Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, has long been a premier budget destination for sun-seeking vacationers across Europe, as the huge number of hotels and resorts that hug the island’s coastline will attest to. And while the island’s guaranteed year-round sunshine is still a major draw, more and more travelers are flocking here to discover the wealth of top-class attractions, both natural and manmade, that don’t cost you a dime. From volcanos and state parks to lively street festivals, Tenerife is a great-value vacation destination.

Things to see in Tenerife

The natural landscape of Tenerife is dominated by the two giant volcanos that tower above the island from its mountainous center. The largest of these is Spain’s highest mountain, Mount Teide. Its 3,246-meter peak is snow-capped in winter, which makes for an arresting image against the ever-blue Canarian skies. A visit to the El Teide National Park—where you’ll also get to marvel at an eerie lunar landscape—is absolutely free. Another of the best free attractions in Tenerife is also the result of volcanic activity—the rock pools at Garachicho. These natural swimming pools formed by a volcanic eruption in the 18th century now attract hordes of tourists every year. If you prefer a more urban adventure, the island’s capital, Santa Cruz, has plenty of free attractions. Start by visiting the historic church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, whose silver altar houses the 15th-century Holy Cross that gave the city its name.

Cheap hotels in Tenerife

With millions of visitors coming to the island every year from across Europe and the world, budget hotels in Tenerife are both plentiful and varied. Everyone is catered for, from families looking for two weeks’ fun in the sun, to backpacking adventurers hoping to explore the island’s wilderness areas. Options for cheap accommodation in Tenerife include the classic high-rise hotel apartments along the coast and fun-filled backpacker hostels, along with some of Tenerife’s best budget beach resorts. Among the other options for discount accommodation in Tenerife are self-catering apartment rentals and the island’s 13 public campsites dotted around the hillsides, where it costs absolutely nothing to pitch a tent.

Where to stay in Tenerife

The majority of people on vacation in Tenerife stay in one of the many coastal resort towns in the southwest of the island, where a multitude of hotels and villas dot the beautiful coastline. Los Cristianos has long been a mecca for budget travelers, with plentiful affordable hotels and good-value dining and entertainment options. Another part of the southwest where you’ll find your dollar goes a little further is Playa de Las Américas—here you’ll find a great selection of cheap eateries and popular retailers alongside well-known budget hotel brands. The capital, Santa Cruz, has some of Tenerife’s best budget hotels as well as a lively cultural scene.

How to get to Tenerife

International visitors to Tenerife arriving by air will land in one of the island’s two airports. Reina Sofia (or Tenerife South Airport) is the best option for tourists heading for the popular southern coastal region, while Tenerife North Airport, also called Los Rodeos, will put you close to the island’s main urban center, Santa Cruz. Two motorways form a ring around the island, and the island’s bus network services most populated areas, making it the cheapest way to get around.