Wondering which is better, Tenerife or Lanzarote? Read on to discover which island you should consider for your next trip. The Canary Islands have long been a favorite destination for Europeans seeking winter sun. This volcanic archipelago off the west coast of Africa offers all the ingredients needed for a tropical getaway while the snow falls back home. The sandy beaches and warm seas are the main attractions, closely followed by the rugged interiors that have an otherworldly charm. The landscapes here are like nowhere else on Earth, and you might feel like you’ve landed on the moon!
There are eight main islands in the Canaries, so choosing which one to visit can be challenging. They all offer great beaches, fantastic snorkeling, and scenic mountain roads. But how do you decide which island to grace with your presence?
Tenerife or Lanzarote – The Great Debate
Tenerife and Lanzarote are among the most famous islands, alongside Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura. Behind them are La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro, which are less visited but equally beautiful, according to travel guides. For this comparison, we’ll focus on the two main contenders for a winter sun getaway: Tenerife or Lanzarote. Let’s look at the evidence.
1. Beaches and Resorts: Tenerife vs Lanzarote
Tenerife
Some of the best beaches in the world are found here in the Canary Islands. Tenerife has its share, most of which are located along the south coast. Playa de la Tejita and Playa de los Gigantes are among the top contenders. The former is a picturesque spot popular with surfers, while the black sands of the latter are framed by towering, photogenic cliffs, creating a great spot for sheltered swimming. Costa Adeje is one of the most popular beach resorts on the island’s south coast, featuring luxury hotels and family-friendly options. It also offers some of the best villas in Tenerife for those seeking more independence. Meanwhile, Playa de las Americas is popular with those looking for lively entertainment, with plenty of attractions and activities right on the doorstep. Many of Tenerife’s beaches feature black sand, adding to their adventurous appeal.
Top Tenerife beach hotels:
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Hotel Tigaiga (Puerto de la Cruz) – For peace and quiet, lush greenery, beach access, and sea views.
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MYND Adeje (Costa Adeje) – For an outdoor pool, room terraces, airport shuttles, and easy beach access.
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Apartamentos Vista Sur (Playa de las Americas) – For sea views, apartments with balconies, onsite restaurants, and proximity to the beach.
Lanzarote
The beaches in Lanzarote tend to be more rugged compared to those in Tenerife, which is perfect if you’re an adventure seeker looking for dramatic photos and coastal exploration. There are still plenty of sandy beaches suitable for family holidays and sunbathing, but overall, Tenerife’s beaches might have the edge. Costa Teguise on the island’s eastern coast is a lovely resort famous for its sandy beaches and water sports. Playa Blanca is another popular spot with easy access to the island’s best attractions and stunning scenery. Some say it’s the best place to stay on Lanzarote.
When it comes to weather, both Tenerife and Lanzarote are great winter sun destinations. However, Lanzarote tends to be hotter than Tenerife, thanks to its arid landscape and its proximity to the Sahara Desert. This means that outside the winter months, Lanzarote can feel a bit too hot for those who don’t enjoy excessive sun.
Top Lanzarote beach hotels:
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Aequora Lanzarote Suites (Puerto del Carmen) – For upscale suites, easy beach access, modern restaurants, and 5 outdoor pools.
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MYND Yaiza (Playa Blanca) – For outdoor pools, gardens, a kids’ club, international restaurants, and great views.
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Barcelo Lanzarote Royal Level (Costa Teguise) – For beachfront access, an outdoor pool, car hire, and lovely vistas.
Winner: Tenerife
2. Day Tours in Tenerife and Lanzarote
One of the best ways to explore the islands is through a day tour. While you can hire a car or use public transport, a guided day trip is often a more convenient and cost-effective option.
Tenerife
Tenerife is well-equipped for day trips, whether you want to explore the volcanic interior or enjoy a thrilling theme park experience. If you’re visiting with family, a day at Siam Park, with wave pools and thrilling water slides, is a must. Alternatively, you can visit Loro Parque to see a variety of exotic wildlife. For a more relaxing experience, whale watching tours offer the chance to meet local marine life and enjoy a swim in the sea. For a romantic touch, a sunset and stargazing tour in Teide National Park is a magical experience, with the stars twinkling above the volcano. And of course, a trip to Mount Teide is a must, with many cable car tours available, including hotel pickups for a smooth experience.
Lanzarote
Day trips in Lanzarote are a bit more adventurous compared to Tenerife, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an adrenaline rush. Popular tours include off-road volcano buggy rides and a visit to the famous volcanic craters, often combined with a camel ride across the island’s lunar landscapes. Full-day tours around Lanzarote include the island’s best natural attractions like Timanfaya National Park, Cueva de los Verdes, and Jameos del Agua. Lanzarote also offers many nature-based adventures, such as dolphin watching tours, which often include the option to swim. A sunset dolphin cruise lets you enjoy the island’s night views. For families, the Aquapark in Costa Teguise is a fun place to cool off.
3. Natural Landscapes of Tenerife and Lanzarote
Tenerife
The highlight of Tenerife is Mount Teide, an active volcano that holds the title of Spain’s highest peak. From the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views that stretch across the entire island and beyond. Dominating the landscape, Mount Teide towers over the Teide National Park, offering a truly mind-blowing natural scenery. There are various hiking trails for adventurers, while a cable car ride can take you close to the summit with little effort. Once at the top, several trails lead to viewpoints, making for an exciting hike through the rugged lava fields.
Tenerife or Lanzarote: Mount Teide in Tenerife
Mount Teide in Tenerife
Another hidden gem on Tenerife is the village of Masca. This tiny mountain hamlet is perched on a ridge, offering dramatic views down into the gorge. The hills are dotted with palm trees, the winding roads are a thrilling experience, and during off-peak times, the village feels like a forgotten paradise. Enjoy lunch with a view at one of the local restaurants and don’t miss the quaint church at the village entrance.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote also boasts a volcanic landscape with rugged wilderness perfect for explorers. In addition to its barren mountain peaks, the island features several unique geological sites. A trip to Los Hervideros, where lava cliffs meet churning waves, is a must. Visit at high tide for the full dramatic effect, and enjoy a hike along the clifftop paths for the best views. Timanfaya National Park is another popular spot with volcanic landscapes that will make you feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet.
Tenerife or Lanzarote: Los Hervideros in Lanzarote
The mighty Los Hervideros
One of the most unique natural features in Lanzarote is the Jameos del Agua, a mysterious cave pool located in the island’s north. This magical site was formed after the eruption of Monte Corona thousands of years ago, with lava tunnels creating a truly otherworldly experience. The subterranean complex was designed by Spanish artist César Manrique and even houses a concert hall within one of its caverns. Though swimming is not allowed, it’s a perfect place for photography.
Winner: TENERIFE
4. Safety in Tenerife and Lanzarote
When traveling anywhere, it’s important to consider safety. While the Canary Islands are generally safe, there has been growing discontent among some residents regarding the impact of tourism on the islands. In both Tenerife and Lanzarote, anti-tourism protests have occurred, particularly against short-term holiday rentals which are contributing to rising house prices for locals. It’s always a good idea to check the latest information and government advice to know if there are any areas to avoid.
When it comes to health, both Tenerife and Lanzarote are fairly safe, but accidents and illnesses can happen. It’s wise to have travel medical insurance, like the one offered by SafetyWing, which covers a range of situations including hospital stays, emergency dental care, prescriptions, diagnostics, evacuations, and even certain activity-related injuries. Having this extra peace of mind can be invaluable when traveling far from home.
Personal Experience
We know firsthand how important such insurance can be. During a past trip to Tenerife, we fell ill with severe food poisoning while also dealing with the theft of our passports, wallets, and cameras after our hire car was broken into near the Mount Teide cable car station. We spent much of the trip at the police station and doctors’ office rather than relaxing at the beach. Despite the inconvenience, having insurance helped alleviate the stress of the situation. We never travel without it, and it has saved us a lot of money over the years.
Winner: IT’S A DRAW
5. The Crowds: Does Tenerife or Lanzarote Have Fewer Visitors?
Tenerife
Tenerife is one of the most popular holiday destinations for European travelers, and as a result, the resorts can get crowded during peak season. Some beaches might feel packed, especially if you’re looking for a sun lounger.
However, the island is large enough to absorb a high volume of tourists, and there are plenty of beaches to enjoy even if one outside your hotel is crowded. For a quieter experience, head into the interior of the island where you’ll likely find fewer people. Be mindful of tourist buses, especially in places like Masca, and consider visiting earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Tenerife’s popularity also means there’s a well-developed infrastructure, offering plenty of services for visitors, from restaurants to souvenir shops.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote, while still a popular destination, tends to experience fewer crowds compared to Tenerife. If you time it right, you can find your own peaceful corner of paradise on this island. Lanzarote attracts fewer families, making it ideal for travelers without children looking for a more tranquil experience.
Much of it depends on the resort you choose, but on the whole, Lanzarote feels a little less crowded than Tenerife.
Winner: LANZAROTE
6. Getting Around Tenerife and Lanzarote
Both Tenerife and Lanzarote are easily accessible from Europe, with numerous direct flights available. But once you arrive, how easy is it to get around?
Tenerife
Taxis are readily available from the airport to most resorts. If you’ve booked a package holiday, transport to your hotel is often included. The best way to explore the island is by car, and there are several rental agencies to choose from. You can rent a car for just a day or two if desired, but if you plan to drive in mountainous areas like Masca, be sure to choose a vehicle with enough power. Roads in Tenerife are generally well-maintained with little traffic outside of urban areas. Just be cautious of thefts in tourist hotspots—never leave personal items unattended in your car.
If driving isn’t your thing, Tenerife also has an affordable bus network that covers most towns and resorts, making it easy to get to the island’s top beaches and attractions.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote boasts a great public transport system, making it easy to explore the island without a car. The bus network is extensive, covering towns such as Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise, and Arrecife. You can even catch a bus directly from the airport if you haven’t arranged a transfer. For more personalized transportation, Uber is available on the island.
Car hire is also possible, but given Lanzarote’s smaller size, there are fewer rental options compared to Tenerife.
Winner: IT’S A DRAW
If you’ve visited the Canary Islands and enjoyed your trip, you might consider relocating and working there to enjoy year-round sunshine and stunning landscapes. With diverse job opportunities on both the islands and the mainland, you can find relocation packages in Spain that allow you to build a fulfilling career while enjoying the relaxed lifestyle and unique charm of the Canary Islands.
The Verdict: Which is Better, Tenerife or Lanzarote?
You can’t go wrong with either Tenerife or Lanzarote. Both offer year-round sun, beautiful beaches, and stunning landscapes perfect for photo ops. However, the decision really depends on your preferences. Tenerife offers dramatic volcano climbs and picturesque hiking trails, while Lanzarote presents a wider variety of natural attractions.