The beautiful Spanish island of Tenerife is a holiday classic. If you’re heading there soon, here’s exactly what you should pack!
With great weather 12 months of the year, Tenerife is a fabulous place to escape to if you’re seeking a good dose of vitamin D.
But the island isn’t all about lying lifelessly by the hotel pool, because this gorgeous destination also boasts a huge array of amazing adventures – from vineyard visits and wine tasting to watersports, hiking and even volcano summiting.
With 2 UNESCO sites, an amazing biosphere and a collection of stunning historic towns, Tenerife provides visitors with a rich array of cultural and active opportunities.
So if you’re sold on the idea of a holiday here, check out my complete guide about what to pack and wear for your trip…
Related Posts
- Where is Tenerife? +10 Useful Island Facts
- 11 Best Things to Do in South Tenerife
- Travel Guide to La Laguna Tenerife
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Packing For Your Flight to Tenerife
Given that flights to Tenerife take over 4 hours from the UK, it’s worth making sure you’re dressed comfortably and packed appropriately, especially if you’re travelling with a budget airline!
Quite simply, layers are key.
You never know how hot or cold a plane might be and if you want to get some sleep, comfy clothing is king.
I always wear leggings on longer flights and love these natural bamboo fibre ones from Boody, which I now never travel without.
I pair them with either a thin cotton top or dress (depending how much bum coverage you want) and then also take a sweater and a scarf on the plane for extra cosy layers.
Otherwise, if leggings aren’t your thing, then loose-fitting jeans or comfy cargo pants might be a good option. Pair these with a T-shirt and thin sweater on top.
The travel wraps from Sholdit, which have hidden security pockets, are perfect for travel adventures and I love mine!
Compression flight socks are also a must in my book when it comes to flights over 3 hours long, as they help you avoid the possibility of DVT. I compliment mine with a lovely eye mask and ear plugs to ensure I get some good zzz on the journey.A travel pillow will also help you here and I love this one from MLVOC because of its memory foam and high-sided design.
Packing for Tenerife Beach Days
There’s no doubt you’ll be enjoying some sunshine in Tenerife, so whether it’s lying by the pool, or at the beach, you’ll want to make sure you have a couple of swimwear options.
Suncream, a good hat and UV sunglasses are also a must for those sunbathing days.
I also recommend bringing a beach towel, just in case your accommodation doesn’t supply them.
Don’t forget a good book, or your Kindle, along with your smartphone and bluetooth headphones too.
If you plan to enjoy any watersports when at the beach, then a dry bag might also be helpful on your Tenerife packing list to keep your valuables safe and sand / water free.
This is also true if you plan to go whale or dolphin watching – which you def should FYI!
Consider some active shorts and a T-shirt you can wear in the water for a bit more coverage and sun protection too.
Oh and don’t forget a trusty sarong!
I never travel anywhere without at least 1 and advise you to bring one to Tenerife too.
Packing for the Evenings
In general, Tenerife is a pretty casual place with a relaxed island feel.
That said, if you do plan to go out for dinner or explore some of the towns in the evening, then a few smart casual outfits are a great idea to pack.
Long maxi dresses or light, flowing skirts, paired with smarter sandals, work well, or smarter shorts and nice shirts are a good option too.
In general, I’d leave the heels at home, but bring a nice handbag if you want to accessorise.
Things can get a bit cooler in the evening, so a few thin long-sleeved tops or cardigans (perhaps even a denim jacket) are a good idea to take with you and wrap around your shoulders if you get chilly.
A pashmina is another good idea that would work well here.
Packing for Active Adventures
As I mentioned in the introduction, there’s actually a surprising number of active pursuits to be enjoyed in Tenerife.
From kayaking to hiking, surfing to sailing, bringing some clothes that will allow you to enjoy some of these activities is a great idea for your Tenerife packing list.
In particular, I recommend some good trainers or running shoes. If you want to enjoy walking in Teide National Park or Anaga Rural Park, these will be key.
For these 2 spots, I’d also bring active leggings or hiking trousers, as well as a sweater and a windproof coat as, given the altitude, things can get pretty fresh up there. Hard to believe when you’re lying on the beach just an hour or 2 away, but it’s true!
I’d also advise bringing a backpack to carry your snacks, water and camera etc when on days out.
Another activewear set for any watersports is a good idea, including sunglasses, shorts, T-shirt and a dry bag.
Finally don’t forget your swimwear and a good active camera, like a GoPro.
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Complete Tenerife Packing List
And so finally here it is – my item-by-item checklist for exactly what to pack and wear in Tenerife.
The only packing check list you need, you’ll be fully covered throughout your trip if you bring all the things I suggest here.
And if you want to know what to do with your time on this island, check out my 1 week Tenerife itinerary!
Clothes
Thin Windproof Jacket
A windproof jacket is a great idea if you’re venturing to the north of Tenerife, which has a totally different climate to the dry south, or if you’re planning on heading to Mount Teide National Park.
Trust me, things can get fresh up there!
Light Denim Jacket
Good for evening wear and aeroplane travel days, a demin jacket is a travel staple in Europe for me!
Sweater / Fleece
Again a good idea if you’re heading to any elevated parts of Tenerife i.e. Anaga, La Laguna or Teide, where things can be surprisingly cool at most times of the year.
Thin Long-Sleeved Tops / Cardigans
Ideal for if you’re heading out in the evening, you may be surprised to find temperatures can get cool and the wind can pick up even in the south of Tenerife, so come prepared!
Singlets / T-Shirts
Choose tops that match the trousers / leggings / shorts you choose to pack.
T-shirts are good for covering shoulders and offering more sun protection in the harsh heat that you’ll find in Tenerife.
Long Pants / Trousers / Jeans
Nice to wear out in the evening, during your plan travel here or on cooler days.
Leggings / Hiking Pants
Good for active adventures such as hiking, I’d bring at least 1 pair.
Shorts / Jumpsuits & Cropped Trousers
You’re going to need something to wear at the beach to breakfast at the hotel!
I also like thin, three-quarter length trousers for cooler days or evening wear.
Summer Dresses / Skirts
Again, a good item for beach days.
Also nice to wear out in the evening.
Thin Scarves / Pashmina
I always recommend a couple of thin scarves whenever I travel because they are so versatile.
Great for hiking or wrapping around your shoulders at night, the list goes on and on!
Cap / Sun Hat
Something to shield your face, neck and ears from the strong UV rays that are very prevalent in Tenerife is a great idea.
Swimwear & Sarongs
Tenerife sea swimming is a must while on your hols, so make sure you come fully prepared with 2 swimwear options and a sarong or 2 for that quick beach dry, lightweight option!
Underwear
Bras + Sports Bra
Socks
Nightwear
Shoes
Trainers / Runners
Good for active days and to wear on flights.
Pumps / Flat Evening Shoes
Either Converse or pumps are great for exploring cities and towns on foot, as well as pairing with something a bit smarter if you’re heading out for dinner or going to a wine tasting afternoon.
Flip Flops / Sandals
Essential!
Personally I’d never travel anywhere without my Arizona Birkenstocks.
Toiletries
Thin Toiletries Bag
A light and thin wash bag is essential for keeping the weight in your suitcase down.
Shampoo & Conditioner Bars
I also go for shampoo and conditioner bars when I travel to save the plastic and keep the space down!
Although they are a bit pricey, they last for ages.
Say goodbye to mid-travel spillages and bulky bottles people, this is the eco-friendly future!
Anti-Bacterial Soap
Keep your soap in a ziplock bag to prevent getting soap slime on everything you own!
I suggest an anti-bacterial bar as they are great for keeping you clean in hot climates where you’re likely to be sweating a bit!
Deodorant
I always pack a natural crystal deodorant as they last forever (great if you’re travelling for a few months) and are free from many nasty chemicals.
They are also the only thing that stops me from sweating in the heat!
Face Cleanser, Serum, Toner & Moisturiser
Great for bringing your skin back to life after any strong sun days!
Natural Sunscreen
Choose a 30 SPF or higher for those strong rays in Tenerife and go natural if you can to keep the chemicals out of your skin.
Natural Bug Repellent
There are plenty of ready-made, great products on the market – like this plant-based one.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera doubles as a great moisturiser, soother and aftersun.
Buy some here.
SPF Lip Salve
Very important for those strong UV conditions if you want to keep your lips healthy and happy.
Burt Bees are always my go-to as they never dry out my lips.
Paracetamol, Antihistamine, Antiseptic Cream & Band-Aids
The only medicine you need to take to Tenerife!
Most other things you might need can easily be bought on the island.
Menstrual Cup
The best way to deal with your time of the month when on holiday ladies.
Check out the best prices for them here.
Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss
Razor & Spare Blades
Nail Scissors, Nail File & Tweezers
Cotton Buds / Pads
Hair Bands & Hair Brush
Safety Pins & Tweezers
Glasses / Contact Lenses if you wear them
Miscellaneous
Eye Mask & Earplugs
Key for sleeping well in hotels and planes!
This eye mask from Alaska Bear is super comfy… go on treat yourself!
Travel Towel
I recommend Latrek when it comes to the best travel towel because they are cheap, compact, soft and don’t smell.
Love, love, love mine! Read my full review here.
Day Pack
Definitely required for hiking, sightseeing and safari days, this Kompressor from Marmot is perfect for the job as it’s super featherweight, water-resistant and packs down to nothing.
I use mine ALL the time when I travel!
Water Bottle
Tap water across Tenerife is drinkable, so bring a water bottle you can easily refill and reuse to help reduce your plastic waste.
I really like this Klean Kanteen one.
Travel Handwash
Great for doing emergency washing, such as underwear in a sink, a small bottle of travel handwash is always a must when I adventure anywhere.
Dry Bag
So useful in Tenerife for beach days and watersports, these small, compact guys are great for keeping your electrical equipment dry when you’re at the coast or by the pool.
Check out this top-rated one for more ideas.
Electricals
Smartphone & Bluetooth Headphones
Taking your smartphone and downloading some audiobooks and music onto it before you leave home is a great tip for journey days to Tenerife especially.
I recommend Amazon Audible and Spotify Premium for these purposes and wouldn’t travel without either these days.
Bluetooth headphones are the best because you don’t have to deal with any wires getting caught up!
Portable Charger
Portable chargers are great when travelling, especially if you’re out all day and worried about your phone or camera battery lasting.
I recommend the Anker Powercore – it’s light and can charge my iPhone around 3 times.
Camera
I love my Sony A6000 mirrorless camera, which I used throughout my travels in Tenerife and beyond.
Light, compact and sturdy, it’s perfect for adventuring.
A GoPro Hero is also a great idea to help capture the more active adventures you might have on this island. It’s also great for video!
Lens, Spare Battery, Memory Card, Chargers & Cleaning Cloths
All essential for the camera and / or the Go Pro.
Adapter
Tenerife uses European style outlets, so come prepared with a Skross World Adapter that won’t fail you while you’re here.
Travel Documents & Paperwork
Passport & Visa Docs
Definitely bring your passport with you and any visa documentation if required.
Tenerife is part of the Schengen zone, so make sure you review the visa rules about this area before you travel.
Immunisation Documentation
Always good to have wherever you travel – even within the EU.
Travel Insurance
World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.
Credit Cards and Debit Cards
Make sure you have a current account and debit card that doesn’t charge you for transactions or ATM withdrawals in Tenerife no matter how much you withdraw or spend.
The easy way to spend abroad with real exchange rates, no markups and no sneaky transaction fees, I always travel with my Wise card.
It works just like a debit card and links easily with Google and Apple pay – hoorah! Grab yours here.
Hidden Cash in Small Thin Purse
Take some Euros with you that can be used in case of an emergency.
Flight Information
Sadly, at some point, it’s going to be time to go home *sob sob *
PIN IT TO PINTEREST!
And there it is, my complete Tenerife packing list and the only one you’ll ever need!
Designed to be practical, while keeping things light, I hope I’ve covered all eventualities with this guide.
Have any questions about what to pack for Tenerife?
Did I miss anything out on this packing list?
Please drop any comments into the box below and I’ll get back to you…
