A pool surrounded by lounge beds and chairs

Plan Your Trip

The largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, Tenerife is an upscale resort destination that lures travelers with gorgeous weather, beautiful beaches and coastal adventures. Think outdoor fun, casual adventures, festive evenings and light, versatile layers. Pack accordingly.

Abama Beach
Abama Beach
What to Pack
The Ritz-Carlton, Abama

With its clear skies and high altitudes, Tenerife is one of the best spots on the planet for stargazing. The island is home to the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics, one of the world’s leading observatories, and its famous observatory atop Mount Teide. If you’d like to try to capture your stellar observations on camera, you’ll get best results with a camera that has the ability to take long exposures as well as a tripod for stability.  

Resort Essentials

During the day, Tenerife style is no-fuss resort casual — you’ll want comfortable walking shoes, swimwear and versatile pieces like jeans and T-shirts. For evening, step it up a notch.

The beach here is the main draw, so don’t forget the basics: swimwear, sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), casual wear and sandals.

Bring your preferred workout gear, including athletic shoes, to work out in the hotel or to walk or jog along the beach. For hiking expeditions, such as to the top of Mount Teide, you’ll want sturdy athletic shoes or hiking boots, warm outer layers and a hat for the change in altitude, and plenty of water and sunblock.

From November to March, the Canary Islands are cooler and wet. You’ll want an umbrella and a jacket to keep you warm and dry, but you can leave bulky winter coats at home.

Summer Escape

Abundant sunshine and a subtropical climate make Tenerife a year-round destination, though summer — an easy holiday time for students and families, and ideal for swimming all day long — is among the high points.

Temperatures here are highest in summer, though the sea breezes are refreshing. Bring casual warm-weather clothing, light layers for evening and plenty of sun protection.

Music festivals and beach parties abound in summer. Attire will still be casual, though you may want to accessorize with stylish sunglasses, sandals and other nice touches.

Wind conditions make summer the best time to enjoy kite surfing and wind surfing, especially at El Médano beach, on the island’s southern end. Local rental outfits such as Tenerife Kite Surf will rent gear such as boards, harnesses and bars as well as wetsuits and helmets — bring your own GoPro to mount on your helmet.

Beach Vacation

Packing your beach bag shouldn’t be stressful — the idea is to relax by the ocean, after all. Remember to bring a few key things and then … ¡Vamos!

Plan to wear your swimwear with sandals and a cover-up or casual wear to the beach. Bring along sun protection (sunglasses, a sun hat and sunscreen) and your favorite reading material in your beach bag.

If you’re traveling with little ones, consider gear such as kid-friendly sunscreen, swim diapers, beach toys, hats and rash guards. A lightweight beach tent provides a shady place to play or nap.

For evenings, bring a light jacket. Nighttime attire is seaside chic: a button-down shirt with light-colored pants and boat shoes or loafers for men (skip the socks and tie); a bright, lightweight dress or jumpsuit with sandals for women.

El Tanque and Garachico
El Tanque and Garachico
What To Reserve
The Ritz-Carlton, Abama

The island of Tenerife offers eternal charms, from its sparkling coastline to the cliffs of Los Gigantes and the misty volcanic peak of Teide. With the coveted seclusion of Guía de Isora, home to The Ritz-Carlton, Abama, as your base, here are the activities to plan in advance.

Eco Adventures

Tenerife holds maximum adventure potential for the avid eco-tourist, from the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island to the peaks of Mount Teide, the highest elevation in Spain. The largest of the Canary Islands boasts UNESCO World Heritage sites, biospheres, rocky cliffs and the opportunity to get up close and personal with nature. Choose your own adventure from surf, sand, mountains, cliffs and the sky as you use Abama as your home base to explore the beautiful and thrilling Tenerife island.

Two small whales swimming in the ocean

Family Vacation Fun

Beaches to parks to preserves — Tenerife has something to entertain everyone in the family, whether you are traveling with little kids or teenagers. Spend time outside in the incredible landscape and get up close with the island’s animals. Splash your way through famous water parks and shimmering waves at the beach. And don’t forget about eating your way through tapas and cakes. Get ready to explore the largest of the Canary Islands with the whole family for an unforgettable vacation.

Ritz Carlton Hotel image