is a separate 30 to 40 minutes from Santa Cruz.
- Forgetting that the Botanical Garden closes on 1 January, Good Friday and Christmas Day.
FAQ
Is 5 days enough for Tenerife?
Yes for the south coast, Teide, the north-west, Puerto de la Cruz and Santa Cruz.
Do I need a car?
A car makes Days 3 to 5 easier; Teide is served by buses 342 and 348, and Santa Cruz by bus and tram.
How much is the cable car?
The official return fare is 43 euros for a non-resident adult (read 6 November 2026).
What does the extra day add to the 4-day plan?
Puerto de la Cruz, with its garden and old quarter, kept separate from Santa Cruz.
The Tenerife Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.
