If you have been reading Home Life Abroad, you might have heard that I’m living in the Canary Islands. There are 7 bigger islands and a few smaller ones. I have visited most of them and today I want to give you some tips on how to save money in Tenerife.
Tenerife is a dream destination for some cheap winter sun. Warm almost the whole year round, the off-season is still delightful on this paradise island, and competition keeps prices down. Whether you’re in the market for a child-friendly family holiday crammed with water parks and sandcastles or an intrepid hike up Mount Teide, you can travel there with First Choice, and do it for less with these top tips.
Eating out
While you’ll want to make an occasion of the evening meal, during the day there are plenty of inexpensive options for satisfying your hunger in Tenerife. The parkland and beaches are the ideal surroundings for a picnic, so pick up ingredients and drinks from a local supermarket and dine al fresco. Better still, find a stall that sells pinchos, the tender pork kebabs that are entirely different from the mainland tapas of the same name. Look out for the menu del día, too, which many restaurants offer for an affordable price.
Papas arrugadas con mojo (Spanish wrinkled potatoes with the traditional Canary Islands sauce mojo)
Getting around
The best way of seeing the island is by bus, and you can save money on fares by purchasing a BONO card. This nifty discount card will give you up to 50% off fares across the island, including airport transfers, so should be purchased as soon as possible. If you do want to hire a car, book in advance online to avoid being disappointed on arrival or waiting around in the airport.
Seeing the sights
Tenerife’s unique selling point is its natural beauty, which means that its most iconic sights won’t cost you a penny. Shun man-made water parks, and instead take a dip in the naturally formed rock pools at Garachico. Take a night off from the resort, and arrange instead for a permit to stay overnight in one of the island’s beautiful (and free!) campsites overnight. Sack the sun lounger for a day, and instead hike the island to one of its majestic peaks; Mount Teide and Masca will both astound you with their awesome vistas.
Its natural beauty and sunshine make Tenerife a budget travel no-brainer and on arrival, there are lots of options for the visitor on a shoestring budget. If you need a holiday which won’t make you feel like you’re compromising yourself for the cost, this Canary island could be just the ticket.
I have actually never even heard of the Canary Islands. I do love all of your tips about saving money, though. I think they can be applied to so many vacation destinations.
I haven’t heard of this place at all but it sounds lovely.
I was raised in Spain until I was 8 years old in Galicia. I can’t wait to take my boys to visit for the first time.
Just gorgeous! I have never been, but I wanna go now!
I’ve never heard of Tenerife! The landscape is amazing!
I love the idea of packing a picnic, that is something I would do. With those views I would probably back a sandwich and be hiking somewhere.
I would love to visit there. It’s beautiful and the food looks amazing!
I can’t wait until my kids are grown and I can do some traveling. There are so many places I want to go and see
What a beautiful place to be! Travelling to a beautiful place on a shoestring budget….what could be better! Awesome.
The Bono card sounds very practical. Thanks for all of these tips for traveling on a budget. I would love to visit there some day soon.
I have never heard of Tenerife. However, this place looks gorgeous. Thanks for the travel tips 🙂
This looks like a great getaway! I am due a vacation
I’ve never been to Tenerife. It looks like a great place to visit. The view of those mountains is beautiful.
I’ve never been to this place before, it looks amazing and worth going to!
Wow this place looks so breathtaking and beautiful. Also great tips for spending as well.
Breathtakingly beautiful. I have been having the itch to travel more and looking into options to do so.
It looks beautiful! We’ve been thinking about taking an overseas holiday with the children, and somewhere like Tenerife looks like a fantastic option! Thank you x
Wow, there really are ways to save money on trips like this!
I am loving the island life. I have never been to the Canary Islands but after reading this I’m more interested in visiting now.
Having a picture and enjoying the natural beauty of Tenerife sounds like an amazing way to relax AND save money!
I just heard about this place from a song! I had to google what Tenerife was!
I wish I could be there and experience it myself.
My bro-in-law lives there with his family, so we’re planning on going there next year. Luckily, we’ll be able to save money by staying in their home and eating there as well. Thanks for the great tips!