Travel
Do you need a passport for Tenerife?
No. A valid **ID** card is enough (EU member state).
Do you need a visa?
No visa is required for EU citizens.
How long is the flight?
By direct flight it is about **5–5.5 hours** (Wizzair, Ryanair).
Which airport will you arrive at?
TFS – Tenerife South (around 90% of tourists arrive here)
TFN – Tenerife North (mainly domestic flights and passengers with connections)
Luggage & flights
What should you put in checked luggage?
✔️ Sunscreen (over 100 ml)
✔️ Trainers, hiking shoes
✔️ Light sweater (it can be cool around Teide)
Do you need an adapter?
No, there are **European sockets**.
Weather & when to go
When is the best time to go?
**Good all year round**, but:
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov → ideal
- Jul–Aug → hot + many tourists
- Dec–Feb → warm + many tourists
How warm is it?
- Summer: 28–32 °C
- Winter: 20–24 °C
- Ocean: 19–23 °C (swimmable all year)
Is there rain?
Rarely. More likely on the **northern side**.
Beaches & swimming
Are there sandy beaches?
Yes.
Is the ocean safe?
Pay attention to the flags!
- Green: okay
- Yellow: be careful
- Red: forbidden
Which beaches are the best?
- Playa del Duque
- Las Teresitas (light sand, in the north)
- El Médano (windy, surfing)
Food
Is food expensive?
In many cases it is cheaper than in Hungary.
Gluten-free / diet options?
✔️ Yes, in many places
✔️ Mercadona, Lidl, Dino are well stocked
Is tap water drinkable?
It does not usually cause diarrhoea or vomiting, but because of the treatment process it is not recommended; we suggest buying 5–8 litre bottles of water.
Transport
Is it worth renting a car?
YES – many sights are only accessible this way.
Is car rental expensive?
💶 25–40 €/day.
Is public transport good?
Between towns, yes
For excursions, it is limited
Are motorways and parking free?
Yes, motorways and parking are free across the whole island (except multi‑storey car parks).
However, parking is difficult in tourist zones.
Sights & activities
What is unmissable?
- Teide National Park
- Masca village
- Loro Parque / Siam Park
- Whale and dolphin watching
Do you need a permit for Teide?
⚠️ For the **summit you do**, and you must book in advance.
With kids and babies
Is Tenerife baby‑friendly?
✔️ YES – stroller‑friendly, safe.
Activities for children?
- Siam Park
- Loro Parque
- Beaches with shallow water
Money & shopping
What is the currency?
💶 Euro.
Do you need cash?
Not necessarily, **cards are accepted everywhere**.
Is shopping cheap?
Yes – lower VAT (e.g. perfume, cosmetics).
Tipping?
In many restaurants service charge is already included, so it is worth checking.
They usually bring back the exact change and you can leave the tip on the table (no fixed %).
Phone & internet
Does mobile data work?
Yes, EU roaming.
Is there Wi‑Fi?
At accommodation and in restaurants.
Health & safety
Is it safe to travel?
Very safe (but do not leave valuables in the car).
Do you need travel insurance?
STRONGLY recommended.
Is healthcare good?
EU standard.
Practical tips
What should you watch out for?
- ⚠️ Strong UV → sunscreen is essential
- Ocean currents
- Rapid weather changes on Teide
What should you definitely bring?
- Sunscreen
- Trainers
- Layered clothing