How to Get From the Tenerife Airport
You might think Tenerife South Airport (TFS) is cute, but let’s be real—you didn’t fly all this way to admire baggage claim. A taxi to the tourist hubs (Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas) will run you around 30-40 EUR, so do your wallet a favour and hop on a TITSA bus instead. Bus 111 will drop you off in the main resort areas for just 3-5 EUR. If you landed at Tenerife North (TFN), bus 102 gets you to Santa Cruz for even less. Budget win!
Public Transport: Because Walking Up a Volcano Isn’t Fun
Tenerife’s bus system (aka Guaguas, pronounced “wah-wahs”) is solid and cheap. A single ride costs 1-3 EUR, but if you plan to explore like a true budget warrior, grab a Ten+ Card (prepaid transport pass) for 2 EUR, which you can top up for discounted fares. Feeling adventurous? Rent a bike for around 10-15 EUR per day or snag an electric scooter for 0.20 EUR per minute for the scenic coastal rides. Just remember: Tenerife is volcanic. Read: hills everywhere.
How to Enjoy Tenerife for Free (or Almost Free!)
Playa de las Teresitas: The Beach That’s Too Good to Be True
White sand? Check. Palm trees? Check. Free? HECK YES. Unlike most beaches on Tenerife, which have volcanic black sand, Las Teresitas is golden—and totally free to visit. The beach is located in the northeast, near Santa Cruz, and is one of the best places to relax without worrying about entrance fees. There are free showers and changing rooms, and if you’re early enough, you might even snag a free shaded spot under the palm trees. Pack some snacks, channel your inner mermaid, and soak up those rays like the broke but brilliant traveler you are.
Mount Teide: Epic Views, No Euros Needed
Sure, you could pay 40 EUR to take the cable car, but hiking up Spain’s tallest peak is free—if you’ve got the stamina (and snacks). The Montaña Blanca Trail takes around 5-6 hours to reach the summit and requires a free permit if you want to go all the way up (apply online in advance). The views are next-level unreal, especially at sunrise or sunset, with clouds rolling beneath your feet. Bonus: If you stay after dark, Teide is one of the world’s best spots for stargazing (also free, unless you count the price of wishing upon a shooting star).
Masca Village: Free Vibes, Million-Dollar Views
Hidden in the Teno Mountains, Masca is the place to flex on your followers with insane scenery. It’s like Machu Picchu, but in Spain. The winding roads to Masca are an adventure in themselves, offering jaw-dropping views at every turn. The hike down to Masca Beach is about 5 km and takes around 3 hours, with towering cliffs and tropical vegetation lining the trail. Once at the bottom, you can either hike back up (if your legs are up for it) or take a boat to Los Gigantes (not free, but worth considering, with prices around 10-15 EUR per person).
La Laguna: History Without a Price Tag
This UNESCO-listed town is a time machine in disguise. Once the island’s capital, La Laguna is now a university town filled with charming streets, colonial mansions, and vibrant street art. Wander through pastel-coloured houses, discover hidden courtyards, and step inside Iglesia de la Concepción, one of Tenerife’s oldest churches. Every first Sunday of the month, museums in La Laguna offer free entry, so time your visit well. Pro tip: Visit on a weekday to dodge the weekend crowds.
Natural Pools in Garachico: Swimming, But Make It Scenic
Garachico’s volcanic rock pools are nature’s version of an infinity pool—except completely free. Formed by lava flows centuries ago, these pools fill with crystal-clear Atlantic water and offer a refreshing swim with dramatic backdrops. Some pools are shallow and perfect for wading, while others are deep enough for jumping in. The area also has ladders and flat rocks for sunbathing. The ocean waves crash into the rocks, making it an adventure just to get in. Who needs a spa day when you’ve got this?
Where to Eat Without Selling Your Soul
Guachinches: The Holy Grail of Cheap Eats
These no-frills, family-run spots serve up local dishes for under 10 EUR. Expect hearty portions of grilled meats, wrinkly potatoes (papas arrugadas, they’re famous!), and cheap but dangerously good local wine.
📍Where to go?
- Guachinche El Cordero (Costa Adeje) – Local flavours at local prices.
- Guachinche La Huerta de Ana y Eva (La Orotava) – Feels like eating at a Canarian grandma’s house.
Bodegas and Tapas Bars
Tapas = the best way to eat everything without spending anything (well, almost). A plate of papas arrugadas, croquetas, and gofio escaldado won’t cost you more than 10 EUR.
📍 Best budget-friendly spots:
- Bodegón Campestre (La Laguna) – Tapas heaven.
- El Calderito de la Abuela (La Orotava) – Views and food that slap.
Street Food: Cheap and Cheerful
- Arepas (3-4 EUR): Venezuelan-style stuffed corn pockets. Get them in Los Cristianos.
- Bocadillos (2-3 EUR): Massive Spanish sandwiches that could feed a small village.
- Churros (2 EUR): Because you deserve fried dough and happiness.
Shop at Mercado Nuestra Señora de África (Santa Cruz)
Head to this vibrant local market in Santa Cruz. It’s packed with fresh produce, local cheeses, and affordable snacks—perfect for DIY meals and picnic supplies instead of eating out at restaurants.
Use Refillable Water Stations
Save money on bottled water by bringing a reusable bottle. Many places in Tenerife have free drinking water fountains, especially in Santa Cruz and La Laguna.
Nightlife on a Budget: Party Like You’re Rich (Even If You’re Not)
Happy Hour = Your Best Friend
Most beach bars and clubs in Playa de las Américas offer 2-for-1 cocktails (aka twice the fun, half the price). Head to Papagayo Beach Club for an oceanfront setting with affordable drinks, or check out Monkey Beach Club for tropical vibes and budget-friendly mojitos. Many bars start their happy hour deals around 5 PM, so plan accordingly for maximum savings. Some places even offer discounted tapas alongside your drinks—because nothing pairs better with a cocktail than cheap (or free) snacks. If you’re in Costa Adeje, Kaluna Beach Club also has great drink specials and a lively atmosphere.
Free Live Music & Beach Parties
Tenerife is big on live music, and you don’t need a VIP pass to enjoy it. Bars like Blanco Bar in Puerto de la Cruz and Hard Rock Café Tenerife in Playa de las Américas frequently feature local bands playing everything from reggae to indie rock. Prefer an open-air vibe? Head to Playa de las Vistas or Los Cristianos, where spontaneous beach parties often pop up, especially on weekends. Just follow the sound of bongos, acoustic guitars, or portable speakers blasting reggaeton, and you’ll find a crowd ready to dance until sunrise. If you’re in the mood for something a little different, check out the full moon parties that occasionally take over the beaches in El Médano—totally free and full of energy.
For those who love Latin rhythms, Achaman Discopub in Costa Adeje is a go-to spot for salsa, bachata, and reggaeton, and entrance is often free before midnight. If electronic beats are more your thing, Le Club Beach Club in Playa de Fañabé hosts free sunset DJ sessions right by the sea. Whether you’re after chill live music, a spontaneous dance party, or a scenic cocktail with a view, Tenerife’s nightlife delivers without emptying your pockets.
Tourist Attractions Worth the Splurge
Siam Park (38 EUR)
Arguably the best water park in Europe, Siam Park is a paradise for thrill-seekers and water lovers. The park is themed around Thai architecture, complete with floating markets and lush greenery. It features record-breaking water slides, including the infamous Tower of Power, a nearly vertical drop that shoots you through an aquarium filled with sharks and rays. For those who prefer a more relaxed vibe, the Mai Thai River offers a lazy-river experience with breathtaking views, and the Wave Palace produces some of the world’s largest artificial waves. Arrive early to grab a sunbed and make the most of your visit.
Loro Parque (40 EUR)
An award-winning zoo and conservation park, Loro Parque is home to one of the largest collections of parrots in the world, as well as a variety of other exotic animals. Unlike traditional zoos, this park focuses on education and conservation, ensuring that animals are kept in well-designed habitats. Here, you’ll see dolphin and orca shows, a penguinarium that replicates Antarctic conditions, and a massive shark tunnel that makes you feel like you’re underwater. The park is beautifully landscaped with waterfalls, bridges, and lush tropical plants, making it a visually stunning experience as well as an animal-lover’s dream.
Whale & Dolphin Watching (25-30 EUR)
Tenerife’s waters are home to resident pods of bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales, making it one of the best places in Europe for marine life encounters. Budget-friendly boat tours leave from Los Cristianos, Puerto Colón, and Los Gigantes, offering excursions ranging from 2 to 5 hours. Many of these tours include drinks and snacks, and some even offer snorkeling stops so you can explore the vibrant underwater world. If you’re lucky, you might also spot migrating sperm whales, orcas, or even blue whales. For an eco-friendly experience, look for companies that operate sustainable, non-intrusive tours that respect marine life.
How Expensive is Tenerife, Really?
- Food: Street food from 3 EUR, sit-down meals from 10 EUR.
- Drinks: Beers for 1-3 EUR, cocktails 5-7 EUR.
- Transport: Buses 1-3 EUR, unlimited day pass 10 EUR.
- Accommodation: Hostels from 15 EUR, budget hotels from 40 EUR.
When’s the Best Time to Visit?
Tenerife is blessed with eternal spring, so there’s no bad time.
- Winter (Dec-Feb): Escape the cold and hit the beach.
- Spring (Mar-May): Fewer tourists, great hiking weather.
- Summer (Jun-Aug): Peak season. More parties, but also more people.
- Autumn (Sep-Nov): Warm, quiet, and budget-friendly.
Ready to Conquer Tenerife?
Now you’re armed with all the tips, tricks, and eats to slay Tenerife on a budget. Whether you’re climbing Mount Teide, chilling in a volcanic pool, or eating your weight in tapas, one thing’s for sure—you’re about to have the best. trip. ever. ¡Vamos!